OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS › wp-content › ...await you at the Teatro de la Maestranza: Handel’s Agrippina and a recital by Carlos Álvarez, one of the world’s leading

1Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

WONDERFUL WROCŁAW

250TH ANNIVERSARY AT VERSAILLES

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page 10 - 11

GENOA & TURIN, PUCCINI & VERDI

SAVONLINNA CELEBRATES KARITA MATTILA

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NEW DESTINATIONS FOR 2019 AND 2020

AUTUMN LIBRETTO 2019

www.travelforthearts.com +44 20 8799 8350 [email protected]

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC

HOLIDAYSESCORTED TOURS AND BESPOKE HOLIDAYS

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

SENSATIONAL SINGERS IN SPAIN2 – 7 December 2019 Tour Code: SPA2

Acclaimed artists form this two-city tour to Spain. Bellini’s seldom-staged opera Il Pirata is performed at Teatro Real in Madrid, with the thrilling tenor Javier Camarena as the eponymous pirate and star soprano Sonya Yoncheva as the object of his love. At the Liceu in Barcelona, celebrated husband and wife duo Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak appear in a double dose of operatic verismo - Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.

A VIENNESE CHRISTMAS24 – 28 December 2019 Tour Code: VIE2

Celebrate Christmas in style in Vienna and soak up the festive atmosphere of a city that has seduced countless composers – from Haydn, Salieri and Mozart to Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Johann Strauss. Franco Zeffirelli’s lavish production of La bohème at the Staatsoper is a romantic Christmas Day treat, with the option to attend the delightful ballet Le Corsaire and another seasonal favourite, Hänsel und Gretel.

FROM£2095

per person

FROM£1725

per person

FROM£2555

per person

CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN24 – 29 December 2019 Tour Code: BER2

Experience the unique flavour of each of Berlin’s three opera houses on this festive Christmas tour. At Deutsche Oper, Rolando Villazón’s production of Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus delights with waltzes, polkas and wit. Puccini’s La bohème at the Staatsoper features Eleonora Buratto as Mimì and rising star Benjamin Bernheim as Rodolfo, whilst at the Komische Oper a new production of La traviata introduces Vera-Lotte Böcker as Violetta and the young Sicilian tenor Ivan Magrì as Alfredo.

A CELEBRATORY NEW YEAR IN PARMA30 December 2019 – 3 January 2020 Tour Code: PMF2

Join the New Year festivities in Parma as the city celebrates the start of its year as the 2020 Italian Capital of Culture. Share a brindisi after a performance of Die Fledermaus at the beautiful Teatro Regio and welcome the New Year in style with a concert and lunch at the Auditorium Paganini. Violins and Verdi serve to make this the perfect destination for any lover of good food and music!

FROM£2075

per person

FROM£2145

per person

OPERA AND SONG IN SEVILLE12 – 16 February 2020 Tour Code: SVQ1

Head to Andalusia for winter warmth, superb singing and sherry on this Spanish tour. Two performances await you at the Teatro de la Maestranza: Handel’s Agrippina and a recital by Carlos Álvarez, one of the world’s leading Verdi baritones - plus the possibility of drinks with the Spanish singer after the recital. A visit to Seville’s mighty Alcázar and excursions to Jerez and Córdoba offer a glimpse into the rich, cultural history of this region of southern Spain.

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME IN JAPAN22 – 30 March 2020 Tour Code: JPN1

The stunning spectacle of cherry blossoms in the spring is only one of many delights on offer during this new tour to Japan. Based in Tokyo and Kyoto, you will experience Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony; learn ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement; and take a journey on the famous bullet train, passing Japan’s legendary Mount Fuji. Performances include a contemporary staging of Così fan tutte and an evening of Kabuki.

FROM£1750

per person

FROM£1820

per person

FROM£4650

per person

2019/2020 TOURS WITH AVAILABILITYOn this page we offer a reminder of current tours on sale which still have some availability. Please see our website www.travelforthearts.com for more details.

NEW YEAR WITH MOZART IN PRAGUE28 December 2019 – 2 January 2020 Tour Code: PRG2

Make New Year’s Eve an unforgettable experience at the elegant Estates Theatre in Prague. Arias from a number of Mozart’s most popular operas will be performed at a special Gala evening, during which you will feast on Czech and international cuisine, share a midnight toast with the soloists and dance to live music on the theatre’s historic stage. Further celebrations continue on New Year’s Day.

FROM£2445

per person

festive tour festive tour festive tour

festive tour

RENÉE FLEMING IN BADEN-BADEN13 – 16 March 2020 Tour Code: BAD1

Two special programmes have been selected for you at the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden: world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming presents a recital, accompanied by the great Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin, whilst Andris Nelsons conducts the Wiener Philharmoniker in Beethoven’s Third Symphony. In addition, author Helena Matheopoulos will give a talk highlighting some of Renée’s signature roles, plus a possible Q&A with the distinguished singer herself.

PRE-CHRISTMAS BALLET IN LITHUANIA*19 – 23 December 2019 Tour Code: VNO1

Vilnius is the charming capital of Lithuania and a true gem of the Baltics. Enjoy the spectacular architecture and fascinating heritage of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delight in the many festive Christmas markets that make this city such a wonderful winter destination. Two ballets - The Blue Danube and The Nutcracker - plus the option of Johann Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus add to this delightful pre-Christmas tour.

*Please note that this tour is subject to availability.


welcome to the world of

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYSAt Travel for the Arts, we pride ourselves on offering unique and unforgettable experiences for opera, ballet, classical music and arts lovers. All our exclusive group tours are carefully-researched and created to give you a wide choice of holidays in a variety of interesting locations. Exciting excursions led by expert speakers and guides are balanced with world-class performances.

In this autumn libretto you can celebrate Karita Mattila’s 60th birthday in Savonlinna and L’Opéra Royal’s 250th anniversary at Versailles. At Salzburg, Cecilia Bartoli pays homage to Pauline Viardot, whilst in Wrocław a Gala concert is in honour of Polish tenor Piotr Beczała. Three fabulous Strauss operas are on offer in Leipzig, and there is a focus on northern Italy with tours to Venice, Genoa and Turin.

We hope you find something to tempt you and, should you wish to travel independently, there are tours available with no single supplement and we also offer bespoke tours tailored to your wishes.

BOOKING DETAILSDetails of all tours featured in this brochure are available on our website www.travelforthearts.com. Many of our holidays are taken up very quickly after the brochure launch, so we would encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible if you are interested in making a booking.

MAKE AN ENQUIRYYou can make an enquiry about one of our tours in three ways:• Call us on 020 8799 8350• Email [email protected]• Visit our website www.travelforthearts.com

and make an enquiry by going into the tour.In addition we can offer a 7-day option to hold places on a tour depending on availability.

EXTENSIONSOn all of our tours we can arrange private extension options before or after the group tour. Please contact us for further details.

OPENING HOURSOur office hours are Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm.We are closed on UK public holidays. There is an answerphone and we will return any out-of-hours telephone calls on the next working day if you leave your name and telephone number.

Flights for our tours are usually arranged from London airports. However we are able to look into flights from any other airport, subject to availability, so please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. *Additional costs may apply.

Fly from regional airports*

All information is available on our website www.travelforthearts.com.All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme under ATOL no.2178. When you pay for a flight inclusive holiday you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

SIMON BOCCANEGRA BY TEATRO REGIO TORINO © EDOARDO PIVA

COVER IMAGE: NABUCCO BY WROCŁAW OPERA HOUSE © URLICH MACIEJ

2 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

THE MARIINSKY BALLET IN ST PETERSBURG

Price from £1895 pp

25 – 30 March 2020 Tour code: STP1

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

The cultural centre of Russia, St Petersburg is a treasure trove of art and culture. For more than two centuries the Mariinsky has been presenting world-class performances, and today a new generation continues in the footsteps of the great artistes of the past at both the traditional Mariinsky Theatre and the company’s contemporary new theatre, Mariinsky II. This tour presents three quintessentially Russian ballets and visits to the great palaces and museums of this majestic and revolutionary city.

WED 25 MAR Early evening arrival in St Petersburg and transfer to the 5-star Domina Prestige Hotel, situated on the Moika river close to St Isaac’s Square and only a short distance from the Mariinsky Theatres. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

THU 26 MAR Join your guide this morning for a coach tour of the city. You will see the most important sights in the historic centre of St Petersburg, including the famous Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and the infamous Peter and Paul Fortress. Return to the hotel for lunch and the afternoon at leisure before the early evening ballet performance at Mariinsky II.

FRI 27 MAR Morning transfer to the town of Pushkin and the sumptuous 18th-century palace of Catherine the Great. Filled with ornate interiors, the jewel of the palace is undoubtedly the recently-restored Amber Room, a chamber decorated entirely with panels of amber backed with gold leaf, as well as many other treasures. A traditional Russian lunch is offered in a local restaurant, with an accompanying folk show. Return to St Petersburg with a little time to relax before the performance that evening in the old Mariinsky Theatre.

SAT 28 MAR This morning there is a visit to the world-famous Hermitage. Your guided tour of the museum will focus on the lavishly-decorated reception quarters of the Winter Palace and highlights of its vast art collection, particularly works by the Impressionists. The rest of the day is free for you to remain at the museum or further explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg.

SUN 29 MAR The morning is at leisure before the transfer to the new Mariinsky Theatre for the final ballet that afternoon. Immediately after the performance there will be a special farewell meal in a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for the evening at leisure.

MON 30 MAR Transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, ballet synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

Finnair 25 Mar London Heathrow - Helsinki dep: 10.20 arr: 15.15 Helsinki - St Petersburg dep: 17.00 arr: 19.00 30 Mar St Petersburg - Helsinki dep: 13.35 arr: 14.25 Helsinki - London Heathrow dep: 16.00 arr: 17.10Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

SHOULD YOU WISH TO EXTEND YOUR STAY BEFORE OR AFTER THE GROUP TOUR, PLEASE CONTACT US.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1895 Premium Economy flight upgrade from £450 Land-only tour price £1675 Deposit required £450

PROGRAMME AT THE MARIINSKY THEATRES

26 Mar 19.00 ROMEO AND JULIET Inc Music: Sergey Prokofiev Choreography: Leonid Lavrovsky Juliet: Kristina Shapran Romeo: Timur Askerov Venue: Mariinsky II

27 Mar 19.30 THE FOUNTAIN OF BAKHCHISARAI Inc Music: Boris Asafiev Choreography: Rostislav Zakharov Maria: Anastasia Kolegova Vaslav: Andrei Yermakov Ghirei: Danila Korsuntsev Zarema: Maria Bulanova Venue: Mariinsky Theatre

29 Mar 13.00 KONYOK-GORBUNOK Inc Music: Rodion Shchedrin Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Venue: Mariinsky II

HERMITAGE PAVILLION

“I loved and learned a lot from the tours, and enjoyed the

restaurants we were taken to in introduction to Russian food.”

Ms M, London

CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Please note that visas for Russia are not included. Travel for the Arts can advise on visa applications which need to be applied for in person. We recommend that you discuss this with us upon booking.

VISA

ballet

3

THE 25TH BERLIN FESTTAGE


9 – 13 April 2020 Tour code: BER2

ANNIVERSARY | NEW PRODUCTION

In 2020 Daniel Barenboim’s internationally-acclaimed Easter Festival celebrates 25 years, and we are delighted to return to Berlin for a programme of Beethoven and Mozart. Sir Andràs Schiff performs piano works by these great composers, whilst Barenboim conducts Beethoven’s Symphonies 2 and 9, the latter with the famous choral ‘Ode to Joy’. Further Mozart comes with a new production of Così fan tutte starring two exceptional Italian singers - soprano Barbara Frittoli and bass Ferruccio Furlanetto. This tour also includes a visit to Potsdam and the World Heritage Site of Sanssouci Palace where you too can spend some time “without a care”.

THU 9 APR Early afternoon arrival in Berlin and check-in at the stylish 4-star Westin Grand Hotel. Located in the centre of the city, it is a short walking distance to many landmarks, including the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant that evening.

FRI 10 APR Join your guide this morning for an excursion to nearby Potsdam where you will visit Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great of Prussia, and considered a rival to Versailles. Stroll around the spectacular terraced gardens before departing for lunch in a local restaurant. You will then return to Berlin for the recital that evening.

SAT 11 APR The day starts with a walking tour through Berlin’s Mitte district. Experience an insight into the evolution of Germany’s fascinating capital

as you stroll along the Berlin Wall, follow Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate, and see the rebuilt Reichstag building, the Holocaust Memorial and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the early evening opera performance.

SUN 12 APR Transfer to the Philharmonie for the late-morning concert. This will be followed by a farewell lunch at Käfer - a rooftop restaurant located in the spectacular dome of the Reichstag, offering stunning views of the city. The rest of this Easter Sunday is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

MON 13 APR Spend the morning at leisure, then transfer to Berlin for your afternoon flight home.

SIR DANIEL BARENBOIM © HOLGER KETTNER

easter tour


SIR ANDRÀS SCHIFF BARBARA FRITTOLI FERRUCCIO FURLANETTO

“You are the experts!”Mr P, Essex

PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 9 Apr London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.50 arr: 13.40 13 Apr Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 14.20 arr: 15.20Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2095 Single room supplement £300 Club Europe flight upgrade from £450 Land-only tour price £1785 Deposit required £400

10 Apr 20.00 SIR ANDRÀS SCHIFF Concert Inc Programme includes: Beethoven Piano Sonata in A, Piano Sonata in C minor Mozart Fantasy in C minor Venue: Philharmonie Berlin

11 Apr 18.00 COSÌ FAN TUTTE Mozart Inc D: Vincent Huguet C: Sir Daniel Barenboim Cast includes: Isa Dreisig, Marianne Crebassa, Paolo Fanale, Gyula Orendt, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Barbara Frittoli New production Venue: Staatsoper Unter den Linden

12 Apr 11.00 STAATSKAPELLE BERLIN Concert Inc C: Sir Daniel Barenboim Soprano: Elena Stikhina Alto: tbc Tenor: Andreas Schager Bass: Wolfgang Koch Programme: Beethoven Symphony No. 2, Symphony No. 9 Venue: Philharmonie Berlin


EASTER CELEBRATIONS IN BUDAPEST


9 – 14 April 2020 Tour code: BUD20

NEW PRODUCTION

This tour to Hungary’s historic capital city, Budapest, focuses on musical works that are set at Easter, or have been inspired by Biblical stories: the ‘Good Friday’ scene from Wagner’s final music drama, Parsifal; Bach’s oratorio, St Matthew Passion, considered by many as the pinnacle of church music; and Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana which takes place on Easter Sunday. All performances will take place at the Erkel Theatre, named after the father of Hungarian grand opera, composer Franz Erkel. The sightseeing programme includes a private boat trip along the Danube and a journey to the Great Plains of Hungary for some unique Easter entertainment.

THU 9 APR Late afternoon arrival in Budapest and transfer to the elegant 4-star Moments Hotel situated on Andrássy Avenue, the city’s main boulevard and now a World Heritage Site. Check-in and relax before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

FRI 10 APR Join your guide this morning for a coach tour of Budapest, concentrating on Buda, the higher side of the city. Start on Castle Hill where visits will include Matthias Church with its uniquely colourful interior and the Fisherman’s Bastion which offers an incredible panoramic view of the Danube, Margaret Island and Pest. Independent lunch after which you will transfer to the Erkel Theatre for the late afternoon performance.

SAT 11 APR The morning and lunch are at leisure before an early afternoon visit to the Franz Liszt Music Academy which includes a short concert. Return to the hotel with time to rest before the performance that evening.

SUN 12 APR In the morning you will visit the Hungarian Parliament and see inside its opulent interior. This will be followed by a private boat trip along the Danube with the afternoon free for you to celebrate this Easter Sunday as you wish. Transfer that evening to the Erkel Theatre for the two concert performances.

MON 13 APR Travel outside of the city for a full-day’s excursion to the Great Plains (Puszta) and experience traditional Easter celebrations. You will be welcomed by a glass of Hungarian brandy and feast on local cuisine whilst being entertained by folk-dancing and live gypsy music. The festivities continue after lunch with a carriage ride, a horse show, and egg-rolling which forms part of the region’s Easter ‘Olympic’ Games. Return to Budapest for the evening at leisure.

TUE 14 APR Transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home.

PROGRAMME AT THE ERKEL THEATRE

10 Apr 17.00 PARSIFAL Wagner Inc D: András Almási-Tóth C: Balázs Kocsár Cast includes: Michele Kalmandy, István Rácz, Gábor Bretz, István Kovácsházi, Károly Szemerédy, Andrea Szántó New production

11 Apr 19.30 ST MATTHEW PASSION Inc Bach / Mendelssohn (Oratorio) D: Géza M. Tóth C: Gábor Csiki Evangelist: Dávid Szigetvári Jesus: István Kovács Soprano: Gabriella Fodor Alto: Atala Schöck Tenor: Zoltán Megyesi Bass: Marcell Bakonyi

12 Apr 19.00 MESSA DI GLORIA / CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA Inc Mascagni (Concert performances) C: János Kovács Cast includes: Boldizsár László, Erika Gál, Éva Balatoni, Zoltán Kelemen, Zsófia Kálnay

FLIGHTS

British Airways 9 Apr London Heathrow - Budapest dep: 12.45 arr: 16.20 14 Apr Budapest - London Heathrow dep: 13.10 arr: 14.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)


Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FISHERMAN’S BASTION

easter tour

LISZT ACADEMY ERKEL THEATRE

5

WONDERFUL WROCŁAW


14 – 18 April 2020 Tour code: WRO1

GALA PERFORMANCE | MEET THE ARTIST*

A warm welcome awaits you in Wrocław, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Rich in history, Wrocław has a wonderful architectural heritage, symbolized by its reconstructed and magnificent market square. Wrocław is also a dynamic cultural centre and this pleasant spring tour combines a Gala performance (starring renowned Polish tenor Piotr Beczała) at the elegant, state-of-the-art National Opera Forum with productions of Carmen and Nabucco at the beautiful and more traditional Wrocław Opera House.

opera


TUE 14 APR Late afternoon arrival in Wrocław via Munich, and transfer to the 5-star Sofitel Old Town Hotel. Located in the heart of the historic district, the hotel is close to many of the city’s main tourist attractions. There will be a little time to rest and relax before a welcome dinner that evening.

WED 15 APR Join your guide this morning for a tour of the Old Town. Highlights include the impressive Market Square, historic Solny Square, the picturesque street of Stare Jatki and the City Museum, housed in a former Royal Palace. The tour then continues to Cathedral Island and Sand Island, with their superb Gothic and Baroque churches, and ends with lunch in a

local restaurant. The afternoon is free before the short walk to the National Forum of Music for that evening’s special Opera Gala. After the performance, there may be the possibility to meet the charming star of the show, Polish tenor Piotr Beczała.

THU 16 APR Today is an excursion to Lower Silesia, stopping first in Książ to visit the town’s vast Castle, strikingly perched on a rock face high above sea level. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue to Świdnica and the 17th-century Church of Peace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built from wood and hay and adorned with folk-style paintings, it resembles a theatre, and there you will be treated to

a 15-minute private organ recital. Return to Wrocław for some free time before the opera performance that evening.

FRI 17 APR This morning you will join your guide for further cultural exploration of Wrocław. Visits include the University and the Aula Leopoldina (an impressively ornate Baroque Hall), as well as the Centennial Hall, an outstanding example of early Modernism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the opera performance that evening.

SAT 18 APR Morning transfer to the airport for the homeward flight via Munich.

CARMEN BY WROCŁAW OPERA HOUSE © MAREK GROTOWSKI

PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS Lufthansa 14 Apr London Heathrow - Munich dep: 09.00 arr: 11.45 Munich - Wrocław dep: 15.10 arr: 16.15 18 Apr Wrocław - Munich dep: 13.00 arr: 14.05 Munich - London Heathrow dep: 16.05 arr: 17.05Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1825 Single room supplement £180 Business Class flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £1625 Deposit required £350

15 Apr 19.00 OPERA GALA WITH PIOTR BECZAŁA Inc C: Wojciech Rajski Tenor: Piotr Beczała Programme: tbc Venue: National Forum of Music

16 Apr 19.00 CARMEN Bizet Inc D: Maria Sartova C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Wrocław Opera House

17 Apr 19.00 NABUCCO Verdi Inc D: Cezary Iber C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Wrocław Opera House

*Please note that Travel for the Arts cannot confirm this meeting with Piotr Beczała till closer to the performance date.

PIOTR BECZAŁA

6

A LITERARY VIEW OF VENICE


27 April – 1 May 2020 Tour code: VCE1

NEW PRODUCTION

Discover Venice through the eyes of great writers and poets, past and present, led by award-winning author and producer Adrian Mourby. This unique tour provides a literary insight into the city that has inspired so many. Adrian will lead you in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Henry James and many others, regaling you with fascinating tales and anecdotes en route. Musical interludes include a new production of Vivaldi’s rarely-performed opera Farnace at the richly-decorated 17th-century Teatro Malibran and, at the legendary opera house, La Fenice, Damiano Michieletto’s innovative and provocative production of Verdi’s Rigoletto, an opera based on Victor Hugo’s play ‘Le roi s’amuse’.

MON 27 APR Afternoon arrival in Venice and transfer by water taxi to the luxurious 5-star Baglioni Hotel Luna, one of the oldest hotels in Venice with many literary connections, and walking distance to Piazza San Marco and the Gran Teatro La Fenice. Enjoy a welcome drink and an introduction to literary Venice by Adrian Mourby before dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

TUE 28 APR This morning join Adrian for a walking tour of the Castello area of Venice, focusing on sights associated with writers across the ages - from Petrarch, Lorenzo da Ponte, Charles Dickens, Henry James and Franz Kafka to Donna Leon and her fictional Venetian hero, Inspector Brunetti. Stop at Venice’s “floating” Libreria Acqua Alta,

one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, before lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure with dinner provided prior to the late evening concert at Chiesa San Vidal.

WED 29 APR A second walking tour with Adrian this morning will explore the Venice of Ernest Hemingway, Henry James and Lord Byron, passing by the legendary Harry’s Bar, the Gritti Palace and the home of Adriana Ivancich, Hemingway’s last love who inspired his 1950 novel ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant. Time to rest and relax before walking to La Fenice for the opera performance that evening.

THU 30 APR Your final full day in Venice starts by walking with Adrian in the footsteps of one of Donna Leon’s many murder mystery stories, and ends with a trip to Isola San Michele where Ezra Pound and Stravinsky are buried - as well as many of Inspector Brunetti’s “victims”. Lunch and the afternoon are free. The early evening performance at Teatro Malibran will be followed by a farewell dinner.

FRI 1 MAY Spend the morning soaking in the atmosphere of this special city before transferring to the airport for the late afternoon flight home.

GRAND CANAL AND BASILICA SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE

GRAN TEATRO LA FENICE

PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, three dinners, welcome drinks, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS British Airways 27 Apr London Gatwick – Venice dep: 11.50 arr: 15.00 1 May Venice - London Gatwick dep: 17.15 arr: 18.25Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)


28 Apr 21.00 INTERPRETI VENEZIANI Concert Inc Violinists: Anania Maritan, Giacobbe Stevenato Programme: The Four Seasons - Vivaldi, Follia for strings and harpsichord - Geminiani, Concerto for violin, strings and harpsichord - Brescianello Venue: Chiesa San Vidal

29 Apr 19.00 RIGOLETTO Verdi Inc D: Damiano Michieletto C: Daniele Callegari Cast includes: Luca Salsi, Ivan Ayon Rivas, Claudia Pavone, Gianfranco Montresor Venue: Gran Teatro La Fenice

30 Apr 18.00 FARNACE Vivaldi Inc D: Christophe Gayral C: Diego Fasolis Cast includes: Carlo Vistoli, Sonia Prina, Lucia Cirillo, Raffaele Pe, Rosa Bove, Valentino Buzza, David Ferri Durà Venue: Teatro Malibran New production

LIBRERIA ACQUA ALTA

opera & classical music


7

BALLET TRIO IN MUNICH


27 May – 1 June 2020 Tour code: MUC1

NEW PRODUCTION

A tempting trio of ballets are on offer at Munich’s Staatsoper in May. In Jewels, George Balanchine uses three gem stones – emeralds, rubies and diamonds – as the inspiration for this three-act ballet, with music by three contrasting composers. Yuri Grigorovich’s powerful production of Spartacus tells the tale of the slave uprising against the Romans, set to the thrilling music of Khachaturian, whilst John Neumeier selected piano works by Chopin to accompany his 1978 ballet The Lady of the Camellias, based on Alexandre Dumas fils' famous 19th-century novel. Visits to Oberammergauer and the Palace of Linderhof complement this “must-see” tour for any lover of ballet.

WED 27 MAY Afternoon arrival in Munich and transfer by coach to the 4-star family-owned Hotel Torbräu, close to the colourful Marienplatz and only a short walking distance to the Bayerische Staatsoper. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner in the hotel that evening.

THU 28 MAY Meet your guide this morning for a walking tour of the Old Town around Marienplatz where the town hall’s impressive Carillon clock delights with a display of life-sized figures that reenact events from Bavarian history. Visits include the famous Frauenkirche with its landmark twin towers. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the first ballet performance that evening.

FRI 29 MAY Today is a full-day excursion to the Bavarian Alps, starting at the small town of Oberammergau. Renowned world-wide for its performance of the Passion Play which takes place every ten years as a thanksgiving for the

end of the Black Death, you will also visit the museum which displays a special exhibition around this unique event. After lunch in a local restaurant continue to Linderhof, Ludwig II’s smallest but most sumptuous palace. Return to Munich and the evening at leisure.

SAT 30 MAY The day is free for you to enjoy as you wish before the second ballet at the Staatsoper.

SUN 31 MAY A visit this morning to the sumptuous Residenz in central Munich, a former royal palace which served as the seat of government of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918, and is today one of the most important palace museums in Europe. This will be followed by a farewell lunch in a local restaurant. Time to rest and relax before the final ballet performance that evening.

MON 1 JUN Check-out and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

JEWELS BY BAYERISCHE STAATSBALLETT © WILFRIED HÖSL

ballet


SPARTACUSBAYERISCHE STAATSOPER

PROGRAMME AT THE BAYERISCHE STAATSOPER

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, ballet synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 27 May London Heathrow - Munich dep: 12.40 arr: 15.35 1 Jun Munich - London Heathrow dep: 12.45 arr: 13.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)


28 May 19.30 JEWELS Inc Music: Emeralds Fauré, Rubies Stravinsky, Diamonds Tchaikovsky Choreography: George Balanchine New production

30 May 19.30 SPARTACUS Inc Music: Khachaturian Choreography: Yuri Grigorovich

31 May 19.30 THE LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS Inc Music: Chopin Choreography: John Neumeier


FRI 29 MAY Arrive late morning and transfer the short distance to the opulent 5-star Hôtel Bristol, conveniently located in the centre of Salzburg and close to the Festival’s performance venues. A welcome lunch will be provided at the hotel with some time to rest before the opera that evening.

SAT 30 MAY Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the city, focusing on some of Salzburg’s historic and cultural highlights, including Mozart’s birthplace where the family lived from 1747 to 1773, and the Cathedral where he was baptised. Lunch is at leisure before the carefully-curated afternoon concert. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish, with the option to also attend the evening’s concert performance.

SUN 31 MAY The day starts with a delightful matinee recital encapturing the spirit of this

year’s Festival. There will then be time for an independent lunch before a guided tour of the State Exhibition celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Salzburg Festival. Dinner and the evening are at leisure.

MON 1 JUN An excursion this morning to the ancient town of Hallein and a visit to the Celtic Museum which offers an insight into the history of the town and the importance of salt mining in the region. Return to Salzburg for lunch and the afternoon at leisure. There will be an early farewell dinner at a local restaurant followed by the final Gala concert featuring Cecilia Bartoli and many of her musical friends.

TUE 2 JUN Spend the day sightseeing or shopping before transferring to the airport for the early evening flight home.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com8

SALZBURG PAYS HOMAGE TO PAULINE VIARDOT


29 May – 2 June 2020 Tour code: SZG1

NEW PRODUCTION

Continuing her focus on female figures, Cecilia Bartoli dedicates the 2020 Whitsun Festival to the remarkable 19th-century singer, pianist and composer Pauline Viardot. During the course of her life, Viardot (the younger sister of the legendary Maria Malibran) championed a multitude of musical styles by Meyerbeer, Brahms, Gounod, Saint-Saëns and Fauré. It is works by these composers that form the concert repertoire you will hear on this tour. Festival highlights include Bartoli’s role debut as Norina in a new production of Don Pasquale performed on period instruments, and a special Gala performance which pays homage to Viardot’s exceptionally-talented musical family.

STIFTUNG MOZARTEUM - GROßER SAAL © CHRISTIAN SCHNEIDER

29 May 19.00 DON PASQUALE Donizetti Inc D: Moshe Leiser / Patrice Caurier

C: Gianluca Capuano Cast: Cecilia Bartoli, Peter Kálmán, Javier Camarena, Nicola Alaimo Venue: Haus für Mozart New production

30 May 15.00 ÉCOLE CLASSIQUE Concert Inc C: Gianluca Capuano

Mezzo-sopranos: Varduhi Abrahamyan, Cecilia Bartoli Programme: Includes works by Rossini, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Handel Venue: Stiftung Mozarteum – Großer Saal

30 May 19.30 REQUIEM Fauré Concert £225 C: John Eliot Gardiner Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique Monteverdi Choir & Soloists Venue: Felsenreitschule

PROGRAMME

31 May 11.00 JEUX D’ESPRIT – Inc ‘VIVICA & VIARDOT’ Recital Mezzo-soprano: Vivica Genaux Pianist: Carlos Aragón Programme: Includes works by Viardot, Rossini, Gluck, R. Schumann, Saint-Saëns Venue: Stiftung Mozarteum – Großer Saal

1 June 20.00 UNE AFFAIRE DE FAMILLE Inc Gala Concert

Artists: Maxim Vengerov, Cecilia Bartoli, Varduhi Abrahamyan, Javier Camarena, Julia Hagen, Khatia Buniatishvili, Anna Laudere Programme: Includes works by Rossini, F. Mendelssohn, Glinka, Liszt, Saint-Saëns Venue: Großes Festspielhaus

FLIGHTS

British Airways 29 May London Gatwick - Salzburg dep: 07.45 arr: 10.45 2 Jun Salzburg - London Gatwick dep: 18.45 arr: 19.45Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2550 Single room supplement £480 Club Europe flight upgrade from £240 Land-only tour price £2430Deposit required £400Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first or second category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

VARDUHI ABRAHAMYAN

CECILIA BARTOLI

VIVICA GENAUX

PAULINE VIARDOT

opera & classical music


MON 8 JUN Lunchtime arrival and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Bristol Palace, an elegant Art Nouveau hotel in the heart of Genoa, close to the Ducal Palace and Teatro Carlo Felice. The hotel's beautiful and delicate spiral staircase was a cinematic inspiration to Alfred Hitchcock, who was a regular guest. Time to relax or explore the city before a welcome dinner in the hotel that night.

TUE 9 JUN Join your guide this morning for a tour of the medieval heart of the city, one of the largest historic centres in Europe. Starting at Piazza Caricamento, you will wander through the ancient narrow streets (caruggi) and absorb the rich history of this once powerful maritime republic. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure, with a pre-performance apéritif before the opera that night.

WED 10 JUN This morning you will explore some of the grandeur of Genoa, starting at the 16th-century Villa del Principe. The interiors have recently been restored by the Doria Pamphilj family and feature a wealth of frescoes, tapestries and wooden furnishings. Continue on to the Palazzo Reale, a former residence of the Savoy dynasty, with terraced gardens, exquisite furnishings, a fine collection of 17th-century art and a gilded Hall of Mirrors. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure with dinner that night in a private villa in the nearby fishing town of Sori.

THU 11 JUN Check-out and transfer (approx. 2 hours) to Turin, where you will stay at the luxurious 5-star Grand Hotel Sitea. The day is then free for you to spend as you wish. Once again, there will be a pre-performance apéritif before the opera that night.

FRI 12 JUN Join your guide for a morning walking tour of the highlights of Turin. Visits will include the splendid Piazza San Carlo, lined with churches and palaces, the 15th-century Cathedral and the baroque Palazzo Carignano, birthplace of the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. The tour will end with lunch in a local restaurant, followed by the rest of the day at leisure.

SAT 13 JUN A half-day excursion to Venaria Reale, a grandiose estate just outside Turin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest royal residences in the world and has only recently been rescued from ruin. Among the jewels in its crown are the royal apartments and their collections, the Great Gallery, vast gardens and parkland and the spectacular Stag Fountain. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure with a farewell dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

SUN 14 JUN Spend the morning at leisure, before transferring to Turin airport for the late afternoon flight home.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 9

GENOA & TURIN, PUCCINI & VERDI


8 – 14 June 2020 Tour code: GEN1

Two great composers and two proud cities vie for your attention on this tour to northern Italy. Genoa lays claims to having the largest seaport and historic centre in Italy, as well as being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Niccolò Paganini and the 20th-century architect Renzo Piano. In turn, Turin was the capital of Savoy and the first capital of the newly-united Italy. It is also home to the world’s largest royal residence and is the city where Fiat was founded. Both cities boast fabulous food (pesto in Genoa and the Slow Food movement in Turin) and beautiful opera houses, at which you can enjoy performances of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra.

SIMON BOCCANEGRA BY TEATRO REGIO TORINO © RAMELLA&GIANNESE

opera

PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, three dinners, pre-performance apéritifs, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 8 Jun London Gatwick - Genoa dep: 09.00 arr: 12.05 14 Jun Turin - London Gatwick dep: 17.30 arr: 18.30Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)


9 Jun 20.00 MANON LESCAUT Puccini Inc D: Andrea Battistoni C: Davide Livermore Cast includes: Maria Josè Siri, Riccardo Massi, Stefano Antonucci, Matteo Peirone Venue: Teatro Carlo Felice

11 Jun 20.00 SIMON BOCCANEGRA Verdi Inc D: Sylvano Bussotti C: Pier Giorgio Morandi Cast includes: Carlos Álvarez, Rebeka Lokar, Michele Pertusi, Roberto Aronica, Roberto de Candia Venue: Teatro Regio

TEATRO CARLO FELICE


250TH ANNIVERSARY AT VERSAILLES


30 June – 4 July 2020 Tour code: VER1

ANNIVERSARY | NEW PRODUCTION | BY RAIL

Experience exceptional and entertaining music-making in the glorious surroundings of the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Inaugurated in 1770, L’Opéra Royal celebrates its 250th anniversary with a plethora of delights. A highlight of the season is a new production of Rameau’s comedy Platée, a jewel of French baroque opera that is also considered a ballet buffon. In addition, three sensational singers - soprano Patricia Petibon and countertenors Philippe Jaroussky and Valer Sabadus - present two fiery and fascinating recital programmes. An excursion to Monet’s beloved garden in Giverny is a delightful addition to this sumptuous Gallic tour.

opera

L'OPÉRA ROYAL


TUE 30 JUN Early afternoon arrival in Paris and transfer by coach (approx. 1.5 hours) to Versailles. Check in at the elegant 4-star Le Louis, a historic hotel that combines the contemporary with the classic, and is just steps away from the Palace of Versailles. There will be time to relax before welcome drinks and canapés in the hotel, followed by a short walk to the Palace for that evening’s opera performance.

WED 1 JUL Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the city of Versailles. Often overlooked by visitors, this former de facto capital of the Kingdom of France - and reputed cradle of the French Revolution - is well worth a visit for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, octagonal squares (the first in France) and magnificent mansions. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure with dinner that evening at Le Limousin, a classic French bistro in the heart of Versailles.

THU 2 JUL An opportunity this morning for an independent visit to the Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest achievements in French 17th-century art and architecture. You will have the opportunity to explore the gilded interior, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, the gardens and the Grand Trianon, a place of retreat for the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure, with the first recital that evening.

FRI 3 JUL Travel this morning to the village of Giverny to visit the former home and famed garden of French impressionist painter Claude Monet, who lived and worked there from 1883 until his death in 1926. With an obvious passion for gardening, Monet conceived both his flower and water gardens as true works of art. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before returning to Versailles and the evening recital.

SAT 4 JUL Check out and transfer to Paris for your homeward journey on Eurostar.

PROGRAMME AT L’OPÉRA ROYAL

Tour price includes: Rail travel, group transfers from and to station and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, welcome drinks and canapés, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

RAIL

Eurostar 30 Jun London St Pancras - Paris Gare du Nord dep: 10.24 arr: 13.57 4 Jul Paris Gare du Nord - London St Pancras dep: 13.13 arr: 14.39If more convenient, flights from your local airport can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1950 Single room supplement £580 Standard Premiere upgrade from £100 Land-only tour price £1830 Deposit required £400

30 Jun 20.00 PLATÉE Rameau Inc D: Corinne et Gilles Benizio

(alias Shirley and Dino) Choreography by Kader Belarbi C: Hervé Niquet Cast: Mathias Vidal, Jean-Christophe Lanièce, Marc Labonnette, Enguerrand de Hys, Marianne Croux, Jean-Vincent Blot, Marie Perbost, Marie-Laure Garnier Ballet du Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse New production

2 Jul 20.00 PATRICIA PETIBON – Inc FLAMES OF MAGICIANS Recital C: Héloïse Gaillard Soprano: Patricia Petibon Programme: Includes works by Charpentier, Marais, Rebel, Leclair, Rameau

3 Jul 20.00 PHILIPPE JAROUSSKY Inc AND VALER SABADUS Recital C: Christina Pluhar Countertenors: Philippe Jaroussky and Valer Sabadus Programme: The first castrati in Paris. Luigi Rossi (1597-1653) at the court of France

opera

L'OPÉRA ROYAL

PATRICIA PETIBON

VALER SABADUS

GARDENS OF THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES

PHILIPPE JAROUSSKY


RICHARD STRAUSS IN LEIPZIG


9 – 13 July 2020 Tour code: LEI2

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT | NEW PRODUCTION

This tour offers the opportunity to enjoy three of Richard Strauss’s operatic masterpieces - Arabella, Capriccio and Die Frau ohne Schatten - in one weekend. Ulf Schirmer, Leipzig Opera’s Intendant and General Music Director, conducts the world-class Gewandhausorchester and sensational Strauss singers in all three productions. Excursions will explore this most musical of cities, and introduce you to Halle and some unique chocolate treats!

opera

THU 9 JUL Arrive early afternoon in Berlin, then transfer by coach to Leipzig (approx. 2 hours) and check in at the Seaside Park Hotel. This 4-star hotel abounds in art deco elegance and is in very close proximity to the opera house and the famous Church of St Nicholas. There will be a welcome dinner that evening in the hotel.

FRI 10 JUL Spend the morning behind the scenes at the opera house and catch a glimpse of what is in store for you on stage over the weekend. Lunch is at leisure before a walking tour of Leipzig’s beautiful city centre. See the Market Square with its Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church and St. Nicholas Church as you follow in the footsteps of Bach, Telemann, Mendelssohn and Schumann, who are all inextricably linked with Leipzig. Return to the hotel with a little time to rest before walking the short distance to the opera house for the evening performance.

SAT 11 JUL A full-day excursion to the city of Halle, the birthplace of Handel. It is also home to Halloren, the oldest chocolate factory in

Germany. You can see the skilled chocolatiers in action, admire the chocolate gallery where almost everything is made from chocolate, and treat yourself to some of Halloren’s popular Kugeln. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before a brief walking tour of the city’s historic centre. Return to Leipzig in time for the second Strauss opera of the tour.

SUN 12 JUL The day starts with a guided visit to the Grassi Museum complex. First explore the Museum of Musical Instruments, which houses a large number of European instruments spanning from the Renaissance to the present day, and a smaller collection from Asia, Africa and America. Continue on to the Museum of Applied Arts which features decorative art from all eras since antiquity. After a farewell lunch in a local restaurant return to the hotel before making your way to the opera house for the final performance later that afternoon.

MON 13 JUL Spend the morning at leisure, then transfer to Berlin for the afternoon flight home.

PROGRAMME AT THE OPERNHAUS LEIPZIG

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 9 Jul London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.50 arr: 13.45 13 Jul Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 16.45 arr: 17.40Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1875 Club Europe flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £1660 Deposit required £400

10 Jul 19.30 ARABELLA R. Strauss Inc D: Jan Schmidt-Garre C: Ulf Schirmer Cast includes: Astrid Kessler, Simon Neal,

Olena Tokar, Ric Furman, Wolfgang Bankl, Natascha Petrinsky, Annika Gerhards, Karin Lovelius

11 Jul 19.00 CAPRICCIO R. Strauss Inc D: Jan Schmidt-Garre C: Ulf Schirmer Cast includes: Maria Bengtsson, Matthias

Hausmann, Patrick Vogel, Jonathan Michie, Sebastian Pilgrim, Matthias Stier New production

12 Jul 17.00 DIE FRAU OHNE SCHATTEN R. Strauss Inc D: Balázs Kovalik C: Ulf Schirmer Cast includes: Stefan Vinke, Manuela Uhl,

Thomas J. Mayer, Jennifer Wilson, Karin Lovelius

DIE FRAU OHNE SCHATTENOPERNHAUS LEIPZIG

ARABELLA BY OPERNHAUS LEIPZIG © KIRSTEN NIJHOF


THU 23 JUL Afternoon arrival in Helsinki and travel by coach to Savonlinna (approx. 4 hours). Check in at the stylish Hotel Seurahuone in the centre of Savonlinna, adjacent to the Market Square and Passenger Harbour, with magnificent views over Lake Saimaa. A welcome dinner will be served that night at the nearby Lighthouse restaurant.

FRI 24 JUL Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Savonlinna. Visits include Olavinlinna Castle where you will go backstage and witness the challenges of staging opera in a medieval castle. Lunch and the rest of the day are at leisure with the option of the opera performance that evening.

SAT 25 JUL Check-out in the morning and transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to the Punkaharju Resort, a relaxing water amusement park. After checking-in, head to the nearby Finnish Forest Museum at Lusto for a diverse and illuminating insight into the significance of forests for the Finnish

people. Return to the resort, stopping en route for lunch at Punkaharju Hotel. Time to relax before boarding the steamer for dinner and a stylish journey to Savonlinna for that evening’s celebratory Gala. After the performance, you will return by coach to Punkaharju.

SUN 26 JUL Check-out and transfer to the beautiful landscape of Heinävesi for a visit to the New Valamo Monastery, a tranquil centre of Orthodox religious life and culture, where you will sample the monks’ homemade wine and a buffet lunch. Return to Savonlinna via Kerimäki church, reputedly the world’s oldest wooden church, and back to the Seurahuone Hotel for your final night. After the opera that evening, there will be a farewell dinner in the medieval halls of Olavinlinna Castle.

MON 27 JUL Transfer to Savonlinna airport for the homeward flight via Helsinki.

SAVONLINNA CELEBRATES KARITA MATTILA


23 - 27 July 2020 Tour code: SAV1

GALA PERFORMANCE | NEW PRODUCTION

Travel for the Arts are delighted to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Finnish superstar soprano Karita Mattila in a special festive gala in celebration of her 60th birthday. Winner of the first Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 1983, “La Karita” will perform arias from her recent major roles in the stunning setting of Olavinlinna Castle. This tour will be based for three nights in the centre of Savonlinna, with one night at the Punkaharju Resort on the shore of picturesque Lake Saimaa, from where you will travel by boat to the Gala event of the season.

OLAVINLINNA CASTLE

KARITA MATTILANEW VALAMO MONASTERY

opera

PROGRAMME AT OLAVINLINNA CASTLE

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, three dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, wine tasting, top category tickets for The Barber of Seville and Werther, and second category ticket for Karita Mattila, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS Finnair 23 Jul London Heathrow - Helsinki dep: 10.20 arr: 15.15 27 Jul Savonlinna - Helsinki dep: 14.05 arr: 15.00 Helsinki - London Heathrow dep: 17.00 arr: 18.05Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.


PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2555 Single room supplement £435 Business Class flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £2240 Deposit required £450

24 Jul 19.00 THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Rossini £165 D: Kari Heiskanen C: Evelino Pidò Cast includes: Annalisa Stroppa, Tuomas Katajala, Roberto de Candia,

Michele PertusiPlease note that this production contains some nudity.

25 Jul 19.00 KARITA MATTILA – THE GRAND Inc FESTIVE GALA C: Hannu Lintu Soprano: Karita Mattila Programme to include arias from operas by Strauss, Wagner and Janáček

26 Jul 19.00 WERTHER Massenet Inc D: Fabrizio Melano C: Yordan Kamdzhalov Cast includes: Aljaž Farasin, Ivana Srbljan,

Domen Križaj, Vanja Zelčić, Giorgio Surian, Robert Kolar, Marko Fortunato New production


TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS TERMS & CONDITIONS1. ABOUT TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS1.1 Your contract will be with Specialised Travel Ltd trading as TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS, whose registered office is at Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS, telephone number 020 8799 8350 and email address [email protected], which is a fully bonded member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) (ABTA number V7795) and appointed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

1.2 The air holidays and flights in our brochures & promotional material are ATOL protected (as detailed in clause 1.3 below), since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2178. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.caa.co.uk, the CAA can be contacted at 45-59 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TE.

YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION1.3 We provide financial protection for our package holidays.

a) When you buy a flight-based holiday from us, you will receive financial protection for your flight-based holiday under our ATOL licence (detailed above), and you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

b) We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

c) If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

1.4 Financial protection for non-flight packages is provided to you as bonded members of ABTA. When you buy a package holiday from us that does not include a flight, then financial protection is provided by way of our ABTA bond (please see www.abta.co.uk, who can be contacted at 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ), as per the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

2. TO MAKE A BOOKING2.1 When you make a booking you must complete the Booking Form accepting on your own behalf and on behalf of all your party (for whom you have authority to accept) the terms of these Booking Conditions and pay a deposit of the amount per person specified in the relevant brochure, or in the case of an independent holiday, the amount specified in writing by our staff at the time of booking, plus insurance premium and any additional performance tickets ordered. A contract will exist when we issue our confirmation invoice. Your contract will consist of these Booking Conditions, the completed Booking Form and the contents of the relevant brochure. When you make your booking you must pay a deposit (calculated as a percentage of your holiday cost) per person and as notified to you at the time of booking. Where you have provided us with card payment details in the Booking Form as your payment method for the deposit (and any insurance premium and additional performance tickets), we shall take payment from your card at the time we issue our confirmation invoice to you.

2.2 The contract is governed by English law and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live there and wish to do so.

2.3 The balance of the price of your holiday must be paid at least 8 weeks before the departure date. If the balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your holiday and retain your deposit. If you paid your deposit by card and wish to authorise us to take payment of the balance on or just after the due date for payment using the same card, you may do so by ticking the relevant box in the Booking Form.

2.4 We make no charge if you pay by cheque, personal credit card, debit card or by electronic transfer. However, should you choose to make payment by commercial credit card, or you are a card holder outside the EEA, we will make a charge of 2% of the total price of the holiday.

3. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE3.1 We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in the promotional literature, in accordance with these Booking Conditions. The current price of the holiday will be notified to you before your contract is confirmed.

3.2 All Travel for the Arts tours are inclusive of the following:

Round trip Economy Class air travel on scheduled or charter airline(s) specified (aircraft type not known when going to press) including local airport taxes and security charges; or Eurostar Passenger Service.

Hotel accommodation at the hotels shown in the relevant promotional literature (or similar grade) in twin bedded rooms with private bathroom or shower and w.c. Double rooms and single rooms are available on request. NB: We are well aware of the considerable distress which can sometimes be experienced by those travelling alone when “single rooms” do not appear to come up to the standards expected. At all times we strive to overcome this on our clients’ behalf (but can offer no guarantees) and sometimes it pays to take double or twin for sole occupancy.

Round trip private transfers from airports or local railway stations to hotels.

Hotel service charges and local taxes.

Sightseeing tour programme as detailed in each itinerary including admission charges and guide services.

The services of a Travel for the Arts Tour Manager or local representative.

NB: If you have any special requests relating to diet, accommodation and so forth, these must be made known at the time of booking. We will do our best to comply with them but cannot guarantee to do so (also see clause 13 below).

3.3 We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of your travel arrangements can be made due to changes in: transportation costs i.e. the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources; the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; or exchange rates, which means that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked. However, there will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb, and you will not be charged for, any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change

to another holiday if we are able to offer one (and we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancel and receive a full refund of all moneys paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel: (1) you must do so within the time period shown on your final invoice; (2) we will provide a refund of insurance premiums paid to us if you can show that you are unable to transfer of reuse your policy. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, under the terms set out in respect of major changes (Alterations and Cancellations by us) to accept from us an offer of alternative travel arrangements if we are able to do so and compensation as set out below.

3.4 Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

3.5 Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders, in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight.

4. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS BY YOU4.1 If, after our confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to another of our holidays or modify, at any time, the travel arrangements and/or tour itineraries shown, we will do our utmost to make the changes provided that notification is received in writing at our offices from the person who signed the Booking Form. We reserve the right to charge an administration fee of £35.00 per person in order to process that change, in addition to any further cost in making the alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Please note that certain travel arrangements (eg, concert tickets) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

4.2 You, or any member of your party, may cancel your holiday at any time provided that notice of the cancellation is made to our offices by the person signing the Booking Form and is in writing. As certain travel arrangements and bookings cannot be changed after confirmation, cancellation incurs administration costs. We will retain your deposit and the cost of any performance tickets, and in addition may apply cancellation charges up to the maximum shown in Clause 4.3 below.

4.3 Period before departure within which written confirmation of cancellation is received and amount of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the holiday price:

More than 56 days ...................................Holiday deposit and performance tickets 56 - 42 days .............................................................................................40% of tour price 41-31 days ...............................................................................................65% of tour price 30 – day of travel ..................................................................................100% of tour price

4.4 No refund will be given after the commencement of travel except at our discretion. Please note that if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy then you may be able to reclaim these charges.

4.5 You can cancel your booking without paying cancellation charges if the performance of your package, or the carriage of passengers to your destination, is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be terminated and for you to receive a full refund. We will observe advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

4.6 You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer.

5. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATION BY US5.1 It is possible that we may have to make changes to your holiday (other than the price) as the arrangements are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes may be made, and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes are insignificant and we will ensure that we advise you as early as possible. Flight timings and carriers in the promotional literature are subject to change as a result of airline procedures which are beyond our control. Flight timings in the promotional literature are for guidance only. Actual times will be given on your ticket. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating the flight, connecting flight (if any) and transfer. The potential carriers likely to be used are as set out in the promotional literature. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate.

Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard or higher standard, changes of carriers.

5.2 If a major change becomes necessary and we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to significantly alter any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. You will have the choice of either, accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of available alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us (where we offer one, we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value) or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be cancelled.

If you choose to accept a refund:

i) we will provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy;

ii) we will pay compensation as detailed below except where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined below).

5.3 We reserve the right to cancel your booking. For example, if the minimum number of people required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the tour up to 70 days in advance. In this case we offer the choice of an alternative tour of comparable standard, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or a full refund of all monies paid. We will not cancel less than 49 days before the scheduled departure date except for reasons of unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances or your failure to pay the final balance.

If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an alternative holiday of comparable standard from us if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value). In the event a refund is paid to you, we will:

i) provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse the policy.

ii) pay compensation as detailed below except where the cancellation is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances


TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

HOW TO BOOK Please contact us by telephone (020 8799 8350) - you will speak to one of our sales team usually after three rings! If space is available on the tour of your choice you will be given a 7-day option. We will then require a completed booking form together with your deposit or full payment (see Late Bookings). You must agree to the Booking Conditions.

BOOK EARLY Many of our holidays are taken up very quickly after the brochure launch, when tours appear on our website. Sometimes they are fully booked after appearing as advanced information in our Newsletter.

LATE BOOKINGS If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you will need to provide a credit/debit card for the full amount of the holiday, or send us a cheque within 24-hours.

TOUR CODE & BOOKING REFERENCE Please include these on the booking form and quote your Booking Reference in all subsequent communications.

OPENING HOURS are Monday-Friday, 9.30-5.30. The office is closed on UK public holidays.

NAME OF TOUR / À LA CARTE DESTINATION DATES TOUR CODE (e.g. BUD1 or CPH3)

BOOKING REFERENCE WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS TOUR?

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please show names as they appear on your passport)

No. TITLE FIRST NAME FAMILY NAME

1

2

3

4

SPECIAL NEEDS/FITNESS AND MOBILITY In order to assist us in ensuring you and fellow travellers maximum comfort please indicate below any special requirements or conditions about which we should be aware.

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please show names as they appear on your passport)

No. AGE WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE SPECIAL DIET OTHER

1

2

3

4

EMERGENCY / NEXT OF KIN: (Must be completed at time of booking)

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TEL NO:

RELATIONSHIP:

NAMES AS YOU WISH TO APPEAR ON THE PARTICIPANT LIST (if different from above)

1

2

3

4

PASSPORT DETAILS (essential for airline ticketing & in case of emergency)

No. D.O.B PASSPORT No. NATIONALITY DATE DATE OF ISSUE OF EXPIRY

1

2

3

4

NB If travelling to the USA you will require a machine-readable passport

ADDRESS (for correspondence) TELEPHONE: (Day)

TELEPHONE: (Eve)

MOBILE:

EMAIL:

FAX:

TELEPHONE: 24-hours pre-departure

SPECIAL OCCASION If this holiday coincides with a special occasion, please indicate below (e.g. birthday or wedding anniversary)

Travel For The Arts, Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS Telephone: 020 8799 8350 e-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

Travel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd

ROOM TYPE CLUB CLASS Twin, Double or Single Yes or No

(e.g. brochure, a friend, magazine or newspaper, email, etc.?)

BOOKING FORM


TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

AIRPORT PARKING / AIRPORT HOTEL / REGIONAL FLIGHTS Please send me details of: (please tick)

AIRPORT PARKING AIRPORT HOTEL

Comments:

AIRPORT LOUNGE DOMESTIC FLIGHT

No. of Places PER PERSON TOTAL

Deposit (See tour price panel) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OR Full payment (if booking within 8 weeks of departure) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplementary Performance £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tickets / Services* £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TOTAL £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .* Payable at time of booking

REDEMPTION OF VOUCHERS If you are redeeming a voucher please attach it to your booking form. Vouchers cannot be redeemed retrospectively.

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS If you are a Friend of Covent Garden, British Friend of the Salzburg Festival or Member of the The Wagner Society of England or New York, please complete details below:

NAME OF ORGANISATION MEMBERSHIP NO.

FINANCIAL

I wish to pay by Debit Card I wish to pay by Credit Card

I wish to pay by Cheque (Please tick box)

NB: Payment by commercial card will incur a 2% charge. No charge is made for personal cards, unless the card holder is outside the EEA.

CARD NO:

NAME ON CARD ..................................................................................................................................

DATE OF ISSUE

DATE OF EXPIRY

SECURITY CODE

ISSUE NO

Please tick this box if you would like the balance of payment charged to your card

Billing address if different from address overleaf

METHOD OF PAYMENT

OPTIONAL OR SUPPLEMENTARY PERFORMANCE TICKETS Please book the following supplementary services

DATE PERFORMANCE REQUIRED OR DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES No. REQUIRED

TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance for all the activities you will be undertaking whilst on holiday – please provide the details below. We can introduce you to an insurance company if you do not have any cover. Full details are shown in our Booking Terms and Conditions.

INSURANCE CO. NAME POLICY NUMBER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TEL No.

DECLARATION

I am over 18 years of age and I have read and understood the booking conditions, Data Protection Policy, general information and travel insurance advice and accept them on behalf of myself and the members of my party.

SIGNATURE: ........................................................................................................... DATE: .................................................................................................................................................

BOOKING FORM


TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS(Continued)

TERMS & CONDITIONS5.4 If it is necessary to cancel your holiday (except for reasons of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances) or make a significant change after the date when payment of the balance becomes due, we will in addition pay you compensation as follows:

Period before departure within which Compensation notification of change or cancellation is given per person

More than 49 days ..........................................................Nil49 – 42 days...............................................................£10.0041 – 25 days...............................................................£20.0024 – 16 days...............................................................£30.0015 – 1 days .................................................................£40.00 Please note compensation is not payable in the case of minor changes. The compensation offered does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.

‘Unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances’ means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken, including (for example) but not limited to, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport.

6. NON-APPEARANCE AND ALTERATIONS TO REPERTOIRE/ITINERARY6.1 Opera and music lovers will appreciate that performances and artists can be changed without notice. Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence but nevertheless disappointing. Every effort is made to obtain and pass on to you up to date information regarding performances and artists. This information is based upon details supplied to us by other parties and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or that there will not be further changes to the programme. The non-appearance of an artist, cancellation of event or other changes, are entirely outside our control or even the control of those organising the event. We will always do our utmost to find a suitable alternative in such a case and wherever refunds from an event organiser are received we will pass this on to you.

6.2 Specific outside events – in the event of adverse weather conditions a full refund of the face value of the performance ticket will be made only if the performance fails to start. If abandonment occurs after the start, conditions of the ticket purchased prevent any refund.

6.3 Please note that the order of events on itineraries is subject to alteration due to local circumstances, unscheduled closures etc. However, every effort will be made to include all elements of the programme during the tour dates or a suitable alternative which will be notified to you.

7. OUR LIABILITIES TO YOU7.1 You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in the package holiday sold to you by us. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or any improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation, or both. However, we will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and whether the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined above) beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

7.2 If an event within the itinerary is cancelled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances within one month prior to the event, we reserve the right to refund the cost of the admission ticket to the event only.

7.3 We accept responsibility for the negligent acts and/or omissions of our employees, agents or suppliers. Save for liabilities under clause 7.4 below, our liability to you in all cases (except where they lead to death, injury or illness) shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of the original travel arrangements.

7.4 Our liability to you will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:

i) the contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that make up your package. These are incorporated into this booking; and

ii) any relevant international conventions (for example, the Montreal Convention for travel by air, the Athens Convention for travel by sea, the Berne Convention for travel by rail and the Paris Convention for accommodation), which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions, from us.

7.5 If you, or any member of your party, suffers death, illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of activity which does not form part of the inclusive holiday arrangements or excursion arrangements through us (as per clause 17 below), we shall at our discretion, offer advice, guidance and assistance to help in resolving any claim you may have against a third party. We limit the cost of our assistance to you or a member of your party to £5,000.00 in total. Where legal action is contemplated and you want our assistance you must obtain our authority prior to commencement of proceedings. Our consent will be given subject to you undertaking to assign any costs, benefits received under any relevant insurance policy to ourselves.

7.6 If you are prevented from travelling on an aircraft because in the opinion of any person in authority at the airport you appear, by reason of intoxicating liquor or use of drugs, either to be unfit for travel or likely to cause discomfort or disturbance to other passengers, our responsibility for your journey, including any return flight thereupon ceases. You must accept responsibility for your proper conduct and we therefore have the right to terminate our contract in circumstances of serious misconduct by you or any member of your party.

7.7 Under EU law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be available at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However, please note that reimbursement in such cases does not automatically entitle you to a refund of the cost of your holiday from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these Booking Conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, then if the airline makes payment of these to you then such sum will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with such rules then you can complain to the Aviation Consumer Advocate Panel on 020 7453 6888 or www.caa.co.uk.

7.8 If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday.

NB: This clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into for excursions or activities whilst on holiday.

8. DATA PROTECTION POLICYIn order to process your booking and to ensure your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements, we need to use the information you provide to us, such as name, address, contact details and any special needs/dietary requirements. Please see our Privacy Policy for details of how we collect and process your personal data, and the personal data of those in your party. http://www.travelforthearts.com/privacy/

9. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH9.1 You and your party’s specific passport, visa and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and we do not accept responsibility for the validity of your passports or visas or for the refusal of visas by the Issuing Authorities. You should therefore confirm these with the relevant authorities, Embassies and/or Consulates. We shall not be liable for any loss, expense, cost, damage, injury or loss of enjoyment suffered as a result of such invalidity or loss, including any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with such requirements.

9.2 British subjects require a passport. We will provide information about visas and health requirements and can also apply for visas on your behalf for a small fee and handling charge. If you do not hold a valid EU passport, please inform us at point of booking. Although we can apply for any visa on a client’s behalf, we cannot be held responsible for declined visas and normal cancellation charges will be levied should this occur.

Higher charges may also be applied to non-British citizens and late applications which will be charged accordingly. For further advice visit the FCO website, www.fco.gov.uk, visit the ABTA website www.abta.com/gotravel or telephone ABTA on 020 3117 0599.

10. PHYSICAL HANDICAPS AND MOBILITYShould you suffer from any serious physical handicaps or experience difficulty in walking long distances and tire easily, please do bring this to our attention at the time of booking in order that we can provide the necessary assistance at airports and hotels. Please note that some of the activities on our tours may not be suitable if you have any disability or reduced mobility. In the interests of safety and comfort for the whole group, you should be fit enough to participate or alternatively have an able bodied carer with you to assist.

11. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES11.1 If you have a compliant about any of the services included in your holiday, you must inform the relevant supplier and our representative (whose details will be provided to you prior to the commencement of your trip) without undue delay, who will endeavour to put things right quickly. If your complaint cannot be resolved locally, your representative will ask you to make a report, the original of which is for you and a copy will be forwarded to our Head Office, as detailed on our invoice to you. Please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to us giving your original tour reference number and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and provide all relevant information. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint during your holiday, we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking.

11.2 It is unlikely that you will have a complaint that cannot be settled amicably between us. However, disputes arising out of or in connection with this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may (if you so wish) be settled by way of an alternative dispute resolution procedure. We are a member of ABTA. We are also obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s Scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform at http://ec.europa/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of notifying us of your compliant; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved.

12. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCEIf you’re in difficulty whilst on holiday and ask us to help we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault.

13. SPECIAL REQUESTSAny special requests made on your Booking Form are noted and we do our very best to comply with these wherever possible. However, although we do make every effort to meet your requirements, we cannot unfortunately give a guarantee.

14. TOUR MANAGERS AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVESWherever possible and practical, our tours are escorted throughout by a representative from the UK. On occasions when circumstances dictate, we retain the services of a local representative to meet our clients and to escort them to cities and on excursions accompanied by our local guide.

15. TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is a condition of these Booking Conditions and your contract with us that you have comprehensive travel insurance cover.

We are able to introduce you to Citybond Suretravel. Citybond Suretravel insurance is underwritten by Union Reiseversicherung AG, UK. Specialised Travel, trading as Travel for the Arts, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Citybond Suretravel for the sale of travel insurance and we have negotiated discounts on the Citybond Suretravel schemes for our clients.

Citybond Suretravel can provide a comprehensive range of travel insurance offering high levels of cover for medical emergency, repatriation, personal baggage, cancellation and much more.

They are able to provide single trip policies with no upper age limit, annual multi trip policies up to age 85, long stay policies for trips up to 12 months and gap year policies for trips up to 18 months.

All their policies offer the option to include existing medical conditions as well as, automatic cover for participation in over 100 sports and activities.

Referral Code 56275

Please use the above code to receive the premium discounts: Online at https://www.suretravel.co.uk/?intcode=56275 or by phone on Freephone 0333 207 0481 for 10%

16. SEVERABILITYIf any part of these Booking Conditions is held to be invalid, unreasonable or unenforceable, such portion(s) shall be deemed as severable from these Booking Conditions and the remainder of these Booking Conditions shall remain in full force and effect and enforceable.

17. EXCURSIONSExcursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book which does not form part of your package holiday with us, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com18 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

Travel For The Arts Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 E-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

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TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

TravelfortheArtsTravel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd

LAST PLACES AVAILABLE

BUENOS AIRES AND BEYOND28 November – 9 December 2019 Tour Code: BUE1

A journey of a lifetime is to be had on this exciting new tour to South America. Start in Buenos Aires, a city that combines faded European grandeur with Latin passion, then travel to Tigre, the ‘Venice of Argentina’ and head to the pampas for a unique ‘gaucho’ experience. No visit to this vibrant part of the world would be complete without an evening of Tango and a night at the Teatro Colón, where so many singers of the ‘Golden Age’ of opera made their careers.

RETURN TO THE RING IN LEIPZIG14 – 20 January 2020 Tour Code: LEI1

The birthplace of Wagner, Leipzig was also home to J. S. Bach and Mendelssohn, and this tour offers a glimpse into the lives of all three of these great German composers. The city also boasts one of the world’s top orchestras, the Gewandhausorchester, who once more perform Wagner’s epic Ring cyle under the baton of Ulf Schirmer.

FROM£2250

per person

FROM£2895

per person

CHRISTMAS IN LJUBLJANA AND ZAGREB21 – 26 December 2019 Tour Code: LJU1

A beautiful Christmas awaits you with visits to cities in three separate countries: Ljubljana in Slovenia, Trieste in Italy and Zagreb in Croatia. Excursions to the enchanting Lake Bled and magical Postojna Caves - plus performances of Bizet’s Carmen and Rossini’s La Cenerentola - add to the allure of this charming Christmas tour.

NEW PARIS RING CYCLE29 Nov – 7 Dec 2020 Tour Code: PAR1

In 2020, Calixto Bieito’s new production of Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle will bring together an exceptional cast under the baton of Music Director Philippe Jordan. Martina Serafin, Iain Paterson, Eva-Maria Westbroek, Gerhard Siegel, Ain Anger, Dame Sarah Connolly and Ekaterina Gubanova are just a few of the outstanding singers bringing Wagner’s epic to life on the stage of the Opéra Bastille.

FROM£3395

per person

FROM£2195

per person

Documents

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS › wp-content › ...await you at the Teatro de la Maestranza: Handel’s Agrippina and a recital by Carlos Álvarez, one of the world’s leading