Specialists in unforgettable opera holidays, Ireland’s leading guided group holiday provider Travel Department has unveiled an exciting Italian opera programme for 2023
As part of the 2023 programme, RTÉ lyric fm’s Marty Whelan returns to Italy to give opera lovers an introduction to some of the most renowned operas in the world at spectacular theatres in Verona and Naples.
Marty will join each Travel Department group for lunch before the performance for a meet and greet, some exciting photo opportunities, and to share his knowledge of the particular opera. Throughout the rest of the holiday, Travel Department customers will enjoy excursions with local tour guides as well as plenty of free time to explore or relax at their leisure.
Lake Garda, Venice & Verona Opera Holiday with RTÉ Lyric fm’s Marty In The Morning
Join Travel Department and Marty Whelan for the opera trip of a lifetime. On this this magical 7-night holiday, you’ll get to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Verona Arena Opera, explore the historic towns that hug the coast of Lake Garda and stroll through the quaint streets and squares, all set in the tranquil surroundings of blue waters and towering mountains. You’ll get to experience an unforgettable and spell bounding performance of Verdi’s Aida at the Arena di Verona. First performed in 1891, this classic opera is about choosing between love and loyalty; the opera’s music is full of Italianate melody. You’ll take a guided boat trip of Lake Garda to view some of the beautiful sites and places of interest on the lake, including stops in the towns of Malcesine and Limone. With the serene waters of Lake Garda and the classic Italian romance of Venice, this trip to Italy is the perfect combination of opera, culture and history. In Venice, gaze upon St. Mark’s Basilica, watch gondolas sail along the canals, and admire the stunning piazzas, bridges and gothic buildings that make this city so magnificent. You’ll also have plenty of free time for relaxation and exploring this stunning destination.
Departs on 13th June from €1769 pps– incudes return flights, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation at the 4*Hotel Alexander on a half board basis, your ticket to the opera with Marty, excursions and expert guide.
Sorrento Coast, Pompeii, Capri Opera Holiday – with RTÉ Lyric fm’s Marty In The Morning
The exciting 2023 opera programme also includes a Sorrento Coast, Pompeii, Capri Opera Holiday where you’ll join lyric fm’s Marty Whelan for a night at the opera in Naples and uncover the top highlights of the Sorrento region; a unique landscape of hills and valleys adorned with scented lemon orchards and silvery olive groves, with dramatic cliff tops giving way to picturesque fishing villages. On this 7-night holiday you will visit the beautiful island of Capri, which has been a playground for film stars and holidaymakers for centuries. On a guided tour of Pompeii, you’ll learn more about this ancient Roman city, which was buried and largely preserved under ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. A highlight for many is a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, one of Europe’s most scenic routes and you’ll stop by the picturesque towns of Positano and Amalfi. You’ll also explore Sorrento town, where there’s excellent shopping and a host of gorgeous restaurants and cafés. Together with Marty, you will get to enjoy a special performance of Puccini’s most famous masterpiece Madame Butterfly at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples as part of this special Sorrento holiday.
Departs on 12th September – From €1599 pps – incudes return flights, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation at the 4*Grand Hotel Moon Valley on a half board basis, your ticket to the opera with Marty, excursions and expert guide.