Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen at the incomparable Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Additional performances, Verdi tours, The Last Supper, Ricordi Museum, superb cuisine.
Deluxe rooms at the 5-star Grand Hotel et de Milan.
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After ten years, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its premiere as a full cycle in 1876, Teatro alla Scala presents a new production of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen.
The direction is entrusted to David McVicar, internationally acknowledged among the most appreciated opera directors of our time, and who has already staged a broad repertoire of titles at La Scala, ranging from Cavalli to Berlioz, Cilea, and Verdi.
The vocal cast offers important Wagnerian voices such as Michael Volle, performing as Wotan in the whole cycle, Camilla Nylund as Brünnhilde and Klaus Florian Vogt as both Siegmund and Siegfried. This cycle is conducted by Simone Young.
ITINERARY
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Independent departures for overnight flights to Milan.
MONDAY, MARCH 9
Upon arrival in Milan, you are met at your airport/rail station and transferred to one of our favourite hotels in the world—the 5-star Grand Hotel et de Milan, Verdi’s city home until his death in 1901.
18.30 This evening we meet for a cocktail reception in the Verdi Suite of the hotel before a special welcome dinner.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
10.00 Following breakfast, included each day, we tour the La Scala Museum and then stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to the magnificent Duomo, where we enjoy a private tour.
13.00 Lunch at Vik Pellico Otto in the Galleria.
19.15 This evening we meet and walk (5 minutes) to nearby La Scala for the start of our Ring adventure, Das Rheingold. 20.00 curtain.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
10.00 Today we meet for a private backstage tour at La Scala and then visit the Ricordi archive.
13.00 Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure.
17.15 We meet and walk to La Scala for Die Walküre. 18.00 curtain. Buffet dinner is included during the long interval.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
10.00 Today we tour to Cremona, where tour the Museo del Violino, with its priceless collection of Stradivarius and Guarneri instruments. We hear some of them being played, which they require regularly in order to “stay alive.” We also visit the shop of a working luthier and learn the secret which made Cremona the centre of stringed instrument excellence, and we will visit the Romanesque Duomo di Cremona (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, 1107), with its iconic torrazzo. A very special lunch is included.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
10.00 This morning we tour the Brera Gallery, with a superb and concise collection of masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Mantegna and many more. We will also see works in the collection being restored—always a special and fascinating experience.
17.15 We meet and walk to La Scala for Siegfried. 18.00 curtain. Buffet dinner is included during the long interval.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
10.00 Today we visit Sforza Castle, the medieval fortress shaped by sundry architects over centuries, most notably Leonardo da Vinci. Here we visit several of the complex’s museums, including a viewing of Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini. Those wishing to stay and explore further may do so.
19.00 Tonight we dine at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone (1957).
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Enjoy the day at leisure in Milan.
17.15 We make our final walk to La Scala for Götterdämmerung. 18.00 curtain. Buffet dinner is included during the long interval.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
Today we offer a full-day excursion to gorgeous Lake Como, where we will partake in a lake cruise, some off-the-beaten-path touring, and an unforgettable lakeside dinner.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
11.00 This morning we enjoy a viewing of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, followed by a visit at the Casa di Riposo Verdi.
19.00 Following and afternoon at leisure to pack for tomorrow’s flight home, we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Arengario, overlooking the Piazza del Duomo.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Departures to your airport (any time) are included.
TOUR INCLUDES
Top Category seats for at least 4 operas and 1 concert
9 nights in Deluxe accommodation at the 5-star Grand Hotel et de Milan
Full breakfast plus 9 additional meals
Private tours as listed
Airport-hotel transfers
On-site Tour Direction
Comprehensive Tour Guidebook
FLIGHTS
Flights are not included in tour pricing. Return flights should be booked to arrive in Milan (Malpensa or Linate) on March 9, 2026, with departure from Milan (Malpensa or Linate) on March 18.
TRANSFERS
We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within 3 days of the start/end of our tour. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.
MOBILITY
There is minimal walking with some stairs and cobblestones during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.
Your Tour Director
David Merritt
David Merritt is the owner and founder of Aria Tours and has been leading opera groups around the globe for nearly 25 years.