Verona Opera 2012 combined with Palio 2012
HIGHLIGHTS: Magnificent 3 night Verona Opera break in the very best opera seats combined with 3 night stay in Siena with balcony viewing of the Palio bareback horse race. Guided Introduction to Palio and Private Transfers .
For lovers of opera the Arena di Verona is the most dramatic setting for a truly memorable evening. Combine this great experience with exclusive access to a balcony or window viewing of the Palio in Siena and you have a truly remarkable break away.
Due to the dates of the Opera and Palio the only dates that work for this break are 28/29th June - 3rd July or 15th Aug - 19th/20th Aug depending on which Opera you would like to see and whether you wish to also attend the Palio Trials and Contrada Dinner
If you are looking for a shorter break we have other options for you to just see the Verona Opera or just the Siena Palio Alternatively combine Verona Opera with a stay at Lake Garda
DAY 1:
Fly to Verona. Private transfer to start your combined Verona and Palio Break
Fly into Verona and take a private transfer to your chosen hotel.
On arrival at your hotel your opera tickets and your Verona pass will be at reception. Valid for 5 days the Verona Pass offers you unlimited bus transfers around town and access to most monuments, churches and museums.
Start your Verona Opera 2012 and Il Palio break by exploring Verona at your leisure.
DAY 2:
Attend the Verona Opera at Verona Arena
Breakfast and day at leisure to make full use of your Verona Card or alternatively choose one of our optional experiences below to add to your private tailormade Verona Opera Package.
This evening attend Verona Opera at the Arena di Verona.
The Verona Opera 2012 season runs from the 22 June - 2nd Sept and features the following:
AIDA - June 23,28- July 8,11,15,19,22,24,28 - Aug 2,5,9,12,19,26 - Sept 02
DON GIOVANNI- June 22,29, - July 6,12,18,25
CARMEN - June 30 - July 5,10,13,17,20,27 - Aug 3,7,10,24,28,31
ROMEO & JULIET - July 7,14,21,26 (Note:This isn't full production set)
TURANDOT - Aug 4,8,11,17,23,30
TOSCA - Aug 18, 22, 25, 29 - Sept 1
For a taster of the drama you can expect by attending a night at the Verona opera run the short video opposite
DAY 3:
Day at leisure
Breakfast and day at leisure to make full use of your Verona Card or alternatively choose one of our optional trips to enhance your Verona Opera Holiday.
Further down you will see a listing of all our a la carte experiences that can be included. We would particularly recommend the boat trip to Garda Island followed by lunch at the Lake.
DAY 4:
Private transfer for EuroStar train to Florence and private transfer to Siena
A private transfer will pick you up after breakfast to take you to the train station for your train to Florence on Eurostar. Here you will take a private transfer to your hotel in Siena (@ 1hr). Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the atmosphere and build up of The Palio.
Day 5
Palio Trials, Contrada open air dinner
Morning at at leisure. This afternoon have a guided introduction to Siena and the Palio prior to taking your positions on a terrace with great views over Siena. Witness the proves or pre Palio trials where the jockeys test out the horses in order to select the chosen one for race day.
After this event participate in one of the authentic open air dinners hosted by the ladies of the different Contrada to celebrate and anticipate the Palio race scheduled for the following day. This rustic event captures the Palio build up and many of our clients will adopt the contrada for the Palio race.
Day 6:
Attend The Siena Palio 2012
Morning is at leisure. Early afternoon your guide will walk you through the streets to ensure you witness the traditional build up to the event and the very colourful historical parade through the centre of the town. You might even get to see a blessing of the horse in a Contrada church !
Balcony positions for viewing of the Palio are in very short supply and we are fortunate that we have secured some with a superb vantage point.
For a taster of the event please watch the Palio video below
We have three options for viewing the Siena Palio.
1. On the Terrace you can see 70% of the race from a birds eye view of the Palio Horse race.
2. The Balcony is right on the square with a superb vantage point, overlooking the Campo at the Casato bend so you have the perfect view from which you will be able to see close up the Palio Horse race and immerse yourself in the passionate atmosphere and unfolding spectacle of the Palio Siena Horse race
3. For those looking for a private viewing experience we can investigate on request VIP private apartment viewing of the Palio in Siena. As these are extremely limited early request for these locations are critical.
After dinner (not included) we suggest you visit the victorious Contrada of The Palio where you can immerse yourself in the celebration with the people. Flags, colours and singing will be the order of the night.
Day 7:
Private Transfer to Pisa or Florence for your flight home to UK
A private transfer will pick you up to take you to either Pisa or Florence for your flight home after your Verona Opera and Il Palio break
Please see "Download detailed itinerary" below for some ideas of what to do in Verona in your free time and for suggestions as to where to eat.
Price per person: From £2,225
Includes Flights, 6 nights Accommodation with breakfast, Private transfers, Gold Central Opera Tickets, Verona Card, Euro Star Train Verona - Florence, Balcony Palio viewing