Celebrate Puccini in Italy and salute D-Day heroes
Your chance to join our world-famous experts on two brilliant trips
JOIN The Mail on Sunday’s classical music critic David Mellor in Italy next summer for the famous Puccini Opera Festival. Based in the delightful Tuscan town of Lucca, this four-day escorted tour will take you to see many of Puccini’s haunts and places that inspired him, including his birthplace, beloved summer villa and ancestral home.
You will also see two rousing performances – of Tosca and Madame Butterfly – in nearby Torre del Lago, one of the world’s most memorable settings for opera.
This irresistible trip is proving so popular with readers that today we are launching a second date, after the first one sold out almost immediately.
And with tickets to the Puccini festival in high demand, we strongly recommend early booking.
‘Giacomo Puccini is rightly seen as one of the opera greats,’ says David. ‘A genius of straightforward tastes, he wrote sparingly, producing an opera every four years or so. As a consequence, all are beautifully wrought, pack an emotional punch and do not outstay their welcome.
‘He produced music for the people, which anyone with a musical ear can revel in. The chance to hear Puccini in what was his home and his inspiration is too good to miss. I have always enjoyed my visits to Torre del Lago and I can’t wait for the opportunity to join you there.’
REASONS TO BOOK Travel with David Mellor
The Mail on Sunday columnist and Classic FM presenter will join readers for the duration of this trip. A great admirer of Puccini, David will be sharing his insights and enthusiasm for Puccini’s works throughout your exclusive tour.
Private tours
Enjoy privileged, behind-thescenes access to places that are not normally open to the public, including a private tour of the historic Teatro del Giglio in Lucca. This is a remarkable place with a rich history stretching back centuries. Puccini himself is thought to have attended performances here.
Opera by the lake
Experience stunning performances in the majestic setting of Torre del Lago. This tour will take in productions of two classics – Tosca and Madame Butterfly.
The story of Giacomo Puccini
Immerse yourself in the life of Puccini with stops at museums and insights from experts on the composer’s life and works. You will visit the Villa Puccini Museum, Puccini’s birthplace, as well as Celle dei Puccini and its museum, housed in the home of Puccini’s ancestors, where the exhibits include his belongings. You will also attend a reception with a member of the Puccini Foundation.
Memorable dining
You will enjoy several incredible meals during your tour, including a scenic boat trip with dinner on the lake at Torre del Lago and lunch at the great Puccini restaurant.