Music to Our Ears.
Through July and August, the Italian city of Verona is alive with the sound of arias, as it plays host to the world’s oldest open-air opera festival. Since it began in 1913, the festival has been held in the inspiring Arena di Verona – a Roman amphitheatre built in the first century AD.
This summer’s line-up includes Verdi’s Aida, Bizet’s Carmen and Puccini’s Turandot. If you’re planning a trip, we think there’s no better place to stay than Palazzo Victoria, located inside Verona’s western Roman gate, just steps from the amphitheatre. Combining Roman ruins, Ionic pillars and medieval frescoes, this 14th-century palace has had a seriously chic makeover, and makes for a memorable city break.
Exclusive Package
During the festival the hotel has partnered with Citalia, the leading Italian specialist, to offer an exclusive opera season package including travel, accommodation and opera tickets, plus a speedy ‘pre-opera dinner’ served in the hotel’s Borsari 36 fine-dining restaurant. Specially created to be enjoyed in under an hour, the two- and three-course gourmet menus feature creative twists on Italian classics. Bellissima.
The Details
The three-night Verona Opera break, staying at the five star Palazzo Victoria, costs from £1,147 per person. The package includes tickets to an opera performance and pre-opera dinner, private transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways (01293 831 970; citalia.com; palazzovictoria.com)
