MUSICAL GEMS
AT CHRISTMAS
25 November - 20 December 2025
Come and be thrilled by an extraordinary array of musical experiences including André Rieu in concert, Don Giovanni in Salzburg, La Boheme and The Magic Flute in Dresden, Nabucco in Prague plus operas or ballets in Vienna and Budapest, Mozart concert in Salzburg, Musical Memories, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in Rothenburg, Strauss concert in Vienna and so much more, all against a backdrop of Christmas markets and charming small towns filled with lights and decorations.
$26850 per person twin share
Single Room Supplement Add $7350
Initial Deposit On Booking $3000
Second Deposit Due 14 June 2025 $4000
Final Balance Due: 13 August 2025
Days
23 Days
Highlights
12 incredible concerts, ballets and operas, including André Rieu in concert, Advent concerts, Christmas markets, Christmas lights, art, museums, small towns
Group Size
22 Travellers
Travel of Note Boutique Tour
Meals
All Breakfasts
10 Lunches
12 Dinners Included drinks at selected meals
Mobility
Active Tour
MAP GUIDE:
1. BUDAPEST (4 nights)
2. VIENNA (4 nights)
3. SALZBURG (3 nights)
4. PRAGUE (3 nights)
5. DRESDEN (3 nights)
6. ROTHENBURG (2 nights)
7. HEIDELBERG (3 nights)
SPECIAL FEATURES
• We experience those magical Advent weeks leading up to Christmas with all the music, splendour and wonder of fairytale lights, visiting some of the most beautiful towns and cities of Europe, famous for their Christmas markets and fairy lights. If you have lost the joyous anticipation of Christmas, rekindle it with Sue, John and Bonnie on this amazing musical and Christmas fantasy!
• At least 12 operas, ballets or concerts including André Rieu (confirmed) in concert, Don Giovanni in Salzburg (confirmed), La Boheme (confirmed) and The Magic Flute (confirmed) in Dresden, Nabucco in Prague plus operas or ballets in Vienna and Budapest, Mozart concert in Salzburg, Musical Memories in Prague, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in Rothenburg (confirmed), Strauss concert in Vienna and so much more, all in premium seats plus private dinners with concerts. (Operas and ballets subject to final confirmation at time of printing).
• Long stays in 4 and 5-star hotels with time to absorb the atmosphere of the most romantic cities in Europe with guided tours, Christmas markets, music and festivities: Budapest (4 nights), Vienna (4 nights), Salzburg (3 nights), Prague (3 nights), Dresden (3 nights), Rothenburg (2 nights), Heidelberg (3 nights) plus day trips to Meissen, Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Melk, Nuremberg, Rüdesheim am Rhein and Strasbourg.
• Numerous experiences including visits to art galleries, museums, Meissen porcelain factory, castles, horse shows, recitals in churches, after hours tour at Schonbrunn Palace, opera house tours, local restaurants, Christmas markets - the list goes on!
TRIP ITINERARY
Experience the Exceptional:
TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2025
Fly out of Auckland to Budapest via Dubai for our amazing musical Christmas journey.
WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2025 (D) BUDAPEST
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest (4 nights)
Situated on the east and west banks of the Danube River, Budapest is one of the largest and most beautiful cities of Eastern Europe. Budapest consists of two principal parts, which were merged in 1873: Buda, located on three hills and overlooking the west bank of the Danube River, and Pest, located on the opposite side.
Highlights Include:
• Arrive in Budapest and transfer to our beautiful hotel, home for the next 4 nights.
• Dinner is included this evening at the hotel before an early night after our long flight.
THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2025 (B, D) BUDA TOUR - DANUBE DINNER CRUISE
Highlights Include:
• A half day city tour of Buda including the Fisherman’s Bastion, Citadel Hill and Matthias Church.
• Organ concert at St Matthias Church.
• Free afternoon to wander around the famous Christmas markets or rest.
• Welcome gala dinner as we cruise along the Danube, enjoying the lights of this magnificent city
FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) CASTLE GODOLLO - HORSE SHOW - OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Excursion to Godollo, visit to Castle Godollo, home of the famous Sisi with a special guest guided tour today.
• An equestrian horseshow, displaying the culture and the history of the Hungarian horse sport, with lunch of traditional cuisine, famous Hungarian wines, gypsy music and folklore dance.
• Pre-dinner opera at beautiful Callas Restaurant before our opera at the Hungarian State Opera House (subject to final confirmation). The Hungarian State Opera House is one of the most beautiful in the world with its traditional tiered balconies and gold gilt boxes.
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2025 (B, L) PEST TOUR, LISZT, ANDRE RIEU
Highlights Include:
• A half-day guided city sightseeing tour of Pest including tour of opera house, Heroes Square and the Parliament Buildings.
• Private concert and tour of the Liszt Academy.
• Our gala event: André Rieu (confirmed) in concert, Budapest (confirmed) at the Budapest Stadium. We are in for a treat tonight as we see The Waltz King, in the year of the bicentennial celebrations of Johann Strauss, the original Waltz King!
SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2025 (B, D) BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
Grand Hotel, Vienna (4 nights)
Vienna, home of Johann Strauss, magnificent palaces and buildings, the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Boys’ Choir.
Highlights Include:
• Enjoy wandering through the historic town of Bratislava and the Christmas markets with free time for lunch. Hopefully a chance to catch up with the lovely Ivana who works for us, based in Bratislava.
• Check into our lovely hotel and dinner included at the hotel this evening. You may like the chance to wander in Vienna. We are close to everything!
MONDAY 1 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) VIENNA CITY TOUR - STRAUSS CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Half-day guided city sightseeing tour (both walking and coach) including the City Ringstrasse, Town Hall, House of Parliament and also including entrance to the magnificent Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. • A chance to wander the Christmas markets of which there are several, some of the most famous in the world.
• A very special event. An exclusive after hours private tour at the Schönbrunn Palace with dinner and concert of Strauss and Mozart in the Orangery.
TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) FINE ARTS MUSEUM AND OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Visit and tour of the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts and Christmas markets next door.
• Free afternoon to shop and take in the Christmas decorations and lights.
• Opera or operetta at the Volksoper this evening, famous for its operetta programme of Strauss and Lehar (subject to final programme announcement).
WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2025 (B, COFFEE/CAKE) SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL, OPERA HOUSE AND HOFBURG TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Visit and experience the famous Spanish Riding School to experience one of their amazing dancing horse shows. The Spanish Riding School is an Austrian institution based in Vienna, dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner horses.
• Coffee and cake in one of the famous Viennese Coffee Houses this morning.
• A guided tour of the State Opera House and the Hofburg Complex.
• Free evening to experience the Christmas markets by night or your own restaurants.
THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) VIENNA - MELK ABBEY - SALZBURG - DON GIOVANNI OPERA
Hotel Bristol, Salzburg (3 nights)
Salzburg is a magical music town filled with charm at Christmas. We stay right beside the fantastic Christmas markets. Salzburg was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for parts of the musical and film The Sound of Music, which features famous landmarks in Austria.
Highlights Include:
• On route to Vienna, we visit Melk Abbey, an Austrian Benedictine abbey.
• Check into hotel and then it’s off to Don Giovanni (confirmed) this evening, the perfect opera to see in Mozart’s birthplace.
FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER 2025 (B) SALZBURG TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Guided city sightseeing tour: Hohensalzburg Castle, the Cathedral and Mozart’s Birthplace.
• Free afternoon for your own shopping and wandering in this beautiful town.
SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) THE SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR - MOZART CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• A special tour which includes original shooting locations from the beloved film The Sound of Music.
• Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie.
• Nonnberg Convent, where Maria was a novice.
• Schloss Leopoldskron, the house, where the Trapp Family lived in the movie which is now a luxury hotel.
• Hellbrunn Palace (singing scenes in the movie).
• Gazebo (now placed in Hellbrunn), where the Baron von Trapp kissed Maria for the first time.
• Church Mondsee, where Maria and the Baron married.
• Stiftskeller with entrance to their famous Mozart Advent Christmas concert, including a gourmet dinner.
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER 2025 (B) SALZBURG - CESKY KRUMLOV - PRAGUE - NABUCCO
Carlo IV Dedica Anthology Hotel, Prague (3 nights)
Prague is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and its famous Wenceslas Square is a fairy tale Christmas spectacle. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Highlights Include:
• We travel to Prague via Cesky Krumlov where we will have a guided tour and lunch at Tavern Satlava. Ceský Krumlov is a city in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. It is one of the most gorgeous towns in Europe, dominated by its 13th-century castle.
• Check in at hotel and then enjoy the fabulous Verdi opera Nabucco, famous for the Slave’s Chorus at the magnificent opera house in Prague.
MONDAY 8 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) PRAGUE CITY TOUR
Highlights Include:
• A half day sightseeing tour including Pohorelec Square, Strahov Library, Prague Castle tour and St Vitus Cathedral (Prague’s most recognisable landmark), Charles Bridge.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Free time this afternoon to wander the Christmas markets.
• Dinner this evening at our lovely hotel.
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) VINTAGE CAR TOUR, CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Special vintage car tour, as we drive through the small streets and lanes, inaccessible on our coach.
• Free time in Prague to enjoy shopping, Christmas markets and the atmosphere.
• Late afternoon concert Musical Memories, a concert of music theatre favourites with singer and string ensemble at the beautiful Spanish Synagogue.
WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) PRAGUE - DRESDEN TOUR Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, Dresden (3 nights)
Dresden is distinguished by the art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed old town. Completed in 1743 and rebuilt after WWII, its rebuilt opera house is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its Christmas markets and Christmas trees and lights are famous throughout Europe.
Highlights Include:
• Walking tour of Dresden including entrance to Royal Palace and the breathtaking green vaults.
• Lunch at a typical Dresden restaurant with local fare.
• Visit Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, view Raphael’s Sistine Madonna in the Old Masters Picture Gallery.
• Free time in Dresden this evening to visit the markets, considered one of the best in Europe.
THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) MEISSEN PORCELAIN TOUR - OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Day trip to Meissen and enjoy a Porcelain Factory tour.
• We stroll through the town of Meissen and enjoy a typical local lunch.
• Mozart’s beloved magical opera, The Magic Flute (confirmed) at the magnificent Semperoper.
FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) FREE DAY - LA BOHEME OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Free day in Dresden today for some relaxation, visit the Green Vault or museums, see the Christmas markets and enjoy walking around this delightful town.
• Early dinner at local restaurant, before we enjoy our next opera, Puccini’s La Boheme (confirmed) set in Paris and filled to the brim with luscious opera melodies.
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) NUREMBERG WAR TRIALS - Eisenhut Hotel, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (2 nights)
Rothenburg looks like a magical town right out of a fairytale. The cobblestone streets and coloured half timbered houses look like a Disney set come to life. It is famous as one of the most picturesque towns during the Advent season.
Highlights Include:
• A driving day today with stops along the way, reaching Nuremberg in time for lunch in a traditional tavern.
• Tour to Nuremberg which includes a tour of the Nuremberg War Trials Court and old town.
• Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (confirmed) presented at the beautiful St Jacob Church this evening, complete with soloists and choir.
SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) FREE TIME IN ROTHENBURG - NIGHT WATCHMAN TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Free time at leisure today. You may like to catch an Advent Mass this morning or enjoy a sleep in. This is such a pretty town to wander and enjoy the atmosphere.
• This evening it’s off for dinner in a historic restaurant before we enjoy a Night Watchman’s tour after dark, as they point out the wonders of this little town by night.
MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) HEIDELBERG TOUR
Hotel Europa, Heidelberg (3 nights)
In Heidelberg we will experience one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. During Advent, there are numerous Christmas stalls in addition to the picturesque alleys and sights, which sell enchanting gift ideas in various places in the old town plus one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany with a view of the world-famous castle ruins on Karlsplatz.
Highlights Include:
• We are off this morning to the beautiful town of Heidelberg with lunch on arrival.
• Then we enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg including its castle, setting for the wonderful musical The Student Prince.
• After check in we enjoy a free evening for own dinner and Christmas Markets in this fairy land town.
TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) DAY TRIP TO STRASBOURG - CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Today we visit Strasbourg with its rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and unique blend of French and German influences in a charming, walkable city.
• We enjoy free time here for our own wandering before meeting for lunch together in a traditional French inspired restaurant.
• Later in the afternoon we transfer back to Heidelberg with a chance to see an opera or concert this evening (subject to availability) .
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2025 (B, D) FREE DAY IN HEIDELBERG - FINAL DINNER
Highlights Include:
• A full free day today to enjoy Heidelberg with its charming streets and Christmas markets.
• Tonight we celebrate Christmas with our farewell dinner in a private room. We will reminisce about the wonders we have seen together on this magical trip.
THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2025 (B, L) RHINE VALLEY DAY - FLIGHT HOME
Highlights Include:
• Tour and cruise of the Rhine Valley region including castles and vineyards.
• Visit Rüdesheim am Rhein, a quaint town in the Rhine Valley, Germany. It’s known for winemaking, especially of Riesling wines, its quaint village and is situated beside the Rhine.
• Visit the musical instrument museum here as well as enjoy our own free time in this cute town.
• We transfer to Frankfurt Airport with plenty of time to check in for our flight home.
FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER 2025 IN FLIGHT
SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025
We arrive home filled with the spirit of Christmas, food, wine and great cheer, maybe some presents for the grandkids and lots of stories to tell about our amazing adventure.
PLACES WE STAY
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Budapest (4 nights) is a 5-star luxury hotel, opened in 1918 as a grand insurance office and police HQ. It is centrally located and is now a luxurious hotel with plenty of original features.
Grand Hotel, Vienna (4 nights) is a 5-star hotel, located just off the famous Ring Strasse, moments away from the world-renowned Vienna State Opera and the elegant shopping mile of Kaerntner Strasse. It has been part of the Viennese elegant hotel scene since 1870.
Hotel Bristol, Salzburg (3 nights) is a traditional 5-star hotel, situated in the heart of Salzburg, only a few steps away from Mirabell Palace and the Festival Houses.
Carlo IV Dedica Anthology Hotel, Prague (3 nights) Part of the Autograph Collection managed by Marriott, this 5-star hotel is in a neo classic design of the nineteenth century. It is located about a ten minute walk from the Wenceslas Square and Christmas markets.
Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, Dresden (3 nights) is located right next to the Frauenkirche, which puts us right at home in Dresden’s city centre. Behind its historic façade, the Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe combines modern comfort with a lively history.
Eisenhut Hotel, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (2 nights) is nestled in the heart of this picturesque olde world town, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The 4-star hotel was built in 1600 and offers a truly enchanting experience.
Hotel Europa, Heidelberg (3 nights) is a private, family-run hotel now run by its 4th generation of family. Dating back to 1865, this luxury 5-star hotel is situated in the heart of Heidelberg’s historic centre and features a modern spa centre and views of the world famous castle.
This Trip Includes:
• Return Economy Airfares: Direct flights via Dubai Auckland/Budapest - Frankfurt/Auckland with Emirates including all taxes.
• At least 12 operas, ballets or concerts including Andre Rieu (confirmed) in concert, Don Giovanni (confirmed) in Salzburg, La Boheme (confirmed) and The Magic Flute (confirmed) in Dresden, Nabucco in Prague plus operas or ballets in Vienna and Budapest, Mozart concert in Salzburg, Musical Memories in Prague, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in Rothenburg (confirmed), Strauss concert in Vienna and so much more, all in premium seats plus private dinners with concerts. (Operas and ballets subject to final confirmation at time of printing).
• Long stays in 4 and 5-star hotels with time to absorb the atmosphere of the most romantic cities in Europe with guided tours, Christmas markets, music and festivities: Budapest (4 nights), Vienna (4 nights), Salzburg (3 nights), Prague (3 nights), Dresden (3 nights), Rothenburg (2 nights), Heidelberg (3 nights) plus day trips to Meissen, Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Melk, Nuremberg, Rüdesheim am Rhein and Strasbourg.
• Numerous experiences including visits to art galleries, museums, Meissen porcelain factory, castles, horse shows, recitals in churches, after hours tour at Schonbrunn Palace, opera house tours, local restaurants, Christmas markets - the list goes on!
• All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners and included drinks at selected meals.
• All tours, transfers, tips, concerts, taxes, as listed in the itinerary are included.
• Escorted by Operatunity owners Susan Boland, John Cameron and our wonderful tenor Bonaventure Allan - Moetaua.
Important Information
• All itinerary details are subject to change, but changes will be replaced with a comparable or better option.
• Initial & Second deposits are fully refundable up until final balance due date, minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs.
• All monies are non-refundable at final balance due date. This becomes an insurance claim.
• Bank transfer payments incur no surcharge. Credit card payments incur surcharge of 1.5%.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Bookings will only be accepted with initial deposit & booking form.
• All travellers must obtain comprehensive travel insurance for international travel and insurance for domestic travel is recommended.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions on booking form.
Mobility - Active Tour
ACTIVE TOUR
All our trips are specifically designed for our core market, but this trip does contain travel challenges, either because of the region visited or the walking distances or uneven surfaces that arise at some sites. We do advise that you evaluate your level of fitness with your doctor before you consider booking this tour. This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and ancient ruins and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. You also need to be able to climb up to three flights of stairs at a leisurely pace. If you are unsure, please ring the office to discuss your suitability for our tours.