LITTLE ITALY
WITH THE VERDI AND VERONA OPERA FESTIVALS
02 - 30 September 2026
Join our 3 Tenors on a 26-day opera extravaganza to see the Verdi and Verona Opera Festivals. We avoid tourist traps and luxuriate in rich musical and gourmet experiences in small, intrinsically Italian towns and beautiful regions which inspired Verdi, Puccini and Pavarotti to produce some of the greatest music of all time.
$28910 per person twin share
Single Room Supplement Add $7450
Initial Deposit On Booking $3000
Second Deposit Due 28 February 2026 $4000
Final Balance Due: 12 May 2026
Days
26 Days
Highlights
Opera, private concert at Pavarotti’s house, our 3 tenors private concerts, small towns, Tuscany, mosaics, art, architecture, frescoes, gourmet food, foodies tours, cooking classes
Group Size
34 Travellers
Meals
All breakfasts
9 Lunches
17 Dinners
Tastings
Included drinks at selected meals
Mobility
Active Tour
MAP GUIDE:
1. VERONA (4 nights)
2. VENICE (4 nights)
3. TRIESTE (3 nights)
4. RAVENNA (3 nights)
5. TUSCANY (3 nights)
6. REGGIO EMILIA (4 nights)
7. PARMA (4 nights)
SPECIAL FEATURES
• Two operas at the Verona Festival plus three operas at the Verdi Festival. All opera titles to be confirmed when the festival programmes are released.
• Long stays in idyllic historic hotels, often in small towns: Verona (4 nights), Venice (4 nights), Trieste (3 nights), Ravenna (3 nights), Tuscany (3 nights), Reggio Emilia (4 nights), Parma (4 nights).
• Guided tours and/or visits to Verona, Venice, Vicenza, Mantua, Padua, Murano, Burano, Florence, Milan, Bologna, Trieste, Vinci, Lucca, Tuscan hills, Emilia-Romagna, Ravenna, San Marino, Modena, Cremona, Parma, and Slovenia including Lake Bled!
• Numerous other music and arts experiences including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Venice, La Traviata or other opera, Venice, Pavarotti’s house concert, Best of Puccini concert, Lucca plus Puccini immersion day, tour of Mantua, setting of Verdi’s Rigoletto and the birthplace of opera, Palladian architecture plus sound and light show, Uffizi Art Gallery, Florence and church, opera and private concerts from our 3 tenors.
• Foodies immersions in the gastronomic Emilia-Romagna and Parma regions, where we will enjoy cooking classes, balsamic vinegar, wine and parmigiana tastings, and gourmet meals at vineyards and villas!
• Verdi immersion in Parma, including operas, private concerts, tours of theatres, foodie experiences, violin museum, organ promenade recitals, tours of churches and museums significant to Verdi.
• Visit Pavarotti’s house with a private gala concert in his music room, plus drinks and dinner - a premium event plus 3 tenors gala concerts with dinner in a historic salon and at an ancient abbey near Parma.
• Hosted by our 3 great operatic tenors Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Cameron Barclay and Kalauni Pouvalu.
TRIP ITINERARY
Experience the Exceptional:
WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2026
Today we depart Auckland for Milan via Dubai to begin our exciting musical journey to see two great opera festivals: The Verona and Verdi Festivals.
THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 (D) MILAN - VERONA
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista, Verona (4 nights)
Opera in the ancient outdoor Verona Arena, home of Romeo and Juliet. We stay for four nights in a magnificent villa in the countryside near Verona. Our operas are presented in the original pink marble Roman amphitheatre built in 1AD which boasts wonderful acoustics, so opera presented here is a magical experience.
Highlights Include:
• Today we arrive in Milan and transfer to our beautiful hotel near Verona.
• Light dinner on arrival and time to settle into our hotel and rest after our long flight.
• We stay in a 16th century villa in the countryside with swimming pool, fountains and a Baroque interior which houses an amazing art collection, worth millions of dollars.
FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) VERONA TOUR, WELCOME DINNER
Highlights Include:
• Half day walking tour of Verona including seeing Juliet’s balcony.
• Free time for shopping and lunch in this lovely town.
• Welcome dinner this evening, al fresco at our lovely hotel in its gazebo with music from our 3 tenors. What a way to start our musical journey.
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B) MANTUA TOUR, VERONA OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Day tour to Mantova (Mantua) and see the 14th century Palazzo Ducal and castle, home to famous Duke of Mantua and setting of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto.
• Tour of Bibiena Opera House where Mozart appeared many times - the place where Italian opera was born plus tour of the town and we visit the statue of Rigoletto.
• Free time for shopping, lunch and your own exploring in Mantua.
• Late afternoon transfer into Verona with time for own dinner and wandering before the first of our opera experiences this evening. (Opera yet to be announced at time of printing.)
SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) FREE DAY, DINNER, VERONA OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Free day for relaxing at our Italian villa, swim or sit in the lovely grounds and enjoy Verona.
• Dinner in an elegant restaurant where Maria Callas and other famous singers dined with a view of Verona Arena.
• The second of our operas this evening at the Roman amphitheatre built in 1AD (opera yet to be announced at the time of printing.)
MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L) VERONA TO VENICE VIA VICENZA
Hotel Saturnia and International, Venice (4 nights)
Venice is the city of love, filled with iconic buildings and no cars! Famous landmarks include San Marco Square, amazing palazzi and its canals.
Highlights Include:
• Walking tour of Vicenza to discover Palladian architecture visiting famous buildings designed by Palladio including Teatro Olimpico, the oldest indoor theatre with the oldest stage set constructed in 1585!
• Delicious lunch at a local gourmet restaurant before we make our way to Venice.
• Welcome to Venice as we cruise the canals to our hotel with a boat ride entrance to Venice.
• Free evening to enjoy your own wander and dinner. Our hotel is located a 5-minute walk to St Mark’s Square.
TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) VENICE TOUR, GONDOLA, CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Morning guided sightseeing tour including reserved entrances to Doges Palace and San Marco Basilica.
• Free time for lunch and a wander this afternoon.
• Dinner and concert at our hotel restaurant, but before this, a Gondola ride serenaded by our handsome tenors!
WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L) MURANO, BURANO ISLANDS, OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Cruise to Murano, famous for glass making and Burano, the Fishermen’s Island for a superb lunch and time at leisure.
• La Traviata concert in a historic palace or opera at La Fenice Opera House. (Subject to final confirmation.)
THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B) TOUR OF LA FENICE AND LA ACADEMIA, FOUR SEASONS
Highlights Include:
• Tour of La Fenice Opera House, one of the most beautiful in the world and learn about its turbulent history.
• Visit to the famous Academia Gallery with its priceless art.
• Half day off to stroll through Venice streets, canals, markets and famous landmarks.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concert in a historic church.
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L, D) VENICE - TRIESTE
Savoia Excelsior Palace Hotel, Trieste (3 nights)
Trieste is unique among cities in Europe. Most cities have a historic square, but Trieste boasts a historic square overlooking the sea. It also boasts one of the most beautiful opera houses in Italy.
Highlights Include:
• We say farewell to Venice, transferring by boat to our coach and then we are off to Trieste arriving late morning with time for lunch on arrival.
• Walking tour of Trieste including guided tour of ancient Trieste and its main buildings and landmarks including Piazza di Cavana.
• Opera House tour and opera performance at Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi opera house that was named after the famous composer, built in 1801! (Subject to availability).
• Check-in and dinner at our lovely hotel this evening.
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) TRIESTE TOURING
Highlights Include:
• Free time for a leisurely stroll this morning or enjoy walking by the harbour or shopping.
• Visit Miramare Castle, San Giovanni Park and Rose Gardens.
• Dinner and concert from our 3 tenors this evening (or opera or local concert depending on availability).
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L) SLOVENIA TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Full day tour to Slovenia including walking tour of Ljubljana and Lake Bled known for its church topped island, castle and alpine scenery.
• Free evening on return after a big day of touring today.
MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L, D) TRIESTE - PADUA - RAVENNA
Palazzo Bezzi Hotel, Ravenna (3 nights)
Ravenna is a delightful small city, with a beautiful historic centre. It is known for the colourful mosaics (considered the greatest in the world), adorning many of its central buildings, like the octagonal Basilica di San Vitale.
Highlights Include:
• On route we stop in Padua for a guided tour including the Scrovegni Chapel with its Giotto Frescoes, the old university and the markets.
• On arrival in Ravenna, a light dinner this evening after our check-in to our lovely, central hotel.
TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) RAVENNA TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Walking tour of Ravenna’s main attractions, such as the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Dante’s Tomb.
• Free time to walk through the historic streets and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.
• 3 tenors concert this evening with dinner.
WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B) SAN MARINO DAY TOUR
Highlights Include:
• San Marino is a mountainous microstate and is considered the world’s oldest republic, founded in 301 AD by the Christian stonemason Marinus of Rab. Today we enjoy a tour to the ancient city sitting high on the slopes of Monte Titano. San Marino has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
• We see all the main landmarks, learn about its republic history and then have free time for lunch and our own wander.
• Free evening back in Ravenna for dinner and a chance to enjoy the ambience of this lovely town.
THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) RAVENNA - FLORENCE - TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE
Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort, Tuscany (3 nights)
A perfect base to explore Lucca and Vinci, Grotta Giusti is located just a few kilometres from Florence and Lucca. Set in a private park with lots of trees, the early nineteenth century villa, now a prestigious Hotel, is full of antique furnishings and paintings. The Hotel is directly connected to the Spa, which has an open air pool with 750 square metres of thermal water, picturesque cascade and underwater hydro-massages and the large millennial Grotta (cave), a perfect way to end the day with a beneficial, relaxing steam bath.
Highlights Include:
• Guided city tour of Florence with reserved entrances for the Uffizi, displaying some of the greatest paintings in the world from the Old Masters.
• Free time to go shopping, enjoy the leather markets, lunch and soak up the atmosphere.
• Check into our lovely Tuscan spa hotel with some free time before our casual dinner this evening.
FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) SMALL TUSCAN VILLAGES
Highlights Include:
• Discover some small towns close to our hotel. Our first stop is Vinci, a well-preserved medieval town that’s known internationally for being the birthplace of the great genius of the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci.
• Visit to the Museo Leonardiano in Vinci, which hosts a collection of models built from Leonardo’s original designs, inventions brought to life by contemporary engineers.
• Then we are off to Montecatini Terme and Montecatini Alto. Montecatini Terme is known for the art nouveau Parco delle Terme spa complex and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Following our time here we will travel up on a funicular to Montecatini Alto, a small hillside town where we will have free time to explore and lunch.
• Gala event back at our hotel this evening with dinner al fresco and music from our 3 tenors.
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L) PUCCINI IMMERSION DAY AND CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Free morning to enjoy our spa and Grotta. Verdi visited this grotto and called it the eighth wonder of the world!
• Puccini Immersion Day with a tour of Puccini’s house, lunch by the lake, Torre del Lago.
• Free time in Lucca to enjoy walking around this charming town and have dinner.
• Special event this evening as we experience a Puccini concert in this lovely town.
SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) GROTTA - BOLOGNA - REGGIO EMILIA
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (4 nights)
We base ourselves in Reggio Emilia in this historic town, a perfect place to enjoy a wonderful area of music, gourmet foods, vinegar, cheeses and wines!
Highlights Include:
• Bologna Tour including guided walking tour of the Anatomical Theatre, which is part of the oldest university in the world and where the first dissection was performed for its medical students! Other great sights in this lovely city include Stabat Mater Hall where Rossini’s Stabat Mater was first performed, Piazza Maggiore, the miles of porticos throughout the city and two of its many churches: Basilica di San Petronio which houses the first European Meridian Line dating from 1576 and the Catholic Cathedral, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro.
• Free time for lunch before we set off for Reggio Emilia, a small town and our delightful base for the next four nights.
• Casual dinner on arrival in our family-owned hotel where we will be greeted by our owner host and enjoy traditional family hospitality.
MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) REGGIO EMILIA DAY
Highlights Include:
• A chance to immerse ourselves in this charming historic town and see how the locals live!
• Guided tour of Reggio Emilia and then free time to enjoy this lovely town.
• A private gala event with our tenors in the historic Sala del Capitano del Popolo.
TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L, D) MODENA, FERRARI MUSEUM, PAVAROTTI’S HOUSE AND CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Tour to Modena today with our first stop at the Ferrari Museum and then lunch at a cute local restaurant.
• Walking tour of Modena, home to Pavarotti’s Theatre.
• Premium event - visit and tour to Pavarotti’s house, private gala concert in Pavarotti’s music room with local professional singers and pianist using the great tenor’s own Steinway piano, followed by drinks on the terrace and dinner.
WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, tastings, D) FOODIES DAY
Highlights Include:
• Foodies experiences including cheese making, wine tasting and Parma ham factory.
• Free time to enjoy a wander in this lovely town.
• Private dinner at the family-owned hilltop restaurant where they produce balsamic vinegar with cooking class plus cheese and wine tastings!
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L, D) PARMA TOUR, VERDI OPERA AT THE VERDI FESTIVAL
Grand Hotel De La Ville, Parma (4 nights)
We spend four nights immersed in Verdi country experiencing two of his great operas plus visits to Verdi’s houses, special concerts, organ recitals on the organ which Verdi learnt his music.
Highlights Include:
• Walking tour of Parma including a visit to the Teatro Farnese, a breath-taking wooden theatre of the 15th century, to the Romanesque Cathedral with the dome frescoed by Correggio and the pink marble Baptistery by Benedetto Antelami.
• Free time for shopping and your own wander in Parma.
• Check in to hotel with a light dinner at the hotel this evening.
• The first of our three operas celebrating Verdi and his incredible contribution to Italy and opera. (Operas not yet announced at time of printing).
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, L) VERDI IMMERSION DAY, BUSSETO, OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Verdi Homelands day including visit to Verdi’s birthplace, the most evocative monument of Verdi, guided visit to the nearby San Michele Church with the organ where Giuseppe Verdi learned to play music.
• Lunch and meet 1 Michelin Star chef at the ancient medieval restaurant, where the environment and the dishes tell the story of an important tradition.
• Tour of Busseto including the gorgeous opera house.
• Private concert in a small Palazzi in Busseto.
• The second of our Verdi operas, as part of the Verdi Festival. (Operas not yet announced at time of printing).
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) CREMONA, VERDI OPERA
Highlights Include:
• Explore Cremona, birthplace of Stradivarius, the maker of the greatest violins.
• Full day excursion to Cremona which includes: tour of the Museo del Violino, private Stradivarius violin concert inside the Auditorium of the Violin Museum, a visit to a violin maker’s workshop with demonstration, a tour of the 12th century Cathedral Romanesque Baptistery.
• Dinner before the opera at Gran Caffè del Teatro inside the Teatro Regio di Parma.
• The Verdi Requiem or another opera. (Operas not yet announced at time of printing).
SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B, D) VERDI AND FINAL NIGHT DINNER
Highlights Include:
• Guided visit to the Teatro Regio backstage.
• A chance to meet some members of Club dei 27, a very exclusive club where each person is one of the operas of Verdi, their names are: La Traviata, I Due Foscari, Nabucco and they all know anecdotes about the opera and about Verdi in general.
• Final night gala event at a historic abbey near Parma, with music from our tenors and a chance to look back on our musical journey of the past 26 days!
MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 (B) MILAN TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Guided tour of Milan including La Scala Opera House and La Scala Opera Museum.
• Free time before visiting the Milan Duomo Cathedral.
• We then transfer to the airport for our flight home.
TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 - IN FLIGHT
WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
Arrive home today filled with the joy of Italy, fantastic music and living la dolce vita!
PLACES WE STAY
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista, Verona (4 nights) is a 5-star hotel and a living art gallery housed in a 16th century villa. It has a delightful garden, swimming pool, fountains, amazing Baroque interiors and incredible art.
Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice (4 nights) is a 4-star superior hotel located just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and La Fenice Opera House. It is truly Venetian, being partly a 14th century palace.
Savoia Excelsior Palace Hotel, Trieste (3 nights) overlooks the Bay of Trieste in the city centre. Set in a historic building with 19th-century architecture, this romantic hotel is steps away from Piazza di Cavana and Piazza Unita d’Italia and Palazzo del Municipio.
Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice (4 nights) is a 4-star superior hotel located just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and La Fenice Opera House. It is truly Venetian, being partly a 14th century palace.
Savoia Excelsior Palace Hotel, Trieste (3 nights) overlooks the Bay of Trieste in the city centre. Set in a historic building with 19th-century architecture, this romantic hotel is steps away from Piazza di Cavana and Piazza Unita d’Italia and Palazzo del Municipio.
Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice (4 nights) is a 4-star superior hotel located just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and La Fenice Opera House. It is truly Venetian, being partly a 14th century palace.
Savoia Excelsior Palace Hotel, Trieste (3 nights) overlooks the Bay of Trieste in the city centre. Set in a historic building with 19th-century architecture, this romantic hotel is steps away from Piazza di Cavana and Piazza Unita d’Italia and Palazzo del Municipio.
Palazzo Bezzi Hotel, Ravenna (3 nights) is located in the historical centre of the city of Ravenna, the home of art and culture. The hotel is close to the main UNESCO monuments, a stone’s throw from the Palazzo di Teodorico and the Church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.
Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort, Tuscany (3 nights) is the old family villa of a poet, in the heart of Tuscany, set in a large park with a thermal spring and an incredible thermal grotto.
Hotel Posta, Reggio Emilia (4 nights) is a boutique 4-star hotel, one of the most ancient in Italy, with frescoes from the XIII century. The owner will personally welcome us with cocktails and other events including dinner at his hilltop villa.
Grand Hotel De La Ville, Parma (4 nights) is the only 5-star hotel in Parma and is within walking distance of the historic centre and all the sights of the city, located in the exclusive Barilla Centre.
This Trip Includes:
• Return airfares, Auckland - Milan - Auckland, via Dubai - direct economy flights on Emirates.
• Two operas at the Verona Festival plus three operas at the Verdi Festival. Operas to be confirmed when the festival programmes are released.
• Long stays in idyllic historic hotels, often in small towns: Verona (4 nights), Venice (4 nights), Trieste (3 nights), Ravenna (3 nights), Tuscany (3 nights), Reggio Emilia (4 nights), Parma (4 nights).
• Verona, Venice, Vicenza, Mantua, Padua, Murano, Burano, Florence, Milan, Bologna, Trieste, Vinci, Lucca, Tuscan hills, Emilia Romagna, Ravenna, San Marino, Modena, Cremona, Parma, and Slovenia including Lake Bled!
• Numerous music and arts experiences including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, La Traviata or other opera, Pavarotti’s house concert, Best of Puccini concert plus Puccini immersion day, tour of Mantua, setting of Verdi’s Rigoletto, Palladian architecture plus sound and light show, Uffizi Art Gallery and private concerts from our 3 tenors.
• Foodies immersions in the gastronomic Emilia-Romagna and Parma regions, where we will enjoy cooking class, balsamic vinegar, wine and parmigiana tastings, and gourmet meals at vineyards and villas!
• Puccini immersion including visiting Puccini’s house plus Puccini concert and enjoying Lucca!
• Verdi immersion in Parma, including operas, private concerts, tours of theatres, foodie experiences, violin museum, organ promenade recitals, tours of churches and museums significant to Verdi.
• Visit Pavarotti’s house with a private gala concert in his music room, plus drinks and dinner.
• Other special experiences include architecture tour of Palladio works, Ferrari museum, opera house tours, tour to the oldest university in the world, churches and art galleries plus visits to small towns and places of interest!
• All tours, boat cruises, coach transfers included as listed on itinerary plus reserved entrance and entrance fees.
• All breakfasts, 9 lunches, 17 dinners, tastings plus included drinks at selected meals.
• Hosted by our 3 great operatic tenors Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Cameron Barclay and Kalauni Pouvalu.
Important Information
• All itinerary details are subject to change, but changes will be replaced with a comparable or better option.
• Initial & Second deposits are fully refundable up until final balance due date, minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs.
• All monies are non-refundable at final balance due date. This becomes an insurance claim.
• Bank transfer payments incur no surcharge. Credit card payments incur surcharge of 1.5%.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Bookings will only be accepted with initial deposit & booking form.
• All travellers must obtain comprehensive travel insurance for international travel and insurance for domestic travel is recommended.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions on booking form.
Mobility - Active Tour
This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and ancient ruins, and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. You also need to be able to climb up to three flights of stairs at a leisurely pace.