Backstage Italy

Italy

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

What's Included

  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
    • Milan: Starhotels Ritz
    • Verona: Hotel Leon d’Oro
    • Florence: Hotel Roma
  • 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
Spotlight

Plan and Prepare

Get the most out of your journey with this detailed companion to the Backstage Italy experience. Explore featured performances, hotel highlights, and curated dining—everything you need to know before departure is just a click away.

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

Arrive in Milan, where your Encore Tour Manager will greet you at the airport. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace with time to relax, explore the area, or take a walk to the Duomo. This evening, come together for a welcome dinner at a local trattoria. (D)

Day 3 MILAN

After breakfast, depart for a scenic day trip to Lago Maggiore. Board a boat to visit the beautiful Borromean Islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre. After time for lunch and sightseeing, return to Milan for a relaxing afternoon and evening dinner with the group. (B,D)

Day 4 MILAN

This morning, visit the La Scala Theatre Ansaldo Workshops for a private tour of the backstage areas where sets and costumes are created. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before preparing for a truly special evening. Your VIP experience at La Scala includes a guided tour, a celebratory champagne toast, and a performance of the ballet Paquita. After the show, enjoy a late dinner together. (B,D)

Day 5 VERONA

Leave Milan and head to Cremona, the home of the legendary Stradivarius. Visit the Violin Museum, hear a private recital on an original Stradivarius instrument, and explore a local luthier workshop. In the afternoon, continue to Verona and enjoy a short pre-dinner walk through the historic city before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6 VERONA

Travel to Venice for a full day of culture and exploration. Enjoy a guided tour of the renowned La Fenice Opera House and take time on your own in Piazza San Marco. Return to Verona in the evening for dinner and attend a spectacular performance of Verdi’s Nabucco at the open-air Verona Arena. (B,D)

Day 7 FLORENCE

Depart for Florence and arrive in the heart of Tuscany. A local guide will lead you on a walking tour through the Renaissance city, including entrance to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. After some free time to explore, enjoy dinner together at a nearby restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8 FLORENCE

After breakfast, head to Torre del Lago for a guided visit to Casa Puccini. Continue to Lucca, where you’ll enjoy a delicious group lunch followed by time to explore the charming walled city at your leisure. Return to Florence for a relaxed evening on your own. (B,L)

Day 9 FLORENCE

Start the day with a timed entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, home to works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, and other Italian masters. In the afternoon, enjoy a private visit to the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini (pending confirmation) or take free time to soak in the city. Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Day 10 DEPARTURE/EXTENSION

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States, or continue on to Rome for an optional three-night extension to explore the Eternal City at your own pace. (B)

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