Step Aboard 'La Bella Vita' for an Italian Opera Cruise this July

One of the most lavish barging experiences we offer is our Italian Opera Cruise, which we are now exclusively taking bookings for, to depart on 13th July 2025. From the “City of Canals” in Venice, La Bella Vita travels up the Po Valley to Mantua, stopping at some incredible locations on an opera-themed cruise

Performance of Carmen at Arena di Verona

Operatic Excursions

There are numerous opportunities to visit some of Italy’s most illustrious – not to mention beautiful – opera houses and theatres throughout the cruise. In Venice you can discover more about the history of this longstanding form of entertainment at the Arena Muse Opera, and see where the premières of great composers such as Verdi and Rossini were performed at the Teatro La Fenice.

In Ferrara you will see the impressive five-tiered auditorium at the Teatro Communale, while in Mantua you will have the opportunity to explore the Teatro Bibiena, an intimate baroque theatre that opened in 1770 with a performance by the 13-year-old Wolfgang Mozart.

Arena di Verona - River Cruises in Italy

Best Seats in the House

The undoubted jewel in the crown of the cruise in Italy is the chance to watch an acclaimed opera at the Arena di Verona, an astonishingly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre built in the first century AD. This 15,000-seat venue is a magical environment in which to watch the performance – and even better, guests on the European Waterways cruise will benefit from enviable seats in the front stalls. What’s more, those quick enough to book for this year’s unmissable opera cruise will have the opportunity to experience a spine-tingling performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Aida‘.

Cast of Carmen on stage at Arena di Verona, drapes of bull-fighting at back

Experiencing Italy

As well as these enviable experiences for opera enthusiasts, the itinerary offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Italian history and culture as you cruise the serene waters of the River Po.

Bird lovers will also find something to enjoy as we cruise through the nature reserve of the Po Delta, where flamingos, snipe and herons can be seen from the barge’s sun deck. Ancient history lovers will be fascinated by the Archaeological Museum at Adria, an Etruscan town with a rich history. Culture vultures will be enchanted by the impressive Ducal Palace in Mantua, with its Gallery of Mirrors, masterful frescos and multiple gardens.

If you’ve been seduced by the music and drama of opera, you can now join a spontaneous summer cruise departing on 13th July! If you’re interested in booking this once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard La Bella Vita, get in touch with our sales team to find out more about our spectacular Opera Cruises.

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