And because it’s a natural stage. for romance then sing your love from the rooftops in the Floating City… Venice L’elisir d’amore.
Like the random bella figura Italian who broke out in opera in front of us near the Grand Canal.
Because opera belongs to everyone in Italy, in a way that it doesn’t in our buttoned-up bit of an island in the north-west of Europe.
And, of course, our friends at Institute for Culture Travel know what we want.
Which is a Donazetti melodrama which you and I know as being Bergamo’s favourite son and songsmith.
The Phew Lagoon
Every culture vulture loves to take in their surrounds and all the better when you have someone to guide you.
Which ICT will do on your first full day in La Serenissima, taking in Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and a swathe of churches.
Your five-day tour will take in the picturesque island of Burano and the glass-blowing hub that is Murano.
While, of course, you’ll be wined and dined with the best seafood in the Adriatic and reclined in the charming Hotel Santa Chiara.
Now you always learn something new every time you visit Venice.
And ICT will give you a half-day Bacaro tour you’ll never forget.
Through its most historic wine-bar district where your guide will take you into authentic bacari.
Talk like a Venetian
The beloved gathering places where real Venetians go to chill and chat.
And savour a delectable cichetto—a classic Venetian bite—perfectly paired with a regional wine or refreshing spritz as you immerse yourself.
The highlight of your Venetian venture is that evening of opera at the Teatro Malibran and pre-opera fare.
The Malibran, inaugurated in 1678 on the site of Marco Polo’s former residence, played a central role in the development of Italian opera throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
In 1835 the theatre was renamed in honour of the legendary Spanish mezzo-soprano Maria Malibran, who refused her fee to help improve the venue’s condition.
Carefully restored over the centuries it now seats around 900, including you.
You will fly out on August 23 with Aer Lingus and return on August 27. From €2,109pps.
