ITALY

Opera cruise

European Waterways is offering two opera-themed cruises aboard La Bella Vita, a 20-passenger hotel barge. Participants will spend their first night of the seven-night tour in Padua, from which they will travel to Verona to visit the Arena Museo Opera museum and to attend a performance of “Tosca” (July 11) or “Nabucco” (Sept. 5) at the Arena di Verona, a former Roman amphitheater. The next day, they will board La Bella Vita in Venice for a barge cruise to Mantua. Highlights include an onboard performance by opera singers, a tour of Chioggia, a dinner ashore at the 17th century Villa Ca’ Zen and visits to Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara and the Ducal Palace in Mantua. Dates: July 11-18, Sept. 5-12 Price: From $5,140 per person, double occupancy. Includes local transfers to and from the barge, all meals and wine onboard, and all excursions and admission fees. International airfare not included.

Info: European Waterways, (877) 879-8808, www.gobarging.com