Opera

Rome • Naples • Bari
OCTOBER 19 – 28, 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 27, 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 27: Il Trovatore by Verdi – Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari

 

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

Explore the impressive archeological site of Herculaneum.

Wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Visit Alberobello: the land of trulli, the conical-roofed homes.

Luxurious 5-star 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 5-star hotel in Rome.

Evening: Meet Giovanna Chiti, owner of Discover my Italy, and our Opera specialist, Michael Bolton, for a welcome reception.

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

Morning: Step inside the magnificent Palazzo Barberini on a private walking tour with local guide. 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.

Opera talk: Michael Bolton will give a talk about Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant before the opera.

  • 8:00 pm: OPERAFalstaff by Giuseppe 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 4-night stay at a beautiful 5-star hotel with stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Join Giovanna and our local guide for a Naples orientation tour. 

Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant. 

DAY 4: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Naples

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: Pizza lunch in Naples center. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to discover Naples on your own. 

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

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

Morning: Walking tour of Naples Archaeological Museum. 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.

Afternoon: At leisure. 

Opera talk: Michael will give a talk about La Cenerentola by Gioachino Rossini.

Evening: Dinner before the opera at a local restaurant.

  • 8:00 pm: OPERA La Cenerentola by Gioachino Rossini – Teatro San Carlo, Naples.
DAY 6: Saturday, October 24
Naples, Herculaneum

Full Day Excursion to Herculaneum, beautifully preserved archaeological site once buried by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy a fascinating full-day journey through the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum with your private expert guide. Explore remarkably preserved homes, mosaics, and everyday artifacts that offer an intimate glimpse into life before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

After your guided archaeological experience, continue to a beautiful local winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for a delightful wine tasting paired with a light lunch featuring regional specialties. A perfect blend of history, culture, and flavors for an unforgettable day.

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

DAY 7: Sunday, October 25
Naples, Bari 

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

Afternoon: Check-in for 2 nights at Bari 5-star hotel overlooking the Adriatic sea. Join Giovanna and our local guide for an orientation walk of Bari center. 

Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant. 

DAY 8: Monday, October 26
Alberobello 

Morning: Departure for 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: Light lunch at local cheese farm.

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

DAY 9: Tuesday, October 27
Bari & Il Trovatore 

Morning: Walking tour of Bari center with local guide. 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.

Opera talk: Michael will give a talk about Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi. 

Afternoon: Group brunch before the Opera.

Evening:

  • 6:00 pm: OPERA – Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi – Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari.

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

DAY 10: Wednesday, October 28
End of Tour 

Fly back to the US.

Arrivederci Italia!

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION ITINERARY (minimum of 6 people) 

Join us in Lecce for 2 nights!

DAY 1: Wednesday, October 28
Bari, Ostuni, Lecce 

Morning: Depart from Bari to Lecce with an en-route stop 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.

Afternoon: Check in for 2 nights at a beautiful “Palazzo” hotel in the historic center of Lecce.

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

DAY 2: Thursday, October 29
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: Farewell dinner.

DAY 3: Friday, October 30
End of Tour

Fly back to the US (from the Brindisi airport).

Arrivederci Italia!


Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Tour Price Includes:
  • Hotel accommodation for 2 nights at 5-star hotel in Rome
  • Hotel accommodation for 4 nights at 5-star hotel in Naples
  • Hotel accommodations for 3 nights at 5-star hotel 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: Palazzo Barberini in Rome, orientation tour of Naples, walking tour of Naples center, walking tour of the Naples archeological museum, walking tour of Herculaneum, orientation walk of Bari, walking tour of Bari center, walking tour of Alberobello
  • Private transfers and transportation as per itinerary
  • All museum and entrance tickets
  • All local taxes
  • Hotel baggage handling
Meals as Follows
  • Breakfast daily
  • Welcome Dinners in Rome, Naples and Bari
  • 2 dinners before the operas in Rome and Naples
  • 1 Brunch before the Opera in Bari
  • 1 lunch in Naples
  • 1 pizza lunch in Naples
  • 1 wine tasting and light lunch in Hercolaneum
  • 1 Lunch at cheese farm in Alberobello
  • Farewell Cake & bubbly in Bari
  • 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

10 Days/ 9 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
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