This is the 15th year (out of 16) Young at Heart has enjoyed Opera in the Alps.  The highlight is the outdoor evening performance of the Opera in the Alps 50 piece orchestra, combined with the 100 voice choir led by one of Australia’s most entertaining conductors, Guy Noble. Plus outstanding solo performers including James Morrison, one of the most exciting brass virtuosos in Australia and the “rising star” young Australian dramatic soprano Helena Dix.  Enjoy the performance from A Reserve seats – a magical night you will long remember.

Enjoy a relaxing evening of classical favourites under the stars, in the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, MARYSVILLE, ALEXANDRA, WHITFIELD, ALBURY

Following home/hotel pick up we travel to Healesville and over the Black Spur to Narbethong and Marysville.  Morning cuppa in Marysville, and a short coach tour of the town, before continuing to Alexandra and Mansfield.  Following lunch we continue to Tolmie and Whitfield.  Afternoon cuppa time.  We continue through the picturesque King Valley to Albury.  Home for three nights is Rydges Albury.  Relax and settle in prior to a pre-dinner drink and appetising welcome dinner.

Day 2 (BLD) BEECHWORTH, CHILTERN

This morning we explore the historic gold era town of Beechworth, commencing with a guided tour (in our coach) of the township area.  Some time later on to browse, or visit one of the central historic sights.  Following lunch we visit nearby Chiltern, with its National Trust operated Dow’s Pharmacy, the Athenaeum Library Museum, Star Theatre Grapevine and Lakeview Homestead.  An interesting afternoon from a former era!

Day 3 (B,L,D) MYRTLEFORD, MT BUFFALO, BRIGHT, OPERA IN THE ALPS

This morning we visit Myrtleford on route to Mt Buffalo, always great mountain views and fresh mountain air.  Drive to Mt Buffalo Chalet, sadly still closed awaiting a new operator.  Morning cuppa before descending to Bright, our luncheon destination.  We return to Albury with some free time this afternoon prior to an early dinner.  We travel to Beechworth where we take our “A”  Reserve seats for the highlight of our short break Opera in the Alps 2012.  This year’s event features virtuoso trumpeter James Morrison and soprano Helena Dix.  They will be joined by a 100-voice choir and 50-piece orchestra led by one of Australia’s most entertaining conductors, Guy Noble.  It’s a relaxing evening of classical favourites under the stars, in the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth.  Supper after the event concludes a memorable day.

Day 4 (B,L) ALBURY, BENALLA, TRAWOOL, HOME

A later start today and, following a hearty breakfast, we leave Albury and travel south to Benalla where we visit the Benalla Rose Gardens and/or Regional Art Gallery, an excellent collection of art. On to Trawool for a most enjoyable Sunday lunch. Following lunch we return to Melbourne, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. Metropolitan home/hotel drop off concludes a most enjoyable Opera in the Alps 2012 holiday.