MOZART AND THE WINES OF BORDEAUX 22-24 JUNE   Our inaugural tour to Bordeaux last year proved very popular and we are therefore returning in May, a lovely time to enjoy both the city and the surrounding countryside. A performance of Mozart's exotic singspiel, set in 18th century Turkey, The Abduction from the Seraglio is included featuring John Osborn, winner of the 1996 Placido Domingo Singing Competition in Bordeaux as Belmonte.

A tour of the theatre, one of the purest jewels of European 18th century architecture is included and on Sunday a visit to a chateau in St Emilion with a wine tasting and lunch.

FRIDAY 22 JUNE

Depart London Heathrow on British Airways at 0855. Arrive Bordeaux Airport at 1140 and transfer by private coach to the Hotel St Catherine. Afternoon at leisure. Rendez-vous at the hotel for a welcome drink before departing on foot for this evening's performance.

Evening performance of DIE ENTFUHRUNG AUS DEM SERAIL (Mozart) at the Grand Théátre de Bordeaux. C: Hans Graf. D: Jacob Peters-Messer. Cast: Sandrine Piau, Victoria Manso, John Osborn, Ferdinand Seiler.

SATURDAY 23 JUNE

This morning join your expert guide for a tour of the city of Bordeaux, capital of the world's largest wine-growing region. The history of the city dates back to Roman times. Visit the old quartier, the Grosse Cloche or Great Bell which has become an emblem of Bordeaux and the Cathédrale Saint André where Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII, the future King of France, were married. In the 18th century the city was opened up, altering its former fortified appearance with the creation of the splendid Place Royale, Place du Parlement and Gambetta which embellished and modernised the city.

This afternoon there is a backstage tour of the Grand Théátre. Opera has been performed in Bordeaux since 1688. The Grand Théátre was opened in 1780. It was repaired after sustaining damage during the French Revolution and became one of the most important theatres in France during the 19th century. Today the theatre is directed by Thierry Fouquet who came from the Opéra Comique in Paris. The broad repertoire ranges from baroque opera to new works. Evening at leisure.

SUNDAY 24 JUNE

Full day tour to the wine-growing region of St Emilion where a private tour has been arranged at the Cháteau Coucy followed by a tasting of the cháteau's wines and lunch in the cellars. Continue to Bordeaux Airport and depart on British Airways at 1740. Arrive London Gatwick at 1825.

	PRICE per person 3 Day Tour Price £480.00 Single Room Supplement £40.00 Deposit required £195.00 Booking Deadline 28 Feb Tour Code BORD Tour price includes Flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - Buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - top category tickets for Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail at the Grand Theatre - tour manager. Dress: Lounge suit