Opera Tours

Chicago: Opera, Art & Architecture

October 18 - 22, 2012

Simon Boccanegra (Hampson, Furlanetto, Lopardo); Elektra (Goerke, Grove, Honeywell) plus the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

This is one of our most popular itineraries each year, and we expect that 2012 will be our third straight sold out tour to Chicago. We will enjoy two performances at the Lyric Opera of Chicago: Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra (featuring Thomas Hampson in the title role, Ferrucio Furlanetto as Fiesco and Frank Lopardo as Adorno) and Richard Strauss's Elektra (with Christine Goerke in the title role, Jill Grove as Clytemnestra and Roger Honeywell as Aegisthus. We will also feature a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (TBA), under the direction of Riccardo Muti. Seats in each venue will be best in the house.

In addition to the excellent performances, we will offer two days of private touring that will focus on Chicago's rich and varied architecture, with particular focus on the work and influence of Frank Lloyd Wright (Oak Park). We also explore (by boat and on foot) the gems in the historic core of the downtown, including masterpieces by Burnham & Root, Sullivan, Jenney, Mies van der Rohe, Wright and more.

Our "downtime" will be spent well, with four meals (in addition to full breakfast each day) in some of Chicago's finest restaurants. We have reserved suites for couples and deluxe rooms for singles at the Hotel Monaco Chicago, perfectly located on the Magnificent Mile within walking distance to Millenium Park, the Art Institute and many of the city's best shops, restaurants and attractions. All rooms enjoy what may be the best view in the city.

As for all of our tours, space is limited to 15 members. Last year’s version sold quickly, so early registration is highly recommended.

Thursday, October 18

Upon arrival in Chicago, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Monaco, where your suite (for couples) or deluxe room (singles) will be ready for you. In the evening, we meet for introductions and cocktails before departing on foot to nearby Morton's, voted one of the 10 Best Chicago restaurants of all time, for a Welcome Dinner.

Friday, October 19

Following breakfast (included each day), we gather and marvel together at Chicago’s soaring towers on our 90-minute, narrated river cruise (private). This tour spotlights more than 50 significant sites and provides a wonderful introduction to the city. Afterward, we lunch at Smith & Wollensky, adjacent to the Corn Towers, with views of the Chicago River. This evening we gather and depart by private coach for the Lyric Opera and a performance of the one act masterpiece by Richard Strauss, Elektra. Sir Andrew Davis conducts a cast that includes Christine Goerke, Jill Grove and Roger Honeywell.

Saturday, October 20

Today we meet our superb guide and depart for Oak Park to view some of Frank Lloyd Wright's finest work. We visit his marvelous Arts & Crafts home and studio, as well as several of his notable commissions just around the corner on Forest and Chicago Avenues. We then return to Chicago for lunch at the private Met Club in the Sears Tower. Afterward, those wishing to join us on a walk will see some of the major architectural achievements in downtown Chicago, including buildings by Burnham, Sullivan, Holabird and Roche, and other noted architects. Landmarks along the way will include the Rookery, the Carson Pirie Scott Building (Sullivan Center), the Monadnock Building and the Marshall Field store. This evening we return to the Lyric Opera for a performance of Verdi's mid-career opus Simon Boccanegra, again conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, and featuring a superb cast including Thomas Hampson, Ferrucio Furlanetto and Frank Lopardo.

Sunday, October 21

Following a morning at leisure, we transfer to Daniel Burnham's Orchestra Hall, an architectural jewel with wondrous acoustics and nary a bad seat, for a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (programme TBA). After the concert, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the refined Cathedral Hall at the University Club of Chicago. This is surely one of the loveliest dining rooms in the city, with a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.

Monday, October 22

Transfers to the airport for departure flights are included.

Riccardo Muti

Thomas Hampson

Emily Magee

Feruccio Furlanetto

Lyric Opera

Ardis Krainik Theater

Symphony Hall

Hotel Monaco lobby

If you wish to register for a tour, you may do so by telephone, online registration or by simply printing a registration form and sending it to us, either by fax or by regular mail.

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Travel Arrangement Partner

We are happy to partner with Fugazi Travel in San Francisco for any flight arrangements you may require. Fugazi has access to some of the best flight itineraries we have seen, with the lowest available fares and the most direct flights.
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Travel Insurance Partner

We offer comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and cancellation policies, with Travel Insurance Services in San Francisco. We partner with them because their product is excellent and their customer service is second to none. It may not be the cheapest product available, but we prefer not to take chances with inferior products and services.
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Top Category seats for Simon Boccanegra and Elektra, plus a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
4 nights deluxe accommodations (suites for couples, deluxe rooms for singles) at the Hotel Monaco Chicago
Full breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Private architecture tours in Chicago and Oak Park
Airport-hotel transfers
On site Tour Direction by an Aria Tours representative
Comprehensive Tour Guidebook/ itinerary

Cost: $3675 USD
Single Supplement: $250 USD
Deposit: $1000 USD
Balance due: July 18, 2012

Tour Flights

Flights should be booked to arrive at either Chicago O’Hare or Midway on October 18, departing on October 22.

Transfers

We provide airport-hotel transfers on published arrival and departure days only. Performance transfers included.

Mobility Requirements

Moderate, level walking on all tours. Transfers are provided for performances and meals beyond a 10 minute walk.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. If you would like information on the policies offered by our supplier, please contact us for details, or click HERE for an insurance brochure and application.