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Verona Holidays

Resting on the serpentine River Adige and backdropped by green hills with laden orchards, Verona is a magical blend of ancient history, inspirational music, sacred art and world-renowned gastronomy exemplified by classical wines. The city welcomes visitors with wide esplanades paved in russet marble, which stroll to courtly piazzas graced with artistic buildings. A host of impressive churches, including San Zeno Maggiore, protest a piety that appears to be contradicted by the luxuriant opulence of Piazza Brà, Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to which Shakespeare set his tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet.
Verona's Roman amphitheatre possesses miraculous acoustic properties, which welcome an unrivalled opera festival, featuring the works of master composers interpreted by a star-studded cast. The population of Verona also enjoys a sumptuous social life conducted in cafés, wine bars and restaurants. Caffé Dante, established in 1865, on Piazza dei Signori is a hotbed of intellectual fervour whose patrons first decided to stage operatic events in the city's Roman Arena. To glimpse decorative divas indulging in their second most cherished passion, at least one visit to Ristorante Il Cenacolo, Via Teatro Filarmonico, should be attempted. Its walls are prepared with complimentary letters praising its cuisine written by Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Another equally famous establishment is Ristorante 12 Apostoli, Corticella San Marco. Plates sing with pescatrice alle mandorle (monkfish in almond sauce) and bowls of tortellini with white truffle shavings. Hosts of other attractions include the stylish boutiques on Via Mazzini, the Giusti Gardens, the Gothic tombs of Arche Scaligere and Juliet's balcony.

90th Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2012
For a truly unforgettable experience, spend an evening at the finest outdoor theatre in Italy. Verona's renowned 1st century Roman Arena is the venue for a breathtaking season of opera which runs each year from the end of June until early September. Please call our Travel Centre for further details and prices.

2012 Opera Dates

Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
22 & 29 June; 06, 12, 18 & 25 July

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi
23 & 28 June; 08, 11, 15, 19, 22, 24 & 28 July; 02, 05, 09, 12, 19 & 26 August; 02 September

Carmen by Bizet
30 June; 05, 10, 13, 17, 20 & 27 July; 03, 07, 10, 24, 28 & 31 August

Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounod in French
07, 14, 21 & 26 July

Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
04, 08, 11, 17, 23 & 30 August

Tosca by Giacomo Puccini
18, 22, 25 & 29 August; 01 September