HIT THE HIGH NOTES ON AN OPERATIC EXPERIENCE THAT WILL BRING MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Opera enthusiasts will be cheering for an encore as they take in the very best of Europe’s grandest stages and festivals on a superb selection of operatic breaks with specialist tour operator, Page & Moy (0800 043 0234,www.pageandmoy.com). The company employs the crème-de-la-crème of the opera community, including a former professional opera singer and an opera music expert. Expect exclusive backstage visits, pre-booked seats to sold-out performances and opportunities to visit operatic highlights such as the Prague State Opera House and Verona Opera festival.

Interested in opera but fearful to commit to an entire holiday dedicated to the subject? Page & Moy’s 8-day break to the charming hilltop town of Barga in the heart of Tuscany, may be the answer. The company have been taking guests to this hidden gem in the Tuscan hills for the past 20 years. In addition to the stunning views which can be enjoyed from the Duomo over the surrounding terraced hills and convenient access to Florence, Pisa, Siena and the Apuan Alps, the town also boasts its very own opera house. Tom Foote, Page & Moy’s tour manager, is a resident of the town and over the years has developed an excellent relationship with the local opera house, which features performances throughout the summer months. Visitors can also enjoy a talk and guided visit backstage with Tom’s wife – a former professional singer and vocal coach.

The 8-day break costs from £629 per person. The price includes 7-nights accommodation on a half board basis at the popular 3-star family run Hotel La Pergola, return flights from London Gatwick to Pisa and excursions to Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, the Apuan Alps and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Departures throughout the year.

Potential story suggestions:

• Opera for first-timers
• A new twist on Tuscany
• Learning opera from a professional

Dip your toe further into the operatic ocean on a 4-day break visiting one of the world’s most respected opera cities. Fly to Prague for a fantastic 3-night stay at the aptly named 4-star Don Giovanni hotel, who’s décor was inspired by Mozart’s opera of the same name. Guests will find a musical theme throughout from the Allegretto and Teatro restaurants, to tasteful musical notes on bathroom walls. In addition to tickets to a performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute’ and Verdi’s Rigoletto at the famous State Opera House or National Theatre, guests can also enjoy tours of Prague’s beautiful Old Town and Castle District.

The 4-day break costs from £529 per person. The price includes 3-nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the 4-star Hotel Don Giovanni, return flights from London Heathrow to Prague (departures from Manchester and Edinburgh available at a supplement), tickets to an opera at either the State Opera House or National Theatre, tour of Prague’s Old Town and castle district and a private tram tour taking in the city’s highlights.

Potential story suggestions:

• An all-opera weekend – right down to the hotel!
• Prague’s magnificent old theatres
• Music and the Czech Republic – From the Barter

Independent opera fans will adore the flexibility of the 5-day Verona Festival itinerary, which gives you the option to enjoy 4-nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at your choice of three or four star hotel and tickets for two or three performances of Nabucco, Aida, La Boheme, La Traviata and The Barber of Seville. In addition, the 5-day break from £629 also includes return flights from London Gatwick to Verona. Departures in June, July and August.

Potential story suggestions:

• The Passions of Verona
• Independent Opera Tours
• Tour Operator Convenience for Independent Travellers

For further information contact…

Andrea Mason, Page & Moy. 01858 410 018, amason@pageandmoy.com