Life is a wonderful gift, and as we travel and experience more of the world, our appreciation of all the beautiful moments we’ve enjoyed and the people we’ve shared them with increases too.

Renaissance Tours is Australia’s leading operator of expert-led cultural tours in the fields of opera, music, ballet, art, architecture and gardens.

Here are six of their most compelling cultural tours in 2019.

1. Art, music and wine in the South of France

Accompanied by some of Australia’s most well-known identities in art, music and wine, you can journey through the charming South of France and cruise up the mighty Rhone River – from Arles through Avignon and Tournon-sur-Rhone to the gastronomic capital of Lyon.

To find out more click here.

2. Music, opera and ballet in North America

Embrace winter in the northern hemisphere with the fiery sounds of the world’s leading orchestras, ensembles and soloists at the peak of North America’s music season. Between grand symphonic works, attend intimate chamber music performances in Washington DC and New York’s Carnegie Hall by the Juilliard String Quartet, the Kronos Quartet and pianist Daniil Trifonov – musicians and ensembles that have redefined the world standard of musical excellence.

To find out more click here.

3. From the Sahara to the Sea

Follow in the footsteps of mediaeval camel caravans as you make your way to the Grand Market of Marrakesh where snake charmers, peddlers and magicians vie to entertain passers-by. Cross the High Atlas Mountains and travel to the desert towns of Ouarzazate and Erfoud, before turning north again to Fez, whose madrasas and ancient university have seen it dubbed ‘the Athens of Africa’.

To find out more click here.

4. Eternal Egypt

Immerse yourself in the art, archaeology, language and culture of ancient and modern Egypt on a wondrous three-week journey through 4,500 years of history. Join archaeologist Dr Melanie Pitkin for the ultimate exploration of Egypt, visiting the major sites of Cairo, Giza and Luxor as well as exploring the lesser-known, yet equally fascinating, treasures of Middle Egypt including Karanis, Amarna and Beni Hasan.

To find out more click here.

5. Gardens of the Adriatic

Travel north along the enchanting Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik to the island of Hvar and onwards to Venice, visiting the elegant gardens that grace the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Begin in Dubrovnik, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town is still ringed with Mediaeval walls, and visit the botanical garden on the verdant island of Lokrum.

Explore the spectacular Dalmatian coast to Split, the vibrant city which grew up around the site of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s vast palace, and onwards to Opatija and the floral abundance of the Villa Angiolina near Venice.

To find out more click here.

6. Easter in Vienna and Salzburg

Celebrate the European spring with opera and music from Europe’s finest orchestras, soloists and conductors at the Salzburg Easter Festival, along with operas in elegant Vienna.

Indulge in six days at the Salzburg Easter Festival for extraordinary opera, symphony, chamber and choral performances including Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with soprano Regula Mühlemann, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, and concertos by Bach featuring violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann.

To find out more click here.

Travelling with Renaissance Tours, you enjoy the company of like-minded travellers, tour leaders amongst the most accomplished in their fields, exclusive access to people and places, and impeccable travel arrangements. So, what are you waiting for?

You can find out more about Renaissance Tours HERE and download their 2019 brochure HERE.