Opera

Venice & Verona
SEPTEMBER 1 - 7, 2025
Overview

One of the most unforgettable operatic experiences is attending a performance at the Arena di Verona. In September 2025, join Discover My Italy for an extraordinary operatic journey to Verona, where you’ll witness two breathtaking productions at the Arena and one at the iconic Teatro La Fenice in Venice.

A grand Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD, the 15,000-seat Arena di Verona offers one of the most breathtaking and unforgettable opera experiences in the world. Nestled in the heart of the city, this ancient open-air venue provides a unique setting where history and artistry converge. Discover My Italy will be experiencing two monumental Verdi operas, whose grandeur is perfect for the immense Arena: Aida, the first opera ever performed at the Arena in 1913, and the biblical Nabucco with its beloved chorus of Hebrew slaves, “Va, pensiero.” The communal experience of opera under the stars enhances the magic. Casting for both operas is yet to be announced, but the Arena always features the most important international stars.

Compared to the vastness of the Arena, the legendary opera house in Venice, La Fenice, offers an intimate experience with only 1,100 seats! One of the most iconic opera houses in the world, it has been at the heart of Venice’s cultural life since its opening in 1792. In this jewel-box theater, we’ll feel like we are part of the drama at our performance of Puccini’s Tosca. The exciting all-Italian cast includes the dynamic Chiara Isotton in the title role, lirico-spinto tenor Riccardo Massi as the heroic revolutionary Mario Cavaradossi, and the acclaimed baritone Roberto Frontali as the evil Baron Scarpia. Leading the performance is one of today’s most exciting conductors, Daniele Rustioni.

The trip is also filled with the exclusive boutique experiences that you have come to expect from Discover My Italy. Join us for this incredible operatic adventure!

Michael Bolton Biography

Michael J. Bolton is a renowned opera and classical music lecturer and advocate, known for his engaging pre-performance lectures, podcasts, and seminars that help audiences connect with the classics. A familiar voice on WRTI 90.1 FM in Philadelphia, Michael is also an esteemed educator. He has reached over 65,000 people through his work with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, and other top institutions. After two decades at Opera Philadelphia, Michael now serves as the Executive Director of the International Friends of Festival Verdi, promoting Verdi’s legacy through collaboration with the Teatro Regio di Parma. He lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with his spouse, Peter, and Larry, a cherished member of their family through the Lifesharing program. Their two dogs, Oliver and Finny, add to the lively household.

Highlights
  • Opera at the Arena di Verona: Experience two monumental Verdi operas—Aida and Nabucco—at the 15,000-seat Arena di Verona, a grand Roman amphitheater offering a breathtaking open-air opera experience.
  • Historic Setting: Witness opera in a venue that dates back to the 1st century AD, where history and artistry come together under the stars, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
  • Intimate Performance at Teatro La Fenice: Enjoy Puccini’s Tosca at Venice’s iconic La Fenice, a legendary opera house known for its intimate 1,100-seat theater and rich cultural history since 1792.
  • Star-Studded Cast: Delight in an all-Italian cast featuring Chiara Isotton, Riccardo Massi, and Roberto Frontali, with Daniele Rustioni conducting one of today’s most exciting opera performances.
  • Exclusive Verdi Operatic Journey: Celebrate Verdi’s legacy with performances of Aida, the first opera ever performed at the Arena, and Nabucco, featuring the powerful chorus “Va, pensiero.”
  • Boutique Discover my Italy Experiences: Enjoy exclusive, curated experiences throughout the trip, offering the personalized touches and unique cultural insights that Discover my Italy is known for.
  • Operatic Magic Under the Stars: Immerse yourself in the communal and magical experience of watching opera outdoors in one of the most ancient and celebrated venues in the world.

Venice / Verona Opera Tour

Itinerary and pricing

DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Sunday, August 31

DAY 1: Monday, September 1, 2025
Welcome to Italy!

Morning: Arrive in Venice and check in for 2 nights at our fabulous and centrally located Venice hotel.

Afternoon: At leisure. Explore Venice on your own.

Evening: Welcome Aperitivo

DAY 2: Tuesday, September 2
Venice, Tosca

Morning: After breakfast meet Giovanna and Michael on the hotel’s terrace. Michael will give a talk about Tosca by Giacomo Puccini.

Afternoon: At leisure. Explore Venice on your own.

Evening:  Dinner at a local restaurant before the Opera.

  • Teatro La Fenice –Tosca (Giacomo Puccini)
DAY 3: Wednesday, September 3
Venice, Padova, Verona

Morning: Departure from Venice to Verona with en-route stop in Padova to visit The Cappella degli Scrovegni. 

Afternoon: Free time for shopping and lunch in central Padova. Depart to Verona and check in for 3 nights at our countryside hotel close to Central Verona.

Evening: Dinner at hotel.

DAY 4: Thursday, September 4
Verona & Aida

Morning: Departure to Verona center. Walking Tour of Verona with our local guide.

Afternoon: Free time for lunch and explore Verona on your own. After lunch, return to your hotel and enjoy Michael’s talk about Aida by Giuseppe Verdi.

Evening: Depart to Verona for a light dinner before the Opera.

  • Arena di Verona – Aida (Giuseppe Verdi)
DAY 5: Friday, September 5
Verona & Nabucco

Morning: After breakfast, meet Giovanna and Michael. Michael will give a talk about the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi. Optional taxi to central Verona (to be arranged by hotel’s concierge)

Afternoon: At leisure. Explore Verona on your own.

Evening: Depart to Verona for a light dinner before the Opera

  • Arena di Verona – Nabucco (Giuseppe Verdi)
DAY 6: Saturday, September 6
Verona & lake Garda

Late Morning: Depart to Punta San Vigilio for lunch on the lake

Afternoon: Private Boat tour of Sirmione with local guide.

Evening: Farewell dinner at Hotel’s restaurant

DAY 7: Sunday, September 7
End of Tour

Private transfers from your hotel to the Verona airport or Verona train station (Discover my Italy can arrange the transfers for you)

 

 


Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Tour Price Includes:
  • Hotel accommodations for 2 nights in centrally located 4* hotel in Venice
  • Hotel accommodations for 4 nights at our 4* countryside hotel close to Verona center
Opera Tickets, Special Activities and more
  • Tosca at Teatro La Fenice, Venice  – 1st Category Tickets: Central Stalls Tickets
  • Aida at Arena di Verona, Verona – 1st Category Tickets: Poltronissima – Platinum” (best seats in the Arena!)
  • Nabucco at Arena di Verona, Verona – 1st Category Tickets: Poltronissima – Platinum” (best seats in the Arena!)
  • Support and services of your host, Giovanna Chiti, founder of Discover my Italy, for the entire duration of the trip
  • Three exclusive lectures and opera content provided by noted lecturer and WRTI-FM radio personality Mike Bolton as he looks inside each opera to give you the richest experience
  • Private walking tours with local guides including: Padova and Cappella di Scrovegni Tour, Lake Garda 
  • Private transfers and transportation
  • All museum and entrance tickets
  • All local taxes
  • Hotel baggage handling
Meals as Follows
  • Breakfast daily
  • Welcome Aperitivo in Venice
  • 2 Dinners in Venice
  • 3 Dinners in Verona
  • Flights
  • Airport transfer from Verona hotel to verona airport or train station
  • Taxis or Water taxi for non-group activities, unless listed
  • Taxi from hotel in Verona to Verona center
  • Meals and drinks unless listed
  • Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, etc
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

Tour Cost based on double occupancy
Payable with credit card (Mastercard or Visa)

6 Days/ 5 Nights Tour

Price per person: 
$ 9,750

Single Supplement:
+$ 1,550

This tour requires a minimum of 10 participants to proceed, ensuring the best group experience for all travelers.

All aspects of the tour will be coordinated by Giovanna Chiti of Discover my Italy

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