Images © Kirker Holidays
To coincide with the opening of ‘Opera: Passion, Power & Politics’ at London’s V&A Museum – set to be one of autumn’s must-see exhibitions – specialist tour operator, Kirker Holidays, has now announced a new selection of tailor-made short breaks and escorted tours to some of the world’s most iconic opera destinations.
Whether you’re an opera novice, enthusiast or aficionado, Kirker Holidays has an itinerary to suit all!
For OPERA NOVICES…
Tailor-made short break: VERONA
Renowned for its annual opera festival, held in the magnificent Roman Arena, Verona offers the perfect introduction to world-class musical performances.
Even for complete amateurs, there is very little to compare with an evening at the Arena di Verona in the warm evening air, as dusk falls and the audience falls silent in anticipation of the operatic spectacle that is about to unfold.
This delightful city is also a perfect base from which to enjoy excursions to nearby Venice or Lake Garda.
A three-night break staying at the four-star Palazzo Victoria, close to the Arena, costs from £558 pp*.
Escorted tour: OPERA & ART IN VIENNA
As the capital of a vast and wealthy empire, Vienna was the undisputed centre of musical life from the mid-18th century until the early years of the twentieth, and the works of the impressive list of composers who sought inspiration there are woven into the fabric of life in the city to this day.
Kirker’s escorted tour takes in a world-class performance at the Vienna State Opera (the featured, five-star accommodation – the Grand Hotel Wien – is very close by) as well as visits to the Belvedere Palace, the Mozart House (where he wrote ‘Le nozze di Figaro’), the Kunsthistoriches Museum, and the Hofburg and Schönbrunn palaces.
Departing 24 February, 27 March and 31 May 2018, this four-night holiday costs from £1,996 pp*. A five-night version, departing 18 June 2018 and also visiting the Grafenegg Festival, costs from £2,498 pp*.
For OPERA ENTHUSIASTS…
Tailor-made short break: MILAN
Home to the world’s most revered and important opera house, La Scala, Milan is a must for music lovers. Take the opportunity to indulge in the city’s myriad other cultural attractions during your stay, too.
All Kirker clients visiting Milan receive a timed entrance ticket to the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s most important galleries, whilst the Kirker Concierge can arrange tickets to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper’, housed in a Dominican convent adjoining the church of Santa Matia delle Grazie.
A three-night break staying at the five-star Carlton Baglioni, a pleasant ten-minute walk from La Scala, costs from £998 pp*, including Brera Gallery entrance.
Escorted tour: THE METROPOLITAN OPERA & GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS OF NEW YORK
Under the direction of Peter Gelb, the Metropolitan Opera is reaching a huge global audience thanks to high definition live broadcasts, but there is still nothing quite like the thrill of settling into your own seat at the Met itselt.
As well as three star-studded opera performances, Kirker’s escorted holiday to the Big Apple includes a backstage tour of the theatre plus guided visits to New York’s finest art galleries and museums, from the Frick to MOMA.
Departing 13 November 2017 and 4 March & 7 April 2018, this five-night holiday costs from £2,882 pp*.
For OPERA AFICIONADOS…
Tailor-made short break: BERLIN
Set to re-open in October following extensive renovations, Berlin’s Staatsoper will once again take its place on the wish list of serious opera enthusiasts this autumn.
One of the world’s leading centres of musical excellence, the German capital is also home to the Deutsche Oper and the Komische Oper, leaving opera-loving visitors spoilt for choice, whilst visits to iconic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the striking Reichstag Parliament building make a short holiday here an unforgettable experience.
A three-night break staying at the four-star Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte, on the city’s famous Friedrichstrasse, costs from £638 pp* including a 72-hour card that gives entrance to the unique collection of museums on Museum Island, such as the Pergamon.
Escorted Tour: THE RING CYCLE IN LEIPZIG
A Ring Cycle anywhere is always a treat for Wagner acolytes, but even more so when it is given in the city from where the composer originates.
As well as being the birthplace of Richard Wagner – who spent around 26 years perfecting his masterpiece – the German city of Leipzig boasts a rich musical heritage, with close links to Bach, Robert & Clara Schumann, and Grieg.
Kirker’s escorted tour to see the Ring Cycle in Leipzig includes visits to several places of musical interest, as well as plenty of free time to explore independently, between performances.
Departing 10 April 2018, this six-night holiday costs from £2,558 pp*.
* Prices quoted are per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Short breaks include flights (London – regional departures available on request), return private car transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book opera tickets, expert local guides or a table for dinner. Escorted tours include flights (London), accommodation with breakfast (room-only in New York), other meals, opera tickets and excursions as per the itinerary, and the serives of a Kirker Tour Leader.
For more information, and to book your trip, please Click Here.
