Backstage Italy with The Indianapolis Opera

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 9: Overnight Flight

Depart from Indianapolis on your overnight flight to Milan. Travel with Alfred and Kitty Savia on this once in a lifetime, special access tour of the wonders of Italy and the artform of Opera!

Day 2, Tuesday June 10: Milan

Benvenuti in Italia! Your Encore Experiences Tour Manager will greet you at Milan's airport. Transfer into the elegant northern city of Milan for check in at the Star Hotel Rosa. Your Tour Manager will take you on an afternoon orientation walking tour that will highlight the main sites of Milan. Take time to explore the area around the city's famous Duomo at the Galleria for time to people watch and shop. Enjoy a special welcome dinner together this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 11: Milan

After breakfast at your hotel, travel to nearby Ansaldo to have a private tour of the La Scala workshop. See the facility where all costumes, sets and ornate stage preparation come to life! After time for lunch on your own, return to Milan for free afternoon and time to prepare for your evening at La Scala! This evening's highlight is your VIP experience at the world famous La Scala Theatre. Your VIP access, includes premium orchestra seats, champagne back stage tour and special entrance and private area for interval. Enjoy a late dinner together after this evening's performance. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 12: Milan

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy an excursion that brings you to Lago Maggiore for a boat ride and visit to Isola Bella and Isola Maggiore. This afternoon, return to Milan where you will have an afternoon have free time to visit another site in Milan. Why not visit the world-renowned collection of Italian art at Pinacoteca di Brera, or stroll through the Galleria area? Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 13: Verona

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Milan and journey to the birthplace of the Stradivarius violin, Cremona. Your walking tour with your Tour Manager comes to a grand crescendo with a private tour of the Museo del Violino where you will not only see masterfully crafted stringed instruments that date back to the 16th century, but your group will have a private recital performance on these famous strings! Complement this performance with a visit to a local luthier to see the amazing artform of string making. Continue to Verona for check in at the Hotel Accademia. Enjoy a pre-dinner walking tour of the city famous for its "Star-crossed lovers", Romeo and Juliet. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 14: Verona

After breakfast at your hotel, travel north to spend the afternoon enchanted by "The Queen of the Adriatic, Venice. Highlights of your day in Venice include a private tour of La Fenice Opera House, Piazza San Marco and the stunning Basilica di San Marco. Return to Verona for dinner at a local restaurant and an opera performance in the 2,000 year old Verona Arena as part of the year's annual opera Festival. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 15: Florence

After breakfast at your hotel, travel into the heart of Tuscany to Florence for afternoon city sightseeing with a local guide that includes a timed-entrance to the famous Accademia for a change to see Michaelangelo's David. Enjoy free time this afternoon to see more sites on your own before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 16: Florence

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Florence for a visit to Torre del Lago and the famous Casa Puccini. Travel next to the birthplace of Puccini, Lucca for a visit to Puccini's Birthplace and a leisurely lunch together at a local restaurant. Return to Florence for a free evening and dinner on your own. (B,L)

Day 9, Tuesday June 17: Florence

This morning, enjoy a timed entrance to the stunning Uffizi Museum to marvel at the works of many Italian masters like Botticelli. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini for a private performance of Opera Arias. After free time on your own, meet again for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 18: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B) Alternatively, stay on for an additional 3-night stay in the Eternal City, Rome. You won't want to miss the opportunity to experience "The Eternal City" at your own pace! From beautiful accommodations at the Ponte Sisto Hotel in the Historical Center to guided tours of The Vatican Museums. The Galleria Borghese Museum, and an amazing Tosca-themed walking tour of Rome's iconic sites, these three days will build lasting memories of Italy's amazing Capitol City!