
July 13-July 21, 2023
Opera, Food & Wine
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 opera performance in Verona. We welcome guest artist, Jacqueline Quirk, soprano.
Thursday - July 13
Day 1-DEPARTURE: from US. You will arrive the following day.
Friday - July 14
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 - July 15
Day 3 - Verona - Tour of Arena di Verona, visit Juliet's Balcony, attend Nabucco Opera at Arena di Verona
Today we visit one of the most romantic cities in Italy, Verona. 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. In the evening, we will attend a live performance of Nabucco at Arena di Verona and stay the night in Verona.
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Meals: Breakfast
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Sunday - July 16
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 -July 17
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 - July 18
Day 6 - 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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Wednesday - July 19
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 - July 20
Day 8- Milan
We explore this magnificent city, see the duomo, Scala theater, shop in the first covered mall and enjoy dinner together. We spend the night close to the airport to prepare for departure in the morning.
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Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Friday - July 21
Day 9- Departure