Martin Randall Travel Traveller Reviews

A series of six performances, five of opera and one of a Mass, given in four delightful opera houses built in the 1860s in or near Syracuse, and one church in Ortigia. Brilliant musicians were flown to Sicily to perform for us and comfortable accommodation and travel by coach organised on the island. It was as if a Renaissance Prince had organised a programme of music and dining for our delight.

Brilliantly conceived and organised.

This was a trip to Venice (with the theme of 'Ruskin's Venice) in the week after Venice had suffered serious flooding affecting churches, museums, hotels, restaurants and other businesses. We were impressed by the resilience of the citizens of Venice and found most of the venues open (with the sad exception of S. Donato in Murano, which was struggling with the aftermath of severe flooding). I learned a lot about Donatello, the Bellinis, Tintoretto and Carpaccio and had a very enjoyable time in convivial company.

First class lecturer with deep knowledge of Ruskin and great love of painting and architecture. Excellent local guide who was passionate about her city and well-informed about its history, economy and art works. Highly competent tour manager who faced considerable challenges efficiently and cheerfully.

A tour de force about Venice through the eyes of John Ruskin. Included a thorough overview of each church, painting, sculpture and architectural decal pertinent to Ruskin. A good variety of churches, museums, cultural sites and historical overview. Superb food and wine.

Martin Randall thought of every detail important to the smooth running of the tour. Venice floods created some challenges, but they weren’t daunted. Guides and tour managers were thorough, lucid and gave us the sense that they cared about the subject and about our satisfaction with the tour. This tour was absolutely packed with information, inspiration and comfort.

Excellent specialist art tour to California. (three cities).

Very good operations

sicily in november with sun sea good food and wine along with pleasant companions superb music and singing in pleasant surroundings

amazingly complicated itinerary and content superbly operated and managed to perfection. Well done

A private music festival spent in the company of fellow enthusiasts, visiting attractive little opera houses in the towns around Syracuse. All the musical ensembles booked were at least excellent and a couple of performances were truly outstanding. I'm just sorry it's over.

The usual impeccable Martin Randall organisation and support who all seem to be having a great time.

Opera in Southern Sicily- wonderful music. Brilliant young opera singers. Beautiful theatres.

Very efficient and caring and patient with elderly grumps.

Five marvellous operas, plus a Requiem, performed by brilliant singers and musicians, provided a memorable experience. So many highlights, no real downsides. A real privilege.

MRT is truly unique, all arrangements are perfect, every contingency planned for, highest quality maintained throughout.

Who else but Martin Randall would have though of basing a private music festival on operas in Southern Sicily? Well he did and over 200 clients thoroughly enjoyed a week of listening to concert performances in lovely little opera houses in Syracuse and delightful towns nearby.. A wonderful mixture of music and sightseeing.

Martin Randall Travel has created the genre of music festivals in European cities selected for their beauty and interest and putting on a series of private concerts of the highest standard in carefully chosen venues in these places. A faithful clientele ensures the success and their enjoyment of these unique ventures.

An experience that will be long remembered and will continue with follow up reading and research

Martin Randall Travel