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- Verona Opera Festival 3 Nights
- Verona Tours
One of Italy’s most famous festivals, the Verona Opera Festival takes place in the summer every year at Arena di Verona, a spectacular 1st century Roman amphitheatre. The unique acoustics of the ancient theatre and breath-taking performances of masterpieces like La Traviata and Aida provide viewers with an unforgettable experience. Get in touch with our Italy Experts for further details and start planning your opera trip today.
The 2024 opera programme takes place on the following days:
From 8th June of to 7th of September 2024
At a glance
- Enjoy an unforgettable night at the opera.
- Relax in handpicked hotels by our Italy Experts.
- Sip on an aperitif in Piazza Bra.
- See the world-famous Juliet’s Balcony.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Verona from Castel San Pietro hill.
- Eat al fresco in one of Verona’s charming restaurants.
For more information, call our Italy Experts on:
4 days from £669 per person
Trip Itinerary
Hotel Touring
- A boutique hotel with architecture dating back to 1928
- Within easy reach of Verona’s many historic sites
- Located 1km from the renowned Roman Arena
- A short walk to the historic centre of Verona
Due Torri Hotel
- Located in the centre of medieval Verona close to all the main sites
- Panoramic terrace with amazing views of the city
There is a place no one knows, which has withstood the test of thousands of years, and connects the wing of the Arena to its first ring. It is an exclusive terrace overlooking Piazza Bra, where you can enjoy an experience that is unbeatable. 24 special guests will have access to this magical place, to enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner before being taken directly to the first row to attend a night at the opera.
To book call our Italy Experts on 01293 324170.
An exciting experience to discover the theatre and the city's history; a visit to the backstage and technical areas to meet stagehands, tailors, and property staff, and enjoy the atmosphere before the show. A journey into off-limits areas where the opera stars wait before getting on stage. Only 20 guests will get the chance to live this experience and enjoy an aperitif by the historic archways before being accompanied to their reserved stall seats.
What our customers think
We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 95 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist.
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Verona Arena
© FotoEnnevi / Fondazione Arena di Verona
Performance of Turandot at the Verona Opera Festival
Photo by Patrick Pahlke via Unsplash
Photo by Sebastian via Unsplash
Verona Opera Festival | June 2024
Take your seat in Verona’s spectacular Arena for Rossini’s The Barber of Seville , Puccini’s Turandot and a new production of Verdi’s Aida , the work that launched the festival
Enjoy illuminating lectures on each opera from our Tour Director, musician, conductor and writer Paul Jackson
Explore the ‘fair Verona’ of Romeo and Juliet and journey by boat across Lake Garda
“This was a fascinating tour with a good balance between the operas and other cultural experiences”
“In the late evening warmth as opera goers gather around Verona’s arena, there is anticipation in the air. Inside is the magic of two thousand years of history, the glamour of the audience, the beauty of the opera”
Established for over one hundred years, Verona’s internationally renowned opera festival ranks as one of the most outstanding in the world. Staged in the monumental Roman amphitheatre known as the Arena di Verona – “the true home of open-air performances” – the festival has hosted many of the world’s greatest opera singers and some of the most awe-inspiring sets in the classical music world.
The 2024 festival promises to be a typically memorial occasion as the Arena welcomes some of its most popular works from across the century, complemented by its new production of Aida . As dusk falls and the candles are lit, we will take our seats for three operatic masterpieces.
Our tour begins with Rossini’s much-loved comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville . Hugo de Ana’s lively production transforms the Arena into a fantastic 18th century garden, with labyrinths of hedges, stairs, chairs and enormous red roses. The clever barber Figaro and his adventurous companions await you in this production where anything is possible. A prime example of a musical comedy, the opera sparkles with wit, relatable human drama and some of the composer’s most recognisable music – including, of course, Figaro’s highly entertaining entrance aria ‘Largo al factotum’.
At the heart of our tour will be a chance to experience the 100th anniversary production of Verdi's Aida , created by Stefano Poda, which premiered in 2023 . With its dramatic public scenes and moments of private intimacy, brought to life by stunning direction, set design and costumes, a performance of this beloved work becomes an experience of a lifetime in the superb surroundings of the Arena.
Finally, we will take our seats for a magnificent production of Puccini's Turandot , by director and set designer Franco Zeffirelli with costumes from the Oscar-winning Emi Wada. The opera - which features one of Puccini's most enduring arias in 'Nessun Dorma' - will capture us with its powerful and orchestral moments, as the splendour of the Forbidden City unfolds before our eyes in a tale of love and redemption .
In ‘fair Verona’, the city of Romeo and Juliet, we will explore captivating streets and splendid medieval churches. An excursion will take us to the shores of Lake Garda, which has enchanted writers and travellers from Catullus to Tennyson. We will enjoy a boat trip to Sirmione, where the celebrated and influential 20th century soprano Maria Callas lived in the 1950s, having made her debut in Verona in 1947.
Meanwhile, in Valpolicella Classica, we will explore the area’s long heritage as a producer of some of Italy’s finest wines, with a visit to the beautiful 14th century manor house, Palazzo Montanari.
Our accommodation is at the comfortable Hotel San Luca, located a five-minute stroll away from Verona’s Arena.
This tour will be led by Paul Jackson , MA , PhD, pianist, musicologist and former Director of Music at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Paul has enjoyed an extensive career as a conductor of opera and also as a chamber musician, performing widely in the UK, Europe and America.
Places are limited - please contact the office on 01223 841055 to enquire.
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described (1st sector gold category), five breakfasts, one light lunch, four dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £575.
Paul Jackson
"Our lecturer, Paul Jackson, was informative and entertaining" “An excellent insight into the operas and background of performances from Paul” - Previous ACE customers
Paul Jackson , MA, PhD, is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and was, for over twenty years, Head of Music and Performing Arts and Director of Music and Performance at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Paul has also enjoyed an extensive career as a conductor of choirs, orchestras and opera, and as a solo and chamber music pianist, performing in the UK, Europe and America. Equally at home in music from the 19th century to the present day, Paul is an enthusiastic supporter of young and aspiring composers, and has commissioned and performed many new works for a variety of musical forces. He has published widely on the music of the Australian composer Percy Grainger, and is President of the Percy Grainger Society, New York.
View tours with Paul Jackson
Fitness & Practicalities
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature and, to make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy with visits every day. As such, they require a certain minimum level of mobility, physical and mental fitness, and stamina.
This tour involves a significant amount of walking over cobbles, slippery marble paving stones, up and down steps (sometimes without handrails), and potentially in hot sunshine or over wet pavements. A good level of fitness is required to complete the itinerary, and we would advise you to consult our general fitness criteria in the Booking Terms & Conditions. Please note the walk from the hotel to the Arena is on flat ground and takes around five minutes. Our return walk is after nightfall but the area is well lit. All performances are scheduled to begin at 2130, but our itinerary has been balanced with later starts in the mornings and some free time during the days in which to rest and relax. This tour also includes a boat trip.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for one hour
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
Click to read our terms and conditions
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £180.
Day 1
Depart London Gatwick 1455 on British Airways, arriving Verona 1755. Transfer to Hotel San Luca, Verona, for five nights.
Day 2
Morning: relaxed walking tour of Verona focusing on architectural and historical treasures. Free afternoon followed by early evening lecture. Evening performance at the Arena: Rossini The Barber of Seville .
Day 3
Morning excursion to Palazzo Montanari, Valpolicella (14th century house) for guided tour followed by wine and olive oil tasting. Free afternoon in Verona followed by early evening lecture and independent dinner. Evening performance at the Arena: Verdi Aida .
Day 4
Morning: further explorations of Verona on foot. Free afternoon followed by early evening lecture. Evening performance at the Arena: Puccini Turandot .
Day 5
Free morning. Afternoon excursion to Lake Garda for boat trip to Sirmione (once home to Maria Callas).
Day 6
Free morning. Depart Verona 1945, arriving Gatwick 2050.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer. While we will endeavour to deliver this itinerary in full, some elements may be adjusted nearer the time, particularly owing to local weather conditions. Cast and performance details may also be subject to change by the festival office.
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IMAGES
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The 2024 opera programme takes place on the following days: From 8th June of to 7th of September 2024. June 21:30. July 21:15. August 21:00. September 21:00. Turandot by Giacomo Puccini | Direction and scenes Franco Zeffirelli. 8th 15th 22nd 29th.
26th June - 1st July 2024. Overview. Itinerary. Fitness / Practicalities. Take your seat in Verona’s spectacular Arena for Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Puccini’s Turandot and a new production of Verdi’s Aida, the work that launched the festival. Enjoy illuminating lectures on each opera from our Tour Director, musician, conductor ...