AIDA IN BOLOGNA 15-17 JUNE   A star-studded performance of Aida conducted by Daniele Gatti with Daniela Dessi and Vladimir Galouzine at the always sold-out Teatro Comunale is the highlight of this weekend tour to Bologna.

FRIDAY 15 JUNE

Depart London Heathrow at 1250 on British Airways. Arrive Bologna Airport at 1605 and transfer by private coach to the 4 star Hotel San Donato in the centre of Bologna and within walking distance of the theatre. Welcome drink at the hotel. Remainder of the evening at leisure.

SATURDAY 16 JUNE

This morning join your expert guide for a morning tour of Bologna, seat of the oldest university in Europe dating back to the 11th century. The centre of the city is the imposing Piazza Maggiore fringed by medieval buildings including the 14th century Basilica di San Petronio where Charles V was crowned Holy Roman Emperor.

Bologna is famous for its two leaning towers built in the 12th century by competing families and dubbed Laurel and Hardy. Continue to the Conservatorio G.B. Martini where Rossini studied. The Conservatory houses original scores by Mozart, Monteverdi and Rossini.

Afternoon at leisure. Well worth a visit are BolognaÕs colourful food markets which sell local produce from the surrounding countryside. The city of Bologna has earned the nickname, ÔLa GrassaÕ (the fat) and has a reputation for a preoccupation with good food.

Evening performance of AIDA (Verdi) at the Teatro Comunale. C: Daniele Gatti. D: PierÕ Alli. Cast: Daniela Dessi, Vladimir Galouzine, Carlos Almaguer, Julian Kostantinov, Carolyn Sebron.

SUNDAY 17 JUNE

The morning is free for independent exploration. Transfer to Bologna Airport and depart on British Airways at 1240. Arrive London Heathrow at 1400.

	PRICE per person 3 Day Tour Price £570.00 Single Room Supplement £55.00 Deposit required £195.00 Booking Deadline 28 Feb Tour Code VBDL Tour price includes Flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - Buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - top category tickets for Aida - tour manager.