Verona Opera

On day 3, see Verdi’s La Traviata, the tragic story of ailing courtesan Violetta, who gives up her luxurious life for her love of Alfredo, but his father secretly persuades her to end the affair. When Alfredo learns of her sacrifice he rushes to her, but it is too late. Day 4 includes a performance of Carmen, a tale of passion, jealousy and desire. Soldier Jose helps Carmen escape after his superior wants her imprisoned. Jealous of the other men Carmen is attracted to, he begs her to return when he sees her at a bull fight with another man. When Carmen says their love is over, he kills her.

On day 3, experience Verdi’s Aida, a powerful tale of love, loyalty and betrayal. Ancient Egypt is at war with Ethiopia, but Egyptian general Radames loves Princess Aida, an Ethiopian slave. When he gives her information, he is punished with entombment, only to find Aida waiting, dying in his arms. Day 4 includes a performance of Carmen, a tale of passion, jealousy and desire. Soldier Jose helps Carmen escape after his superior wants her imprisoned. Jealous of the other men Carmen is attracted to, he begs her to return when he sees her at a bull fight with another man. When Carmen says their love is over, he kills her.

On day 2, experience Verdi’s Nabucco, a retelling of the Old Testament story. King Nebuchadnezzar’s (Nabucco) daughter Fenena is hostage, her half-sister seeking to rule. When Nabucco goes mad, he orders the captive Israelites and Fenena are killed, but after asking forgiveness from the Hebrew God, he frees them. Day 4 includes a performance of Verdi’s Aida, a powerful tale of love, loyalty and betrayal. Ancient Egypt is at war with Ethiopia, but Egyptian general Radames loves Princess Aida, an Ethiopian slave. When he gives her information, he is punished with entombment, only to find Aida waiting, dying in his arms.

On day 2, experience Verdi’s Aida, a powerful tale of love, loyalty and betrayal. Ancient Egypt is at war with Ethiopia, but Egyptian general Radames loves Princess Aida, an Ethiopian slave. When he gives her information, he is punished with entombment, only to find Aida waiting, dying in his arms. Day 4 includes a performance of Verdi’s La Traviata, a tragic story of ailing courtesan Violetta, who gives up her luxurious life for her love of Alfredo, but his father secretly persuades her to end the affair. When Alfredo learns of her sacrifice he rushes to her, but it is too late.

The Villa Barbero di Maser is one of 24 villas that form part of the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city of Vicenza and the Palladian villas of the Veneto’. Andrea Palladio was a Renaissance architect in the 16th century Republic of Venice and is widely regarded as one of the architecture world’s most influential. Drawing inspiration from classical antiquity, his work resulted in the architectural movement ‘Palladianism’ which spread across Europe. The Villa Barbero was built for the Barbaro family in the 1560s and reflected the beliefs and interests of the Barbaro brothers - one a humanist and philosopher, the other a politician and architectural connoisseur. One highlight of the villa are the six splendid rooms decorated with plaster stucco work by the sculptor Alessandro Vittoria, and frescos by Paolo Veronese including scenes ranging from Bacchus offering grapes and the ‘Court of love’ to allegories and a depiction of Veronese himself. Beyond the house lies beautiful parkland, along with a ‘nymphaeum’, greenhouses, temple, and more.

Enjoy an included excursion to the beautiful town of Asolo, perched on a hilltop at the foothills of the Dolomites. This timeless and atmospheric town with its stunning views, cobbled narrow streets, arcaded shops, churches and beautiful private villas was much loved by actress Eleonora Duse, the explorer and travel writer Freya Stark, and the poet Robert Browning who named his final collection of poems ‘Asolando’. Take time to explore the town, perhaps visiting the Cathedral of S Maria Assunta housing works by Lotto, Bassano and Bernardi, or the Civic Tower within the castle area with its connection to the exiled Queen Caterina Cornaro. The town’s Civic Museum housed in the Bishop’s Palace is home to archaeology exhibits, an art gallery and exhibitions relating to Stark, Duse and Queen Caterina, while other places of interest include the Fortress perched above the town (involving steps and a steep climb), Eleonora Duse’s House, and the garden of Villa Freya Stark. Alternatively, simply stroll through the charming streets before taking a seat in one of the cafes, sit back and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this hilltop town.