Washington National Opera`s Ring

Washington National Opera’s Ring
In the summer of 1981, Francesca Zambello, Director of Washington National Opera’s Ring and,
since 2013, WNO’s Artistic Director, climbed to the top of Red Rocks, a vast outdoor arena at the foot
of the Rockies near Denver, where, she noted, ‘gods and goddesses seem just out of sight. Space seems
immeasurable in a place like that, and time appears to slow down, as if awaiting an appearance from
the earth goddess Erda. I have often thought of this view in our planning of Wagner’s Ring cycle …
It was very evocative of how I thought the Ring could start, and I began to see an American parallel
to the story.’
These ideas took shape in a co-production between Washington National Opera and San Francisco
Opera, and emerged, one opera at a time, at Washington DC and then, as a complete cycle in
San Francisco in 2011. I saw the San Francisco performances and was hugely impressed not only by
their artistic quality (Nina Stemme was a splendid Brünnhilde there too) but also by their vision and
designs. Now the ‘Zambello Ring’ will be staged in its entirety at the Kennedy Centre, made possible by
financial resources that have only recently become available. I can assure you, it will be worth the wait.
The American visual references are handled with intelligence and taste, and are not far removed from
Australian experience. ‘All of the great paintings of the idealized American West fit in with Wagner’s
idea of what you see for such a short time in the beginning of ‘Das Rheingold’, says Zambello. Think
of the Hudson River School, but also think of Eugene von Guérard and John Glover.
I was fascinated too, to recognize in the entry of the gods into Valhalla – portrayed as 1920’s well
off travellers making their way up the gangway of a transatlantic liner – a famous poster created
in 1927 for one of the seminal works of American musical theatre: Showboat. The Valkyries resemble
the aviatrixes who took to the skies with valour and daring in the 1930s and ‘40s. In Siegfried and
Götterdämmerung, the all-too-vulnerable natural world succumbs in familiar ways to the forces of
greed and a philosophy of ‘power at all costs’. But, as the music tells us, there is still hope; a last chance
for reinvention. Across Wagner’s vast canvas are painted and projected some beautiful images (I have
never seen a more beautiful first Act of Die Walküre), and although different epochs are depicted,
as befits a work that speaks meaningfully to many times and places, the consistency and style of
Zambello’s vision is impressive. Always, in her hands, Wagner’s drama is respected which, these days,
is itself worthy of respect.
I do hope you can join me for an exhilarating and moving Ring in May 2016.
– Peter Bassett
Götterdämmerung Act III, San Francisco Opera. Photo Cory Weaver.
WNO Die Walküre 2007 © Karin Cooper
OPERA AROUND THE WORLD 2015
Wagner’s Ring in Washington
WASHINGTON D.C.
with Peter Bassett
16–23 May 2016 (8 days)
Wagner’s Ring in Washington
SAVE THE DATE! PRE-REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!
Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production of Wagner’s Ring comes to the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C. in May 2016. Already presented by
San Francisco Opera and much admired, this will be the first time the Ring
has been presented in its entirety by Washington National Opera.
To be conducted by WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin, the top-notch cast
includes Nina Stemme as Brünnhilde, Alan Held as Wotan, Gordon Hawkins
as Alberich and Daniel Brenna as Siegfried.
TOUR LEADER
Peter Bassett
Peter is a writer, speaker
and broadcaster on opera
– particularly the works
of Richard Wagner. Peter
served for twenty years in the
Australian Diplomatic Service
in embassies in East and
West Europe, Asia and the
Pacific and was, for a further
decade, Chief of Staff to two
Governors of South Australia.
Since 2001 he has led over
30 tours for Renaissance
Tours to Europe, US and
Canada, South America,
China and within Australia.
On the way to Washington, stop in Seattle for The Flying Dutchman. After
Washington, extend your stay to the Stratford Festival – Canada’s famous
summer theatre festival – and Toronto.
Renaissance Tours has obtained an allocation of excellent tickets for
Wagner’s Ring in Washington and has prepared the following provisional
itineraries and estimated tour prices (based on anticipated exchange rates,
subject to final reconfirmation). We invite you to ‘pre-register’ for the tours
with a nominal deposit. Following a thorough inspection in February – March
and announcement of the 2016 Stratford Festival (April), a final brochure
with final prices will be available in April / May. Your main deposit will then
be due by 31 May 2015.
At a glance…
• Optional pre-tour to Seattle for The Flying Dutchman
• Cat 1 tickets for Francesca Zambello’s production of Wagner’s Ring
including interval receptions
• 8 days (7 nights) in Washington D.C.
• Included Washington D.C. introduction tour, welcome lunch and transfers
to the Kennedy Center
• Optional sightseeing tours in and around Washington D.C.
• Pre-performance talk on The Flying Dutchman (Seattle) and half-day
symposium on The Ring (Washington D.C.)
• Optional post-tour to Canada’s Stratford Festival and Toronto
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR
The Flying Dutchman in Seattle
Provisional itinerary | 12–16 May 2016
Thu 12 May 2016
Depart Australia / Arrive Seattle
Suggested departure from Australia on Qantas / Alaskan Airlines
OR United Airlines flights to Seattle (via Los Angeles). If attending
the post-tour to Stratford, we also recommend flights on Air
Canada / Delta (ex-Sydney, via Vancouver).
Same day arrival and check-in to your hotel. This evening, join Peter
Bassett for welcome cocktails.
(Meals included – Cocktails)
Fri 13 May
Seattle
Get to know Seattle on a full day tour by land and by water. In
the morning, see the downtown business and shopping district,
historic Pioneer Square and the vibrant Chinatown-international
District. Stop at the Seattle Center, site of the 1962 Seattle World
Fair, where you will visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, showcasing
the art of Dale Chihuly, and enjoy lunch atop the Space Needle. In
the afternoon, a Locks cruise takes you through the salt water of
Puget Sound and the fresh water of Lake Union via the Hiram M.
Chittenden Locks (locals refer to them as the Ballard Locks). Learn
about Seattle’s fishing communities, the Deadliest Catch boats, the
Sleepless in Seattle floating home community and Gas Works Park.
B
L
Sat 14 May
Seattle
Following a morning talk on this evening’s performance, the rest
of the day is at leisure. You might like to visit Seattle’s world-famous
Pike Place market, the oldest continually operating farmers’ market
in America featuring more than 300 shops and restaurants,
100 farmers and 150 craftspeople. A great place to have
lunch. Seattle has a wealth of museums. Consider a visit to the
The Flying Dutchman. Canadian Opera Company production. © Michael Cooper.
Seattle Art Museum with its outstanding permanent collection,
the Frye Art Museum with its superb late-nineteenth and earlytwentieth-century German art as well as contemporary works,
the Belleview Arts Museum specialising in art, craft and design,
and the magnificent Seattle Asian Art Museum which houses one of
the nation’s finest collections of Korean, Chinese and Japanese art.
This evening, attend the Seattle Opera’s performance of Wagner’s
The Flying Dutchman at McCaw Hall.
With designs by Canadian Opera Company and stage direction by
Christopher Alden, this striking new production for Seattle Opera
will be conducted by Sebastian Lang-Lessing, and features Greer
Grimsley as the Dutchman, Alwyn Mellor as Senta, Nikolai Schukoff
as Erik, Daniel Sumegi as Daland, and Luretta Bybee as Mary. B
Sun 15 May
Seattle
Enjoy a full day tour out of Seattle to the natural beauty of King
County. First, visit the Museum of Flight. See everything from a
replica of the Wright Brothers’ original glider to the A-12 Blackbird,
the world’s fastest aircraft, and Air Force One, used by presidents
Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. Also visit Boeing’s original Red
Barn. Continue to Snoqualmie Falls. At 268 feet, they are 90 feet
higher than Niagara. Return to Seattle via the Woodinville area,
where many of Washington’s premium wineries are located, and
the historic village of Snohomish, which boasts 450 antique dealers.
Evening at leisure. B L
Mon 16 May
Seattle – Washington D.C.
Transfer to Seattle Airport for an afternoon flight to Washington.
On arrival in Washington, transfer to your hotel. B
Seattle Skyline
Wagner’s Ring in Washington
with Peter Bassett | 16 – 23 May 2016 (8 days)
Mon 16 May
Seattle – Washington D.C.
Kennedy Center
Suggested departure from Australia on Qantas / American
Airlines OR United Airlines flights to Washington (via Dallas OR
Los Angeles). If attending the post-tour to Stratford, we also
recommend flights on Air Canada (ex-Sydney, via Vancouver and
Toronto).
Same day arrival in the evening and check-in to your hotel.
Tue 17 May
Washington D.C.
Get to know the American capital with a morning orientation
tour. First begin with a view of the best known landmarks of the
city such as the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of
Congress and the White House. Later, see the Jefferson Memorial
and the National Mall with the Korean Memorial, Vietnam Veterans
Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
The morning will conclude with a welcome lunch and an
introduction to the Washington National Opera’s production of
The Ring.
Rest of afternoon at leisure before this evening’s performance of
Das Rheingold. Return transfers to the Kennedy Center included.
B
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, situated
on the banks of the Potomac River, is one of America’s
premiere performing arts centres and a living memorial
to President John F. Kennedy. Opened in 1971 the centre
features the majestic Hall of States, Hall of Nations and five
main theatres, including the Concert Hall, Opera House
and Eisenhower Theater. The magnificent Opera House
chandelier, a gift from Austria that measures 50 feet across,
and the 3,700 tons of marble from Carrara, Italy, lining the
walls of the Hall of Nations, reflect the many extraordinary
gifts from the governments of more than 60 countries that
make the Kennedy Center truly an international destination.
The centre is also home to works of art by renowned 20th
century artists, including Lucien Wercollier’s Ascension and
Dame Barbara Hepworth’s Figure. The Kennedy Center is
currently home to the Washington National Opera, National
Symphony Orchestra and Suzanne O’Farrell Ballet.
L
Wed 18 May
Washington D.C.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Washington on your own. Our
suggestion is to visit the extraordinary Smithsonian Institution,
the world-renowned museum and research complex consisting
of 15 separate museums and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian
Institution is sometimes referred to as America’s treasure chest
because of the diverse artefacts it houses. Whether you’re
interested in American history or Asian art, giant pandas or stamp
collecting, there’s a Smithsonian museum for you. The Washington
National Gallery of Art, home of the famous Mellon Collection and
much, much more, is one of the great art museums of the world.
Return to the Kennedy Center for this evening’s performance of
Die Walküre. Interval reception and return transfers included. B
R
Das Rheingold Scene 4 Gordon Hawkins as Alberich,
San Francisco Opera © Cory Weaver
Thu 19 May
Washington D.C.
Enjoy a day at leisure to further explore Washington on your own.
Or join our optional day tour to Georgetown and Dumbarton
Oaks (approx. AUD 200 pp, including lunch). Founded in 1751,
historic Georgetown evolved out of an 18th-century port town
and is today known for its designer and mainstream boutiques,
beautiful architecture and cafes, restaurants and bars. In the
morning, see Georgetown University and the C&O Canal, and visit
the Kreeger Museum including works by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh,
Kandinsky, and Miro.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Dumbarton Oaks, the
legacy of Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, collectors and patrons
of art and scholarship in the humanities. Visit its historic Gardens,
designed by Beatrix Farrand; the Museum, with its world-class
Kennedy Center
What the critics have said:
collections of art; and the famous Music Room, used for lectures and
concerts. Igor Stravinsky conducted his Dumbarton Oaks Concerto
in the Music Room on April 25, 1947. In late 1944, at the height of the
Second World War, a series of important diplomatic meetings took
place at Dumbarton Oaks. These meetings resulted in the United
Nations Charter which was adopted at San Francisco in 1945. B
Fri 20 May
Washington D.C.
Join Peter for a morning symposium, with lunch, on the Washington
National Opera’s production of The Ring.
This evening return to the Kennedy Center for Siegfried. Interval
reception and return transfers included. B L R
Sat 21 May
Washington D.C.
Enjoy a day at leisure to further explore Washington on your own.
Or join our optional day tour to George Washington’s Mt Vernon,
the home and burial place of George Washington, overlooking
the Potomac River, 15 miles (24 km) south of Washington, D.C.
(approx. AUD250 pp, including lunch). The rooms have been
restored as they were when occupied by Washington and his family;
most of the furniture pieces on the first floor and all of those in
Washington’s bedchamber are originals. Additional Washington
relics are in a separate museum building. Return to Washington
D.C. by cruise ship along the Potomac River. B
Sun 22 May
Washington D.C.
Enjoy a day at leisure to further explore Washington on your own.
Tonight, the Washington National Opera’s production of Wagner’s
Ring concludes with Götterdämmerung. Interval reception and return
transfers included. B R
Mon 23 May
Depart Washington D.C.
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.
If returning to Australia today, afternoon departure from
Washington D.C. on Qantas / American Airlines OR United Airlines
flights to Washington (via Dallas OR Los Angeles). Arrival early
morning in Australia on Wednesday 25 May. B
Francesca Zambello’s production
‘ … much more than an overlay of American imagery on
a 19th-century spectacle of gods, dwarfs, men and magic
talismans. It is now one of the best Ring cycles in more than a
quarter of a century.’
– Philip Kennicott, The Washington Post
Nina Stemme as Brünnhilde
‘In the punishing Immolation Scene at the end of
Götterdämmerung, far from sounding vocally spent, Ms.
Stemme took her singing to higher levels of burnished
brilliance and expressive depth. A riveting presence, she was
committed to the moment in every phrase she sang, every
gesture she made. She received an ecstatic ovation.’
– Anthony Tommasini, New York Times
Alan Held as Wotan/Wanderer
‘Bass-baritone Alan Held once more proved himself an
eloquent and altogether admirable singing actor, who brought
rich vocal and emotional dimensions to the role of Wotan: it
would be hard to imagine a more moving Farewell.’
– Washington Post
‘Held inflected the libretto like a master Lieder specialist,
while spinning out haunting pianissimos in the farewell.’
– Opera
Daniel Brenna as Siegfried
‘ …a Wagner interpreter, the international opera world can
really do with.’
– Der Neue Merke
‘Daniel Brenna is American, and must be one of the youngest
and most convincing Siegfrieds around.’
– The Times
Gordon Hawkins as Alberich
‘As the malign dwarf, Gordon Hawkins was a most
impressive Alberich, singing with robust power and making
the villain’s dark emotions – longing, pain, greed, shame and
unadulterated hatred – chillingly manifest.’
– Lawrence A Johnson, The Classical Review
David Cangelosi as Mime
‘As Mime, the wheedling dwarf with futile dreams of
capturing the ring, tenor David Cangelosi dominated the first
act of Siegfried.’
– Philip Kennicott, The Washington Post
Eric Halfvarson as Hagen
‘Eric Halfvarson made Hagen a nefarious foe, his knife-edged
bass a vocal counterforce to Siegfried.’
– Donna Perlmutter, Huffington Post
Washington D.C.
Stratford Festival and Toronto
with Peter Bassett | 23–29 May 2016 (8 days)
Mon 23 May
Washington D.C. – Stratford, Ontario
Transfer to Washington Airport for a late morning flights via
Toronto to London (Ontario, Canada).
Transfer to Stratford (33 m / 54 km). On the way, make a brief stop
in St. Marys, known as ‘The Stonetown’ due to its fine examples
of the early stonemasons’ craft rendered in local limestone, all
quarried locally, including the town hall, museum, historic opera
house, library, the old water tower, and railway viaducts. Evening
arrival in Stratford, check-in and dinner at your hotel. D
Tue 24 May
Stratford
Begin your exploration of Stratford with a morning walking tour of
the historical centre. Visit the 1887 Perth County Courthouse and
the 1898 City Hall Building referred to as the ‘Queen of the Square’.
Also see 1903 neo-classical Carnegie Library and the StratfordPerth Archives.
Afternoon and / or evening performances from the 2016 Stratford
Festival (announced late 2015). B
Wed 25 May
Stratford
Spend the day getting to know the workings of the Stratford
Festival. Amongst the possible activities (to be confirmed) are a
backstage visit of the Festival Theatre; a visit to the Warehouse
housing a vast selection of costumes and props; a visit to the
Archives (includes rare film, photographs, scenery and props) and
observing a set changeover as the crew transform the Festival Stage
from one production’s set to another.
This evening attend a second performance from the 2016 Stratford
Festival. B
Thu 26 May
Stratford
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Stratford on your own. The great
outdoors within the city includes Lake Victoria, the Shakespearean
Gardens and the 8.5 km T.J. Dolan natural area perfect for walking,
running, hiking or cycling. Enjoy a picnic by the river and feed the
famous Stratford swans.
Afternoon and / or evening performances from the 2016 Stratford
Festival (announced late 2015). B
Stratford Festival’s Kiss Me, Kate © Erin Samuell
Fri 27 May
Stratford
Depart Stratford for a leisurely day’s drive to Toronto (93 m / 150
km). On the way, stop in the twin cities of Kitchener/Waterloo and
a visit to the surrounding Mennonite communities. In the spring of
1800, Indian guides led Mennonite families from Pennsylvania to a
spot overlooking the Grand River. Searching for religious freedom,
other families soon arrived and created one of the most colourful
Mennonite communities in Canada. Embracing traditional values,
many Mennonites continue to live as they have for generations as
farmers and craftsmen.
Late afternoon arrival in Toronto.
B
L
Sat 28 May
Toronto
This morning’s tour will introduce you to the cultural, entertainment
and financial capital of Canada. Home to more than 2.7 million
people Toronto lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, the easternmost
of the Great Lakes. Finish the morning with lunch atop CN Tower,
with spectacular views over the city and surrounds. At 554.3
metres it is considered one of the signature icons and one of the
most visited landmarks in North America.
Afternoon at leisure before an evening concert by the Toronto
Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis.
PROGRAMME:
Ives – ‘Decoration Day’ from New England Holidays
Janáček – Taras Bulba
Elgar – Sospiri
R. Strauss – An Alpine Symphony
B
L
Sun 29 May
Depart Toronto
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.
If returning to Australia today, suggested afternoon departure
from Toronto on Air Canada flights (via Vancouver, to Sydney) OR
Qantas / American Airlines OR United Airlines flights (via Chicago
and Los Angeles). Arrival early morning in Australia on Tuesday
31 May. B
Sir Andrew Davis, conductor of Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Fitness level
Estimated tour prices
Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions.
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN IN SEATTLE
Tour code
Per person, twin-share
OA1601A
estimated AUD 3,000 – 3,500
Single supplement*
Moderate
AUD 1,000
Pre-registration deposit per person
(at time of booking)
AUD 100
Second deposit per person (30 June 2015)
AUD 150
Tour price includes
• Accommodation in centrally located superior four-star
hotels with breakfast daily ( B )
• Meals as per itinerary ( L = Lunch, D = Dinner,
R =Reception) including local beer and soft drinks
• Cat 1 tickets for The Flying Dutchman (Seattle),
The Ring (Washington) Stratford Festival and
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
• Transfers on departure from Seattle and arrival
in Washington (The Flying Dutchman in Seattle)
WAGNER’S RING IN WASHINGTON
Tour code
OA1601
Per person, twin-share
estimated AUD 8,000 – 8,500
Single supplement*
estimated AUD 1,750 – 2,000
Pre-registration deposit per person
(at time of booking)
AUD 250
Second deposit per person (30 June 2015)
AUD 1,750
• Transfers on departure from Washington and arrival
in London, ON (Stratford Festival and Toronto)
• Economy class flights Seattle – Washington D.C.
(The Flying Dutchman in Seattle) and Washington D.C. –
London ON (Stratford Festival and Toronto)
• Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides including
entrance fees as per itinerary
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers
• Hotel porterage (one piece per person)
STRATFORD FESTIVAL AND TORONTO
Tour code
Per person, twin-share
OA1601B
estimated AUD 3,000 – 3,500
Single supplement*
estimated AUD 1,000
Pre-registration deposit per person
(at time of booking)
AUD 100
Second deposit per person (30 June 2015)
AUD 150
Tour price does not include
• Transfers on arrival and departure (if not travelling
on suggested group flights)
• Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry,
room service etc.
• Travel insurance
• Airport porterage
Your hotels««««+
Final payment due
16 March 2016
Seattle – to be confirmed
Washington D.C. – Sofitel
*Single travellers may request to share.
Please advise attime of booking.
Stratford – to be confirmed
Toronto – Sheraton
**Final tour detailed prices will be announced
in April / May 2015
NB. Hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.
Toronto
Siegfried Act III. Nina Stemme as Brünnhilde,
San Francisco Opera © Cory Weaver
Terms & Conditions
HOW TO BOOK
Complete, sign and return the Booking Form available
from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page
one of your passport.
DEPOSIT / FINAL PAYMENTS
Your deposit is due at the time of booking and is
used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/
or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event
of your cancellation.
Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
Failure to make the final payment by the due date
may result in cancellation of your booking and loss
of deposit.
Payment by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American
Express, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. 1.5%
service charge applies to payment made by
MasterCard and Visa. 3% service charge applies to
payment made by American Express.
Payments for some international airfares can be
made by credit card without a service fee. Please
check for details.
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
a) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will
be applied as shown below, calculated from the
day written notification is received by Renaissance
Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours
operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below,
airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose
up to 100% cancellation charges.
60 days or more
Forfeit of deposit
59 – 45 days
25% of tour cost
44 – 31 days
50% of tour cost
30 – 15 days
75% of tour cost
Less than 15 days
100% of tour cost
The above cancellation charges include applicable GST.
force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60
days before departure. No further compensation
will be paid in the event of cancellation by
Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for
tour costs will be the full extent of our liability.
Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply
for additional travel arrangements booked by
Renaissance Tours.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS
All travellers must be in a possession of a valid
passport – most countries require a 6-month
validity from your date of entry or exit. For some
countries (e.g. China, Vietnam, India, Russia), visas
are included in the tour cost and will be arranged
by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other
countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have
the appropriate visa(s).
You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary
inoculations and preventative medicines as may be
required for the duration of the tour.
TOUR PRICES
Prices quoted in our tour information are based
on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable
taxes at the time of publication. Prices may be
subject to change in the event of significant currency
fluctuations or the introduction of new taxes, up
until final payment is received.
In the event of a price increase, whether because
of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes or a
correction in advertised prices, we will advise
you and you have the option of accepting the
amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions
or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full
refund of all monies paid.
Once final payment is received, all prices will be
guaranteed and no surcharges will apply.
In addition to the above, cancellation charges
may apply for additional arrangements booked
by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels
and travel insurance premium. If the reason for
cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you
may be able to reclaim these charges.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is a condition of travel that you are covered by
comprehensive travel insurance for international
tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by
Renaissance Tours.
b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to
cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach
minimum tour participant numbers). Except for
FITNESS AND PARTICIPATION
Most of our tours require a MODERATE level
of fitness.
However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Road,
Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical
destinations) or in certain seasons (e.g. mid-winter,
mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (e.g.
remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE
AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness.
If you (or we) have any doubts about your level
of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s
appraisal. This would require your doctor to read
the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the
fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written
confirmation of your ability to participate.
MODERATE
For the overall benefit of the group, all tour
members must possess a moderate level of mobility,
including the ability to:
• negotiate airports and railway stations without
wheelchair assistance
• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is
impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
• undertake walking tour of 1–2 hours duration,
including using stairs, walking over cobblestones
and other uneven surfaces
• stand for long periods in museums and
other sites
• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other
methods of transportation without assistance
• handle your own luggage
ABOVE AVERAGE
In addition to the above, tour members must also
be able to:
• undertake walking tours of 2–3 hours
• climb staircases of 100 or more steps
CHALLENGING
In addition to the above, tour members must also
be able to:
• handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0
or above 35 degrees)
• handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres
and above).
You can find the full terms & conditions at
www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions
or we would be happy to post you a copy on request.
Travel agent
1300 727 095 (AU)
0800 403 621 (NZ)
call (+61 2) 9299 5801
fax (+61 2) 9299 5805
email info@renaissancetours.com.au
visit www.renaissancetours.com.au
Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001
ABN 14 069 591 448
Brochure effective 17 April 2015