Opera & Music Lovers Orchestra & Chorale Tour
Tours for Opera & Music Lovers Orchestra and Choir Performance Tours
Berlin and Munich are our favorite cities for the Opera and Symphony Program traveler. Other major cities are offered as well, always combining music and all culture. LANDMARK TOURS enriches the experience with lectures by scholars and visits behind the stage, often including participation in rehearsals. Of course, all music tours include the rich visit experiences each city offers, with guided tours to all important sites. For touring orchestras and choir groups, every complex detail is seen to, with careful cost negotiation and attention to ease of transport of performers and instruments.
LANDMARK TOURS Sample Opera Tour Program
MUNICH THE BAVARIAN STATE OPERA WINTER 2010 40 persons
Our clients wished to experience just this one opera house, situated in the heart of Bavaria, and something they knew had to be added to the other opera programs on which we had partnered.
Day 1
On arrival at Munich International Airport in the afternoon, greeting and private coach transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure, with a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Early full breakfast, as we depart by coach at 8am. We have a very full and exciting day ahead. Be sure to wear warm and comfortably layered clothing and solid walking shoes.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN & LINDERHOF
The magnificent countryside opens on all sides, with mountains and forests, evergreens in winter. On arrival at Neuschwanstein, the distance from the bus park to the castle at Neuschwanstein is 1.5 miles. 30 minutes each way to cover this distance on foot. In theory there are horse drawn carriages for transport to and from the castle, but there is no guarantee of their being immediately available in sufficient numbers for the two transfers. We always ask understanding for this possibility.
Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, also known as Mad King Ludwig copying medieval architecture and to pay homage to the operas of Wagner. (Walt Disney selected this for his Sleeping Beauty Castle!) Started in 1869, the castle was not yet completed when Ludwig died in 1886. Close to the castle is Pöllat Gorge, perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world.
Lunch is at the Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer in the village of Ettal en route to Schloss Linderhof. (If after lunch you chose to spend the afternoon at leisure, you can relax at the Klosterhotel while you await the return of the coach from Linderhof.)
Linderhof is Ludwig's smallest palace, intended as a villa, albeit a spectacular one. Situated in a wooded mountainous area near the village of Oberammergau (made famous by its once-a-decade Passion Play). Linderhof sings “Baroque,” with its fantastic fountain greeting the visitor. We know the way the décor can overwhelm the visitor, but it certainly cannot be forgotten. As with King Ludwig II, it’s in the eyes of each beholder that it is appreciated.
A restful drive back to Munich and the balance of the evening is at leisure. So ends our day of castles and history and good company!
Day 3
Breakfast is followed this morning with an in-depth discussion of tonight’s opera performance at the hotel.
Day of leisure, with suggestions and assistance with sightseeing, shopping, dining, special exhibits in Munich or any ventures outside the city…and planning what you’ll wear to the opera. Please be sure to check the board for the time schedule for tonight’s performance.
Departure to the State Opera House. After the performance, we can gather and have a snack or, as you wish, return to the hotel. WAGNER
Day 4
Breakfast is again followed this morning with an in-depth discussion of tonight’s opera performance at the hotel. Soon after, departure to the Bayerishe Staatsoper
for a private tour, an amazing highlight for us.
Balance of the day at leisure. Departure to the State Opera House. After the performance, we can gather and have a snack or, as you wish, return to the hotel.
VERDI
Day 5
Early full breakfast, as we must depart by coach on time. We have a boat schedule to adhere to on our visit from Prien to Herrenchiemsee. Be sure to wear warm and comfortably layered clothing and solid walking shoes.
Ludwig’s answer to Versailles! The last piece in his triad of castles. Chiemsee. The Neues Schloss (New Castle) is the largest, built 1878-1885. Seventy rooms, of which 50 were never completed. Ludwig lived here for a total of just 10 days in1885. The Hall of Mirrors is 98 meters long and has 44 candelabras and 33 chandeliers, longer than its equivalent in Versailles, and the dining room has a huge chandelier of Meissen porcelain, the largest in the world
We must return to Prien for lunch at 1300 to have sufficient time for the return to Munich in time for our opera presentation at the hotel and the performance at the Staatsoper. Our last evening together, so let’s have a nightcap before turning in—so much to share…and plan! MOZART
Day 6
Breakfast, goodbyes to the staff, transfer this morning to Munich International Airport. We’ll assist with formalities to make your departure as easy as possible.
Auf Wiedersehen! Tshuss!