Arrive in Berlin 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), a private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

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

(D)

Begin the day with a talk by Scott on this evening’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 evening, walk to the Berlin State Opera for a performance of 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.

After the performance, enjoy a light supper at the hotel’s restaurant.

(BD)

After a talk by Scott, the remainder of the morning is at leisure.

In the afternoon, return to the Berlin State Opera for a performance of Die Walküre. American tenor Eric Cutler and Lithuanian soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė appear as Siegmund and Sieglinde. Acclaimed Wagner soprano Anja Kampe takes to the stage as Brünnhilde.

(B)

Depart on a full-day excursion to Potsdam, best known for the magnificent palaces and parks dating back to its time as the former royal seat of Prussia. Drive through the Russian Colony, see the Dutch Quarter and visit St Nicholas’ Church.

Ater lunch, visit Sanssouci Park’s magnificent New Palace, built by Frederick the Great in 1763 and considered to be the last great Prussian Baroque palace. Marvel at the spectacular Grotto Hall with its 24,000 glittering seashells and minerals, and the exquisite Marble Gallery. Return to Berlin in the late-afternoon.

(BL)

This morning, explore Alexanderplatz, which was restored by the German Democratic Republic after World War II. Enjoy a guided stroll through the district surrounding the square, which became the hub of East Berlin, and learn what life was like for citizens of the GDR. Visit the imposing Fernsehturm (Television Tower), one of the tallest monuments in Berlin.

After lunch, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or further explore Berlin at your pace.

(BL)

Following a morning talk by Scott, enjoy some free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, attend a performance of Siegfried. Austrian heldentenor Andreas Schager is performing the role of Siegfried and Brünnhilde is again sung by Anja Kampe.

(B)

This morning, embark on an optional excursion to West Berlin with Scott. 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 (to be announced) at one of Berlin’s renowned venues.

(B)

Following a morning at leisure, enjoy a special farewell lunch with Scott and fellow travellers.

Then, return to the Berlin State Opera for the grand finale of the monumental Ring Cycle with a performance of Götterdämmerüng. The stellar cast features German soprano Clara Nadeshdin as Gutrune, Finnish bass Mika Kares as Hagen, and Russian mezzo-soprano Marina Prudenskaya in the role of Waltraute.

After the performance, enjoy a drinks reception at the hotel.

(BL)

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 a private airport transfer, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)