Renaissance Tours has launched its 2025 program, promising a collection of unique and hard-to-access experiences that celebrate the best in opera, music, ballet, art, architecture, gardens, and historical sites.
From the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas to the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal, the Renaissance Tours 2025 program invites travellers to embark on meticulously crafted itineraries that offer exclusive access to renowned experts and experiences not easily accessible on one’s own.
“When we ask those who travel frequently with us why they keep returning, more than two-thirds say that the number one reason they continue to travel with Renaissance Tours is because of our tour leaders,” Renaissance Tours managing director Evan Petrelis said.
“Our tour leaders are not tour guides, breathlessly expounding facts and figures. They are subject-matter experts, who love nothing more than to share their enthusiasm for their specific fields of interest with others and to provide an exceptional travel experience.”
“So, with this new collection of tours, I pay tribute to our tour leaders – the ambassadors of our company who espouse ‘the Renaissance way’.”
Notable Tours in the 2025 Lineup
One of the standout offerings is the Serendipitous Sri Lanka tour, led by esteemed journalist and author Joyce Morgan in March 2025. Participants will explore the ancient cities of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle,’ including Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Kandy, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Serendipitous Sri Lanka. (Supplied)
In May 2025, Phillip Sametz, a writer and former ABC presenter, will guide travellers through the Scandinavian Serenade tour, which features world-class opera and orchestral performances across Copenhagen, Oslo, and Hamburg. Highlights include exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Oslo’s Opera House and stirring performances from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Oslo Philharmonic.
For garden enthusiasts, Genevieve Jacobs, a prize-winning journalist, will lead the Villas and Gardens of Italy tour in September 2025. This tour will traverse the Renaissance gardens of the Veneto and explore Tuscany’s magnificent estates, including La Foce and the stunning Gardens of Ninfa.
Notable 2025 tours
Pleasures of Portugal. (Supplied)
European Easter Music Festivals: Experience performances from Europe’s leading orchestras at the Salzburg and Baden-Baden Easter Festivals (April 11-22, 2025), hosted by classical music broadcaster Christopher Lawrence.
Spring Gardens of Japan: Discover the stunning floral festivals of Honshu with Elizabeth Swane (April 22 – May 4, 2025), featuring Kyoto’s legendary gardens and Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen.
Pleasures of Portugal: Explore the historical and cultural treasures of Portugal with Lorraine Kypiotis (May 4-17, 2025), including UNESCO World Heritage sites and the scenic beauty of the Douro River.
Authors and Artists of the South of France: Join Lucienne Joy (May 9-20, 2025) to explore the stunning landscapes of the French Riviera that inspired generations of artists and writers.
Opéra à la française: Enjoy a fortnight of operatic performances in major French cultural centres with Mairi Nicolson (May 21 – June 2, 2025), complete with private talks and culinary delights.
