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BERLIN

22 APRIL 2009, 5 DAYS

Berlin is probably the most exciting European city today. Whilst acknowledging its difficult past, no expense is being spared in developing the modern capital of a reunited Germany. Berlin provides great museums, such as the Pergamon, beautiful neo-classical architecture, principally by Schinkel; and a host of painful memories, sometimes seen humorously as at Check Point Charlie and East Side Gallery ( a section of the old wall decorated by 118 artists), or faced unflinchingly in Daniel Libeskind's Jewish Museum and the Topography of Terror in the basement ruins of the ex-SS headquarters. Nearby Potsdam offers one of Europe's greatest palace complexes and royal cities.

Our opera holiday includes Richard Strauss' masterpiece Der Rosenkavalier, in an acclaimed modern production, and Verdi's classic melodrama Un ballo in maschera.

Wednesday 22 April
Arrival at various times of the day/evening on flights with Easyjet from Bristol, Gatwick, Luton and Liverpool (alternative airports may be available). Hotel transfer and free time.
Accommodation is at the modern four-star French styled Ringhotel Chateau Berlin. Ideally situated in the heart of old West Berlin just off the Kurfürstendamm, the hotel provides a unique French ambiance. Rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with safe, mini-bar, internet connection and satellite TV. Friends arriving in time may additionally see Respighi's rare opera Marie Victoire.

Thursday 23 April
We enjoy a full day city-wide guided tour including the Brandenburg Ga te, the neo-classical masterpieces of Unter den Linden, Museum Island with a tour of the Berliner Dom (the cathedral), the Reichstag (ascent to the roof and Norman Foster's dome; parliamentary events permitting), the East Side Gallery (the Berlin Wall), Check Point Charlie and the Topography of Terror. Lunch (included) is in the beautiful Hackescher Hof courtyard, Berlin's Art Nouveau masterpiece.

This evening is at leisure (museums open until late) or you may wish to see the ballet Caravaggio at the Staatsoper.

Friday 24 April
A free day for individual exploration, before transferring this even ing to the Komische Oper for a performance of Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier.

Saturday 25 April
Day at leisure for further exploration of Berlin, or join our excursion to one of Europe's finest palace complexes in Potsdam. Our tour will include Frederick the Great's charming Rococo palace of Sansouci, the log houses of Potsdam's Russian colony, Alexandrowka, and the Flemish houses of the Dutch quarter. After lunch (included) our tour ends with the Cecilienhof, where Churchill (later Attlee), Truman and Stalin met to confirm the spheres of influence in Europe following the defeat of Germany.

This evening we see Verdi's Un ballo in maschera at the Deutsche Oper, with return coach transfers.

Sunday 26 April
Some final free time to sample Berlin, prior to return airport transfer.

Holiday includes return flights, coach transfers, four nights at the Ringhotel Chateau Berlin with breakfast, one lunch, two excellent stalls opera seats, entrance fees as described above and services of a local guide and WNO representatives Andy and Jan Taylor. Price £790pp, in a twin room. Single supplement £110. Potsdam excursion £79pp extra. Deposit to be paid at time of booking £280pp.

Travel insurance (if required) is £18pp for Friends aged up to 65 at time of booking, £36 aged 66 to 75, £45 aged 76 to 79, and £60 aged 80 to 86. Conditions do apply. Annual insurance is also available.

Booking forms should be returned to Grosvenor Travel latest by 20 September. Holiday will close sooner if ticket allocation is exhausted.

This holiday is operated in conjunction with Friends of Welsh National Opera.