VERONA & THE VILLAS OF THE VENETO 10 - 15 JULY   The delightful town of Bassano del Grappa in the foothills of the Alps is your base for our six day tour of the Veneto. We include tickets for two performances at the Arena di Verona during the festival's celebration of Verdi's work in this centenary year of the composer's death. During the daytime a programme of visits will introduce the delights of the Palladian villas of the Veneto.

© Rachel Hughes/Arena ../images

TUESDAY 10 JULY

0915 departure from London Gatwick on Alitalia. Arrive Venice Marco Polo Airport at 1210 where you will be met by private air-conditioned coach to complete your journey.
Stop en route at Piombino Dese and visit the Palladian Villa Cornaro. The interior is decorated with frescoes dating from the 18th century.
Continue to Bassano del Grappa and check in at the 4 star Hotel Belvedere. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

WEDNESDAY 11 JULY

Morning departure to Vicenza for a guided tour of the city of Andrea Palladio, the 16th century renaissance architect who redefined the classical styles of ancient Rome making use of Roman classical forms, symmetry and proportion. Visit the Villa Rotonda on the outskirts of the town, designed by Palladio for Cardinal Capra.

Continue to the centre of Vicenza and visit the Piazza dei Signori in the heart of the city with its forum flanked by the Basilica and the Loggia del Capitaniato, both designed by Palladio. Possibly the oldest indoor theatre in Europe, the Teatro Olimpico was built for the 'Olympic Academy' of which Palladio was a member. He designed an elegant and permanent set in wood and stucco.

It was Palladio's pupil, Scamozzi, who designed the piazza and radiating streets meant to represent the ideal city of Thebes as a backdrop for the theatre's first production, Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. It remains unchanged after 400 years.
Time for lunch under own arrangements. Continue to Maser to visit the Villa Barbaro. This amazing villa is a synthesis of the talents of Palladio and Veronese. The characters depicted in the ravishing frescoes seem to inhabit the villa with many trompe l'oeil flourishes.
Late afternoon return to Bassano del Grappa.

THURSDAY 12 JULY

Morning at leisure. Mid-afternoon departure for Verona. Brief historical panorama of Verona tracing the city's history from Roman times, through the turbulent rule of the Scaligeri family, the annexation to the Venetian Republic, the period of Austrian rule and then finally it's becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy. Visit Juliet's balcony and the charming Piazza delle Erbe, former Roman Forum and still a market place today.

Time for dinner under own arrangements before this evening's performance.
Evening performance of NABUCCO (Verdi) at the Arena di Verona. Return transfer to the hotel after the performance.

FRIDAY 13 JULY

Full day at leisure to explore the town. Bassano's most renowned landmark, the Ponte degli Alpini crosses the Brenta. Constructed in wood, the bridge has been re-built several times following the original design by Palladio. At one end is the Nardini grappa distillery where you can taste and buy the local produce.
Optional evening performance of AIDA (Verdi) at the Arena di Verona. (Subject to a minimum number wishing to attend transport to and from the Arena will be arranged.)

SATURDAY 14 JULY

Morning at leisure. Afternoon departure for Verona stopping en route to visit Palladio's first villa, the Villa Godi Malinverni built in 1540. The interior is decorated with frescoes by Giambattista Zelotti and also contains a collection of 19th century Italian paintings.
Continue to Verona allowing time for dinner under own arrangements before the performance.
Evening performance of IL TROVATORE (Verdi) (New production) at the Arena di Verona. Return transfer after the performance.

SUNDAY 15 JULY

Day at leisure. Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport and depart on Alitalia at 1905. Arrive London Gatwick at 2015.

	Price per person 6 Day Tour Price £890.00 Single room supplement £65.00 Deposit required £295.00 Booking Deadline 31 March Tour Code VER Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - buffet breakfast daily - numbered step seats (gradinata numerata) for Nabucco and Il trovatore - tour manager or local representative. Dress: Lounge suit Supplements 13 July Aida (inc. transfers) £113.00

C = Conductor   D = Director

	ARENA DI VERONA 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: ARENA DI VERONA Il trovatore (new production) Jun 30, Jul 7, 14, 25, Aug 3, 8, 15 Aida Jul 1, 5, 8, 13, 22, 24, 27, Aug 7, 12, 14, 23, 26, 30, Sep 2 Nabucco Jul 6, 12, 15, 20, 26, 29, Aug 10, 16, 19, 21, 24, 28, 31 Rigoletto (new production) Jul 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, 17, 22, Sep 1 La traviata Aug 5, 9, 18, 25, 29 Messa da Requiem Jun 29 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 £595.00 per person. For your a la carte quote Telephone: 020 7483 4466 Email: enquiries@travelforthearts.com