New Year's Week in London

 

New dates to be announced
Download the 2008-2009 brochure
Tell a friend about this tour.

 

Join the University of Wisconsin–Madison for a week of performing arts at their very best as we ring in the New Year in London, England! This year’s performances include the extraordinary play, Warhorse, at the National Theater; Puccini’s opera Turandot at the Royal Opera House; the beautiful ballet Manon by the English National Ballet; a symphonic performance (to be announced) and our traditional New Year’s Eve Gala with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

We will complement these evening events with a morning walking tour of Shakespeare’s London, a guided tour of the Abstract Expressionism Gallery at the Tate Modern Museum, and an educational morning spent with our top-notch lecturers who will provide you a wonderful platform from which to maximize your educational travel experience. In addition to those activities your trip includes three group dinners and a daily buffet breakfast, at least one unscheduled evening, and plenty of free time during the day for you to customize your London experience.

Our beautiful art deco Hotel Russell on Russell Square is a casual 10-minute walk to the British Museum and the British Library. Bus and subway lines run directly adjacent to the hotel, allowing you easy access to the city’s other historical, shopping, and cultural offerings. Always a happy and friendly time, this is a trip that you won’t want to miss.

Accommodations:

Quality accommodations are at the newly-renovated Hotel Russell situated near the British Museum and within convenient walking distance of the Underground, West End theaters, unique restaurants and shops. You may also choose to arrive early or stay longer at the group rate.

Unique services:

In preparation for travel, participants will receive reading materials about playwrights, composers, artists and acting companies as well as the London arts scene. There are several on-site seminars and backstage tours that enhance the enjoyment of the many performances.

Land arrangement price includes:

• Twin-bedded accommodations (singles available for a supplement).
• Gratuities and admissions.
• Best available tickets to six quality performances.
• Roundtrip group transfer from the airport as well as for all performances.
• Daily English breakfast, plus three dinners.
• New Year's Eve celebration.
• Educational materials, guest lectures, on-site coordination of all activities.
• Subtle attention to detail by experienced university faculty and staff.
• Easy access to a singularly unique, carefree travel opportunity!

Itinerary

Saturday, December 27
Depart the U.S. for England through Chicago O’Hare.

Sunday, December 28
Arrive in London mid-day, with a group meal at the hotel in the evening. After dinner attend the play Warhorse.

Monday, December 29
Morning educational seminars over coffee. After a free afternoon you’ll rejoin the group for an evening performance of the opera Turandot.

Tuesday, December 30
Morning walking tour of Shakespeare’s London. Enjoy a free afternoon and in the evening attend a concert to be announced.

Wednesday, December 31
Morning guided tour of the Abstract Expressionism Gallery at the Tate Modern Museum. After another free afternoon, enjoy an elegant group meal at Searcy’s in the Barbican Center before attending the New Year’s Eve Gala with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Thursday, January 1
New Year’s Day is yours to spend as you wish. We’ll have optional tickets if you’d like to attend the New Year’s Day Gala at the Barbican Center. The evening is free for you to choose your own entertainment.

Friday, January 2
The day is unscheduled. Join your companions for a farewell group meal at our traditional location, the Italian restaurant Trattoria Verdi before attending the classical ballet, Manon, performed by the English National Ballet.

Saturday, January 3
Afternoon departure from London for the U.S.

 

Comments:

Read what other travelers in our program have said:

"Having organized a few trips and many outings and conferences, I know how much work there is to make such a complicated trip run smoothly and be such a success. Please accept my compliments and also my thanks for all the work you did to make the weekend so very, very enjoyable. And I recommend YOUR trips to anyone I think might be interested."

"Can’t think of a thing (that could be improved). It was a most enjoyable experience for me, and I hope to be able to travel with UW-Madison again!"

"I thought that everything about this experience was wonderful, and I’m definitely looking forward to another trip in the future."

International air travel:

Air details not yet available.

General information:

Costs: $2,499/per person based on double occupancy; plus air. Price includes premier seating at all performances, lodging, all breakfasts, three group meals, walking tour, museum tour, and all transfers.

Airfare is not included in this package price. Upon receipt of your deposit our travel agent will contact you to make your flight arrangements, regardless of your point of origin, if you wish. If you plan to make your own air arrangements you must contact us first to confirm space/ground arrangements.

As with all of our trips, you may choose to arrive early or extend your stay in London. Please let us know if we can assist you with your travel plans. Please understand, however, that we are unable to secure tickets for performances other than the ones we have listed here.

How to register:

There is a registration form in each program brochure. Please contact kim Seymour at (608) 262-3731 or kseymore@dcs.wisc.edu to request to receive the print brochure, or you may also download a copy of the brochure. To then sign up, just complete and return the registration panel along with the required deposit as directed.

Contact information:

For information contact Doug Whittle, 608-263-7787, dwhittle@dcs.wisc.edu, or Kim Seymour, kseymour@dcs.wisc.edu, 608-262-3731.