PUCCINI FESTIVAL ON THE TUSCAN COAST 2 - 5 AUGUST   Consistently one of our most popular summer festival tours, the Puccini Festival has a uniquely magical atmosphere, staged as it is in the grounds of the composer's villa beside Lake Massaciucoli. This year's programme presents a revival of the popular new production of Tosca directed by Beni Montresor and unveiled at last year's festival to mark the opera's centenary year.

Torre del Lago prides itself on the visual impact of its productions and both Tosca and Turandot fill the vast stage with a feast for both eye and ear.

The elegant spa resort of Montecatini Terme provides a relaxing base for the tour, away from the crowds and the heat of the coastal resorts and within reach of some of Tuscany's many treasures to explore during the daytime.

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST

Depart London Gatwick on Meridiana Airlines at 1420. Arrive Florence Airport and transfer by private, air-conditioned coach to Montecatini Terme. Check in at the 4 star Hotel Croce di Malta. The hotel is set in 25 acres of parkland with an outdoor heated swimming pool in a shady garden. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

FRIDAY 3 AUGUST

Morning tour of the beautiful medieval town of Lucca. Visit Puccini's birthplace in the Via di Poggio where an intimate collection of memorabilia includes the maestroÕs overcoat and the piano on which he is said to have composed Turandot. Also visit the Basilica San Paolino where the young Puccini played the organ. After some time at leisure in Lucca return to the hotel at lunchtime.

Afternoon departure for Torre del Lago. Dinner in a local restaurant before the performance.
Evening Performance of TURANDOT (Puccini) at the Festival Puccini. Return transfer to the hotel after the performance.

SATURDAY 4 AUGUST

Morning at leisure. Time to relax in the hotel grounds by the pool or, if you wish take the cable car to the pretty village of Montecatini Alto and enjoy the panoramic views. Afternoon departure to Torre del Lago. A tour of the villa has been arranged where Puccini spent much of his later years. The composer is buried in the chapel there next to his wife and his son, Tonio. Following the tour enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before the performance.
Evening performance of TOSCA (Puccini) at the Festival Puccini. Return transfer to the hotel after the performance.

SUNDAY 5 AUGUST

After breakfast check out of the hotel and depart for Florence Airport. Stop en route at the privately owned Villa Bivigliano in the hills near Fiesole. A private tour of this enchanting villa and its gardens has been arranged followed by a light lunch. Continue to Florence Airport and depart on Meridiana Airlines at 1705. Arrive London Gatwick at 1845.

	Price per person 4 Day Tour Price £825.00 Single room supplement £45.00 Deposit required £275.00 Booking Deadline 1 April Tour Code PUC Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - buffet breakfast daily - top category seats for Turandot and Tosca - tour manager. Dress: Lounge suit Note: The open air auditorium at Torre del Lago is located next to the Lake Massaciucoli. The temperature drops in the late evening and we advise clients to bring a wrap or coat and to arm themselves with mosquito repellent due to the proximity to the water.

C = Conductor   D = Director

	PUCCINI 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: Turandot Aug 3, 10, 11, 18 Tosca Aug 4, 5, 17 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 £485.00 per person. For your a la carte quote Telephone: 020 7483 4466 Email: enquiries@travelforthearts.com