PARIS

Salomé (Davidsen, Siegel, Gubanova, Reuter, Breslik), Don Quichotte (Crebassa, Abdrazakov, Dupuis), Christian Thielemann and the Statskapelle Dresden Weber (Jubel-Ouvertüre op. 59) Wagner (Tannhäuser overture) and Strauss (Thus Spake Zarathustra op. 30), Beethoven's 'Pastoral' Symphony and Symphony No. 2 under the baton of Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Arcadi Volodos piano recital (Brahms, Schubert), more.

Private tours of the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Palais Garnier, the Rodin Museum and Versailles. Dinner cruise on the Seine and lunch atop the Eiffel Tower at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne. Hotel d’Aubusson.

We want you to fall in love with Paris—whether it be for the first time or all over again. So an extended stay from a base on the Left Bank, performances that feature some of the greatest singers and conductors on the planet, and some of the finest art, cuisine and wine in the world should do the trick, no?

Creating a comprehensive survey of the countless collections of artistic masterpieces and public spaces here in a nine-night stay is a challenge. We have developed an essential, yet relaxed and engaging itinerary of expert-guided private tours to complement a superb slate of performances in three venues.

We have eighteen premium seats for all performances, including Richard Strauss’s Salomé (with a star-studded cast) and Massenet’s Don Quichotte at the Opéra Bastille, the Staatskapelle Dresden (Thielemann) at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, and three concerts at the Philharmonie including two Beethoven Symphonies conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner. 

Our accommodation for 9 nights will be at the hidden gem Hôtel d’Aubusson in the storied and vibrant Saint-Germain-Des-Prés. We will include expert-guided private tours to complement the superb slate of performances, and we will include 8 exquisite meals (at least four of the restaurants have at least one Michelin star) in addition to full buffet breakfast each day.  

ITINERARY

MONDAY, MAY 20

Independent departures for overnight flights to Paris.

TUESDAY, MAY 21 

Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the charming Hotel d’Aubusson on the famous Saint-Germain-des-Près.

19.00 This evening we meet for a Welcome Dinner at Le Christine.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

09.45 Following breakfast (included each day), we meet and depart for a survey coach and walking tour of Paris, including the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre.

13.00 Lunch is included at Chez Eugène.

18.30 Depart for the Opéra Bastille for a performance of Richard Strauss's Salomé, with an incredible cast featuring Gerhard Siegel, Ekaterina Gubanova, Lise Davidsen, Johan Reuter and Pavol Breslik. Mark Wigglesworth conducts this Lydia Steier production.

THURSDAY, MAY 23

10.00 Today we visit Sainte-Chapelle, the Gothic royal chapel within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century,

13.30 Lunch is included afterward at the Michelin-starred Relais Louis XIII.

18.30 Tonight we depart to the Philharmonie for a piano recital by Arcadi Volodos, featuring works by Brahms and Schubert.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

10.00 Today we enjoy a guided tour of the Palais Garnier, including a presentation of its history, architecture and what goes on behind the scenes.

13.00 Lunch is included afterward at Café de la Paix.

19.15 Tonight we transfer to Théâtre des Champs-Élysées to hear one of the great conductors, Christian Thielemann, lead the Statskapelle Dresden through a wonderful programme of Weber (Jubel-Ouvertüre op. 59), Wagner (Tannhäuser overture) and Strauss (Thus Spake Zarathustra, op. 30). 

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Enjoy the morning at leisure to shop or explore on your own.

18.30 Tonight we return to the Philharmonie to hear Sir John Eliot Gardiner conduct two sublime works by Beethoven: his 'Pastoral' Symphony (No. 6), and the Mass in C Major featuring Lucy Crowe, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton and William Thomas.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

10.00 This morning we stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg prior to a guided tour of the Rodin Museum, with a chance to wander through the exquisite sculpture garden.

14.30 This afternoon we return to the Philharmonie for another unforgettable Beethoven programme: his Symphony No. 2 followed by the "Ode to Joy." Once again, Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique and Monteverdi Choir, with the same quartet of superb featured vocalists: Lucy Crowe, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton and William Thomas.

19.00 This evening we dine at Allard.

MONDAY, MAY 27

10.00 Today we walk to the Louvre for a guided tour of selected masterpieces.

19.00 Ton we enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine aboard the Don Juan II.

TUESDAY, MAY 28

10.00 Today we offer an excursion to Versailles, where we enjoy a private, guided tour of the most spectacular palace of them all.

19.00 This evening we dine at the oldest restaurant in Paris, Le Procope.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Paris.

12.00 We meet for an unforgettable Farewell Lunch atop the Eiffel Tower at Le Jules Verne.

18.30 Tonight we return to the Opéra Bastille for our final performance: Massenet’s Don Quichotte under the baton of Mikhail Tatarnikov. 19.30 curtain. Cast includes Marianne Crebassa, Ildar Abdrazakov, Étienne Dupuis, Emy Gazeilles, Marine Chagnon, Maciej Kwaśnikowski and Nicholas Jones.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Departure transfers to your airport or rail station are included.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Top Category seats for 2 operas and 4 concerts

• 9 nights in Deluxe rooms at the Hôtel d’Aubusson

• Full breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners 

• 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 Paris for arrival on March 21, departure on March 30.

TRANSFERS

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

MOBILITY

There is minimal walking with some stairs 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.