Tuesday, August 14 Departures
Departures from North America to Florence or Pisa.
Wednesday, August 15 Lucca
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Lucca and the elegant Hotel San Luca Palace, inside the walls of the historic city. In the evening, we gather for an unforgettable dinner at the Buca di Sant’Antonio, Lucca’s finest restaurant since 1782.
Thursday, August 16 Lucca
After breakfast (included each day), we meet our guide for a passionate and informative tour of his beloved city. We see the house where Puccini was born on December 22nd 1858; the Romanesque church of San Michele in Foro, on the site of the Roman forum; and San Paolino, where Puccini played the organ. This evening we dine at the Chalet del Lago, before a performance of Tosca at the open-air opera theatre at Torre del Lago.
Friday, August 17 Lucca
Today we drive the old Roman road to Pisa to visit the Piazza dei Miracoli - home of the celebrated Leaning Tower, the stunning Romanesque Cathedral (with inside visit), the Baptistry and other important monuments. Lunch is included at one of our favourite restaurants in the area, in an olive grove in the hills above Lucca. Tonight we return to Torre del Lago, first to tour the Puccini Villa - a touching monument to the maestro, and then for a performance of Madama Butterfly.
Saturday, August 18 Lucca
Enjoy the day at leisure in Lucca prior to our return to Torre del Lago for a performance of La traviata.
Sunday, August 19 Lucca
Today we visit lovely nearby Pietrasanta, the City of the Artists or Small Athens, known for its marble studios and monuments. Several international artists still live and work here, and the Bozzetti Museum has an important collection of sculpture and sketches. Unlike many popular Tuscan towns, Pietrasanta isn't a hill town and its historic center is a pleasant place for us to take a relaxed stroll. Before returning to Lucca, we will also visit the marble quarries in the nearby hills where Michelangelo would come to select his marble, and visit the Danesi Museum where we learn about the cavatori (excavators) who lived and worked in the quarry with their families. Tonight we attend a performance of La bohème at Torre del Lago.
Monday, August 20 Lucca - Pesaro
After breakfast, we check out and depart through the glorious hills of Tuscany and into the Marche to Pesaro, stopping first in Ravenna to tour the Early-Christian and Byzantine mosaics (including S. Apollinare in Classe). Lunch is included. In Pesaro, we check in at the seaside Hotel Cruiser Congress before making our way to our first performance of the Rossini Festival, Matilde di Shabran at the Adriatic Arena.
Tuesday, August 21 Pesaro
Late morning, we offer a tour of Pesaro, including the Palazzo, the Romanesque Basilica, the massive Rocca Costanza, and the birthplace of Gioachino Rossini. Tonight we enjoy a reception before a performance of Il Signor Bruschino at the Teatro Rossini.
Wednesday, August 22 Pesaro
Enjoy the entire day at leisure. This evening we attend a performance of Ciro in Babilonia at the Teatro Rossini
Thursday, August 23 Pesaro
This morning we offer a guided tour to Urbino, one of Italy’s finest hill towns, visiting the Palazzo Ducale, (with works by Raphael and Titian), and the Oratory of St. John. Lunch is included at one of Urbino's finest restaurants. Tonight we return to Teatro Rossini for a final time, for a special concert performance of Tancredi.
Friday, August 24 Departures
Transfer to Bologna or Ancona Airport is included.