JUN 2021 - Classical Austria & Italy

Depart for Austria. 

After arrival in Vienna, transfer to the historic Hotel Bristol, an art deco gem opened in 1892 and a living example of Viennese charm and personalized service. Join your host Kai Gleusteen for a welcome drink and introduction to your Classical Austria & Italy Concert Series, followed with dinner. (D)

Kai Gleusteen & Catherine Ordronneau

Start your exploration of the Austrian capital with an orientation tour. See the highlights of the Ringstrasse and UNO City, one of the four official headquarters of the United Nations. Visit the Haus der Musik, an interactive museum dedicated to the world of sound. Lunch at one of Vienna’s traditional cafes.
Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided walking tour through the Inner City, past St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other landmarks, or take the tramway back to the hotel to rest. Tonight, proceed to the Musikverein for the first of your concerts. (B,L) 

— CONCERT —
Concert at the Musikverein
(programme to be confirmed)

Musikverein © Wolf Dieter Grabner

Morning mass with the Vienna Boys Choir at the Hofmusikkapelle. 

— CONCERT —
Mozart mass at Hofmusikkapelle with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir

Drive to Eisenstadt for lunch. Visit the grand Esterházy Palace and the Bergkirche which contains the Haydn Mausoleum, before returning to Vienna. Enjoy dinner at the celebrated Hotel Sacher, including a slice of their famous Sachertorte. Evening at the opera. (B,L,D)

— PERFORMANCE —
Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier conducted by Philippe Jordan at the Vienna State Opera

Haydnsaal in Esterházy Palace, Eisenstadt

This morning explore Vienna Zentral Friedhof, the second-largest cemetery in the world and resting place of famous musicians such as Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Strauss.
Afternoon at leisure to further explore Vienna on your own. You may wish to visit the Art History Museum, the Belvedere or the Albertina, or one of the renowned museums in the Museum Quarter. Dinner and concert at Hotel Bristol. (B,D) 

— CONCERT —
Private concert with Kai Gleusteen (violin) and Catherine Ordronneau (piano) at Hotel Bristol

Belvedere © Christian Stemper, WienTourismus

Full day drive through Austria to neighbouring Italy. In the foothills of the Alps, stop in Sacile, known as the “Garden of the Serenissima” for the many palaces that were constructed along the river Livenza for the nobility of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. Tour the unique Fazioli piano factory, where your tour hosts will give a special concert. Evening arrival in Venice. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

— CONCERT —
Private concert with Kai Gleusteen (violin) and Catherine Ordronneau (piano) at the Fazioli piano factory

Venice - Courtesy of Veneto Inside

Enjoy a tour of the historic centre of Venice, including the splendid Doge’s Palace and Basilica San Marco, which both display spoils of the Crusades from an era when Venice was one of the great Maritime Republics. Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals.
Afternoon at leisure to visit a museum or get lost along the beautiful canal paths, before an evening at the opera. (B) 

— PERFORMANCE —
Opera at La Fenice (programme to be confirmed)

Teatro La Fenice © Ettore Bellini

Depart for ancient Bologna, home to the oldest university in the world (1088) and one of the most populous cities in the Middle Ages. In 2006 Bologna was designated a “UNESCO City of Music” for its contributions to classical music, opera and dance. Visit the International Museum of Music. Enjoy a short walk past some of the towers of its well-preserved historic centre.
Afternoon concert at the San Colombano Museum, an ancient monastic complex, now home to the Tagliavini collection of ancient musical instruments. Proceed to Verona. (B,D) 

— CONCERT —
Early music by female vocal group Cappella Artemisia at the San Colombano Museum, Bologna 

Cappella Artemisia - Courtesy of Cappella Artemisia

Explore the lovely city forever linked with Romeo and Juliet with a tour of Verona's medieval old town. See the Roman Arena di Verona, where legendary soprano Maria Callas held her European debut. 
This afternoon, drive to Casalmaggiore for a special dinner and concert, before returning to fair Verona. (B,D)

— CONCERT —
Local ensemble, Casalmaggiore Festival

Verona © Michaela Loheit

Drive to the nearby Lago di Garda, known for its crystal clear water, for a stroll through the walled village of Lazise. Enjoy a cappuccino or gelato before taking the boat to Sirmione, which sits at the end of a peninsula reaching into the lake. Once the beloved refuge of Maria Callas, the pretty town boasts a spectacular setting, the Scaliger Castle, chic boutiques as well as natural hot springs. Through town, the road past her villa, now private apartments, ends at the Grotte de Catullo, the ruins of a Roman villa which command wonderful views of the lake and mountains. Enjoy some time in this charming place which embodies la "dolce vita". Return to Verona with a little time to rest before dinner and the opera. (B,D)

— PERFORMANCE —
Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida directed by Franco Zeffirelli under the baton of Diego Matheuz at the Arena di Verona 

Aida, Arena di Verona © Christian Abend

Travel to Cremona, a beautiful city renowned for its long and illustrious musical traditions. Enjoy a tour of the Stradivarius Museum followed by a concert. End the day in Milan. (B,D) 

— CONCERT —
Private concert with Kai Gleusteen (violin) and Catherine Ordronneau (piano) at the Stradivarius Museum, Cremona

Museo del Violino, Cremona © Darren and Brad

Morning walking tour of Milan. Visit the splendid Gothic Duomo and enjoy a guided tour of La Scala, one of the oldest and most famous opera houses in the world. Proceed to the former convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the most significant works in the history of art.
This afternoon, visit Casa Verdi, a home for retired opera singers and musicians founded by the Italian composer in 1896. The residence is steeped in the life stories not only of Giuseppe Verdi and his wife, with their personal effects, furnishings, art collections, and even their tombs, but also those of all the notable guests who have been in residence here over a century. Evening at the opera. (B,D) 

— PERFORMANCE —
Teatro alla Scala 
(programme to be confirmed)

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Today visit Turin, including the Royal Palace and Duomo San Giovanni, which houses the Shroud of Turin. Then learn how to mix and blend the perfect vermouth at Casa Martini.
Mid-afternoon return to Milan. Tonight, join fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. (B,D) 

Royal Palace, Turin

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight(s) home. (B)