Opera in Venice

Venice is a city that needs no introduction, but experiencing it through the lens of music and history offers a fresh perspective for even the most seasoned travellers. This four-night Escorted Tour is designed for those who appreciate the finer details of Italian culture without the need for unnecessary fluff. You will be staying at the 4-star Hotel Santa Chiara, an elegant property that is uniquely accessible by minibus—a rare convenience in a city famous for its winding canals. This makes your arrival and departure much more straightforward and comfortable. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local escort and transferred directly to the hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to settle into the Venetian pace of life.

The centerpiece of this holiday is undoubtedly the performance of L’elisir d’amore at the historic Teatro Malibran. This venue sits on the very site where Marco Polo once lived and remains one of the most significant opera houses in Italy, having played a vital role in the development of Italian opera. Before the curtains rise, you will enjoy an organised pre-opera dinner with your fellow travellers, setting the stage for a memorable evening of world-class music in a theatre known for its rich adornments and historic charm. Naturally, your Opera in Venice experience is supported by expert local guiding to ensure every detail is handled correctly.

Throughout your stay, you will delve into the heart of the city. A guided walking tour will lead you through the maze of narrow alleys and across the stone bridges to the Doge’s Palace. Here, you can stand in the gilded halls where Venetian rulers once decided the fate of the Mediterranean. To help you feel like a local, we have included a half-day Bacaro tour. This experience takes you away from the main tourist paths and into the most historic wine-bar districts to sample ‘cicchetti’—classic Venetian bites—perfectly paired with a glass of regional wine or a refreshing spritz.

Beyond the main islands, we take a private boat across the lagoon to the islands of Burano and Murano. Burano is famous for its lace-making traditions and its houses painted in incredibly vibrant colours, while Murano is the world-renowned home of glass-blowing. A leisurely lunch featuring fresh local flavours is included during this excursion, allowing you to soak in the relaxed island atmosphere. With return flights from Dublin included and expert local guiding, this tour provides excellent value for money. It is an active holiday, so you should be comfortable with walking on cobbled streets and crossing bridges.