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Christmas Ballet Spectacular

Ballet lovers are in for a treat with a flurry of beautiful ballet (and maybe snow too!) performed by the world’s leading companies during Europe’s most enchanting season.

Spending Christmas in Berlin, delight in the Berlin State Ballet’s Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Then continue to London for the Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker before heading to Paris for New Year and for more masterpieces of the classical and contemporary repertoire presented by the Paris Opera Ballet.

In between the glorious nights at the theatre, amble through Germany’s colourful Christmas markets, and see how Paris lives up to its reputation as the ‘city of lights’. Delight in a hand-crafted program of sightseeing and wonder at the history, architecture and culture during Europe’s most atmospheric season.

At a Glance

  • Enjoy performances by some of Europe’s most renowned ballet companies including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty
  • Enrich your appreciation with pre-performance talks by your tour leader, ballet expert Donna Cusack
  • Be enchanted by Germany’s famed Christmas markets and experience the joy of the European festive season
  • Delight in a comprehensive sightseeing program including a private guided backstage tour of the Berlin Staatsoper and Paris’s magnificent Palais Garnier

Tour Leader

Donna Cusack

Destination

Berlin, London and Paris

Dates

23 December – 01 January 2023 (10 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Enjoy performances by some of Europe’s most renowned ballet companies including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty
  • Enrich your appreciation with pre-performance talks by your tour leader, ballet expert Donna Cusack
  • Be enchanted by Germany’s famed Christmas markets and experience the joy of the European festive season
  • Delight in a comprehensive sightseeing program including a private guided backstage tour of the Berlin Staatsoper and Paris’s magnificent Palais Garnier
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Friday 23 December 2022 / Arrive Berlin

Arrive in Berlin on suggested flights and make your own way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

In the evening, join tour leader Donna and fellow travellers for a welcome talk followed by dinner.

(D)

Sat 24 Dec (Christmas Eve) / Berlin

After a morning talk by Donna followed by a brief orientation walking tour, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Berlin’s colourful Christmas markets adorned with festive lights and the air filled with the scent of cinnamon apple, and browse the colourful shop window Christmas displays.

This evening, enjoy a special Christmas dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Sun 25 Dec (Christmas Day) / Berlin

Begin the morning with a private tour of the Berlinische Galerie – Berlin Museum for Art, Photography and Architecture. Located in the creative district of Kreuzberg, the museum tells the story of modern art from 1870 onwards.

After lunch, return to the hotel for some time at leisure.

In the evening, walk to the Staatsoper for a performance by the Staatsballett Berlin of Tchaikovsky’s great ballet masterpiece, Swan Lake, following renowned ballet choreographer Patrice Bart’s version. The “white acts” of this ballet classic are an iconic part of European Christmas festivities.

(BL)

Mon 26 Dec / Berlin

This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the interior of the opulent Berlin Staatsoper, one of the most attractive buildings on Berlin’s historic Unter den Linden boulevard, and explore 275 years of performance history. After lunch, return to the hotel for some free time.

This evening, transfer to the Deutsche Oper Berlin for a second performance by the Staatsballett Berlin of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ‘ballet-féerie’, The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Marcia Haydée.

(BL)

Tue 27 Dec / Berlin – London

In the morning, transfer to Berlin Airport for a flight to London (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in London in the early afternoon and check in to the hotel.

This evening, attend Matthew Bourne’s enchanting re-interpretation of Sleeping Beauty, a wicked gothic delight with sumptuous sets and costumes, celebrating 10 years since its premiere at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

(B)

Wed 28 Dec / London

Following a pre-performance talk, enjoy a private visit to one of London’s key cultural attractions before lunch at a local restaurant.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore London at your own pace.

Tonight, marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s fairy tale The Nutcracker, following Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, keeping true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic.

(BL)

Thu 29 Dec / London – Paris

This morning, check out the hotel and travel by Eurostar train from London St Pancras station to Paris Gare du Nord (train included in tour price).

Arrive in Paris in the afternoon and check in to the hotel, located on the Haussmanian Avenue de l’Opéra. This evening, enjoy dinner in one of Paris’s charming restaurants.

(BLD)

Fri 30 Dec / Paris

Begin the morning with a pre-performance talk by Donna. Then, walk to the nearby Palais Garnier theatre for a private backstage tour of the magnificent theatre commissioned by Napoleon III and built by the architect Charles Garnier. Explore the 19th-century architectural masterpiece, including the lavish gold-leaf Grand Foyer, dominating Grand Staircase and impressive Auditorium.

After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to stroll the glowing streets of the ‘city of lights’.

This evening, transfer to the Opéra Bastille, the primary home of the Paris Opera Ballet, to attend a performance of Kontakthof, the third piece of German ballet choreographer Pina Bausch to enter the repertoire of the company.

(BL)

Sat 31 Dec (New Year’s Eve) / Paris

In the morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the Palais Galliera – Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, housing more than 100,000 pieces of clothing and accessories that reflect the fashion trends and habits of France from the 18th century to modern day.

Continue to a local restaurant for lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Paris at your own pace.

Tonight, walk to the Palais Garnier for a performance of Swan Lake, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, following the choreography of acclaimed Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a special celebratory drinks reception with Donna and fellow travellers to see in the new year and to bid farewell to one another.

(BLR)

Sun 01 Jan (New Year’s Day) / Depart Paris

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home, make your way to Paris Airport for suggested flights to Australia or New Zealand. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, private airport transfers and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 13,750

Single supplement

AUD 2,700

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 3,500

Final payment due

24 October 2022

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

AB2201

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airlines

Qantas / Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Germany, the United Kingdom and France.

Tour price includes

  • Category 1 tickets (or best available) for all included performances
  • Accommodation in four-star superior and five-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R= Reception), including wine with meals
  • Economy class flight from Berlin to London (baggage allowance 23kg)
  • Standard Premium Eurostar train ticket from London to Paris
  • Pre-performance talks with your tour leader, ballet expert Donna Cusack
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotels
Berlin – The Westin Grand*****
London – The Bloomsbury*****
Paris – Edouard 7****+

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Swan Lake - Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris © Julien Benhamou OnP

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty © Johan Persson

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty © Johan Persson

Swan Lake © Staatsballett Berlin

Colourful German Christmas markets

Christmas and New Year festivities in London

The lavish gold interior of the Palais Garnier, Paris

Boulevard Haussmann, Paris by night

Christmas Ballet Spectacular

Ballet lovers are in for a treat with a flurry of beautiful ballet (and maybe snow too!) performed by the world’s leading companies during Europe’s most enchanting season.

Spending Christmas in Berlin, delight in the Berlin State Ballet’s Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Then continue to London for the Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker before heading to Paris for New Year and for more masterpieces of the classical and contemporary repertoire presented by the Paris Opera Ballet.

In between the glorious nights at the theatre, amble through Germany’s colourful Christmas markets, and see how Paris lives up to its reputation as the ‘city of lights’. Delight in a hand-crafted program of sightseeing and wonder at the history, architecture and culture during Europe’s most atmospheric season.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Friday 23 December 2022 / Arrive Berlin

Arrive in Berlin on suggested flights and make your own way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

In the evening, join tour leader Donna and fellow travellers for a welcome talk followed by dinner.

(D)

Sat 24 Dec (Christmas Eve) / Berlin

After a morning talk by Donna followed by a brief orientation walking tour, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Berlin’s colourful Christmas markets adorned with festive lights and the air filled with the scent of cinnamon apple, and browse the colourful shop window Christmas displays.

This evening, enjoy a special Christmas dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Sun 25 Dec (Christmas Day) / Berlin

Begin the morning with a private tour of the Berlinische Galerie – Berlin Museum for Art, Photography and Architecture. Located in the creative district of Kreuzberg, the museum tells the story of modern art from 1870 onwards.

After lunch, return to the hotel for some time at leisure.

In the evening, walk to the Staatsoper for a performance by the Staatsballett Berlin of Tchaikovsky’s great ballet masterpiece, Swan Lake, following renowned ballet choreographer Patrice Bart’s version. The “white acts” of this ballet classic are an iconic part of European Christmas festivities.

(BL)

Mon 26 Dec / Berlin

This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the interior of the opulent Berlin Staatsoper, one of the most attractive buildings on Berlin’s historic Unter den Linden boulevard, and explore 275 years of performance history. After lunch, return to the hotel for some free time.

This evening, transfer to the Deutsche Oper Berlin for a second performance by the Staatsballett Berlin of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ‘ballet-féerie’, The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Marcia Haydée.

(BL)

Tue 27 Dec / Berlin – London

In the morning, transfer to Berlin Airport for a flight to London (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in London in the early afternoon and check in to the hotel.

This evening, attend Matthew Bourne’s enchanting re-interpretation of Sleeping Beauty, a wicked gothic delight with sumptuous sets and costumes, celebrating 10 years since its premiere at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

(B)

Wed 28 Dec / London

Following a pre-performance talk, enjoy a private visit to one of London’s key cultural attractions before lunch at a local restaurant.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore London at your own pace.

Tonight, marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s fairy tale The Nutcracker, following Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, keeping true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic.

(BL)

Thu 29 Dec / London – Paris

This morning, check out the hotel and travel by Eurostar train from London St Pancras station to Paris Gare du Nord (train included in tour price).

Arrive in Paris in the afternoon and check in to the hotel, located on the Haussmanian Avenue de l’Opéra. This evening, enjoy dinner in one of Paris’s charming restaurants.

(BLD)

Fri 30 Dec / Paris

Begin the morning with a pre-performance talk by Donna. Then, walk to the nearby Palais Garnier theatre for a private backstage tour of the magnificent theatre commissioned by Napoleon III and built by the architect Charles Garnier. Explore the 19th-century architectural masterpiece, including the lavish gold-leaf Grand Foyer, dominating Grand Staircase and impressive Auditorium.

After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to stroll the glowing streets of the ‘city of lights’.

This evening, transfer to the Opéra Bastille, the primary home of the Paris Opera Ballet, to attend a performance of Kontakthof, the third piece of German ballet choreographer Pina Bausch to enter the repertoire of the company.

(BL)

Sat 31 Dec (New Year’s Eve) / Paris

In the morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the Palais Galliera – Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, housing more than 100,000 pieces of clothing and accessories that reflect the fashion trends and habits of France from the 18th century to modern day.

Continue to a local restaurant for lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Paris at your own pace.

Tonight, walk to the Palais Garnier for a performance of Swan Lake, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, following the choreography of acclaimed Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a special celebratory drinks reception with Donna and fellow travellers to see in the new year and to bid farewell to one another.

(BLR)

Sun 01 Jan (New Year’s Day) / Depart Paris

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home, make your way to Paris Airport for suggested flights to Australia or New Zealand. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, private airport transfers and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 13,750

Single supplement

AUD 2,700

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 3,500

Final payment due

24 October 2022

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

AB2201

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airlines

Qantas / Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Germany, the United Kingdom and France.

Tour price includes

  • Category 1 tickets (or best available) for all included performances
  • Accommodation in four-star superior and five-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R= Reception), including wine with meals
  • Economy class flight from Berlin to London (baggage allowance 23kg)
  • Standard Premium Eurostar train ticket from London to Paris
  • Pre-performance talks with your tour leader, ballet expert Donna Cusack
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotels
Berlin – The Westin Grand*****
London – The Bloomsbury*****
Paris – Edouard 7****+

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Christmas Ballet Spectacular

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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