THE BEST OF CHICAGO

With Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci (Russell Thomas, Quinn Kelsey, and Gabriella Reyes) and Carmina Burana at Lyric Opera of Chicago, plus two performances at Symphony Hall (Chopin, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart).

Art & Architecture tours. Superb meals. Peninsula Hotel.

Chicago is one of our favourite cities, with it's grand architecture (old and new) and world-class art and historical museums.

Our program there this fall features two performances each at Lyric Opera and Symphony Hall, guided tours focusing on the city's tremendous architecture and five superb meals (in addition to full breakfast each day). Our hotel is The Peninsula, one of the finest we have used in North America.

Only 12 spaces are available. Click here to register.

ITINERARY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Arrival and check-in at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago.

18.45 Gather in the lobby for cocktails and introductions before our Welcome Dinner at RL.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13

10.00 Gather in the lobby and meet our guide, Larry Simon, for a fascinating tour of Chicago's incredible architecture, focussing on the storied buildings and lobbies of The Loop.

13.00 Back to the hotel.

17.00 Depart for early dinner at Acanto, followed by a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall. 19.30 start; 2 hrs. Warbling birds, trickling streams, summer storms, barking dogs, icy landscapes — Vivaldi pioneered the art of painting nature through music with his blazingly original Four Seasons. Concertmaster Robert Chen takes on these seminal concertos and leads Mahler’s orchestral rendering of Beethoven’s Serioso Quartet and Mozart’s exquisitely crafted Divertimento in B-flat Major.

21.30 Transfer back to the hotel.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

10.00 This morning we enjoy a guided tour at the Art Institute of Chicago.

13.00 Lunch is included at The Gage, across the street.

18.15 Depart for our concert at Lyric Opera. For three performances only, Enrique Mazzola leads the celebrated Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus in Carmina Burana, the sweeping cantata based on 24 medieval poems. Lyric’s talented musicians bring this masterpiece to life in all its visceral dimension, from sotto voce choral staccatos to bombastic crashes of brass. As the music envelops you, contemplate the whims of fickle fortune — or simply enjoy an extended spooky season with its lush, melancholy, and oh-so-familiar strains. 19.00 start. 1 hr 10 mins.

20.15 Transfer back to the hotel for a nightcap in Z Bar.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

10.00 This morning we embark on a fascinating tour of Chicago's great theatres.

16.45 Depart by private coach for early dinner at Bar Mar.

19.00 Walk next door to Lyric Opera for a performance of Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci. This duo of passionate one-act operas explores the depths of spurned lovers’ grief and the lengths they’ll go to in avenging betrayal. Deadly love triangles unfold against starkly contrasted backdrops of an idyllic Sicilian countryside and a chaotic urban centre. Music Director Enrique Mazzola leads a world-class cast that includes Lyric favorites Russell Thomas, Quinn Kelsey, and Gabriella Reyes in Elijah Moshinsky’s original production. 19.30 curtain. 2 hours and 55 minutes, including 1 intermission.

22.30 Transfer back to the hotel.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

10.00 Today we embark upon an architecture cruise on the Chicago, seeing the city's iconic buildings along the way.

14.15 Depart once again for Symphony Hall for our final concert.

More than a pianist, Hayato Sumino is a phenomenon. Known on YouTube as “Cateen,” the Japanese musician has earned tens of millions of views for his captivating interpretations of classical masterworks and original compositions. A semi-finalist at the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition, he has reignited interest in the iconic composer. In his highly anticipated Symphony Center debut, Sumino performs works by Chopin, Bach and Ravel, alongside his own evocative pieces, including New Birth and Recollection.

17.30 A very special Farewell Dinner is included afterward at Cindy's, the Chicago Athletic Association's rooftop restaurant, with stunning views of Millenium Park and Lake Michigan .

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Airport transfers are included, and will be advised on site.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Premium seats for 3 concerts and 2 operas as listed

• 5 nights Deluxe accommodation at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago

• Full breakfast daily, plus 5 additional meals 

• Private tours as listed

• Airport-hotel transfers 

• On-site Tour Direction

• Comprehensive Tour Guidebook

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in tour pricing. Return flights should be booked to either ORD or MDW for arrival no later than 16.00 on November 12, with departure any time on November 17.

TRANSFERS

We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within within 3 days of the start/end of our tour. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

MOBILITY

There is minimal walking with some stairs and uneven terrain during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are 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. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.