DON CARLO IN ORANGE 10 - 14 AUGUST   The Roman Theatre Antique in the provençale town of Orange is the setting for France's delightful open air opera festival, often described as Verona in miniature. Orange always attracts top performers for a handful of performances and this year is no exception.

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The famous town of Avignon is the base for the tour with daytime explorations of the vineyards, the Roman antiquities and the wild and beautiful landscape that inspired painters such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

FRIDAY 10 AUGUST

Depart London Gatwick on British Airways at 0945. Arrive Marseille at 1245 and transfer by private air-conditioned coach to Avignon (journey time approx 2 hours). Check in at the 4 star Hotel Clôitre Saint-Louis. Welcome drink/dinner.

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

This morning join your local guide for a tour of Avignon. The city was the Papal seat for almost 1000 years. Visit the Palais des Papes, dating from the early 14th century. This was a turbulent period in the history of Europe and the Roman Catholic church. Although little remains of the contents of the palace the maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages vividly conveys the atmosphere of life in the Papal court. Continue to the Rocher des Domes for a view of the 'Pont d'Avignon', immortalised in the song. Afternoon at leisure.

Evening transfer to Orange in time for dinner under own arrangements before the performance.
Evening performance of DON CARLO (Verdi). C: Pinchas Steinberg. D: Charles Roubaud. Cast: Hasmik Papian, Giovanna Casolla, Marie Devellereau, Sergei Larin, Roberto Frontali, Roberto Scandiuzzi, Willard White, Wojtek Smilek, Alexise Yerna, Gerard Theruel, Yves Saelens. Orchestre National de France. Return transfer to Avignon after the performance.

SUNDAY 12 AUGUST

Today we set out to discover the famous Côtes du Rhône vineyards. The first stop this morning will be at Beaumes de Venise, reputed for its fine, fruity dessert wine. Tasting in a private domaine. Pause to visit Notre Dame dôAubune chapel, a jewel of Romanesque architecture. Continue through Provençale villages of red-roofed houses separated by thyme and lavender fields and admire the Dentelles de Montmirail, the chalky rocks planted with vines and orchards. Stop for lunch in the Gallo-Roman town of Vaison-la-Romaine and visit the excavations of the Roman city which give a vivid picture of life in Roman times.
The next stop on the wine road is Chateauneuf du Pape, where there will be the opportunity to taste the most famous of the the Côtes du Rhône wines at a private domaine. Late afternoon return to Avignon.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST

Half day excursion to the picturesque Les Alpilles region. Visit St Remy de Provence and the remarkable excavations of the Roman settlement there. Continue to Les Beaux de Provence, a medieval fiefdom built on a spur of rock, the domain of warrior lords and a renowned court of chivalrous love. Visit the 11th century Cathedral.
Return to Avignon at lunchtime. Evening LYRIC CONCERT. C: Pinchas Steinberg. Soloists: Mariella Devia, Sonia Ganassi. Provisional programme: Arias from Cosi fan tutte, Linda di Chamonix, La cenerentola, I Capuleti e I Montecchi, Zelmira, I puritani, La favorita and Norma.
Orchestre National de France. Return transfer to Avignon after the performance.

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST

Morning transfer to Marseille Airport and depart on British Airways at 1910. Arrive London Gatwick at 2010.

	Price per person 5 Day Tour Price £895.00 Single room supplement £225.00 Deposit required £295.00 Booking Deadline 1 April Tour Code AIX Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - top category ticket for Don Carlo and Lyric Concert - tour manager or local representative. Dress: Lounge suit

C = Conductor   D = Director

	CHOREGIES D'ORANGE Opera à la carte
	If our tour dates do not suit you or you prefer to travel independently please contact us for your tailormade itinerary including ticket and travel reservations. The programme of operas being performed and dates this season is as follows: Verdi Requiem Jun 22 Aida Jul 7, 10 Evgeni Kissin, piano recital Jul 9 Così fan tutte Jul 13, 16 Rigoletto Jul 25, 28 Monserrat Caballe recital Jul 27 Teresa Berganza recital Aug 4 Don Carlo Aug 11, 14 Lyric Concert Aug 13 PRICE GUIDELINE As an indication a three night package including flights from London, taxes, hotel accommodation (sharing a twin room) on a bed and breakfast basis, and a second category ticket to one opera performance will cost from £595.00 per person. For your a la carte quote Telephone: 020 7483 4466 Email: enquiries@travelforthearts.com