One of the best ways to explore the world is through a guided tour with an expert. For instance, if you love digging up history, then archaeology tours will take you to the world's most interesting archaeological sites and historic treasures. Then there are bespoke culinary trips that fans of Anthony Bourdain will love. Foodies will also love the women-led culinary tours with celebrity chefs who will take you on in-depth explorations of regional culinary traditions. For those who love classical music and dance, several tour options are available through the year where you can experience the best of performances. Here's a guide to tours to sign up for in 2024.
This 10-day music appreciation tour is all about experiencing the finest art and culture that Austria has to offer. Learn about the legends who helped define a genre as you visit the European capital of classical music. Memorable experiences include a visit to the Augarten Palace to attend a rehearsal of the Vienna Boys' Choir (typically off-limits to the public), a behind-the-scenes tour of the State Opera House in Vienna, an exclusive music lecture with a member of the Vienna Philharmonic, exclusive entrance to see Mozart’s manuscripts (not open to the public), a private organ recital on Anton Bruckner’s Organ and a private champagne reception on the rooftop of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Find more information here.
Enjoy the best of Bach in a small group tour. Take time to appreciate not just the music but also to explore Bach's history and influences in Germany. You will spend 16 days visiting the locations that where influences on his life as well as attending the Bach Music festival in Leipzig. The highlights include learning about Johann Sebastian Bach and his influence on European music, a mix of classical concerts and vocal music composed by Bach, experiencing the places Bach lived and attend the Bachfest in Leipzig. On this tour, you will explore the cities of Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Weimar, Erfurt, Eisenach, Arnstadt Köthen, and Hamburg. Find more information here.
This Opera Tour Europe, combined with theatre, ballet, and classical music performances is a trip across four leading European cities. This tour through the major arts centres of Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, and London. You will get access to what many will consider the best arts experiences available in those cities. Highlights include an opera at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, watching Mozart's opera The Magic Flute at the Palace of Versaille. Find more information here.
Venice, a city of music par excellence, has produced great composers such as Monteverdi, Vivaldi, and others. On this journey, you will see the opulent Teatro La Fenice, which has given birth to some of the greatest operas by Rossini and Verdi. This venue will host two evenings of opera, including must-see masterpieces such as Puccini's Bohème and Rossini's Barber of Seville. You will also get to see a candlelit production of La Traviata which will take place in the many rooms of Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto. A private guide will take you on a themed tour of your choice as the closing highlight of your stay, such as "Unusual Venice," "Music in 17th and 18th-century Venice," and so on. Find more information here.
Paris and the history of Italian opera are inextricably and intriguingly linked. William Tell, Rossini's final and possibly best opera, premiered in Paris, and its composer lived much of the last decade of his life in an apartment on the Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, just a stone's throw from where the Opéra Garnier currently sits. This trip offers a spectacular staging of significant works from the Italian operatic heritage of Paris. Highlights include Laurent Pelly's critically acclaimed production of Handel's masterpiece, Giulio Cesare, at the Palais Garnier and Simon Stone's exciting new take on La Traviata. Backstage tours will provide behind-the-scenes access to Paris's two majestic opera houses, the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille. Excursions to the Cité de la Musique and the recently rebuilt Musée Carnavalet are among the numerous activities available. Find more information here.