TALLINN, ESTONIA & RIGA, LATVIA

Tallinn and Riga – 9 days Departure: April 15, 2020 Return: April 23, 2020

On April 17th we see L’ELISIR D’AMORE by Donizetti. It is conducted by Vello Pahn, Risto Joost, and Lauri Sirpin in the direction of Sweedish director George Malvius. On April 19th we see a rarly performed opera THE TSAR’S BRIDE by Juri Alperten, and Kasper Mand. One of the very well know directors from The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera, Yuri Alexandrov is directing. In Tallinn, the beautifully restored medieval old town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with distinctive cobblestone streets, boasting Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets and enchanting architecture. Riga is famous for its Old Town and city center, in which over 800 buildings are of the Art Nouveau style of architecture. The Art Nouveau style involves intricate building facades, with carvings of flowers and mythological creatures, with ornate doorways and windows. We have selected the centrally located hotels, SWISSOTEL, in Tallinn, and the deluxe KEMPINSKI HOTEL in Riga.

Opera Performances In Tallinn: April 17 – L’ELISIR D’AMORE by Donizetti April 19 – THE TSAR’S BRIDE by Rimski Korsakov In Riga: To be announced

Wednesday, April 15, (D)*. DEPART FOR TALLINN Depart this evening, aboard any airline of your choice from U.S.A. to Tallinn, Estonia. Dinner and light breakfast, served on the plane.

Thursday, April 16. (B,D). TALLINN Upon arriving at the Tallinn airport, take a taxi to the deluxe SWISSOTEL, where we stay four nights. We reimburse you the taxi fare. Briefing, drinks and Gala Welcome dinner at the hotel. Friday, April 17. (B). TALLINN Morning sightseeing to stop by Toompea, and see the Parliament Building, enjoy fantastic views from Harju Hill, wander through Freedom Square and Town Hall Square, and discover romantic courtyards. Afternoon free. This evening we see the opera L’ELISIR D’AMORE by Donizetti, at the Estonia National Opera. Tallinn, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland was occupied in 1219 by King Valdemar of Denmark. There followed a period of alternating Scandinavian and Tutonic rules. Due to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub, especially from the 14th to the 16th century, when it grew in importsance as part of the Hanseatic League. Tallinn’s Old Town, is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage sight.

Saturday, April 18. (B). TALLINN This morning we walk through Old Town and visit Saint Nicholas church, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Afternoon free.

Sunday, April 19. (B). TALLINN Today is free to visit KUMU Art Museum, the Museum of Photography, or the Estonian Art Museum.. This afternoon we will see the rarely performed opera THE TSAR’S BRIDE by Rimski Korsakov, at the Estonia National Opera.

Monday, April 20. (B). TALLINN - RIGA Today we fly from Tallinn, Estonia to Riga, Latvia. We transfer you to the deluxe centrally located KEMPINSKI HOTEL.

Tuesday, April 21. (B). RIGA Morning orientation tour by bus to see how Peter the Great, of Russia, expanded this seaport on the Baltic, and made it into the important trading center, that it is today. Among the sights are Saint Peter’s Church, Riga Castle and the Dome Cathedral. Afternoon free. This evening or the next, we see an opera at the Latvian National Opera. RIGA is a wonderful surprise to many visitors. A big city in feeling and sophistication, she has come to life again after half-a-century of Soviet domination. The moment you walk her streets, you understand why in the 1930s she was known as “The Little Paris of the North.” Perhaps the best indicator of Riga’s cultural strength is that far from old buildings being torn down to make way for high risers, they are being lovingly restored. Almost symbolically, one of the first to be brought back to its former glory, was the Opera House.

Wednesday, April 22. (B,D). RIGA Today is free to visit any of the museums nearby, or take photos of some of the exteriors of the largest number of Art Nouveau buildings found anywhere in the world, lining Elizabetes, Alberta, Strelnieku and Rozena Streets. This evening we have our Gala Farewell Dinner at a gourmet restaurant.

Thursday, April 23. (B). RIGA We transfer you to the airport for your flight back home arriving the same afternoon. See you on another H.A.T. Tour

* B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner (including wine)

LAND COST

DOUBLE: $PER PERSON $6,950

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,350

DEPOSIT: $2,000 PER PERSON

BALANCE DUE: JANUARY 15, 2020

TOUR INCLUDES • Flight ticket between Tallinn and Riga • 1st Category Orchestra Level seats in theatres • Three operas • Deluxe centrally located hotels • Buffet breakfast daily, 2 dinners with wine in gourmet restaurants • Welcome reception with drinks • Private sightseeing in each city • Experienced English speaking guides • Entrance fees to museums • Transportation to and from theatres • Baggage handling • Guide, driver and bellboys gratuities • Complete package with details of operas listed • Transfers from and to airports on published arrival and departure days only

H.A.T. Tours Address: PO Box 46876, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33741, USA Phone: (727) 367 3973 Fax: (727) 360-8459 Toll free: (800) 472-4448 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.EuropeanOperaTours.com