Berlin -  01 December 2010
Tour code - Beethoven in Berlin
Prices from £2990 per person

Prices include: accommodation based on two sharing in a double room, buffet breakfast, top-category performance tickets, opera synopses, restaurant recommendations, 72-hour Berlin Card, city guide and map.

Itinerary

01 December 2010

Depart London Heathrow airport terminal 5 on British Airways at 09h55. Arrive Berin Tegel Airport at 12h45 and you will be whisked by private car to the Hotel Brandenburger Hof.

Upon arrival, champagne and canapes will be served in the QUADRUIGA lounge of the Hotel Berlin. During the reception, Professor Grueneberg of the Berlin Philharmonic Foundation will give a first introduction to the forthcoming concert programme. Following the introductions, a three course menu with accompanying wines will be served from the QUADRIGA-Cuisine of Master Chef Sauli Kemppainen. YOu wll travel to the Berlin Philharmonic in luxurious mini-buses, and relax with Beethoven's Symphonies 4 and 5. Following the concert, the bus will be ready to take you back to the hotel.

02 December 2010

After breakfast, the day is yours to do with as you wish .... perhaps you'd like to use the time to discover the most beautiful Christmas Markets in the city. The main museums are also open for you (VIP tickets upon request). In the evening, Beethoven's Symphonies 6 & 7 including transfer to and from the concert.

03 December 2010

After a substantial breaklfast, set off on a private tour to Potsdam where Samuel Witwer, the director of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation will accompany you on a tour. From the Church of Peace, through the wintery palace grounds, past the summer residence Sans Souci, you will visit the imposing tombs of Emperior Frederick IIII and his English bride, a brief guard of honour at the tomb of the great Fritz (King Frederick II) and his seven greyhounds, and discover the mysterious secret hidden in the antique temple in the park. You will then reaach one of the best-known Hohenzollern palaces (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - The New Palais. Immerse yourself in the anecdotes and histories of the German monarchs with the royal historian of the Hohenzollern dynasty. A communal lunch with the director of the Prussion Palaces and Gardens Foundation in the apartment of the famous 18th century author and philosopher Jean-Baptiste de Boyer Marquis d'Argens (exclusive use of the rooms in the New Palace). Here, the royal world becomes sensual. The most famous royal mistress - Countess Enke bon Lichtenau - designed her love nest to be full of beauty. With the view over the Holy Lake, we have arranged the conclusion to a beautiful winter's day; fine cheeses and strong red wines, sweet treats such as home made Christstollen, Pithivier chocolates, fine crispy biscuits, preserved figs, all accompanied by punch and aromatic coffee. Following this last refreshment, you will be driven back to the bus to the Brandenburger Hof. All meals include drinks.

04 December 2010

After another sumptuous breakfast, the day is yours to do with as you wish. Afternoon tea at the Brandenburger Hof is included; a musical introduction to the second part of the concert series with Professor Grueneberg of the Berlin Philharmonic Foundation will be accompanied by fine English sandwiches and tea.

In the evening, Beethoven's Symphonies 1, 2 and 3 including transfer to and from the concert.

05 December 2010

Breakfast at the hotel. On the first Sunday of Advent, you will be driven to the final highlight of the Beethoven cycle. The symphonies No. 8 and 9 will be performed by the star soprano Annette Dasch, Mikoko Fujimuro (Alto), Robert Dean Smith (Tenor), Robert Holl (Bass) and the Berlin Rundfunk Orchestra. There will be a 60 - 90 minute interval between the symphonies; we have reserved the green salon of the Berlin Philharmnic exclusively for you, and will serve you a midday meal consisting of six small dishes - the choice will be yours (includes drinks). Following the concert, the bus will be ready to transfer you to the airport in time for your flight.

Depart on British Airways flight departing at 19h20 arriving at London's Heathrow Airport at 20h15.