Opera

Rome • Naples • Bari
OCTOBER 19 – 26, 2026
Overview

Step into the world of Italian opera with Discover my Italy’s 2026 Opera Tour — an unforgettable week celebrating the passion, drama, and beauty of Italy’s most treasured art form.

This extraordinary journey takes you through three iconic cities — Rome, Naples, and Bari — where the rich tapestry of Italian culture unfolds through breathtaking performances, stunning architecture, and culinary excellence.

Experience three masterful operas in three legendary theaters:

October 20, 2026 – Falstaff (Verdi)
Teatro Costanzi, Rome
A comic masterpiece by Verdi, filled with wit, wisdom, and warmth — performed in the heart of the Eternal City.

October 23, 2026 – La Cenerentola (Rossini)
Teatro San Carlo, Naples
Rossini’s enchanting retelling of Cinderella comes to life in Italy’s oldest and most prestigious opera house.

October 25, 2026 – Il Trovatore (Verdi)
Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari
Passion, vengeance, and soaring melodies fill the stage in one of Verdi’s most powerful and beloved operas.

Between performances, enjoy Italy at its finest — luxurious accommodations, private guided tours, exquisite dining, and the company of fellow opera lovers who share your enthusiasm for the arts.

This intimate journey blends music, culture, and discovery, curated with the signature personal touch that defines Discover my Italy.

About Michael Bolton

Michael J. Bolton is a distinguished lecturer and passionate advocate for opera and classical music, celebrated for his ability to bring the art form to life for audiences of all backgrounds. Through his dynamic pre-performance talks, insightful podcasts, and engaging seminars, Michael inspires a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s great operatic and symphonic works. A familiar voice to listeners of WRTI 90.1 FM in Philadelphia, Michael has educated and inspired more than 65,000 people through his collaborations with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, and other leading cultural institutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael brings warmth and authenticity to everything he does. He resides in the Philadelphia suburbs with his spouse, Peter, and Larry, a beloved member of their family through the Lifesharing program. Their two dogs, Oliver and Finny, complete their joyful and lively household.

Highlights

Three world-class performances in Italy’s most prestigious theaters:

  • October 20: Falstaff by Verdi – Teatro Costanzi, Rome
  • October 23: La Cenerentola by Rossini – Teatro San Carlo, Naples
  • October 25: Il Trovatore by Verdi – Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari

 

Guided tours of Rome, Naples, and Bari, rich with art, architecture, and history

Luxurious accommodations in carefully selected boutique hotels

In-depth pre-performance talks and cultural insights with Michael Bolton

Intimate group setting designed for passionate opera lovers.

Rome, Naples, Bari Opera Tour

Itinerary and pricing

DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Sunday, October 18, 2026

Please note: Specific tours, excursions, and additional details will be shared soon. Finalized schedules, timings, and exclusive experiences will be provided as the trip approaches.


DAY 1: Monday, October 19, 2026
Welcome to Italy!

Afternoon: Arrival in Rome and check-in for 2 nights at a centrally located elegant hotel in Rome.

Evening: Welcome reception.

DAY 2: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Rome, Falstaff

Morning: Private walking tour of Palazzo Bernini, Rome with local guide.
Step inside the magnificent Palazzo Bernini on a private walking tour, guided by an expert local. Admire its opulent architecture, explore hidden artistic treasures, and immerse yourself in the history and elegance of one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. This exclusive experience offers a rare glimpse into the grandeur of Roman heritage, perfect for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable cultural journey.

Afternoon: At leisure. Spend the day exploring the wonders of Rome on your own, strolling through charming streets, discovering hidden piazzas, and soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant before the opera.

  • OPERA – Falstaff, Verdi – Teatro Costanzi, Roma.
DAY 3: Wednesday, October 21
Rome, Naples

Morning: Departure from Rome to Naples, the vibrant heart of Souther Italy, known for its rich history and passionate spirit.

Afternoon: Check in for a 3-night stay at a beautiful hotel with stunning views of the Bay of Naples.

Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant. 

DAY 4: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Naples

Full Day Excursion (TBD).

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely night with dinner on your own.

DAY 5: Friday, October 23, 2026
Naples & La Cenerentola

Morning: Walking tour of Naples center, discovering its historic streets, vibrant squares, and iconic landmarks that showcase the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Afternoon: At leisure. Optional tour to the Archaeological Museum of Naples. Discover one of the world’s most important collections of classical antiquities at the National Archaeological Museum. Marvel at the exquisite mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures unearthed from Pompeii and Herculaneum, along with treasures from ancient Greece and Rome.

Evening: Dinner before the opera at a local restaurant.

  • OPERA – La Cenerentola, Rossini – Teatro San Carlo, Napoli.
DAY 6: Saturday, October 24
Naples, Bari 

Morning: Departure from Naples to Bari, the lively capital of Puglia.

Afternoon: Check-in for 2 nights at Bari hotel overlooking the Adriatic sea.

Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant. 

DAY 7: Sunday, October 25
Bari & Il Trovatore

Morning: Walking tour of Bari center. Stroll through the charming narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, where everyday life unfolds amidst centuries-old architecture. Visit landmarks such as the Basilica of San Nicola, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the lively Piazza del Ferrarese. Enjoy the authentic southern atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of local women making traditional orecchiette pasta by hand.

Afternoon: At leisure. Explore Bari on your own.

Evening:

  • OPERA – Il Trovatore, Verdi – Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari.

After the opera, join Giovanna and Michael for a farewell toast with cake and bubbly.

DAY 8: Monday, October 26
End of Tour

Fly back to the US.

Arrivederci Italia!

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION ITINERARY (minimum of 6 people) 

Join us in Lecce for 3 nights!

DAY 1: Monday, October 26
Bari, Alberobello, Lecce 

Morning: Depart from Bari to Lecce with an en-route stop in the iconic town of Alberobello. Walking tour of the unique town of Alberobello, a small fairy-tale village known for its cone-shaped buildings called trulli and a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Tour will include a visit inside a trullo house and the unique trullo church.

Afternoon: Check in for 3 nights at a beautiful “Palazzo” hotel in the historic center of Lecce.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely night with dinner on your own.

DAY 2: Tuesday, October 27
Lecce

Morning: Walking tour of Lecce center with local, licensed guide. Lecce is one the most beautiful historic cities of southern Italy. Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” and it’s famous for having some of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Italy. The tour will include the Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of S. Croce, and the richly decorated Cathedral.

Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day exploring Lecce on your own.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely night with dinner on your own.

DAY 3: Wednesday, October 28
Ostuni

Full-day excursion from Lecce to Ostuni, known as La Città Bianca, “white city”, for its beautiful whitewashed buildings. The walking tour of Ostuni will include the outstanding well-preserved old-town with its picturesque tangle of narrow medieval alleyways and the  dramatic 15th-century Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral facade with a frilly rose window.

Evening: Farewell dinner.

DAY 4: Thursday, October 29
End of Tour

Fly back to the US.

Arrivederci Italia!


Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Tour Price Includes:
  • Hotel accommodations for 2 nights in Rome
  • Hotel accommodations for 3 nights in Naples
  • Hotel accommodations for 2 nights in Bari
Opera Tickets, Special Activities and more
  • Falstaff by Verdi – Teatro Costanzi, Rome

  • La Cenerentola by Rossini – Teatro San Carlo, Naples

  • Il Trovatore by Verdi – Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari

  • 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
  • Private transfers and transportation
  • All museum and entrance tickets
  • All local taxes
  • Hotel baggage handling
Meals as Follows
  • Breakfast daily
  • Welcome Dinners in Rome, Naples and Bari
  • TBD
  • Flights
  • Extension itinerary in Lecce
  • Airport transfers
  • Taxis
  • 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)

8 Days/ 7 Nights Tour

Price per person: 
$ TBD

Single Supplement:
+$ TBD

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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Discover My Italy
2213 Locust St.,Philadelphia, PA 19103
Giovanna’s contact:
(+1) 215 460 7436

Owner's email address: giovanna@discovermyitaly.com