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.
In addition to two magnificent opera performances, both of which take place after dark, 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.
June 2024 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 “Aida”. (B, L, D*)
Aida – The role of Aida was written for the soprano Teresa Stolz. Aida is a story of forbidden love - the Egyptians have captured and enslaved Aida, a Nubian princess. An Egyptian military commander, Radames, 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 Radames, although he does not return her feelings.
Day 3 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 Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot”. (B, D)
Turandot – Puccini’s Turandot is an opera in three acts set in China and follows the Prince Calaf, who falls in love with the cold Princess Turandot. In order to win her hand in marriage, a suitor must solve three riddles, with a wrong answer resulting in their execution. Calaf passes the test, but Turandot refuses to marry him. He offers her a way out: if she is able to guess his name before dawn the next day, he will accept death.
Day 4 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 and dinner at leisure. (B, L)
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 the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
July 2024 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 Lake Garda.
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for a full day excursion to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Sirmione, a small jewel suspended in the middle of the southern Lake Garda. The small historic town is located on the tip of a long peninsula, has 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. It is a real fairy-tale castle from the exterior. From Sirmione we embark on a brief ferry boat trip towards Lazise, situated on the eastern coast of Lake Garda. Lazise is one of Lake Garda's most picturesque towns, it has a beautiful waterfront and a Medieval historic centre full of shops and pastel buildings that resembles a town on the Riviera. The port was once important during the dominion of the Venetian Republic. The arched stone building at the port was once the Dogana Veneta, the Venetian Customs House that controlled commerce on Lake Garda. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the historic centre, which dates to the same period and maintains its alluring narrow lanes, while the surrounding area became popular with the wealthy Venetian and Veronese families who built palatial villas here. The 13th century castle is an enchanting sight. Return to the hotel for an evening and dinner at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 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 opera 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 a Spritz or Prosecco 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 Gioacchino Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”. (B, L, D*)
The Barber of Seville – Rossini’s Barber of Seville is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music. The opera first premiered in 1816 and it recounts the events of the first of the three plays by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais that revolve around the clever and enterprising character named Figaro, the barber of the title.
Day 4 Verona.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Verona independently. Have a walk along the River Adige, see the Museum inside Castel Vecchio, reach San Zeno Church. We meet this evening for an early dinner and a walk to the Arena for a performance Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida”. (B, D)
Aida – The role of Aida was written for the soprano Teresa Stolz. Aida is a story of forbidden love - the Egyptians have captured and enslaved Aida, a Nubian princess. An Egyptian military commander, Radames, 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 Radames, 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 the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
June 2024 Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy27 June to 2 July 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Standard Room | £3395 | |
Standard Room with balcony | Not Available | |
Premium Room | £3595 | |
Standard Room - sole occupancy | £3895 |
July 2024 Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy4 to 9 July 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Standard Room | £3395 | |
Standard Room with balcony | £3495 | |
Premium Room | £3595 | |
Standard Room - sole occupancy | £3895 |
Tour Reference Code: LAARENA
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 in Venice
An escorted four night stay in Venice including two musical performances
Saturnia & International Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Venice / Murano / Burano /Torcello
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
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000