- Pricing From $5,995 pp
- Single Supplement FREE*
- From Sydney
- Duration 5 Days
- Max Group Size 24
- Activity Level Easy Going
- Departs 8 Apr 2024
- Returns 12 Apr 2024
Described as one of the top four open-air opera events in the world, the annual Opera on Sydney Harbour is a highlight of the Australian cultural calendar. Join Bill Peach Journeys to experience West Side Story at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Sit back and enjoy this modern day Romeo and Juliet unfold. On the mean streets of New York’s West Side, two rival gangs strut their stuff. But when a Jet falls for a Shark, the stage is set for a rumble. Their wistful love story is studded with iconic songs including ‘Somewhere’, ‘Maria’, ‘I Feel Pretty’, ‘America’, ‘Cool’ and ‘Tonight’. A night to remember with premium seating, a three course dinner, a live orchestra hidden beneath the dramatic stage and fireworks.
In Sydney, return to the comfort of your luxury accommodation, the Shangri-La Sydney. Sydney touring will include the Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs Exhibition and a private tour of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. We will also explore the many delights of the Hunter Valley based at the boutique estate, voco™ Kirkton Park for two nights. This is a luxury Sojourn that ticks all the boxes, do join us!
Highlights
- Spend 2 nights at the award-winning Shangri-La Sydney and 2 nights at the voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, a luxurious boutique estate
- Premium Reserve Tickets to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - West Side Story, including superb seating and a 3 course premium dinner
- Explore the Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs Exhibition, exclusive to the Australian Museum
- Partake in a private paint & sip art class over-looking vineyards guided by an award-winning instructor
- Enjoy a private tour of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens and a private tour of the Hunter Valley Gardens
- Wine & chocolate tasting at acclaimed Keith Tulloch Wines & artisan chocolatier Cocoa Nib
- All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner including lunch at iconic Catalina Rose Bay, hatted Muse Kitchen & a Welcome Dinner at Shangri-La’s Altitude
- Enjoy all the excitement of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour with new friends while enjoying your own room with no single supplement* charge
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey.
Shangri-La Sydney
An elegant sanctuary above the distinctive harbour city, the Shangri-La is positioned in the dress circle of the historic Rocks district, the panoramic views of the ‘Emerald City’ enhancing the luxurious glamour of this iconic five star Sydney hotel.voco Kirkton Park
The luxurious voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley is set on 70 acres of manicured gardens with rolling countryside views and the Brokenback Ranges in the distance. Stay in elegance and glamour and country-estate style in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
Transfer from Sydney Airport to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel Sydney. An elegant sanctuary above the distinctive harbour city, the Shangri-La is positioned in the dress circle of the historic Rocks district, the panoramic views of the ‘Emerald City’ enhancing the luxurious glamour of this iconic five star Sydney hotel. A welcome dinner this evening will be hosted by your Journey Director at award-winning Altitude Restaurant where the exceptional cuisine is complimented by unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge unfurling below.
Overnight: Shangri-La Sydney or similar
This morning, step back 3,300 years, across the sands of the Sahara Desert to Ancient Egypt ruled by the most celebrated pharaoh in the country’s storied history. Experience one of the greatest collections of its kind in this Australian-first exhibition, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, exclusive to the Australian Museum.
Today’s lunch is at Catalina’s, a Sydney dining institution famed for its incredible meals and unrivalled views of Sydney Harbour and Rose Bay. Following lunch, we enjoy a private tour of the highlights of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens before returning to the hotel to enjoy ample time to prepare for this evening’s Opera.
This evening, immerse yourself in the atmosphere as the sun sets over Sydney’s spectacular skyline, a magnificent backdrop as dusk falls. Enjoy a delicious three course dinner before proceeding to your Premium seating for the dramatic performance, West Side Story, hailed as the greatest Broadway musical of all time. The remarkable collaboration between Bernstein, Laurents, Robbins and Sondheim produced a timeless masterpiece. It features unforgettable songs including ‘Maria’, ‘Tonight’, ‘Somewhere’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’, universally adored for generations. A modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, this tragic love story tells the tale of two young people whose happiness is destroyed by the hate of two enemy camps in New York City’s urban jungle, the Jets and the Sharks. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight: Shangri-La Sydney or similar
Today we head to the picturesque Hunter Valley north of Sydney. Following lunch at acclaimed Restaurant Cuveé at Peterson House Winery, we enjoy a delightful afternoon of sipping premium local wines, sampling regional cheeses and taking an art class from the folks who won best Hunter Valley Tourism activity for 2023! Gazing over the spectacular Tuscan-inspired view, we will try our hands at painting our very own wine country masterpiece. This afternoon, check-in to the luxurious voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, set on 70 acres of manicured gardens with rolling countryside views and the Brokenback Ranges in the distance.
Overnight: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
After breakfast, we visit the Watershed Gallery, which showcases artwork by regional artists. Lunch today is at award-winning Muse Kitchen followed by premium wine and artisan chocolate tasting at Keith Tulloch and Cocoa Nib. Enjoy a private tour through the highlights of the Hunter Valley Gardens plus time to explore Hunter Valley Village. Tonight’s farewell dinner is at award-winning Amanda’s on the Edge Restaurant.
Overnight: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Transfer back to Sydney Airport following a leisurely breakfast. Saying a fond farewell to new friends, we take away memories of a delightful Sojourn.
About Sojourns
Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from exploring Australia’s Top End to world-class events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.
About Single Traveller Journeys
We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any, or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening. Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Fully inclusive
This journey includes accommodation, all meals as specified, touring throughout, transfers, services of a dedicated Journey Director.
Coaches
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Pre Tour
Flights from your home port to Sydney are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to and from Sydney, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post tour accommodation in Sydney, at the commencement and conclusion of your journey.
Level of Fitness Required – Easy Going
These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 500 metres unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility is required by all.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
* Free Single Supplement Offer – is limited and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Conditions apply, please contact Bill Peach Journeys for details.