Renaissance Tours has revealed its line-up of around-the-world itineraries and departures starting in January 2023.
The program includes some 80 individual tours departing from Australia and overseas. The program launch marks the first time since the start of the pandemic that Renaissance Tours has been able to offer a full international tours program.
For the first half of 2023, the program’s line-up extends to the world’s farthest reaches for a series of expert-led tours for groups of like-minded travellers.
In a formula popular with Renaissance Tours clients, the new program offers a blend of tours and cruises themed along areas of special interest, including Arts and Culture, Music, Ballet and Opera, Gardens, and Gourmet.
A handful of highlights from the program includes:
- Journey Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan: Departing from the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, this 15-day adventure along the Silk Road is led by esteemed archaeologist Iain Shearer. Travellers discover the ‘Jewel of Central Asia’, journey to the citadels of Khiva and Bukhara and follow the ‘Golden Road to Samarkand’ and discover the spectacular sites of the great capital of Timur’s vast empire. Travel is by rail, air and road. Dates: April 7-21, 2023 with tour prices from AU$8950 per person twin share.
Tilya-Kori Madrassah in Uzbekistan - New York Spring Rhapsody: This 10-day experience is led by music expert Phillip Sametz. He shows tour members seven performances in three iconic New York City venues. Tour members attend four operas at The Metropolitan Opera: Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore, Strauss’s Der Rosenkavelier, Puccini’s La Bohème and Verdi’s Aida. The New York Philharmonic performs two concerts at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and at Carnegie Hall the glorious Boston Symphony Orchestra will perform a program featuring Ravel and Rachmaninov. Accommodation is at the JW Marriott Essex House at Central Park. Dates: April 19 – 28, 2023, with tour prices from AU$15,950 per person twin share.
- Spring Gardens of Japan: Led by horticulturalist Elizabeth Swane, this 12-day tour of Japan’s spring gardens departs from Tokyo. In Kyoto, tour members walk among more than a thousand cherry trees at Shinjuku Gyoen and visit the Ashikaga Wisteria Park, the Koke-dera “Moss Temple” and Arashiyama-Sagano Bamboo Grove. Daytrips to Shiofune Kannon Temple’s Festival of Azaleas and Hitachi Seaside Park offer a deeper discovery of Honshu. Travel is via air and train. Dates: April 20 – May 1, 2023. Tour prices from AU$11,950 per person twin share.
- Tapas and Vino: Travellers who love food and wine are treated to 14 days of Spanish gourmet touring on this itinerary led by wine expert Peter Bourne, which takes in Catalonia – with visits to wine regions Priorat and Penedès, the grand estates of La Rioja, and the regional specialities of the Basque Country including San Sebastián. Bookings at the restaurants of Barcelona and Madrid are included. Dates: April 12-25, 2023. Tour prices start at AU$13,950 per person twin share.
Renaissance Tours managing director Evan Petrelis said he and the team were excited to be offering such a diverse range of tours right around the world again, just as travel was recovering after the pandemic-era border restrictions.
“We couldn’t be happier to have put together this collection of wonderful tours for the first half of 2023, to meet travellers’ desires just as they’re ready to explore the world again,” Petrelis said.
Featured Image: Tsminda Sameba – Holy Trinity Church near the village of Gergety (e_rasmus/iStock)
