MIDSUMMER VERDI EXTRAVAGANZA 26 - 31 JULY   An exceptional tour including tickets for some of the unique festivities planned to mark the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi. Tours in the beautiful and historic region of Emilia Romagna and a visit to the seat of the Gonzaga Dukes in Mantua are further highlights.

THURSDAY 26 JULY

Morning departure from London Heathrow at 0930 on Alitalia. Arrive Milan Malpensa at 1230 and transfer to Hotel Palace Maria Luigia in the centre of Parma. Afternoon tour of the elegant city of Parma. The heart of medieval Parma is the Piazza del Duomo. The beautiful Romanesque Duomo and the graceful octagonal baptistry in rose coloured marble were both designed by Antelami and contain frescoes by the late Renaissance artist, Correggio. This evening join your travelling companions for a welcome drink.

FRIDAY 27 JULY

Morning tour of the province of Parma including visits to the Palace of Soragna or the Castello di Sanvitale, surrounded by a moat and adorned with frescoes, some by Parmigianino. Afternoon at leisure.

Evening performance of VERDI IN UNA NOTTE DI MEZZA ESTATE at the Teatro Regio, Parma. An evening's entertainment given by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Verdi Centenary Festival.
C: Fabio Armiliato. Soloists: Dora Theodossiou, Fabio Sartori. Carlo Columbara.

SATURDAY 28 JULY

Morning departure from Parma to the Villa S. Agata, the country house built by Verdi after he had achieved international fame whence he would retreat with his wife, Giuseppina to seek the solitude he needed to compose. The villa contains personal effects and memorabilia. Continue to the nearby town of Busseto where Verdi studied as a young man before departing to Milan to further his musical studies. Lunch at the restaurant 'I Due Foscari'.
Afternoon return to hotel.
Optional evening performance of LA TRAVIATA (Verdi) at the Teatro Regio. C: Carlo Rizzi. Cast: Eva Mei, Vittorio Vitelli, Maja Dashuk.

SUNDAY 29 JULY

Full day at leisure. Evening transfer to Busseto. Evening open air performance of NABUCCO (Verdi) at the Villa Pallavicino. C: Romano Gandolfi. Orchestra and chorus of Arturo Toscanini Foundation. Cast to be advised. Return transfer to hotel after the performance.

MONDAY 30 JULY

Morning departure for Mantua, home of Virgil and for three centuries the seat of the Gonzaga Dukes whose enlightened court and patronage of the arts fostered amongst others the talents of Andrea Mantegna and Giulio Romana. Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, considered the first modern opera, was commissioned by the Gonzagas for entertainment at a family wedding in 1606.

After lunch continue to Sabbionetta, conceived as an ideal city by Vespasiano Gonzaga, and visit the exquisite Teatro Olimpico there. Late afternoon return to hotel.
Evening transfer to Verdi's birthplace, Roncole. Evening Gala Concert in aid of UNICEF. Planned soloists include Mariella Devia, Vincenzo La Scola and Leo Nucci. Return transfer to the hotel after the performance.

TUESDAY 31 JULY

Free morning. Afternoon transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport and depart on Alitalia at 1700. Arrive London Heathrow at 1800.

	Price per person 6 Day Tour Price £995.00 Single room supplement £125.00 Deposit required £330.00 Booking Deadline 31 March Tour Code VPA 4 Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - Buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - ?? category tickets for Verdi in una notte di mezza estate, Nabucco and Roncole Verdi concert - tour manager or local representative. Dress: Lounge suit Supplement 28 Jul La traviata £105.00