A cruise experience that’s worth singing about
The magic of the opera combined with the adventure of a cruise holiday? Yes please! At the world-renowned Verona Opera Festival, there’s no better way to experience the iconic Italian art form than at the centre of its heart and home.
And with this year marking its 101st instalment, there’s even more reason to celebrate. So let’s get you joining in on all that joy with one of our incredible Verona cruise packages.
All the best cruise lines, including MSC, Costa, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, are waiting to sweep you away on an experience at sea and on land like no other. Plus, with our Smart Packages you'll get a stay in Verona where you will experience the Verona Opera and return flights from the UK in the deal. You might even get double lucky and have some free drinks packages and other extras coming your way, too!
Prepared to be dazzled and amazed by some of the world’s premier operatic stars!
Whether you know your Nabucco from your Rigoletto or you’re a bit of an opera newbie, there’s one thing everyone should understand about the Verona Opera Festival: it’s the crowning jewel of the season.
From June to September, the city’s immense first-century amphitheatre becomes the setting for one of the world’s largest open-air musical events, including the Aida, the opera which symbolises the arena like nothing else. It’s music to anyone’s ears, but the fun actually starts before the conductor even lifts his baton.
Ahead of the arias, you’ll indulge in an al fresco picnic (with a glass or two of vino, of course) as the sun sets, soaking up in the atmosphere while evening draws in. As for the performances themselves, how does world class sound? Believe us when we say that what you’ll witness here is exceptional. Incredible acoustics, unreal ambience, and the chance to experience it all right in the middle of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Who wouldn’t love a bit of that?
Since most of the festival takes place in the summer outside, things’ll be very hot and sticky. The good news is that you aren’t expected to wear tuxes, tails or fancy dresses. However, if you have stall seats, then pants, a polo shirt or a suitable top will be required. As for everyone else, wear whatever you like, well, within reason!
If the heavens open, then any operas may be postponed by up to 150 minutes. In the event of light rain during the show, things will carry on as usual. If it’s heavy, though, proceedings are likely to be stopped. In these cases, then refunds are unfortunately not possible. Luckily, there isn’t much in the way of rain in Verona during the opera season.
Yes! If your Italian’s a little rusty, then there are subtitles on either side of the stage. It’s also worth brushing up on the story of the show ahead of time – just so you know what’s going on.
The arena is located in Piazza Bra, a large public space that’s one of the largest of its kind in Europe. There are loads of outdoor cafes here, and we’d highly recommend checking them out during your time in the city.
Back in ancient times, the arena sat nearly 30,000 people. For reasons of safety, security and comfort, the maximum attendance is now 15,000 people. Phew!
We’ll be honest, the shows are long! You can expect to be sat down for three hours or more. Luckily, for the comfort of you and your bum, you can bring your own cushion if you’re sat on the arena’s bare stone steps.
