Discover Puccini’s Lucca w ith opera critic David Mellor
HE CREATED some of the world’s best-loved operas – and we’re giving you a chance to visit the birthplace of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini in stunning Lucca and hear expert talks by broadcaster and Mail on Sunday classical music critic David Mellor.
Our unforgettable five-day break includes opera performances and Puccini-themed visits. On a trip to Torre del Lago, the composer’s home for 30 years, you’ll immerse yourself in his world as you breathe in the Italian lakeside air he loved so much.
Villa Puccini, where he lived, is today a museum. You’ll be able to visit the chapel on the ground floor where he is buried.
During your visit to Torre del Lago, the director of the Giacomo Puccini Foundation will give a private lecture and take you behind the scenes to hear all about the composer who created some of the world’s best-loved operas, including Madama Butterfly, La Bohème and Tosca.
In the evenings, experience live performances of Turandot and Madama Butterfly in the locations that inspired Puccini, with David Mellor’s introductory talks providing context and insight into the composer’s life and the impact his operas had on the musical world.
REASONS TO BOOK
Immerse yourself in Tuscany: The tour includes visits to museums as well as to the beautiful town of Lucca, the tiny village of Celle dei
Puccini, Torre del Lago and the coastal city of Viareggio.
First-class seats to Puccini operas:
Born in 1858, Giacomo Puccini wrote some of the world’s most famous operas. On this trip, you will have first-class seats to performances of Madama Butterfly – the tragic love story of a Japanese girl and an American naval officer – and
Turandot, the tale of a Chinese prince who seeks the hand of a princess in marriage.
Insight from Puccini specialists: Puccini adored this region of Italy. Talks by David Mellor give an exceptional insight into the sometimes tempestuous life of the composer and bring his story vividly to life.
Stay in a four-star hotel: Accommodation is at a four-star hotel in Lucca – either the Hotel Palazzo Alexander or the San Luca Palace Hotel, both in the town’s historic quarter and within the old city walls. The hotels are in ancient buildings with all the trappings of modern, personalised service.