Duration: 9 nights/ 10 days
Capacity: 15 or more people
Italy is the birthplace of opera, and it is still one of the best places in the world to see performances of this art form. It has a wealth of historic, majestic opera houses, many of which are still in use today. .With its rich history and culture, Italy is the perfect place to experience the magic of opera.
Opera Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Venice
Arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Meet and greet with your local Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel by GT motorboat. Check-in and time at leisure. Tonight you will start your Italian experience with a typical welcome dinner at a nice local restaurant.
Day 2 – Venice
This morning start on a guided walking tour to discover Venice and its many secrets. Visit famous sights such as St. Mark’s square with the Byzantine Basilica, Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace with the Bridge of Sighs. Afternoon tour of Fenice Opera House and stroll to Venice markets. Evening opera performance at the newly restored La Fenice Opera House, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
Day 3 – Venice/Verona/Florence
Breakfast and check-out. Transfer by GT motorboat to Venice bus terminal and continue by coach to Verona. Here we go on a walking tour through the city and visit among other sights, the Roman Arena. This ancient amphitheater is still today an important and famous outdoor venue during the Opera Season as well as for Pop and Rock concerts. Late afternoon arrival in Florence, check-in and free evening.
Day 4 – Florence
After breakfast explore all the beauties of the Cradle of the Renaissance, such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and much more. Afternoon free for your own activities. Evening Opera performance at the new Florence Opera House or at the Goldoni Theater.
Day 5 – Florence/Lucca/Torre del Lago/Florence
After breakfast departure to Lucca and Torre del Lago, birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. Begin with a visit to Puccini’s birthplace in Lucca now home to the Puccini Museum. In the afternoon continue to the nearby Torre del Lago to visit the villa where Puccini composed most of his masterpieces. Return to Florence for an evening at leisure.
Day 6 – Florence/Modena/Parma
Departure from Florence to Modena, a major destination for the gourmand due to great food and wines but also known by racecars lovers being home to the Ferrari. But Modena is also the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti, undoubtedly one of the greatest tenors of all time. Visit the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti and continue to nearby Parma.
Day 7 – Parma/Milan
This morning we will visit Busseto and Parma, known as one of Italy’s musical capitals. Quite appropriate for a town whose heart beats for opera and drama, the birthplaces of Arturo Toscanini and Giuseppe Verdi. The Regio and the Farnese Theatres are important trademarks of the city to see during our visit. We will pay a visit also to the village of Roncole, where Verdi was born in 1813. Late afternoon arrival in Milan.
Day 8 – Milan
This morning we go on a city tour of the second largest city of Italy, the ancient Mediolanum, renowned as one of the world capitals of design and fashion. The tour includes the great gothic Cathedral, the Teatro alla Scala and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where we can admire the famous Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of the Last Supper (subject to availability). Afternoon free for your own activities. Evening opera performance at La Scala Theatre.
Day 9 – Milan
This morning we will dedicate some more time to Giuseppe Verdi in Milan. Verdi was not just a superb composer but also a supporter of the musical profession. In the last years of his life, he established the Casa di Riposo per Musicisti, better known as Casa Verdi. Here we will discover the fascinating stories of more than 1000 musicians. Verdi himself is buried in a crypt here. Afternoon free for shopping in the capital of fashion. Farewell dinner in a typical restaurant.
Day 10 – Milan
Departure transfer to Milan airport for your home flight. End of tour.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour features Buffet breakfast and local city tax; Professional Tour Manager; Modern A/C private coach; Private motor boat transfers in Venice; Professional local guides; Admissions fees; Opera show tickets; Visit Italy’s most famous Opera theaters; Visit Puccini Museum in Lucca; Visit Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti in Modena; Visit Giuseppe Verdi birthplace; Welcome dinner in Venice; Farewell dinner in Milan.
Travel tips
More activities can be added or included on optional basis; Tour on half or full board basis; Tour extension to include shows at Rome Opera House; Tour extension to include shows at Naples San Carlo theater; Tour in Summer to enjoy enjoy an outdoor opera performance in Verona; Tour in Winter to access low season rates