Puccini & Verona Opera Festivals
July 7 - 14, 2008

On this superb opera tour we are based in only two cities in Italy and will enjoy four magnificent operas. We begin in the center of Verona with its magnificent Roman Arena, 14th century Castelvecchio, renaissance buildings and the famous balcony claimed to feature in Romeo & Juliet. By day, explore the town and by night experience the glamour and intensity of world-class Opera performed in a magical setting.

The atmosphere in the Arena makes for a truly unforgettable experience, and included in this tour are the opera performances of Carmen and Nabucco, both superb in this theatrical and dramatic setting.

A pleasant drive through the Italian countryside brings us to our second city, Lucca, Puccini's birthplace. One of Italy's quieter and undiscovered gems, Lucca was an independent city-state until the nineteenth century. Because of the silk trade Lucca became one of the richest cities in the country, which you will very much enjoy, with its Romanesque churches and stately palazzi along with designer shops, mouth watering delis on the medieval streets and great trattorias and wine bars. Historic sites include the 12th century and 14th century San Michele in Foro church on the site of the Roman Forum, with its magnificent towering facade; the Cathedral with a striking green and white marble facade and the Piazza del Anfiteatro, a ramshackle oval of medieval buildings incorporating elements of the Roman Amphitheatre that stood here.

Just 11 miles away is Torre del Lago, where since 1930 a stage has been set up over the Massaciuccoli Lake to host some of Puccini's most beloved works. 2008 will be the 54th Festival and the theatre has been completely rebuilt for the forthcoming season.

With first category tickets to all four performances, time to explore two of the most beautiful towns in Italy, the special included visits for opera lovers, and traveling with a group of like-minded intelligent opera fans, this is a tour not to be missed.

Monday, July 7 ~ Depart the U.S. at 5:45 pm using our included economy class air on American Airlines from Chicago, or deduct our air credit and depart using your own air arrangements.

Tuesday, July 8 ~ You'll be met in Milan's airport and transfer to your home for the next three nights, the 4-star Hotel Giberti in Verona, just a short stroll from the arena. After a short time to relax or explore, meet your fellow travelers at 7:30 pm for a "Welcome to Verona" dinner at the nearby Le Tre Corone, a lovely restaurant oppposite the arena. Weather permitting, we'll dine on the outside terrace and watch the bustle of the opera going crowd.

Wednesday, July 9 ~ After the sumptuous included buffet breakfast, join your fellow travelers for a guided walking tour of Verona. There are many medieval and Roman sites to visit, including the magnificent Arena. Our guided tour also includes a backstage tour of the Arena.

Afterward, the afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. It is a very easy city to stroll around from Piazza Bra down the oldest pedestrian street of Europe to the cafe lined Piazza dell Erbe, eventually down to the River Adige. The magnificent four-century old Giusti Gardens are an oasis of calm worth visiting. The Castelvecchio with it's medieval Scaligero bridge is beautiful. There are many restaurants that line the Piazza Bra for your lunch options. (not included)

This evening there will be a pre-opera talk followed by dinner before this evening's performance of Nabucco. Written by Giuseppe Verdi, this opera includes some of Verdi's most rousing pieces of music, including Va Pensiero. Set in 586 BC in Babylon, it recounts the tale of the battle between the Israelites and Nabucco, last King of Assyria.

Thursday, July 10 ~ After breakfast today we depart for a guided visit to the delightful wine estate of Sergeo Alighieri, comprised of more than 75 acres of vines. It was once the home of the poet Dante when he was banished from his native Tuscany. The fruit from here is vinified by their neighbors and partners, Masi, who are widely regarded as amongst the finest producers in the area. We'll be guided through the picturesque grounds of this pretty villa and through the headily scented cellars, before tasting a selection of their excellent wines including the famous Recioto Casal dei Ronchi with our included lunch at the estate.

After some free time this afternoon we'll attend this evening's opera performance, Carmen. The setting is the Andalucian city of Seville and is the tale about a tempestuous Gypsy girl who works in a cigarette factory. (Will we have any Carmen's in our group?!)

Friday, July 11 ~ Later this morning we depart Verona for Lucca, stopping en route in Modena for a fascinating visit to a family-run producer of balsamic vinegar. Unlike the commercial products widely available, true modenese balsamico is so intense that a mere drop will suffice to perfume your chosen dish. We'll follow our informative visit with an included lunch featuring dishes created with Aceto Balsamico. We'll continue on the short distance to Lucca and arrive at the four-star Hotel Ilaria, our home for the remainder of the trip.

This evening's included opera performance is the magnificent Turandot. Puccini's final work of genius is opera at its most telling and memorable. The music of Turandot is full of pathos and magnificence - the beautiful Nessun Dorma is only one of many highlights. Click here for a video clip of the 2006 Turandot and Tosca performances.

After the performance we have included dinner with the performers in the private garden of Fondazione Festival Pucciniano’s main offices in Villa Caproni Taliedo. This should be a most memorable day on our tour!

Saturday, July 12 ~  Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel with your fellow travelers before our included walking tour of Lucca. One of the hidden gems of Tuscany, Lucca is often overlooked in favor of nearby Florence. As mentioned, it was an independent city-state until the nineteenth century, and the complete 16th century walls enclose a labyrinth of medieval streets. As the birthplace of Puccini, there is also a museum about the composer that is worth a visit. Enjoy lunch on your own and free time to explore this most charming city.

Later this afternoon, before the opera, meet your fellow travelers for a talk about Puccini from a local expert. You will also enjoy a visit to the villa where he lived and composed (and was buried). Dinner this evening will be at an excellent restaurant near the lake.

This evening's opera performance of Tosca takes place in Rome in 1800. It recounts the tale of Cavaradossi, who hides a republican fugitive, and of his lover, the singer Floria Tosca. The dreaded Chief of Police, Scarpia, lusts after Tosca and a story of betrayal and passion between these three dramatic protagonists unfolds, which culminates in Cavaradossi facing the firing squad and in Tosca's tragic death.                                            

This evening join your fellow travelers for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant - Buca di Sant'Antonio. An institution in Lucca, dating from the 1700’s, the restaurant is one of the more formal in town. The menu is very traditional and features many of the local Lucca dishes.

Monday, July 14 ~ Unfortunately our trip ends today, and though you must leave Italy behind, you will take all the lovely memories with you. We depart from Milan airport and arrive home the same day.