ITINERARY

DAY 1 | SUNDAY 25 JULY 2027

1ST OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

ARRIVE MUNICH (D):

Arrive at our luxurious and centrally-located 5-star hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Munich. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time.

In the evening, we meet for a welcome drinks reception, followed by a delicious dinner and for an introduction by our Tour Leader, Dr David Kram, who will outline what is to come during the tour.

DAY 2 | MONDAY 26 JULY 2027

2ND OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

PRE-CONCERT TALK, EXPLORING MUNICH & WAGNER’S DAS RHEINGOLD (B):

This morning begins with a talk by Wagner expert, Dr David Kram, introducing Richard Wagner’s brilliant and extraordinary epic music drama Der Ring des Nibelungen, and focusing on the first work, Das Rheingold, which we will hear this evening.

Following our talk, we have a guided walking tour of the architecturally fascinating city of Munich. Our tour takes us to famous city landmarks, such as the Viktualienmarkt, with its stalls of gourmet Bavarian food and the Frauenkirche, Munich’s well-known Cathedral. We are also taken to see Marienplatz, the city’s central square, and the decorative buildings that surround it such as the Neues Rathaus, the neo-gothic New Town Hall, and the Altes Rathaus, the elegant Old Town Hall.

The late afternoon is free, to rest before the evening’s opera, or possibly to explore further some of the places we discovered this morning.

This evening, we attend the first of the Ring Cycle operas, Das Rheingold.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - NATIONALTHEATER MÜNCHEN, 7:00pm
Wagner Das Rheingold

Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Tobias Kratzer director
Matthias Piro production assistant
Rainer Sellmaier stage designer
Michael Bauer lighting
Manuel Braun, Jonas Dahl, Janic Bebi video
Bettina Bartz, Olaf Roth dramaturge

Nicholas Brownlee Wotan
Liam James Karai Donner
Christopher Sokolowski Froh
Sean Panikkar Loge
Georg Nigl Alberich
Matthias Klink Mime
Matthew Rose Fasolt
Timo Riihonen Fafner
Ekaterina Gubanova Fricka
Matilda Sterby Freia
Wiebke Lehmkuhl Erda
Sarah Brady Woglinde
Verity Wingate Wellgunde
Yajie Zhang Floßhilde
Bayerisches Staatsorchester

DAY 3 | TUESDAY 27 JULY 2027

3RD OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

PRE-CONCERT TALK, ALTE PINAKOTHEK & WAGNER’S DIE WALKÜRE (B):

We start our morning with a private talk by our Wagner expert, David Kram, about the second opera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Die Walküre, which we will hear this evening.

We then have a guided tour of the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest art galleries in the world, which houses 700 works of European painting from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including works by Albrecht Dürer, Peter Paul Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci. Following our guided tour, time is allowed for further exploration of this fascinating gallery.

In the early evening we attend Die Walküre at the National Theatre.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - NATIONALTHEATER MÜNCHEN, 5:00pm
Wagner Die Walküre

Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Tobias Kratzer director
Matthias Piro production assistant
Rainer Sellmaier stage designer
Michael Bauer lighting
Manuel Braun, Jonas Dahl, Janic Bebi video
Bettina Bartz, Olaf Roth dramaturge

Joachim Bäckström Siegmund
Ain Anger Hunding
Nicholas Brownlee Wotan
Irene Roberts Sieglinde
Miina-Liisa Värelä Brünnhilde
Ekaterina Gubanova Fricka
Dorothea Herbert Helmwige
Julie Adams Gerhilde
Elene Gvritishvili Ortlinde
Claudia Mahnke Waltraute
Niina Keitel Siegrune
Christina Bock Roßweiße
Natalie Lewis Grimgerde
Noa Beinart Schwertleite

DAY 4 | WEDNESDAY 28 JULY 2027

4TH OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

SCHLOSS NYMPHENBURG & OPTIONAL MADAMA BUTTERFLY (B, L):

This morning, we journey to nearby Schloss Nymphenburg for a fascinating guided tour.

A visit to Schloss Nymphenburg offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of Bavaria’s royal past. Once the summer residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty, this magnificent Baroque palace is renowned for its elegant state rooms, lavish decorations and beautifully landscaped gardens. Highlights include the stunning Great Hall, adorned with magnificent frescoes, and the charming park pavilions scattered throughout the extensive grounds. Surrounded by tranquil waterways and formal gardens, Nymphenburg provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Munich.

Following our guided tour, and some free time to wander the extensive grounds, we make our way to a nearby restaurant for a delicious group lunch together.

The evening is free, or guests may like to return to the Nationaltheater München for an optional performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, featuring the incredible soprano Ermonela Jaho in the role of Cio-Cio-San.

OPTIONAL OPERA PERFORMANCE - NATIONALTHEATER MÜNCHEN, 7:00pm
Puccini Madama Butterfly

Andrea Battistoni conductor
Wolf Busse director
Otto Stich stage designer
Silvia Strahammer costume designer
Franz Obermair chorus

Ermonela Jaho Cio-Cio-San
Natalie Lewis Suzuki
Charles Castronovo B. F. Pinkerton
Martina Myskohlid Kate Pinkerton
Boris Pinkhasovich Sharpless
Ya-Chung Huang Goro Nakodo
Vitor Bispo Yamadori
Roman Chabaranok Uncle Bonzo
Paweł Horodyski Yakusidé
Zhe Liu Commissioner
Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Chorus of the Bayerische Staatsoper

DAY 5 | THURSDAY 29 JULY 2027

5TH OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

PRE-CONCERT TALK, MUNICH RESIDENZ & WAGNER’S SIEGFRIED (B):

This morning, we enjoy the third of our presentations from David Kram, this time on this evening’s opera Siegfried.

Later in the morning, we visit the Munich Residenz for a private guided tour of this sprawling palace. The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town. Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed.

We then attend our third performance as part of the Ring Cycle, Siegfried.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - NATIONALTHEATER MÜNCHEN, 4:00pm
Wagner Siegfried

Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Tobias Kratzer director
Matthias Piro production assistant
Rainer Sellmaier stage designer
Michael Bauer lighting
Manuel Braun, Jonas Dahl, Janic Bebi video
Bettina Bartz, Olaf Roth dramaturge

Benjamin Bruns Siegfried
Matthias Klink Mime
Nicholas Brownlee The Wanderer
Timo Riihonen Fafner
Wiebke Lehmkuhl Erda
Soloist from the Tölzer Knabenchors The Woodbird
Georg Nigl Alberich
Miina-Liisa Värelä Brünnhilde
Bayerisches Staatsorchester

DAY 6 | FRIDAY 30 JULY 2027

6TH OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

DAY TRIP TO FÜRSTENFELD MONASTERY (B, L):

Today, on a day free of performances, we enjoy a trip to the Bavarian countryside surrounding Munich, to the beautiful and serene Fürstenfeld Monastery for a guided tour followed by lunch.

Founded in the 13th century by the Cistercian order, Fürstenfeld Monastery flourished for centuries and today remains a remarkable cultural landmark. The highlight is the magnificent monastery church, whose soaring interior, elaborate stucco work and impressive frescoes reflect the splendour of the Bavarian Baroque period. Set amid peaceful grounds beside the River Amper, Fürstenfeld provides a tranquil escape from the city.

Following our guided tour, we enjoy a relaxed group lunch together, before returning to Munich for a free evening.

DAY 7 | SATURDAY 31 JULY 2027

7TH OF 7 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

PRE-CONCERT TALK, FAREWELL LUNCH & WAGNER’S GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG (B, L):

We start our morning with the final talk by Wagner expert, David Kram, about Götterdämmerung, the fourth opera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, which we will hear today.

Farewell lunch

OPERA PERFORMANCE - NATIONALTHEATER MÜNCHEN, 4:00pm
Wagner Götterdämmerung

Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Tobias Kratzer director
Matthias Piro production assistant
Rainer Sellmaier stage designer
Michael Bauer lighting
Manuel Braun, Jonas Dahl, Janic Bebi video
Bettina Bartz, Olaf Roth dramaturge

Benjamin Bruns Siegfried
Alexander Grassauer Gunther
Sam Carl Hagen
Georg Nigl Alberich
Miina-Liisa Värelä Brünnhilde
Magdalena Hinterdobler Gutrune
Claudia Mahnke Waltraute
Sarah Brady Woglinde
Verity Wingate Wellgunde
Yajie Zhang Floßhilde
Noa Beinart First Norn
Szilvia Vörös Second Norn
Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Chorus of the Bayerische Staatsoper

DAY 8 | SUNDAY 1 AUGUST 2027

TOUR ENDS (B):

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

INCLUSIONS

25 JULY–1 August 2027 (8 DAYS)

AUD$14,350 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$3,390
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 25 March 2027)
Final payment due: 21 May 2027

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets for the four operas of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at the National Theatre Munich. An optional opera performance of Madama Butterfly at the National Theatre Munich can be included for an additional fee.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and exclusive background talks by Dr David Kram.

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

• Hotel: Seven nights at the stylish 5-star Mandarin Oriental, Munich in a Premier Deluxe King Room. Porterage of one piece of luggage at the hotel.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Four lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee. A welcome drinks reception in Munich.

• 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 tours. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Entry into Europe: ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will confirm the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in 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:

• negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance;

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

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

• stand for long periods in museums, art galleries etc;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains, boats and other methods of transportation without assistance.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

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

WAGNER’S RING CYCLE IN MUNICH