MACERATA FESTIVAL 10 - 13 AUGUST Unescorted small group   If you would like to avoid the crowds this summer and enjoy a summer break in Italy's rugged hinterland with performances of Italian operas under the stars, Macerata is for you. The walled town of Macerata stages an annual festival at the colonnaded 19th century Arena Sferisterio. Our four day tour explores the Marche region and includes a visit to Assisi.

Tour dates have been planned to enable those who so wish to progress to the Rossini Festival on the Adriatic coast at Pesaro.

FRIDAY 10 AUGUST

Depart from London Heathrow on British Airways at 1250. Arrive Bologna Airport at 1605 and transfer by private coach to Macerata (journey time approx. 2 and a half hours). Check in at the centrally located Hotel Arcadia. Welcome drink.

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

Morning departure for Assisi. Drive through the Umbrian countryside to the beautiful, medieval town of Assisi, a shrine to St Francis, the 12th century founder of the Franciscan movement based on the principles of poverty, chastity and obedience. Visit the Basilica, built as a memorial to St Francis. Admire the series of Giotto frescoes depicting the life of the saint in the Upper Church and the Lower Church, resembling a crypt with its low dark vaults, also adorned with beautiful frescoes by 13th and 14th century masters. Lunch in Assisi and return to Macerata in the late afternoon.
Evening performance of AIDA (Verdi) at the Arena Sferisterio.

SUNDAY 12 AUGUST

Full day at leisure in the charming hill town of Macerata. Suggested visits for Sunday morning include the Pinacoteca Civica which houses a Madonna by Crivelli and archaeological finds from a nearby Roman town. Also interesting for its curiosity value is the Museo Tipologico del Presepio, a private collection of presepi the Italian Christmas cribs, elevated to an art form in Naples.
Evening performance of TOSCA (Puccini) at the Arena Sferesterio.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST

Day at leisure. Transfer to Bologna Airport and depart on British Airways at 1715. Arrive London Heathrow at 1830.
If you wish to extend your stay and continue to Pesaro for the Rossini Festival please ask for details of onward transport to Pesaro.

	Price per person 4 Day Tour Price £690.00 Single room supplement £35.00 Deposit required £225.00 Booking Deadline 1 April Tour Code MAC 1 Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - top category ticket for Aida and Tosca - tour manager or local representative. Dress: Lounge suit

C = Conductor   D = Director

	MACERATA FESTIVAL Opera à la carte
	If our tour dates do not suit you or you prefer to travel independently please contact us for your tailormade itinerary including ticket and travel reservations. The programme of operas being performed and dates this season is as follows: Der Lindberghflug Jul 8-16 Die 7 Todsunden Jul 11, 16, 20 Norma Jul 14, 22, 29, Aug 4 Aida Jul 21, 30, Aug 2, 7, 10, 12 Tosca Jul 28, Aug 5, 8, 11 PRICE GUIDELINE As an indication a three night package including flights from London, taxes, hotel accommodation (sharing a twin room) on a bed and breakfast basis, and a second category ticket to one opera performance will cost from £515.00 per person. For your a la carte quote Telephone: 020 7483 4466 Email: enquiries@travelforthearts.com