Arrive in Sydney 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 a private transfer to the hotel, accommodation before or after the tour or a room category upgrade.

At 16:30, join your tour leader Christopher Lawrence for a welcome briefing and talk at the hotel about this evening’s performance. Then, enjoy an early dinner before walking to the Sydney Opera House to attend Lehár’s The Merry Widow in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Conducted by Vanessa Scammel, this glamorous production stars the beloved Australian soprano Julie Lea Goodwin as Hanna and Alexander Lewis with his lauded portrayal of Danilo.

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After breakfast, visit the State Library of New South Wales, the oldest library in Australia that celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026. Housing over six million items, appreciate its historical importance and significant collections on a private, guided tour. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Parliament House of New South Wales, overlooking the beautiful Domain.

Tonight, delve into Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto, produced by the late Elijah Moshinsky and led by Italian conductor Sesto Quatrini in his Opera Australia debut. The cast features baritone Dalibor Jenis in the title role, Australian-Chinese tenor Kang Wang as the Duke of Mantua and rising star Gemma Nha as the jester’s daughter.

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Following a pre-performance talk by Christopher, explore the S. H. Ervin Gallery, one of Sydney’s leading public art institutions housed in the historic National Trust Centre on Observatory Hill. Gain insights into artworks from all periods of Australian art history and travelling exhibitions that recognise the valuable contribution made by Australian artists.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before attending a performance by the Australian World Orchestra in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. The program comprises works by Stravinsky, Shostakovich and the world premiere of Songs for a Stranger by Jonathan Mills, showcasing Australian tenor Michael Petruccelli.

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In the morning, attend a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Canadian conductor Nicolas Ellis, and South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. The performance also includes Shostakovich’s Symphony No.1, written when he was only 19 years old.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

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Attend a matinee performance at the Sydney Opera House, titled La Stupenda: A Joan Sutherland Celebration. Hailed as the ‘voice of the century’, this star-studded tribute celebrates Dame Joan Sutherland’s 100^th birthday with highlights from her most iconic roles in the theatre named after her. Led by Italian conductor Speranza Scappucci, the concert features Australian soprano sensation Jessica Pratt, with the full forces of the Opera Australia Orchestra and Chorus.

This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with Christopher and fellow travellers at one of Sydney’s acclaimed restaurants.

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Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. 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, travel insurance (highly recommended), a room category upgrade and private airport transfers.

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