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), 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, explore the elegant Gendarmenmarkt and the nearby Bebelplatz, the site of the 1933 book burnings, on a guided walking tour and learn about the historical significance of the area. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant followed by some time at leisure in the afternoon.

In the evening, transfer to the Deutsche Oper Berlin for a performance of Das Rheingold, the prelude to Der Ring des Nibelungen. Watch Alberich, sung by bass-baritone Michael Sumuel, steal the gold from the Rhinemaidens, and hear Scottish bass-baritone Iain Paterson in the role of Wotan, the father of the gods.

(BL)

Following a morning talk by Scott, enjoy the remainder of the morning and early afternoon at leisure.

In the afternoon, return to the Deutsche Oper Berlin for a performance of Die Walküre. Heldentenor Matthew Newlin and celebrated Norwegian Soprano Elisabeth Teige appear as Siegmund and Sieglinde. Acclaimed Wagner soprano Trine Møller takes to the stage as Brünnhilde.

(B)

This morning, travel to the east of the Berlin city centre and visit the Stasi Museum, formerly home of the Ministry of State Security of the German Democratic Republic. On a private, guided tour, learn about state security during the GDR era and discover the highly secretive methods used for espionage.

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

Tonight, transfer to the Berliner Philharmonie and hear remarkable Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson perform works by Beethoven and Shostakovich with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

PROGRAM:
Beethoven – Coriolan Overture in C Minor, Op. 62
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No 5 in E-flat Major
Shostakovich – Symphony in D Minor, Op. 47

(BL)

Following a morning pre-performance talk by Scott, enjoy some time at leisure.

In the mid-afternoon, return to the Deutsche Oper Berlin and attend a performance of Siegfried. American heldentenor Clay Hilley performs the role of Siegfried and Brünnhilde is sung by Elisabeth Teige.

(B)

Depart on a full-day excursion to Potsdam, a city of regal splendour and baroque charm. Enjoy a private, guided tour of Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great and renowned for its elegant Rococo architecture and terraced gardens.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Berlin in the mid-afternoon for an evening at leisure (optional performance; subject to performance schedules; extra cost applies).

(BL)

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

Then, return to the Deutsche Oper Berlin for the grand finale of the monumental Cycle with a performance of Götterdämmerung. The stellar cast features American soprano Felicia Moore as Gutrune, Austrian bass Albert Pesendorfer as Hagen and German mezzo-soprano Annika Schlicht in the role of Waltraute.

(BL)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, make your own 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)