Join us for five nights in Verona and experience the joy of listening to opera in the open air of the Verona Arena. The ‘Arena di Verona’ is a magnificent ancient Roman amphitheatre which was built to hold 30,000 spectators and is one of the best preserved structures of its kind. The first operas were performed at the arena in 1913 in celebration of the centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi. Musical luminaries such as Puccini and Mascagni were in attendance and so began a tradition which has launched the careers of many operatic singers. Since 1913, summer seasons of opera have been mounted continually at the arena, pausing only for wartime and the recent pandemic.
During our visit we will enjoy two opera performances, a double bill of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Aida’, both of which take place after dark. In addition to the two magnificent opera performances, we have included ample time to explore Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet, which is full of architecturally striking piazzas, churches and museums, evidence of its Roman and Medieval past. We will also enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Garda and a day spent in the viticulture district of Valpolicella.
Hotel Indigo Verona
For our stay in Verona we will be based right in the centre of the city at the Hotel Indigo. This charming boutique hotel is characterised by its refined, elegant atmosphere and Verona's Roman heritage with distinctive 16th-century Italian craftsmanship that can be seen throughout.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Verona, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight to Venice. On arrival, transfer to Verona and the Hotel Indigo for our five night stay. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Arena. This evening meet with your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 Verona.
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a guided walking tour of Verona. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Verona is a fascinating Medieval city. Visit Piazza Bra with the Arena, famous all over the world for the concerts and operas in this stunning location. The Arena, which holds 15,000 spectators, was completed in the year 30 AD and is the third largest in Italy after Rome’s Coliseum and the arena of Capua. We will also see the nearby Piazza delle Erbe, the bustling city square. Other points of interest during our tour will be Juliet’s balcony and many examples of Romanesque architecture including Ponte di Pietra, Porta Borsari, a third century gate in the original city walls, and some of the city’s magnificent Romanesque basilicas. We end our city walk with the famous Spritz aperitif and lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon at leisure and this evening we will meet for a pre-opera snack and drinks in the hotel before we make our way back to the Arena. Our performance tonight is Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’. (B, L, D*)
‘La Traviata’ - La traviata is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. It is based on La Dame aux camélias (1852), a play by Alexandre Dumas fils adapted from his own 1848 novel. The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character. It was first performed on 6 March 1853 at La Fenice opera house in Venice. “La Traviata” is the most performed opera in the world, and returns to the Verona Arena in the elegant 2011 production by Hugo De Ana, which pays homage to the belle époque with enormous frames, mirrors and tapestries.
Day 3 Lake Garda.
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for a full day excursion to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. We will visit the town of Sirmione, a small jewel suspended in the middle of southern Lake Garda, which has a thermal springs and was a spa destination even in Roman times. The town is dominated by a thirteenth-century castle, the Rocca Scaligera, defended by a moat patrolled by swans and ducks. We then take a brief ferry ride to Lazise, situated on the eastern coast of Lake Garda and one of its most picturesque towns. It has a beautiful waterfront and a Medieval centre full of shops and pastel buildings, and the port was once important during the dominion of the Venetian Republic. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the historic centre, which dates to the same period and maintains its alluring narrow lanes, and the 13th century castle is an enchanting sight. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Verona.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Verona independently. Perhaps have a walk along the River Adige, see the Museum inside Castel Vecchio or reach San Zeno Church. We meet this evening for an early dinner and once again we walk to the Arena for a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Aida’. (B, D)
‘Aida’ - The role of Aida was written for the soprano Teresa Stolz and although she did not perform it in the opera’s world premiere in Cairo 1871, she did create it in the European premiere in Milan the year after. Aida is a story of forbidden love - the Egyptians have captured and enslaved Aida, a Nubian princess. An Egyptian military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, the Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris is in love with Radamès, although he does not return her feelings.
Day 5 Valpolicella.
After breakfast we drive north to the viticulture district of Valpolicella, east of Lake Garda. Valpolicella ranks after Chianti in Italian wine production and is usually made from the three grapes Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Molinara. We stop at a local winery for a late lunch and a tasting of local wines. Return to our hotel in Verona for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 6 Verona to London.
After breakfast we transfer to Venice airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy26 June to 1 July 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Standard Room | £3495 | |
Premium Room | £3695 | |
Standard Room - sole occupancy | £3995 |
Tour Reference Code: LAARENA25
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Five nights accommodation at Hotel Indigo • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner, D*- Light pre-event buffet) • Wine, beer or soft drinks with each included lunch and dinner • Excursions as described with local guide • Two ‘Poltronissima silver' category opera tickets at the Arena • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Group Size: We are restricting the group size to just 25 participants.
NB. The transfer time between Venice and Verona is approximately 90 minutes.
Hotel Indigo Verona
For our stay in Verona we will be based right in the centre of the city at the Hotel Indigo. This charming boutique hotel is characterised by its refined, elegant atmosphere and Verona's Roman heritage with distinctive 16th-century Italian craftsmanship that can be seen throughout.
Also of Interest
Opera at La Scala
An escorted four night visit to Milan staying at the Rosa Grand Milano Hotel including a performance at La Scala
Rosa Grand Milano Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Milan / La Scala/ Cremona / Castello Sforzesco / Brera
Something about Suffolk
A six day exploration of East Anglia’s Great Houses & Gardens with Alan Mason, Chantal Cookson & London Festival Opera
Wentworth Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Aldeburgh / Otley Hall / Helmingham Hall / Beth Chatto / Fullers Mill / The Red House / Bury St Edmunds
Opera in Venice
An escorted four night stay in Venice including two opera performances
Saturnia & International Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Venice / La Fenice / Murano / Burano /Torcello
Neapolitan Wonders
An escorted visit to Naples staying at the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia including a performance at the Teatro San Carlo
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
Itinerary at a glance
- Naples / Herculaneum / Teatro San Carlo/ Royal Palace of Caserta
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000