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Opera Bellissima

Travel to the birthplace of opera to be captivated by fine performances of the Italian masters and delight in the musical, art and culinary treasures of Northern Italy.

Revel in the annual Verdi Festival in Parma with six spectacular operas and concerts, including Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino and Simon Boccanegra.

In Milan, enjoy Umberto Giordano’s rarely-performed Fedora at Teatro alla Scala starring Roberto Alagna and Sonya Yoncheva, and take a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and the Ansaldo set and costumes workshops.

End the tour in beautiful Venice with another stunning opera, Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment, at Teatro La Fenice and enjoy an exclusive private visit to a rare music collection.

Deepen your understanding of the productions with pre-performance talks by ABC broadcaster and opera specialist Mairi Nicolson.

At a Glance

  • Delight in six performances at the annual Verdi Festival in Parma, including Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino, Simon Boccanegra
  • Attend Fedora at Milan’s La Scala with Roberto Alagna and Sonya Yoncheva singing the main roles
  • Experience a backstage tour of La Scala and a visit to the vast Ansaldo costumes workshops
  • Enhance your appreciation of the performances with enlightening talks by your tour leader and opera aficionado, Mairi Nicolson

Tour Leader

Mairi Nicolson

Destination

Parma, Milan and Venice

Dates

09 – 22 October 2022 (14 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Delight in six performances at the annual Verdi Festival in Parma, including Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino, Simon Boccanegra
  • Attend Fedora at Milan’s La Scala with Roberto Alagna and Sonya Yoncheva singing the main roles
  • Experience a backstage tour of La Scala and a visit to the vast Ansaldo costumes workshops
  • Enhance your appreciation of the performances with enlightening talks by your tour leader and opera aficionado, Mairi Nicolson
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

PROVISIONAL ITINERARY

Sunday 09 October 2022 / Arrive Bologna

Arrive in Bologna in the mid-afternoon and make your own way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including flights, private hotel transfer and pre-tour accommodation.

In the early evening, join Mairi and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing followed by dinner.

(D)

Mon 10 Oct / Bologna – Parma

After a pre-performance talk with Mairi, check out of the hotel and depart Bologna for the charming historic city of Reggio Emilia for lunch. Then continue to Parma and check-in at the hotel upon arrival in the mid-afternoon.

This evening attend the opening Gala performance of the Verdi Festival at the Teatro Regio di Parma, where celebrated soprano Rosa Feola and baritone Sergio Vitale perform arias by Verdi.

(BL)

Tue 11 Oct / Parma

This morning embark on a walking tour of Parma and visit the Romanesque Duomo, famous for its frescos painted by Antonio da Correggio in the early 16th century, and the medieval Baptistery, which marks a transition between Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture in Italy. Lunch and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore Parma at your own pace.

In the afternoon travel by coach to Verdi’s home town of Busseto for an evening performance of the Orchestra Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi. The orchestra is named after the famous conductor, who started as a cellist and played in the orchestra of some of Verdi’s opera performances, with the composer himself conducting.

(BD)

Wed 12 Oct / Parma (Busseto)

This morning continue in the footsteps of Verdi, beginning in the village of Le Roncole, where Verdi was born in 1813. Return to Busseto to visit Casa Barezzi, the home of Verdi’s father-in-law who supported Verdi and sponsored his early music career. After lunch, visit the museum Villa Verdi at Sant’ Agatha, where Verdi composed most of his famous works. Return to Parma in the late afternoon.

(BL)

Thu 13 Oct / Parma

In the morning enjoy a pre-performance talk by Mairi before visiting Teatro Farnese, one of the oldest Renaissance theatres still in existence, contained within the Palazzo della Pilotta. Built in the late 16th century during the reign of Duke Ottavio Farnese, the Palazzo consists of three courts: the Cortile di San Pietro Martire, Cortile del Guazzatoio and the Cortile della Racchetta. Enjoy a private guided tour of both the Palazzo and the theatre and see the surviving remains of the Verdi Monument.

This evening enjoy a performance of Il Trovatore at Teatro Magnani, in the nearby town of Fidenza. One of Verdi’s middle period masterpieces, this work established him as the world’s most popular opera composer. The opera is fast paced and full of exhilarating melodies, and includes some of his most famous chorus pieces.

(BD)

Fri 14 Oct / Parma

This morning discover the culinary specialities of the region, including local wines and the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. Enjoy a lunch with local produce in a rural setting before returning to Parma in the mid-afternoon.

In the evening attend a performance of the rarely-performed original 1857 version of the opera Simon Boccanegra at the Teatro Regio di Parma. The opera tells the story of the Doge of Genua, with plenty of court intrigues, disguises and dramatic twists to make for a captivating spectacle.

(BL)

Sat 15 Oct / Parma

Today there is the opportunity to discover more of Parma at your leisure. Perhaps visit the birthplace and museum of Arturo Toscanini, the famous Italian conductor and contemporary of Verdi or simply stroll along the streets and squares of the town.

After a late-afternoon talk by Mairi, attend a performance of Verdi’s choral pieces Quattro Pezzi Sacri at Teatro Reggio, by the orchestra and chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, conducted by music director Daniele Gatti.

(B)

Sun 16 Oct / Parma (Mantua)

Today visit Mantua, a small historic city surrounded by lakes and famous for its Renaissance architecture, erected by the house of Gonzaga, who ruled the city for more than 400 years. Apart from the city’s many palaces, the Teatro Bibiena stands out where Mozart performed when he was only 14 years old. The city was also the setting of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto. Return to Parma after lunch.

This evening return to the Teatro Regio for our last performance of the Verdi Festival, La Forza del Destino. This fascinating opera includes a famous overture, show-stopping arias and ensembles, and also some of Verdi best chorus music. The excellent orchestra from the Teatro Comunale in Bologna performs under the baton of Roberto Abbado, with an impressive cast performing the three main roles.

(BL)

Mon 17 Oct / Parma – Milan

Check out of the hotel and travel to Milan. Enjoy lunch in the charming town of Piacenza en route before arriving in Milan in the late afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

(BL)

Tue 18 Oct / Milan

After a morning talk by Mairi, enjoy a guided tour of the Ansaldo Workshops, where the stage sets for all the performances at La Scala are crafted and painted and where some 800 to 1,000 new costumes are sewn for each season. The afternoon is free to explore Milan at leisure.

In the evening attend a performance of Umberto Giordano’s opera Fedora at the famous Teatro alla Scala, with opera stars Roberto Alagna and Sonya Yoncheva performing the main roles. This world-famous opera house has an illustrious history with premieres of Italy’s foremost composers, and appearances of the world’s leading singers and conductors.

(BL)

Wed 19 Oct / Milan – Venice

Check out of the hotel in the morning and travel by coach to Venice. Enjoy lunch in Verona along the way before arriving in Venice in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Thu 20 Oct / Venice

Begin the morning with a pre-performance talk by Mairi before an exclusive visit to the Palazzo Loredan Vendramin Calergi. The Palazzo contains items related to classical music and opera, including musical scores, signed letters, paintings, rare documents and the largest Richard Wagner collection outside Bayreuth.

In the evening head to the Teatro La Fenice for a performance of the opera La Fille du Régiment. Made famous by Pavarotti with the aria ‘Ah! Mes amis’ with its ten high Cs, this light-hearted opera was written by Donizetti for the Opera-Comique in Paris in 1840, and was an immediate success.

(B)

Fri 21 Oct / Venice

In the morning travel by private boat to the island of Murano and enjoy a short walking tour of the island, famous for its history of exquisite glassmaking. Visit the workshop of a master craftsman and view a demonstration of the production process, which has been used to make fine glass products for over 1,500 years. Return to mainland Venice for some time at leisure before a special farewell dinner with Mairi and fellow travellers.

(BD)

Sat 22 Oct / Depart Venice

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, private airport transfers and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 19,450

Single supplement

AUD 3,950

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 5,000

Second deposit (due 08 July)

AUD 5,000

Final payment due

09 August 2022

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

OA2215

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas/Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Italy.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in centrally located 5-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Premium category tickets for all included performances
  • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner), including wines with meals
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Talks and discussions with your tour leader, opera specialist Mairi Nicolson
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • International airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotels
Bologna – Corona d’Oro****+
Milan – Starhotel Rosa Grand*****
Parma – Grand Hotel de la Ville*****
Venice – Hotel Danieli *****

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Teatro Regio di Parma © Teatro Regio/Municipality of Parma

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

Parma Duomo and Baptistery

Teatro la Fenice, Venice

Milan city view of the gothic Duomo Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall

Monument to Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto

Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Photo: Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

Grand Canal Venice

Opera Bellissima

Travel to the birthplace of opera to be captivated by fine performances of the Italian masters and delight in the musical, art and culinary treasures of Northern Italy.

Revel in the annual Verdi Festival in Parma with six spectacular operas and concerts, including Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino and Simon Boccanegra.

In Milan, enjoy Umberto Giordano’s rarely-performed Fedora at Teatro alla Scala starring Roberto Alagna and Sonya Yoncheva, and take a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and the Ansaldo set and costumes workshops.

End the tour in beautiful Venice with another stunning opera, Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment, at Teatro La Fenice and enjoy an exclusive private visit to a rare music collection.

Deepen your understanding of the productions with pre-performance talks by ABC broadcaster and opera specialist Mairi Nicolson.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

PROVISIONAL ITINERARY

Sunday 09 October 2022 / Arrive Bologna

Arrive in Bologna in the mid-afternoon and make your own way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements including flights, private hotel transfer and pre-tour accommodation.

In the early evening, join Mairi and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing followed by dinner.

(D)

Mon 10 Oct / Bologna – Parma

After a pre-performance talk with Mairi, check out of the hotel and depart Bologna for the charming historic city of Reggio Emilia for lunch. Then continue to Parma and check-in at the hotel upon arrival in the mid-afternoon.

This evening attend the opening Gala performance of the Verdi Festival at the Teatro Regio di Parma, where celebrated soprano Rosa Feola and baritone Sergio Vitale perform arias by Verdi.

(BL)

Tue 11 Oct / Parma

This morning embark on a walking tour of Parma and visit the Romanesque Duomo, famous for its frescos painted by Antonio da Correggio in the early 16th century, and the medieval Baptistery, which marks a transition between Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture in Italy. Lunch and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore Parma at your own pace.

In the afternoon travel by coach to Verdi’s home town of Busseto for an evening performance of the Orchestra Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi. The orchestra is named after the famous conductor, who started as a cellist and played in the orchestra of some of Verdi’s opera performances, with the composer himself conducting.

(BD)

Wed 12 Oct / Parma (Busseto)

This morning continue in the footsteps of Verdi, beginning in the village of Le Roncole, where Verdi was born in 1813. Return to Busseto to visit Casa Barezzi, the home of Verdi’s father-in-law who supported Verdi and sponsored his early music career. After lunch, visit the museum Villa Verdi at Sant’ Agatha, where Verdi composed most of his famous works. Return to Parma in the late afternoon.

(BL)

Thu 13 Oct / Parma

In the morning enjoy a pre-performance talk by Mairi before visiting Teatro Farnese, one of the oldest Renaissance theatres still in existence, contained within the Palazzo della Pilotta. Built in the late 16th century during the reign of Duke Ottavio Farnese, the Palazzo consists of three courts: the Cortile di San Pietro Martire, Cortile del Guazzatoio and the Cortile della Racchetta. Enjoy a private guided tour of both the Palazzo and the theatre and see the surviving remains of the Verdi Monument.

This evening enjoy a performance of Il Trovatore at Teatro Magnani, in the nearby town of Fidenza. One of Verdi’s middle period masterpieces, this work established him as the world’s most popular opera composer. The opera is fast paced and full of exhilarating melodies, and includes some of his most famous chorus pieces.

(BD)

Fri 14 Oct / Parma

This morning discover the culinary specialities of the region, including local wines and the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. Enjoy a lunch with local produce in a rural setting before returning to Parma in the mid-afternoon.

In the evening attend a performance of the rarely-performed original 1857 version of the opera Simon Boccanegra at the Teatro Regio di Parma. The opera tells the story of the Doge of Genua, with plenty of court intrigues, disguises and dramatic twists to make for a captivating spectacle.

(BL)

Sat 15 Oct / Parma

Today there is the opportunity to discover more of Parma at your leisure. Perhaps visit the birthplace and museum of Arturo Toscanini, the famous Italian conductor and contemporary of Verdi or simply stroll along the streets and squares of the town.

After a late-afternoon talk by Mairi, attend a performance of Verdi’s choral pieces Quattro Pezzi Sacri at Teatro Reggio, by the orchestra and chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, conducted by music director Daniele Gatti.

(B)

Sun 16 Oct / Parma (Mantua)

Today visit Mantua, a small historic city surrounded by lakes and famous for its Renaissance architecture, erected by the house of Gonzaga, who ruled the city for more than 400 years. Apart from the city’s many palaces, the Teatro Bibiena stands out where Mozart performed when he was only 14 years old. The city was also the setting of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto. Return to Parma after lunch.

This evening return to the Teatro Regio for our last performance of the Verdi Festival, La Forza del Destino. This fascinating opera includes a famous overture, show-stopping arias and ensembles, and also some of Verdi best chorus music. The excellent orchestra from the Teatro Comunale in Bologna performs under the baton of Roberto Abbado, with an impressive cast performing the three main roles.

(BL)

Mon 17 Oct / Parma – Milan

Check out of the hotel and travel to Milan. Enjoy lunch in the charming town of Piacenza en route before arriving in Milan in the late afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

(BL)

Tue 18 Oct / Milan

After a morning talk by Mairi, enjoy a guided tour of the Ansaldo Workshops, where the stage sets for all the performances at La Scala are crafted and painted and where some 800 to 1,000 new costumes are sewn for each season. The afternoon is free to explore Milan at leisure.

In the evening attend a performance of Umberto Giordano’s opera Fedora at the famous Teatro alla Scala, with opera stars Roberto Alagna and Sonya Yoncheva performing the main roles. This world-famous opera house has an illustrious history with premieres of Italy’s foremost composers, and appearances of the world’s leading singers and conductors.

(BL)

Wed 19 Oct / Milan – Venice

Check out of the hotel in the morning and travel by coach to Venice. Enjoy lunch in Verona along the way before arriving in Venice in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Thu 20 Oct / Venice

Begin the morning with a pre-performance talk by Mairi before an exclusive visit to the Palazzo Loredan Vendramin Calergi. The Palazzo contains items related to classical music and opera, including musical scores, signed letters, paintings, rare documents and the largest Richard Wagner collection outside Bayreuth.

In the evening head to the Teatro La Fenice for a performance of the opera La Fille du Régiment. Made famous by Pavarotti with the aria ‘Ah! Mes amis’ with its ten high Cs, this light-hearted opera was written by Donizetti for the Opera-Comique in Paris in 1840, and was an immediate success.

(B)

Fri 21 Oct / Venice

In the morning travel by private boat to the island of Murano and enjoy a short walking tour of the island, famous for its history of exquisite glassmaking. Visit the workshop of a master craftsman and view a demonstration of the production process, which has been used to make fine glass products for over 1,500 years. Return to mainland Venice for some time at leisure before a special farewell dinner with Mairi and fellow travellers.

(BD)

Sat 22 Oct / Depart Venice

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, private airport transfers and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)

Per person, twin-share

AUD 19,450

Single supplement

AUD 3,950

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 5,000

Second deposit (due 08 July)

AUD 5,000

Final payment due

09 August 2022

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

OA2215

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas/Emirates
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Italy.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in centrally located 5-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Premium category tickets for all included performances
  • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner), including wines with meals
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Talks and discussions with your tour leader, opera specialist Mairi Nicolson
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • International airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport/hotel transfers on arrival and departure
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (a condition of travel; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotels
Bologna – Corona d’Oro****+
Milan – Starhotel Rosa Grand*****
Parma – Grand Hotel de la Ville*****
Venice – Hotel Danieli *****

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Opera Bellissima

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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