A Magical, Musical Combination – Verona, Venice and an Italian Opera Cruise

Before the cruise from Venice to Mantua even begins, guests will be taken from the Hotel Due Torri in Verona to visit the fascinating Arena Museo Opera museum, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant. And then the real highlight, front stall seats in the magnificent setting of the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona, to watch a magical performance of one of the best-known and loved operas, Bizet’s Carmen.

After a memorable evening and overnight stay, the next morning guests will enjoy a walking tour of Verona before being transferred from their hotel and en route to embark La Bella Vita in Venice. In the afternoon La Bella Vita will cruise along the Giudecca Canal, mooring at the Naval Museum. Before dinner on board there is time for a stroll along to St Mark’s Square and a guided tour the Doge’s Palace.

During the 6-night cruise, there are visits to some wonderful baroque theatres: Gran Teatro La Fenice, where the premières of operas by composers such as Rossini and Verdi were performed, and the intimate Teatro Bibiena in Mantua, with its bell-shaped interior that opened with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart in 1770.

Interno della Sala del Bibiena

And there is a lot more to see while cruising across the Venetian Lagoon past its colourful islands and on through the Po Valley – visits to the famous fish market in Chioggia, the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara and the stunning Ducal Palace in Mantua, as well as wine tastings and dinner in a private stately home where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry.

While cruising, delicious Italian food will be prepared daily by the talented on-board chef, accompanied, of course, by fine Italian wines.

The opera cruise itinerary is for 7 nights and includes: a one-night, pre-cruise stay in a 4-star hotel in Verona; the evening in Verona at the opera; all gourmet meals prepared by the chef on-board; fine wines, an open bar, the daily escorted excursions, admissions and local transfers.