An unforgettable experience for music lovers in the company of the superb Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the world renowned Zubin Mehta with the internationally celebrated pianist Lang Lang. Additionally the well-known Austrian soprano Eva Lind will present a recital at Taormina. There will be concerts aboard the AIDAdiva with various chamber ensembles drawn from members of the Vienna Philharmonic. All concerts will be introduced by the distinguished musicologist Dr. Clemens Hellsberg and there will be opportunities to attend the rehearsals.
Among the composers featured during the cruise will be Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, Wagner, Chopin and Johann Strauss.

Zubin Mehta - was born in India and subsequently studied music in Vienna under Hans Swarowsky. Fellow students were Claudio Abbado and Daniel Barenboim. In 1958 Zubin Mehta became an assistant conductor with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Since then he had been chief conductor of the Montreal Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic and recently has been Music Director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.

Lang Lang - The pianist was first captivated by the piano when watching Tom of the Tom & Jerry cartoon appearing to play Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 at his home in China. At the age of nine years Lang Lang entered the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music. In 1995 age thirteen he won theTchaikowsky International Young Musicians Competition and the following year began studies at the famous Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

Eva Lind - The Austrian soprano made her professional debut at the age of nineteen as the Queen of the Night in Mozart's 'Magic Flute' at the Vienna State Opera. She has appeared on many of the world's opera and concert stages, appearing in operas by Verdi, Berlioz, Bellini and Richard Strauss as well as concert appearances in the Masses by Mozart and Beethoven and in Haydn's 'The Creation'. Her repertoire for recitals embraces a wide range of lieder and chanson.

The splendid new cruise ship, M.S. AIDAdiva, made her maiden cruises in April 2007. Built in Germany, she has a displacement of 70,000 tons and a passenger carrying capacity of 2,000, with an English and German speaking crew of 650. You will enjoy excellent cuisine from a choice of seven restaurants, most offering sumptuous buffets, with a small number of a-la-carte restaurants.

The AIDA lounge situated towards the bar of the ship, offers a panoramic view of the ocean, where you can enjoy the incredible blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The Theatrium is the concert hall and theatre of the AIDAdiva where the shipboard concerts will be held.
The ship boasts eleven bars to tempt you whatever the time of day or your mood of the moment. The Oasis Spa complex is surrounded by palms and artificial rocks with a large whirlpool and offers many beauty treatments from which to choose. There is of course a modern fitness centre but, unusually, the AIDAdiva has an open air sports area where passengers can play basketball or volleyball as well as an indoor squash court.

There is a wide range of cabin categories from which to choose, from deluxe suites to spacious outside and inside cabins all attractively furnished and equipped with private facilities. An English speaking doctor will be on board.
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Itinerary

20 June 2008 – Fly to Palma de Majorca. Transfer to the MS AIDAdiva and embark. The ship sails at at 10.00 p.m.

21 June 2008 – At sea.

22 June 2008 – Malta A day in Valletta viewing the many historical sites such St. John's
Cathedral and the 'Upper Barracca Garden'. The former medieval capital Mdina is an impressive sight with its striking battlement and the limestone palaces and churches. The day ends with a musical presentation of the highest quality: members of the
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra give a concert along with the celebrated virtuoso pianist Lang Lang.

23 June 2008- Taormina Taormina offers an imposing view of Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. The best known sights are the Cathedral San Nicolo with its baroque fountain and the world-renowned Greek amphitheatre. Amidst this wonderful scenery, enjoy one of the musical highlights of the journey: a matinee recital by Eva Lind along with an ensemble of the Philharmonic Orchestra.

24 June 2008 - Rome There is no other city that possesses such cultural importance for European history as Rome: the Vatican, Capitol Hill, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum
with Constantine's triumphal arch, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are all reminders of a living history.Cruising the Mediterranean Sea.

25 June 2008 - Florence An experienced guide accompanies you on a tour of the cultural centre of the Renaissance, including a visit to the'Piazza della Signoria'and the world famous bridge 'Ponte Vecchio'. A perfect city to host a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, with soloist Lang Lang. Enjoy the following works: Carl Maria von Weber - 'Oberon' Overture, Franz Schubert - Symphony No. 8 in b-minor ('Unfinished'), Frederic Chopin - Piano Concert No.1 in e-minor.

26 June 2008 - Monaco – For over 700 years, the History of Monaco is associated with the Grimaldi Dynasty and they still today reside in the 'Princely Palace' situated on the rock of Monaco. The Prince's Palace, the cathedral and the casino are the most famous sights, all of which you can enjoy during the excursion.

27 June 2008 - Barcelona –The closing musical event features the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Lang Lang under the direction of Zubin Mehta in the 'Teatre Musical' in Barcelona. A gala concert with works of Carl Maria von Weber - 'Freischutz' Overture, and Frederic Chopin - Piano Concert No.2 in f-minor (played by Lang Lang), as well as Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No.5. This evening promises to become a memorable experience.

28 June 2008 - Barcelona – Barcelona, with its impressive gothiccathedral, the 'Barrio Gotico' and the facade of the 'Sagrada Familia', the unfinished work of the famous architect Gaudi, is a perfect finish to your musical cruise. Enjoy the fantastic views of the city from Montjuic Hill.

29 June 2008 - Palma de Majorca – Arrive at 6.00 a.m. Disembark and fly back to the UK.

Classical Music Cruise aboard the MS AIDAdiva

Departure: 20 June- 29 June 2008

Cabin	Code	Deck	Occupancy	Price Per Person
Inside	IC	4, 5	2 Adults	£2,599
Inside	IA	7, 8, 9	2 Adults	£3,379
Oceanview	AB	4	2 Adults	£4,299
	AA	4, 5	2 Adults	£4,559
Balcony	BF	5, 7	2 Adults	£4,829
	BD	6, 7, 8	2 Adults	£5,189
	BB	6, 7, 8, 9	2 Adults	£5,419
	BA	6, 7, 8, 9	2 Adults	£5,499

Price includes:

Two gala concerts ashore with the Vienna Philharmonic under Subin Mehta with Lang Lang as soloist, one in Florence, one in Barcelona.

Lang Lang as soloist with a chamber orchestra from the Vianna Philharmonic at a concert in Malta

Daily concerts onboard with various chamber ensembles drawn from the Vienna Philharmonic

Matinee recital with Eva Lind in Taormina

Introductions to the concerts by Dr Clemens Hellsberg

Opportunities to talk to the artists

Full board throughout the cruise , including a welcome reception and farewell dinner

Flights from major UK airports to Palma de Majorca and return, together with transfers and all airport taxes. Baggage service at Palma de Majora

Complete music programme aboard and ahsore

All shore excursions

Gratuities

Not Included: Drinks and wine, Travel Insurance, Personal items

Terms and Conditions apply. Booking Conditions available on request.

This cruise is operated on our behalf by DERTOUR ATOL 5706.