ITINERARY

DAY 1 | THURSDAY 17 JUNE 2027

1ST OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

ARRIVE SYDNEY, PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK & BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 1 (Canapés Reception):

Guests arrive at the luxury 5-star InterContinental Sydney, set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851. It is conveniently positioned in the heart of Circular Quay and has panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time.

In the late afternoon, we gather at the beautiful Treasury Bar for a welcome drinks and canapés reception, to meet our Tour Leader Nicholas Bochner, and our fellow guests. We then enjoy the first of our pre-performance talks, on the life and symphonic works of Ludwig van Beethoven.

We then make our way along Macquarie Street to Bennelong Point and the Sydney Opera House, for the first of our performances as part of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven Festival, led by their Chief Conductor Simone Young.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL - CONCERT 1, 7:00pm
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Eroica, Op. 55

Simone Young conductor
Sydney Symphony Orchestra

DAY 2 | FRIDAY 18 JUNE 2027

2ND OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE GUIDED TOUR, LUNCH, FREE EVENING TO EXPLORE VIVID (B, L):

This morning, we return to the Sydney Opera House for a private guided tour of this remarkable building, to reveal the fascinating world beyond its iconic sails. We explore performance spaces, backstage areas and hidden corners while discovering stories of its ambitious design, remarkable construction and extraordinary artistic history, for an exclusive perspective on one of the world’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. The Opera House is one of the world’s busiest performing art centres, staging over 2,000 shows a year. As such, exactly what we will see and where we will go cannot be confirmed until the day of our visit.

Following our guided tour, we enjoy the first of our delicious group lunches together. Today’s venue for lunch is Bennelong, a renowned fine-dining destination in the iconic setting of the Sydney Opera House itself.

Following our group lunch, the late afternoon and evening is then free.

This evening, you might like to take the opportunity to explore Sydney’s vibrant Vivid Festival, which concludes tomorrow. Sydney’s Vivid Festival transforms the city each winter into a spectacular celebration of light, music and ideas. Against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, immersive projections illuminate the Opera House and city landmarks, while performances, installations and innovative dining experiences bring the streets to life in a vibrant, unforgettable cultural extravaganza.

DAY 3 | SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2027

3RD OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK, THE ROCKS WALKING TOUR & BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 2 (B):

This morning, we enjoy the second of our pre-performance talks, this time focusing on Beethoven’s 4th and legendary 5th symphonies.

Following our morning talk, we embark on a fascinating walking tour to discover The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest surviving neighbourhood. Cobbled laneways, historic sandstone buildings and atmospheric courtyards reveal the city’s colonial beginnings, and our guided walking tour will bring its colourful past to life.

After our walking tour, we return to our hotel for a restful afternoon ahead of this evening’s concert. Alternatively, guests might like to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MCA, overlooking Circular Quay, before returning to the hotel. Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art Australia showcases an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary Australian art, with a variety of exhibitions featuring painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia, alongside works by First Nations artists. The museum’s rooftop café also offers superb panoramic views across Sydney Harbour.

This evening, we return to the Sydney Opera House for the second of our Beethoven Festival performances.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL - CONCERT 2, 7:00pm
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Simone Young conductor
Sydney Symphony Orchestra

DAY 4 | SUNDAY 20 JUNE 2027

4TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

GUIDED TOUR OF ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES & PRIVATE RECITAL (B):

This morning, following breakfast at our hotel, we stroll through the beautiful Domain to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. In 2021, the gallery celebrated its 150th anniversary, and in 2022 it completed a significant expansion through the Sydney Modern Project. This transformation of the Art Gallery created a new art museum campus across two buildings connected by a public art garden, and is now one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts. Our guided tour will take in the highlights of the permanent exhibition, along with an introduction to their visiting exhibitions.

Following our tour, time is allowed for an independent exploration of the gallery, and to pick up a bite to eat at one of the gallery’s cafes. We then return to our hotel to rest ahead of this evening’s exclusive private recital.

This evening, we have the wonderful opportunity of hearing, in an intimate setting, some of Beethoven’s best-loved chamber works. To complement our journey through Beethoven’s symphonic output, these two exclusive recitals serve to enhance our listening experience of this remarkable composer, with some of Beethoven’s most tender, intimate and genre-defining works.

PRIVATE RECITAL - ACO PIER 2/3, THE STUDIO

Program and artists to be announced

DAY 5 | MONDAY 21 JUNE 2027

5TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

PRIVATE SYDNEY HARBOUR BOAT TRIP, GUIDED TOUR OF COCKATOO ISLAND & LUNCH (B, L):

This morning, we stroll along to Circular Quay, where we board a private boat charter to take us to Cockatoo Island for a private guided tour.

Set amid the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s industrial and convict past. Once a convict penal establishment and later a major shipbuilding site, the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination, combining evocative historic buildings, harbour views and intriguing stories of Sydney’s past. Our guided tour will take in the highlights of the island, along with some free time afterwards for some independent exploration.

After our visit, we once again board our private boat for a short trip across the water, to a dining destination with an unforgettable view, where we enjoy the second of our gourmet group lunches.

After lunch, we return to Circular Quay aboard our private boat, where the remainder of the evening is free.

DAY 6 | TUESDAY 22 JUNE 2027

6TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK, FREE AFTERNOON & BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 3 (B):

This morning, we enjoy the third of our pre-performance talks, focusing today on Beethoven’s 6th and 7th symphonies.

The afternoon is then free. You might like to stroll across the street from our Sydney hotel for an independent visit of the Museum of Sydney, built on the site of Australia’s first Government House. A visit here will reveal stories of Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage and colonial beginnings. Alternatively, in the other direction along Macquarie Street, lies the Museums of History, The Mint and Hyde Park Barracks, all worthy of an independent visit.

This evening, we return to the Sydney Opera House for the third of our Beethoven Festival performances.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL - CONCERT 3, 7:00pm
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Pastoral, Op. 68
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

Simone Young conductor
Sydney Symphony Orchestra

DAY 7 | WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE 2027

7TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

VAUCLUSE HOUSE, AFTERNOON TEA & PRIVATE RECITAL (B, L):

This morning, we take a scenic drive to Vaucluse, one of Sydney’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, for a guided tour of the historic Vaucluse House. One of Sydney’s finest surviving 19th-century estates, Vaucluse House was built in the 1830s for Irish-born explorer and politician William Charles Wentworth. Set amid gardens overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Gothic Revival residence reflects the wealth and ambitions of colonial Sydney, and offers a fascinating insight into the Wentworth family and life in 19th-century Australia.

After our guided tour of the house, time is allowed to explore the beautiful grounds.

We then regroup for a Champagne Afternoon Tea at Estate Vaucluse House, before returning to our hotel.

This evening, we return to the Sydney Opera House, but this time to the Utzon Room, for the second of our exclusive private recitals featuring more of Beethoven’s incredible chamber works.

PRIVATE RECITAL - SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, UTZON ROOM

Program and artists to be announced

DAY 8 | THURSDAY 24 JUNE 2027

8TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

PRIVATE SYDNEY HARBOUR BOAT TRIP TO MANLY & LUNCH (B, L):

This morning, we once again board our private chartered boat, for a trip across Sydney Harbour to the iconic northern beaches destination of Manly.

On arrival, time is allowed for an independent stroll along the Manly Corso, past its vibrant cafés and surf shops, to Manly Beach. With its barrelling waves, rows of Norfolk Island Pines, and sparkling Pacific waters, Manly Beach has been a Sydney destination in its own right for decades, attracting surfers, swimmers, snorkellers, fitness fanatics and backpackers from across the world.

You might like to also explore the Manly Art Gallery & Museum on the Manly Cove side, a charming gallery displaying contemporary and early Australian artworks, before we once again board our boat for a trip across the water to our stunning lunch spot for today’s gourmet experience.

Following our relaxed group lunch, overlooking the blue waters of Sydney’s Middle Harbour, we then return to Circular Quay on our final trip across the water.

The remainder of the late afternoon and evening are free.

DAY 9 | FRIDAY 25 JUNE 2027

9TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK, FAREWELL LUNCH & BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 4 (B, L):

This morning, we enjoy the last of our pre-performance talks, and our final exploration of the life and work of Beethoven, with Tour Leader Nicholas Bochner.

We then stroll along to a Sydney dining institution for our delicious farewell lunch.

The late afternoon is then free to rest ahead of our final musical experience this evening, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, and the astonishing Symphony No. 9.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL - CONCERT 4, 7:00pm
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Beethoven Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Choral, Op. 125

Simone Young conductor
Samantha Clarke soprano
Deborah Humble mezzo-soprano
Shanul Sharma tenor
Samuel Dundas baritone
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Sydney Symphony Orchestra

DAY 10 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2027

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

INCLUSIONS

17–26 JUNE 2027 (10 DAYS)

AUD$10,650 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$1,750
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 17 February 2027)
Final payment due: 14 April 2027

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium seats to four performances as part of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven Festival. Attendance at two exclusive private recitals, one at the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room and one at the ACO’s Pier 2/3 Studio.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and exclusive private talks by Nicholas Bochner.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotels: Nine nights' accommodation at the centrally located 5-star InterContinental Sydney, in an Eastern Harbour View King Room. Porterage of one piece of luggage at the hotel.

• Travel: Exclusive private chartered boat trips across Sydney Harbour. Land travel by private air-conditioned coach. Short journeys throughout the tour will be on foot.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Four lunches with wine, water and tea/coffee, one welcome drinks reception with canapés and one Champagne Afternoon Tea.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of the tour. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that travel insurance is recommended for tours within Australia. Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - Level 2

For the benefit of the tour group, all members of the tour must have the ability to:

• use a combined shower/bath (please note that we cannot guarantee walk-in shower facilities at all hotels);

• embark / disembark coaches and boat services without assistance;

• undertake walking tours of one to two hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for one hour in galleries and museums at a time without a break;

• walk to and from venues with journey times of 15-20 minutes.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL IN SYDNEY