June 22-June 30, 2023

Opera, Food & Wine

If you love Italian opera, foods, and wines this tour is for you! We explore the region from Puccini's home in Lucca to a live performance at La Scala in Milano. We welcome guest artist, Jacqueline Quirk, soprano. 

Thursday - June 22

Day 1-DEPARTURE: from US. You will arrive the following day. 

Friday - June 23

Day 2: Arrive at Milano-Malpensa for pickup at 10:30 at the airport and transfer to Bedonia. In the afternoon, you will have time to settle in to your room, explore town, or relax. Wine and appetizers will be served at the Villa. We will walk into town for a typical dinner of the region. 

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Meals: Appetizers and Dinner

Saturday - June 24

Day 3 - Piacenza Wine Tour and Tasting & Private Opera Performance by guest artist Jaqueline Quirk

Today we visit Casello winery in Piacenza. We will see how the grapes are cultivated and learn how the wine is made on the premises at this family owned and run winery in the Emilia Romagna region. After the vineyard, we visit the medieval village of Vigoleno for a tour, wine and food tasting, and private performance by Jaqueline Quirk. Vigoleno is certified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and holder of The Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club. It is a perfect example of medieval architecture and housing. There are only a handful of locals living behind these walls. It makes for an amazing adventure to wander these alleyways and enjoy the views.

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

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Sunday - June 25

Day 4- Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Tour, Lunch & Dancing with the Locals

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Tour in the morning. We will enjoy a family style lunch at Monte Penna Refugio (mountainside retreat) where we are treated to live music, dancing and mingling with the locals (lunch included). Our guests tell us this is one of their most cherished memories of Italy. On this day, you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic culture with the locals.

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Monday -June 26

Day 5-Free Day

You decide what you'd like to do today. You can spend time in the village or take a day trip (on own). We will have dinner in town and sit in the piazza to enjoy an beautiful Opera performance from some of our guests. 

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Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Tuesday - June 27

Day 6 - Verona - Tour of Arena di Verona, Juliet's Balcony and Scalinger Tombs

Today we visit one of the most romantic cities in Italy, Vernona. Shakespeare's love story of Romeo and Juliet took place here, and we will have the opportunity to visit the famous balcony at Juliet's house, tour of the Arena di Verona, and the Scaliger tombs, all while enjoying the eclectic architecture, pink marble streets, and fantastic shopping. 

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Meals: Breakfast

Wednesday - June 28

Day 7- Lucca - Puccini's Home

The home of Puccini, Lucca is a living testimony to past times, kingdoms and dominions. You will be transported by the cobblestone streets and wander upon the Roman treelined wall. This charming city boasts a vibrant music scene and is rich with history. Be prepared to be inspired! 

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Meals: Breakfast 

Thursday - June 29

Day 8- Milan & Performance at La Scala

We explore this magnificent city, see the duomo, tour the Scala theater, shop in the first covered mall and attend the opera at La Scala in the evening. We spend the night close to the airport to prepare for departure in the morning. 

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Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Friday - June 30

Day 9- Departure