Backstage Italy

Italy
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Join us for Backstage Italy with The Indianapolis Opera, an exclusive cultural journey curated for opera enthusiasts. From June 9 to June 18, 2025, explore the enchanting cities of Milan, Verona, Venice, and Florence on this unforgettable tour that promises world-class musical performances, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled experiences.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Italian opera with highlights including VIP seats at La Scala in Milan, a private tour of the Museo del Violino in Cremona, and an exclusive backstage tour of La Fenice Opera House in Venice. Enjoy gourmet dining, private concerts, and the elegance of premier hotels such as the Star Hotel Rosa in Milan and the Hotel Accademia in Verona.

This extraordinary adventure is designed for discerning travelers seeking an exquisite blend of culture, music, and luxury. Join us for Backstage Italy and create memories that will resonate for years to come.

Experience Italy

With The Indianapolis Opera

Dates

June 9-18, 2025

Price

From Airport: $9,509
Book Your Own Airfare: $7,799

Register Now
View Itinerary

Featured Experiences

Sounds of Stradivarius

Musical
Italy

This special celebration of Stradivarius and his gifts to the world of strings takes place in Cremona. Relax with an espresso and enjoy the gentle scenes of Lombardy before reaching the Museo del Violino. The museum’s unique auditorium was built solely with the perfect acoustic in mind for playing strings, and it is here that two virtuosi will play a private concert for you on a violin and a cello handcrafted by Stradivarius himself, as well as a violin made by Guarneri del Gesù.

Patron of the Arts

Musical
Italy

Join the list of Florentine musical patrons today as you receive the score and copyright to an original composition at its world premiere. Meet with the Dean and students at the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini in Florence who have specially composed a piece inspired by input from guests of The Encore Collection. The performance will take place in the auditorium of the Conservatory.

Majestic Maggiore

Musical
Italy

Cruise Lake Maggiore on a private boat, visiting Isola Bella and Isola Maggiore before the islands are open to the public. Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera with a curator, gaining behind-the-scenes access to select masterpieces not on display to the general public.

What's Included

  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
    • Milan: Rosa Grand (4-star)
    • Verona: Hotel Accademia (4-star)
    • Florence: TBD (4 or 5-star)
  • Experienced Travel Concierge
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • VIP Experience at La Scala Theatre
  • Private Recital at Museo del Violino
  • Private Tour of La Fenice Opera House
  • Opera Performance at the Verona Arena
  • Private Performance of Opera Arias at the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini
  • Casa Puccini in Torre del Lago
  • Visit Puccini’s Birthplace in Lucca
  • Guided walking tour of Milan’s Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
  • Excursion to Lago Maggiore
  • Tours of Cremona and Verona
  • Piazza San Marco & Basilica di San Marco
  • Gondola ride through Venice’s canals
  • Sightseeing in Florence, including the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Museum
  • Welcome dinner in Milan with authentic Italian cuisine
  • Gourmet late dinner after the La Scala performance
  • Dinners in Milan, Verona, and Florence
  • Lunch in Lucca
  • Farewell dinner in Florence

Itinerary

10 Days

Day 1 OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Depart from Indianapolis on your overnight flight to Milan. Travel with Alfred and Kitty Savia on this once in a lifetime, special access tour of the wonders of Italy and the artform of Opera!

Day 2 MILAN

Benvenuti in Italia! Your Encore Experiences Tour Manager will greet you at Milan's airport. Transfer into the elegant northern city of Milan for check in at the Star Hotel Rosa. Your Tour Manager will take you on an afternoon orientation walking tour that will highlight the main sites of Milan. Take time to explore the area around the city's famous Duomo at the Galleria for time to people watch and shop. Enjoy a special welcome dinner together this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3 MILAN

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy an excursion that brings you to Lago Maggiore for a boat ride and visit to Isola Bella and Isola Maggiore. This afternoon, return to Milan where you will have an afternoon have free time to visit another site in Milan. Why not visit the world-renowned collection of Italian art at Pinacoteca di Brera, or stroll through the Galleria area? Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4 MILAN

After breakfast at your hotel, travel to nearby Ansaldo to have a private tour of the La Scala workshop. See the facility where all costumes, sets and ornate stage preparation come to life! After time for lunch on your own, return to Milan for free afternoon and time to prepare for your evening at La Scala! This evening's highlight is your VIP experience at the world famous La Scala Theatre. Your VIP access, includes premium orchestra seats, champagne back stage tour and special entrance and private area for interval. Enjoy a late dinner together after this evening's performance. (B,D)

Day 5 VERONA

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Milan and journey to the birthplace of the Stradivarius violin, Cremona. Your walking tour with your Tour Manager comes to a grand crescendo with a private tour of the Museo del Violino where you will not only see masterfully crafted stringed instruments that date back to the 16th century, but your group will have a private recital performance on these famous strings! Complement this performance with a visit to a local luthier to see the amazing artform of string making. Continue to Verona for check in at the Hotel Accademia. Enjoy a pre-dinner walking tour of the city famous for its "Star-crossed lovers", Romeo and Juliet. (B,D)

Day 6 VERONA

After breakfast at your hotel, travel north to spend the afternoon enchanted by "The Queen of the Adriatic, Venice. Highlights of your day in Venice include a private tour of La Fenice Opera House, Piazza San Marco and the stunning Basilica di San Marco. Return to Verona for dinner at a local restaurant and an opera performance in the 2,000 year old Verona Arena as part of the year's annual opera Festival. (B,D)

Day 7 FLORENCE

After breakfast at your hotel, travel into the heart of Tuscany to Florence for afternoon city sightseeing with a local guide that includes a timed-entrance to the famous Accademia for a change to see Michaelangelo's David. Enjoy free time this afternoon to see more sites on your own before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8 FLORENCE

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Florence for a visit to Torre del Lago and the famous Casa Puccini. Travel next to the birthplace of Puccini, Lucca for a visit to Puccini's Birthplace and a leisurely lunch together at a local restaurant. Return to Florence for a free evening and dinner on your own. (B,L)

Day 9 FLORENCE

This morning, enjoy a timed entrance to the stunning Uffizi Museum to marvel at the works of many Italian masters like Botticelli. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini for a private performance of Opera Arias. After free time on your own, meet again for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10 DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B) Alternatively, stay on for an additional 3-night stay in the Eternal City, Rome. You won't want to miss the opportunity to experience "The Eternal City" at your own pace! From beautiful accommodations at the Ponte Sisto Hotel in the Historical Center to guided tours of The Vatican Museums. The Galleria Borghese Museum, and an amazing Tosca-themed walking tour of Rome's iconic sites, these three days will build lasting memories of Italy's amazing Capitol City!

Plane

Dear Friends and Patrons,

I am thrilled to extend a personal invitation to you for an extraordinary cultural journey, Backstage Italy with The Indianapolis Opera, from June 9 to June 18, 2025. This exclusive tour has been meticulously curated to offer an immersive experience into the heart of Italy’s rich operatic heritage, and I am honored to guide you through this unforgettable adventure.

Our journey begins in Milan, where we will explore the illustrious La Scala Theatre with VIP seats and a backstage tour. In Cremona, the birthplace of the Stradivarius violin, we will enjoy a private recital at the Museo del Violino. In Venice, we will tour the magnificent La Fenice Opera House, followed by an evening performance in the Verona Arena. In Florence, we will visit the renowned Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David and enjoy a private performance of opera arias at the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini.

Throughout my career, I have conducted orchestras extensively in Europe, Central and South America, and Asia. I have studied operatic conducting in Milan with Enrico Pessina, a conductor at La Scala, and I am particularly excited to share with you the profound influence Italy has had on my musical journey. This extraordinary adventure is designed to celebrate the beauty of Italian opera and create lasting memories. Join me for Backstage Italy with The Indianapolis Opera, and create memories that will resonate for years to come.

Sincerely,
Maestro Alfred Savia
Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor
Indianapolis Opera

Milan Verona Florence

Ready to Go?

Dates

June 9-18, 2025

Price

From Airport: $9,509
Book Your Own Airfare: $7,799

Register Now

Protection Plans

We understand the importance of feeling secure while you travel. That’s why we include a basic protection plan in the cost of your program, ensuring you can focus on making the most of your journey. For those seeking even greater peace of mind, our upgraded coverage offers enhanced benefits, including the flexibility to cancel up to 4 days before departure and receive a full cash refund. Travel with confidence and enjoy every moment of your Encore Experience.

Protection Plans