England captivates with its classical tones, Shakespeare's plays echoing from outdoor theaters and opera houses revealing the world's finest. This handcrafted England tour of operas and theaters takes you behind the scenes to private recitals, hidden history, and sublime performances. With music as the focus, you tour the iconic destinations of Southern England, enjoying spectacular evenings in eternal venues such as the Royal Opera House. Resonant and atmospheric, every day is a live highlight.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
London - Musical Introductions at King's College
Cambridge University is defined by grandeur, its glorious townhouses stretching across the green gardens of the city. Wander through the corridors of King's College and every ceiling reveals the charms of antiquity, wooden beams running above the huge windows. This is one of the oldest and largest campuses in the world, one that's famous for its music. To start this itinerary, you enjoy a special lunch with the Director of Music of the King's College Choir, a chance to immediately acquaint yourself with the university's musical heritage. It's a relaxed meeting, an opportunity to say hello and discuss the history and future of music. You'll be transferred here upon your arrival at the airport, and the day is free after your lunch. Stroll down the Cam River, discover the paintings in the Fitzwilliam Museum, view the ancient manuscripts in the Wren Library, and absorb the atmosphere of old England. Consider reading some of our traveler reviews of England, and gain some further inspiration to perfect and refine your own dream England tour.
What's Included:
Day 2
London - Punting up the River Can and Closed Rehearsals
Day 3
Stratford-upon-Avon - Settling into Shakespeare's Heritage
Day 4
Stratford-upon-Avon - The Life of the World's Great Playwright
Day 5
Stratford-upon-Avon - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Day 6
Oxford - Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin at Garsington Opera
Day 7
Oxford - The Splendor of Blenheim Palace
Day 8
Winchester - Verdi's Don Carlo in an 18th-Century Mansion
Day 9
Winchester - A Private Cathedral Tour and the Tones of Jane Austen
Day 10
London - Private Recitals in the Capital City
Day 11
London - Backstage at the Royal Opera House and Verdi's Nabucco
Day 12
London - Guided Through Handel's Home and a Shakespeare Performance
Day 13
London - A Festival of Opera at Glyndebourne
Day 14
London - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Meet the conductors and musicians after absorbing the music at closed rehearsals and private recitals
- Go backstage at the Royal Opera House and enjoy performances at the UK's preeminent performance space
- Spend three nights in Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, culminating in an outdoor performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Explore the palaces and stately homes of England, including fabulous Blenheim Palace and a performance of Verdi in Grange Park
- Discover the historic town of Winchester and its connections to Jane Austen
- See three opera performances in London as you complete the tour with four nights in the regal capital
- Savor the splendor of the English countryside and partake in iconic English activities, like punting on the River Can and exploring lush landscaped gardens
Detailed Description
The home of Shakespeare, the regality of London's opera houses, and the outdoor theaters that come alive on midsummer nights... England in the summer is filled with live performances. From the Royal Opera House to a crumbling neoclassical mansion, there's always a venue that befits the production. And there's always a fresh and inspiring performance that captures the essence of regal England. This handcrafted England tour of operas and theaters goes beyond the ticketed productions. You go behind the scenes, listening to closed rehearsals and private recitals, meeting the conductors, and immersing yourself in the opera and theater of England. On the way, you embark on the finest England tours of the palaces and gardens of the past, like magnificent Blenheim and a spectrum of country estates. You also get to stay in the country's quintessential historical destinations: Cambridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Winchester, and London.
This summer itinerary is provided as an example of what can be custom tailored. The exact details will be dependent on the performances that coincide with your travel dates. June and July are the ideal times to visit, enabling you to enjoy sultry evenings of outdoor theater and the summer opera season. Cambridge University's King's College provides a sublime introduction, its famous choir putting on a private performance after you meet its Director of Music for lunch. From the university town, you travel to Shakespeare's birthplace and spend three days in Stratford-upon-Avon. A local guide reveals the unknown side to Shakespeare’s history before a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company. As you travel across the country, you discover Tudor manor houses and landscaped gardens, with each day an opportunity to see another slice of England's heritage.
The opera reverberates around Oxford and Winchester, Verdi and Tchaikovsky, leaving exquisite tones across ancient cities. History is etched into every wall; from 17th-century art collections to ancient mansions and cathedral spires. Between the performances, there's lots of free time to savor England's relaxed rhythm, complete with afternoon high tea and the winding streets of cobblestone. Four nights in London completes the itinerary, and there are three unique performances to enjoy at the Royal Opera House, Shakespeare's Globe and Glyndebourne Festival. Spend days absorbing the charms of the capital, with the evenings lost in the productions. Free time ensures you can explore the London of your imagination, while a series of sublime dinners provide the perfect pre and post-performance entertainment.
Starting Price
$8,000 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.89 stars based on 472 reviews.
Reviewed By Brian S.
Reviewed By Melissa K.
Reviewed By Jodi L.
Reviewed By Michelle M.
Reviewed By John M.
Reviewed By Sarah P.