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The Berlin Ring

Spend Easter in Berlin and witness the iconic Daniel Barenboim conduct his third Ring cycle at the prestigious Berlin State Opera.

Renaissance Tours has secured a very limited number of Category 1 seats to this new, already sold-out production, which is directed by award-winning director Dmitri Tcherniakov. The renowned Staatskapelle Berlin under Barenboim’s baton will complete this unmissable Wagner experience with its lush and majestic sound.

This new production features an all-star cast with Michael Volle as Wotan, Johannes Martin Kränzle as Alberich, Robert Watson as Siegmund, Vida Miknevičiūtė as Sieglinde, Anja Kampe as Brünnhilde and heldentenor Andreas Schager in the role of Siegfried.

In addition to the Ring operas, enjoy a performance of Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis by the Berlin State Opera Choir and the Staatskapelle Berlin at the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall, and attend the Deutsche Oper Berlin for a performance of Richard Strauss’s opera Arabella.

**WAITLIST** Please click ‘Enquire’ if you would like to be notified if a place becomes available on tour.

At a Glance

  • Enjoy Category 1 seats at the Berlin State Opera for Dmitri Tcherniakov’s new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, conducted by Daniel Barenboim
  • Attend a performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis performed by the Staatskapelle Berlin, as well as a performance of the Deutsche Oper’s production of Arabella
  • Enrich your appreciation of the performances with engaging pre-performance talks by your tour leader, opera expert Scott Curry
  • Enjoy a curated program of sightseeing in Berlin and Potsdam
  • Stay in superlative comfort at the five-star deluxe The Regent Berlin, located within easy walking distance of the Berlin State Opera and other major attractions

Tour Leader

Scott Curry

Destination

Berlin

Dates

03 – 11 April 2023 (9 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Waitlist

Enquire

At a Glance

  • Enjoy Category 1 seats at the Berlin State Opera for Dmitri Tcherniakov’s new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, conducted by Daniel Barenboim
  • Attend a performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis performed by the Staatskapelle Berlin, as well as a performance of the Deutsche Oper’s production of Arabella
  • Enrich your appreciation of the performances with engaging pre-performance talks by your tour leader, opera expert Scott Curry
  • Enjoy a curated program of sightseeing in Berlin and Potsdam
  • Stay in superlative comfort at the five-star deluxe The Regent Berlin, located within easy walking distance of the Berlin State Opera and other major attractions
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Sunday 02 April 2023 / Depart Australia/New Zealand

Depart Australia or New Zealand on suggested flights. Renaissance Tours can assist you with your travel arrangements, including flights, a private airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

Mon 03 Apr /Arrive Berlin

Arrive in Berlin and check in to your hotel. In the late afternoon, join Scott and your fellow tour members for a welcome briefing, followed by dinner.

(D)

Tue 04 Apr / Berlin

After breakfast, join Scott for a pre-performance talk about tonight’s performance. Then, enjoy a guided architectural-focused tour of Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with five world-famous museum buildings from the time of the Prussian rulers.

In the early evening, walk to the Berlin State Opera to attend Das Rheingold, the prelude to Der Ring des Nibelungen. Watch Alberich, sung by Johannes Martin Kränzle, steal the gold from the Rhinemaidens, and hear Michael Volle in the role of Wotan, the father of the gods. Belcanto tenor Rolando Villazon is cast as Loge, after his successful performances of Mozart’s German operas. After the performance, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

(BD)

Wed 05 Apr / Berlin

Join Scott for a pre-performance talk after breakfast and spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon at leisure to relax or explore Berlin at your own pace. At 4pm attend a performance of Die Walküre. American tenor Robert Watson and Lithuanian soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė appear as Siegmund and Sieglinde and acclaimed Wagner soprano Anja Kampe makes her first appearance on stage as Brünnhilde. After the performance, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

(BD)

Thu 06 Apr / Berlin

This morning, join Scott for an excursion to West Berlin. See the district’s renowned monuments and boulevards, and visit the famous food hall at the KaDeWe department store. Lunch and the remainder of the afternoon are at leisure. In the evening, attend a performance of Richard Strauss’s opera Arabella at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, conducted by Sir Donald Runnicles.

(B)

Fri 07 Apr (Good Friday) / Berlin

After a pre-performance talk about this evening’s performance, enjoy a backstage tour at the Berlin State Opera. This building re-opened in 2018 after a mammoth 12-year renovation.

In the evening, transfer by coach to the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall for a performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis by the Staatskapelle Berlin and the Berlin State Opera Choir, conducted by Daniel Barenboim. A stellar cast of soloists join the orchestra and choir, including Elena Stikhina, Saimir Pirgu and René Pape.

After the performance, enjoy dinner in a nearby restaurant before returning to the hotel.

(BD)

Sat 08 Apr / Berlin

After a morning at leisure, join Scott for a pre-performance talk, before heading to the Berlin State Opera once again to attend a performance commencing at 4pm of Siegfried. Heldentenor Andreas Schager will undoubtedly impress as Siegfried when he slays the dragon, steals the ring from giant Fafner and awakens Brünnhilde, again sung by Anja Kampe.

(B)

Sun 09 Apr (Easter) / Berlin

Depart on a full-day tour to Potsdam, located about 40 kilometres from Berlin. Potsdam is best known for the magnificent palaces and parks dating back to its time as the former royal seat of Prussia, and offers a fascinating panorama of German culture and history.

Begin with a drive through Sanssouci Park followed by a visit to the New Palace. It was built in 1763 after the end of the Seven Years’ War, and is considered to be the last great Prussian baroque palace. It has been renovated recently and the building’s highlights are once again visible in their full glory, including the shimmering Grottensaal (Grotto Hall) and the magnificent Marmorsaal (Marble Hall). After lunch, drive through the Russian Colony, see the Dutch Quarter and finish with a visit to St Nicholas’ Church.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure. There is an opportunity to attend an optional performance at the Komische Oper Berlin of Kurt Weill’s songs, performed by Katherine Mehrling and staged by Barrie Kosky (not included in tour price; tickets available on request, pending availability. An additional cost applies).

(BL)

Mon 10 Apr / Berlin

This morning, attend a final pre-performance talk, before joining Scott and your fellow travellers for a special farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, return to the Berlin State Opera to attend a performance of Götterdämmerüng. Watch the protagonists perform on stage once more, before the monumental Ring Cycle comes to an end. After the performance, enjoy a drinks reception with your fellow tour members at the hotel.

(BL)

Tue 11 Apr / Depart Berlin

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your travel arrangements, including extra nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, an airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

IMPORTANT: Travel insurance
It is a condition of travel with Renaissance Tours that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase this insurance as soon as you have made your first non-refundable deposit. We are happy to assist you with this – please enquire when you confirm your registration and booking.

Per person, twin-share

AUD 12,950

Single supplement

AUD 1,950

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 4,750

Second payment per person (03 November 2022)

AUD 3,500

Payment schedule

Deposit per person  AUD 4,750
At time of booking

Second payment per person  AUD 3,500
03 November 2022

Balance
03 January 2023

Room category upgrade available on request. Please enquire with us.

Tour code

OA2304

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggest airline

Qatar Airways / Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance.

Visa

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Germany.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in a deluxe 5-star centrally-located hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner); wines with meals
  • Category 1 tickets to six performances included in the itinerary
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout in comfortable air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides and drivers
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • International flights
  • Transfers on arrival and departure
  • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis, room service, etc.
  • Travel insurance: a condition of travel (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

IMPORTANT: Travel insurance

It is a condition of travel with Renaissance Tours that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase this insurance as soon as you have made your first non-refundable deposit. We are happy to assist you with this – please enquire when you confirm your registration and booking.

 

Your Hotel

The Regent Berlin *****
The Regent Berlin offers an unrivalled stay in the heart of Berlin, just steps away from some of the major museums, well-known sights and great restaurants around Gendarmenmarket Square. It is within easy walking distance of the Berlin State Opera at Unter den Linden and Museum Island. The hotel’s 156 guest rooms and 39 suites offer the ultimate in comfort, classic sophistication and attention to detail. With the average room size of around 40m², the marble-clad bathrooms include separate walk-in showers, deep bath tubs, thick, fluffy towels and bathrobes and a selection of fine toiletries.

N.B. A hotel of a similar standard may be substituted

The Regent Berlin, Lobby © Regent Hotels

Classic Room King © Regent Hotels

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Berlin State Opera © Staatsoper Unter den Linden / Marcus Ebener

Daniel Barenboim, Berlin State Opera © Christian Mung

Michael Volle (© Gisela Schenker) and Robert Watson (© Simon Pauly)

Anja Kampe and Andreas Schager

Staatskapelle Berlin © Peter Adamik

Berliner Philharmonie © Heribert. Schindler

Sanssouci Park, Potsdam

River Spree and Museum Island, Berlin

The Berlin Ring

Spend Easter in Berlin and witness the iconic Daniel Barenboim conduct his third Ring cycle at the prestigious Berlin State Opera.

Renaissance Tours has secured a very limited number of Category 1 seats to this new, already sold-out production, which is directed by award-winning director Dmitri Tcherniakov. The renowned Staatskapelle Berlin under Barenboim’s baton will complete this unmissable Wagner experience with its lush and majestic sound.

This new production features an all-star cast with Michael Volle as Wotan, Johannes Martin Kränzle as Alberich, Robert Watson as Siegmund, Vida Miknevičiūtė as Sieglinde, Anja Kampe as Brünnhilde and heldentenor Andreas Schager in the role of Siegfried.

In addition to the Ring operas, enjoy a performance of Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis by the Berlin State Opera Choir and the Staatskapelle Berlin at the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall, and attend the Deutsche Oper Berlin for a performance of Richard Strauss’s opera Arabella.

**WAITLIST** Please click ‘Enquire’ if you would like to be notified if a place becomes available on tour.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Sunday 02 April 2023 / Depart Australia/New Zealand

Depart Australia or New Zealand on suggested flights. Renaissance Tours can assist you with your travel arrangements, including flights, a private airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

Mon 03 Apr /Arrive Berlin

Arrive in Berlin and check in to your hotel. In the late afternoon, join Scott and your fellow tour members for a welcome briefing, followed by dinner.

(D)

Tue 04 Apr / Berlin

After breakfast, join Scott for a pre-performance talk about tonight’s performance. Then, enjoy a guided architectural-focused tour of Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with five world-famous museum buildings from the time of the Prussian rulers.

In the early evening, walk to the Berlin State Opera to attend Das Rheingold, the prelude to Der Ring des Nibelungen. Watch Alberich, sung by Johannes Martin Kränzle, steal the gold from the Rhinemaidens, and hear Michael Volle in the role of Wotan, the father of the gods. Belcanto tenor Rolando Villazon is cast as Loge, after his successful performances of Mozart’s German operas. After the performance, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

(BD)

Wed 05 Apr / Berlin

Join Scott for a pre-performance talk after breakfast and spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon at leisure to relax or explore Berlin at your own pace. At 4pm attend a performance of Die Walküre. American tenor Robert Watson and Lithuanian soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė appear as Siegmund and Sieglinde and acclaimed Wagner soprano Anja Kampe makes her first appearance on stage as Brünnhilde. After the performance, enjoy a light dinner at the hotel.

(BD)

Thu 06 Apr / Berlin

This morning, join Scott for an excursion to West Berlin. See the district’s renowned monuments and boulevards, and visit the famous food hall at the KaDeWe department store. Lunch and the remainder of the afternoon are at leisure. In the evening, attend a performance of Richard Strauss’s opera Arabella at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, conducted by Sir Donald Runnicles.

(B)

Fri 07 Apr (Good Friday) / Berlin

After a pre-performance talk about this evening’s performance, enjoy a backstage tour at the Berlin State Opera. This building re-opened in 2018 after a mammoth 12-year renovation.

In the evening, transfer by coach to the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall for a performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis by the Staatskapelle Berlin and the Berlin State Opera Choir, conducted by Daniel Barenboim. A stellar cast of soloists join the orchestra and choir, including Elena Stikhina, Saimir Pirgu and René Pape.

After the performance, enjoy dinner in a nearby restaurant before returning to the hotel.

(BD)

Sat 08 Apr / Berlin

After a morning at leisure, join Scott for a pre-performance talk, before heading to the Berlin State Opera once again to attend a performance commencing at 4pm of Siegfried. Heldentenor Andreas Schager will undoubtedly impress as Siegfried when he slays the dragon, steals the ring from giant Fafner and awakens Brünnhilde, again sung by Anja Kampe.

(B)

Sun 09 Apr (Easter) / Berlin

Depart on a full-day tour to Potsdam, located about 40 kilometres from Berlin. Potsdam is best known for the magnificent palaces and parks dating back to its time as the former royal seat of Prussia, and offers a fascinating panorama of German culture and history.

Begin with a drive through Sanssouci Park followed by a visit to the New Palace. It was built in 1763 after the end of the Seven Years’ War, and is considered to be the last great Prussian baroque palace. It has been renovated recently and the building’s highlights are once again visible in their full glory, including the shimmering Grottensaal (Grotto Hall) and the magnificent Marmorsaal (Marble Hall). After lunch, drive through the Russian Colony, see the Dutch Quarter and finish with a visit to St Nicholas’ Church.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure. There is an opportunity to attend an optional performance at the Komische Oper Berlin of Kurt Weill’s songs, performed by Katherine Mehrling and staged by Barrie Kosky (not included in tour price; tickets available on request, pending availability. An additional cost applies).

(BL)

Mon 10 Apr / Berlin

This morning, attend a final pre-performance talk, before joining Scott and your fellow travellers for a special farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, return to the Berlin State Opera to attend a performance of Götterdämmerüng. Watch the protagonists perform on stage once more, before the monumental Ring Cycle comes to an end. After the performance, enjoy a drinks reception with your fellow tour members at the hotel.

(BL)

Tue 11 Apr / Depart Berlin

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your travel arrangements, including extra nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, an airport transfer and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

IMPORTANT: Travel insurance
It is a condition of travel with Renaissance Tours that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase this insurance as soon as you have made your first non-refundable deposit. We are happy to assist you with this – please enquire when you confirm your registration and booking.

Per person, twin-share

AUD 12,950

Single supplement

AUD 1,950

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 4,750

Second payment per person (03 November 2022)

AUD 3,500

Payment schedule

Deposit per person  AUD 4,750
At time of booking

Second payment per person  AUD 3,500
03 November 2022

Balance
03 January 2023

Room category upgrade available on request. Please enquire with us.

Tour code

OA2304

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggest airline

Qatar Airways / Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance.

Visa

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Germany.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in a deluxe 5-star centrally-located hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner); wines with meals
  • Category 1 tickets to six performances included in the itinerary
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout in comfortable air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides and drivers
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • International flights
  • Transfers on arrival and departure
  • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis, room service, etc.
  • Travel insurance: a condition of travel (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

IMPORTANT: Travel insurance

It is a condition of travel with Renaissance Tours that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase this insurance as soon as you have made your first non-refundable deposit. We are happy to assist you with this – please enquire when you confirm your registration and booking.

 

Your Hotel

The Regent Berlin *****
The Regent Berlin offers an unrivalled stay in the heart of Berlin, just steps away from some of the major museums, well-known sights and great restaurants around Gendarmenmarket Square. It is within easy walking distance of the Berlin State Opera at Unter den Linden and Museum Island. The hotel’s 156 guest rooms and 39 suites offer the ultimate in comfort, classic sophistication and attention to detail. With the average room size of around 40m², the marble-clad bathrooms include separate walk-in showers, deep bath tubs, thick, fluffy towels and bathrobes and a selection of fine toiletries.

N.B. A hotel of a similar standard may be substituted

The Regent Berlin, Lobby © Regent Hotels

Classic Room King © Regent Hotels

Enquire
Download Brochure

The Berlin Ring

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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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