Arrive in London on suggested flights and make your 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.

At 18:00, join your tour leader Andrew Wright and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing at the hotel followed by dinner.

(D)

After a talk by Andrew, attend a matinee performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic The Nutcracker by The Royal Ballet. Peter Wright’s production features gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman and keeps true to the spirit of this festive favourite.

Then, enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea at the iconic Savoy hotel, a London institution since 1889 combining classic British charm with a touch of theatrical flair.

The evening is at leisure.

(BA)

Today, step into royal history with a tour of Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to British royalty for over 300 years. Today, the palace remains the residence for high-ranking royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – Prince William and his wife, Kate. Explore the magnificent State Apartments and discover fascinating exhibitions on royal life and fashion.

The afternoon is at leisure, until this evening’s performance of Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red Shoes at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Based on Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1948 film of the same name and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Red Shoes charts one girl’s dream to be the world’s greatest dancer and is set to the mesmerising music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann.

(B)

This morning, transfer to London St Pancras International train station to board the Eurostar train to Paris (train journey included in tour price).

Arrive in Paris in the afternoon and check in to the hotel.

Enjoy some time at leisure before dining at one of Paris’ charming local restaurants.

(BD)

Begin the day with a morning talk by Andrew followed by some free time.

In the afternoon, enjoy a performance by the Paris Opera Ballet at the magnificent Palais Garnier. The program, Contrastes, opens with two works by American choreographer Trisha Brown – O złożony / O composite, a milestone in the ‘post-modern dance’ era at the Paris Opera, and the evocative If you couldn’t see me, a solo danced back to the audience. In Anima Animus, British choreographer David Dawson blends technical virtuosity with lyrical poetry as it explores the interplay between the masculine and feminine. The program concludes with Drift Wood, a powerful new work by Dutch siblings Imre and Marne van Opstal, marking their Paris Opera debut.

Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

(BD)

This morning, embark on a private, guided walking tour of the French capital’s atmospheric 19th-century covered passages, such as Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne and Passage Verdeau. Beneath the elegant glass-and-iron canopies of these arcades are old-fashioned bookstores and antique shops, as well as avant-garde fashion boutiques and chic brasseries.

Following an afternoon at leisure, transfer to the Opéra Bastille, the primary home of the Paris Opera Ballet, to attend a performance of Notre-Dame de Paris. For his first choreography at the Paris Opera in 1965, Roland Petit masterfully constructed a colourful fresco from Victor Hugo’s lavish novel of the same name. Combining neoclassical language and the spirit of music-hall, Roland Petit surrounded himself with the leading creative artists of his time: Maurice Jarre for the music, René Allio for the sets and Yves Saint Laurent for the costumes, which he wanted to be “as colourful as the stained-glass windows of a cathedral”.

(BL)

In the morning, return to Palais Garnier 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, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and admire 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’.

Tonight, relish in Angelin Preljocaj’s bold reimagining of Swan Lake at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. This groundbreaking adaptation by France’s leading contemporary choreographer features dramatic choreography, striking design and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, combined with modern beats and contemporary arrangements.

(BL)

After breakfast, transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for a flight to Berlin (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in Berlin in the afternoon and check in to the hotel.

This evening, embrace a true German-style Christmas Eve and join Andrew and fellow travellers for a special dinner at a nearby restaurant. After dinner, there is the possibility to attend Christmas mass at the Cathedral.

(BD)

The morning is at leisure to relax or explore Berlin at your own pace.

After a talk by Andrew in the afternoon, enjoy a performance of Tchaikovsky’s great ballet masterpiece, Swan Lake, by the Berlin State Ballet, following renowned choreographer Patrice Bart’s version at Berlin State Opera Unter den Linden. The ‘white acts’ of this ballet classic are an iconic part of European Christmas festivities.

(BD)

This morning, explore over 280 years of performance history on a private backstage tour of the opulent Berlin State Opera (subject to rehearsal schedules).

After a free afternoon, transfer to the Deutsche Oper for a performance of Minus 16 by the Berlin State Ballet. Experience the infectious energy of Ohad Naharin’s uplifting dance piece, blending exuberant movement with Cuban and Israeli music.

Return to the hotel for a special farewell dinner with Andrew and fellow travellers.

(BD)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, make your way to Berlin 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 any additional nights’ accommodation, either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)