See Puccini’s best-loved operas with David Mellor
WITH its charming hillside towns, olive groves and lush vineyards, there’s nowhere more typically Italian than Tuscany. On our fabulous fiveday trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, who composed some of the world’s most famous and best-loved operas, including Madama Butterfly, La Boheme and Tosca.
The tour includes expert talks by broadcaster and Mail on Sunday classical music critic David Mellor, as well as opera performances and Puccini-themed visits.
You’ll have a chance to tour Puccini’s birthplace in Lucca and breathe in the heady Italian lakeside air he loved so much on a visit to his home of 30 years, Torre del Lago, now the Villa Puccini Museum and the site of his final resting place.
During your visit to Torre del Lago, the director of the Giacomo Puccini Foundation will give you a private lecture and take you behind the scenes to hear in depth about one of the world’s favourite operatic composers.
In the evenings, experience live performances of Turandot and Madama Butterfly in the locations that inspired Puccini. David Mellor’s introductory talks will provide context and insight into the composer’s life and the impact his operas had on the world.
REASONS TO BOOK Immerse yourself in Tuscany:
The tour includes visits to museums, as well as 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’s operas:
Puccini created some of the world’s best-loved 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 a Puccini specialist:
Talks by David Mellor will give you an exceptional insight into the talented and sometimes tempestuous life of Giacomo Puccini, and bring the composer’s story to life.
Stay in a four-star hotel: Accommodation is in a four-star hotel in Lucca – either the Hotel Palazzo Alexander or the San Luca Palace Hotel, both in the town’s historical quarter and within the old city walls. The two hotels are in ancient buildings yet have all the trappings of modern, personalised service.