A brand new production of Verdi’s masterpiece Aida, staged in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall.  This epic work gave Verdi the perfect opportunity to compose some of his most poignant arias and powerful music including the famous Triumphal Grand March.  With an international cast, the opera will be sung in Italian (with English surtitles) and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  Raymond Gubbay’s production, with entirely new staging and specially designed costumes, will recreate a world of eternal love within the ruins of Ancient Egypt. 

The Wallace Collection contains outstanding works of art collected by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, son of the 4th Marquess. Unsurpassed displays of French 18th century paintings, superb Old Masters and a world class armoury.  See paintings by Titian, Rembrandt, Hals (The Laughing Cavalier) and Valazques alongside porcelain, furniture and gold boxes, probably the best outside France. Guided visit and refreshments in the delightful French style restaurant before making your way back to the hotel.

The Cavendish Hotel in St James’s is in the heart of Mayfair, amongst the many historic gentlemen’s clubs.  Guided walk with London Blue Badge guide Sean Kelleher, exploring the history of these great establishments before an exclusive tour of the Travellers Club, 106 Pall Mall.  The club, founded in 1819 by the then Foreign Secretary and the Duke of Wellington, provided a meeting place for gentlemen who had travelled abroad and also for distinguished foreigners posted to London who would appreciate the privilege of a London Club.  Built in 1823, the architect was Charles Barry and it was based on the Italian Palazzo Pandolfini in Florence.  The Library was the favourite room of the late Queen Mother.  The tour starts with tea in the Outer Morning Room and then moves through the Club House, finishing in the Library with a glass of sherry.

Whilst staying at the Cavendish Hotel, you might consider the major David Hockney exhibition showing at the Royal Academy. We should be able to offer additional nights at the hotel at a specially negotiated rate.

Saturday 25 February:  Welcome drink at 5 pm.  Pre-theatre dinner can be booked in the hotel restaurant.  Taxi to Royal Albert Hall for the evening performance of AIDA.

Sunday 26 February:  Morning visit to the Wallace Collection. Return in your own time before an early afternoon walk to The Travellers Club for the guided tour and refreshments.

Tour Price includes:

	2 nights accommodation, breakfast and welcome reception.
	Top price tickets RAH. Entries and tours as stated.
	Professional Guide and coaches/taxis where stated.

	The Cavendish Hotel, St James’s 4 star luxury hotel in the heart of London’s Mayfair.