PUCCINI-ROSSINI-VERONA

With Nabucco and Aida in Verona, Zelmira, L’Italiana in Algeri and La cambiale di matrimonio at the Rossini Festival in Pesaro, and Turandot & Madama Butterfly at the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago.

Hotel Due Torri Verona, Hotel Excelsior Pesaro, Grand Universe Lucca (all 5-star).

Verdi, Rossini and Puccini form the Holy Trinity of Italian opera. Verdi has his fête in

Parma each October, but his works feature prominently at the majestic Arena di Verona each summer; the festivals devoted to the latter pair are largely outdoor affairs, on opposite coasts in northern Italy, each offering distinctive experiences in lovely settings.

Pesaro is a Roman town on the Adriatic Coast in the Marche region, due east of Florence. The town is the birthplace of Gioacchino Rossini, and in August of each year, The Rossini Opera Festival is held in his honour. Performances are given in the 850-seat theatre built in 1818, the Teatro Rossini and, since 1988, the modified "Palasport" sports arena (or Adriatic Arena), an open-air theatre with 1,500 seats. Our seaside, 5-star hotel, the Excelsior, is our luxurious base, and we will enjoy a day trip to Urbino whilst here.

Torre del Lago, site of Giacomo Puccini’s villa and final resting place, is located in western Tuscany, little more than a mile from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The venue for the festival is Teatro dei Quattromila (”Theatre of the Four Thousand”, though it has only 3200 seats), a state-of-the-art open-air theatre located on the shores of Puccini’s beloved Lake Massaciuccoli. Hearing Puccini’s timeless melodies float across the lake at sunset, just a few steps from the maestro’s final resting place, makes for a truly moving experience. For this part of the tour, we stay in Lucca, one of the most charming cities in Italy, with some of the finest cuisine in all of Tuscany. This medieval walled city has countless treasures, among which are the many sites associated with Puccini, who was born here in 1858.

ITINERARY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

Independent departures for overnight flights to Verona (VRN).

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Upon arrival in Verona, transfer to the elegant Hotel Due Torri. This evening, we meet for a Welcome Dinner in the hotel.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Verona (Palazzo Verità Poeta, Sala Morone in S. Bernardino monastery). Lunch at leisure. This evening we enjoy a wine tasting followed by a special dinner on Lake Garda.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Today we tour to Mantua, one of our favourite cities in Italy, where we visit Mantegna’s stunning Bridal Chamber, a masterpiece of the early Italian Renaissance. Lunch is included before a stop at the Nicolis Museum on the return journey. Tonight we hear Verdi’s Nabucco at the Arena di Verona.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Today we explore the Palladian villas between Verona and Vicenza, with a sumptuous al fresco lunch. Tonight we return to the Arena di Verona, the ideal venue for a grand production of Verdi’s Aida.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18

This morning we check out and depart by luxury coach to Pesaro, with a tour and late lunch in charming Comacchio. After a brief stop in Classe to visit the famous church of S. Apollinare, we arrive in Pesaro and check in at the Excelsior. Tonight’s opera at the Rossini Festival is L’Italiana in Algeri.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

Today we enjoy a guided tour of Pesaro, with lunch in Gradara. Tonight’s opera: Zelmira.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

Our touring today takes us to Urbino, a cultural treasure trove with a wonderful museum. Early dinner is included before La cambiale di matrimonio at Teatro Rossini.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

This morning we check out and depart for Lucca, with a stop in Bologna for a brief tour and light lunch. Late afternoon, we arrive in Lucca and check in at the Grand Universe. Dinner is included tonight at L’imbuto in the Pfanner Palace.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

This morning, we tour the medieval, walled city of Lucca.

Following an afternoon at leisure, we depart for a pre-opera cocktail at Villa Orlando (a private residence) prior to Turandot at Torre del Lago.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Enjoy the full day at leisure in Lucca. Tonight we enjoy a pre-opera dinner at Chalet del Lago and then hear Madama Butterfly.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Our final morning is spent in Pisa, with a visit of the Duomo and tower. After some time to rest and pack, we end our tour with a very special dinner overlooking the Cinque Terre.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

Transfers to the airport in Florence (FLR) are included. Transfers to Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN) can be arranged for a $400 supplement.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Top Category seats for at least 7 operas

• 11 nights in deluxe rooms at three 5-star hotels: the Due Torri Verona (4 nights), Hotel Excelsior Pesaro (3 nights) and the Grand Universe Lucca (4 nights)

• Full breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners 

• Private tours as listed

• Airport-hotel transfers 

• On-site Tour Direction

• Comprehensive Tour Guidebook

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in tour pricing. Flights should be booked to arrive in Verona (connecting through Munich) early afternoon on August 14, with return flights from Florence late morning on August 25.

TRANSFERS

We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within 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.