Welcome to the à la carte season guide which is designed to give you programmes for the whole 2001/2 season at the world's major opera houses. We believe that you will find this is an invaluable and time-saving resource to help you plan your international opera-going in the year ahead. At a time of highly competitive air fares it has never been easier or better value to pursue your interest in opera throughout Europe or in the United States.

There is much to choose from and we have tried to highlight some of the more irresistible offerings in the forthcoming season. Space precludes the printing of full production details but our consultants will be only too pleased to provide you with further information so please telephone, fax or email your request.

Sample prices, including travel, accommodation and an average seat in the stalls are given only as a guide. All itineraries will be exclusively tailored to your wishes and special requests are welcomed. If you have a favourite hotel which is not amongst those listed, or you are planning to celebrate a special occasion, you need only ask.

Whether, for instance you wish to visit La Scala before it closes for refurbishment or take in one of the dazzling new productions at the Metropolitan Opera please contact us soon to start planning your itinerary.

Looking through the programmes for this special 2001 season we find that opera planners have pulled out all the stops to celebrate the new century with imaginative and attractive programming including new works and promising new stagings of operas known and enjoyed over the past three hundred years.

We have focused on Paris, New York, Vienna, Berlin, Prague, Barcelona, Munich, Budapest and Milan though if you are interested in the programmes in cities not listed above please contact our consultants for information.

Space simply does not allow us to go into casting details but our expert consultants will be only too pleased to provide further production details by telephone.

The à la carte service is designed for the individual traveller. Examples of hotels and travel options are listed for each city. Sample prices, including an average price seat in the stalls, are intended to be illustrative. Each potential customer will be treated as an individual. If you have a favourite hotel that is not amongst those listed, for instance, or you would like us to make arrangements for a celebration or special anniversary you need only ask. Air miles can be redeemed on your à la carte opera break and Friends of Covent Garden may cash in their £25 vouchers.

We will source the best value air, hotel and car hire rates and design an itinerary incorporating tickets for performances at one or more festivals of your choice.

Once you have made your choice of city and performances, please complete the booking enquiry. Remember that demand for tickets is always high and we urge you to book early for this season.