Puccini in a Lucca wine shop window

St Guisto Church, Lucca

Independent Opera, Puccini Festival

9 - 12 August 2012

This independent Opera holiday is based in the lovely Tuscan town of Lucca, and includes the Puccini festival on the lake-side at Torre del Lago.

Most years since 1930, a stage has been set up by the Massaciuccoli Lake to host a handful of performances of Puccini’s Operas and this year, as ever, some of his greatest works are being staged. There are only a total of 15 performances this year, so availability is very limited and if you are thinking of attending – do not delay – as these will sell out quickly.

Stay in an excellent, traditional 4* hotel in Lucca, which is only a short drive from our evening Opera venue. The holiday includes one first class ticket to an Opera of your choice, (subject to early booking and availability) with the option to attend other Operas on request from Tosca, La Bohème, La Traviata & Madama Butterfly (please see the for dates each Opera below).

Lucca

Puccini’s birthplace, was an independent city-state until the nineteenth century. The complete 16th century walls enclose a labyrinth of medieval streets, Romanesque churches and stately palazzi along with designer shops, mouth-watering delis and great trattorias and wine bars. We will provide you with our recommended restaurant list.

Sites include the C12th and C14th San Michele in Foro church on the site of the Roman Forum, with its magnificent towering facade; the Cathedral with a striking green and white marble facade and the Piazza dell Anfiteatro, a ramshackle oval of medieval buildings incorporating elements of the Roman Amphitheatre that stood here.

The Puccini Festival

18 kms away is Torre del Lago, where Puccini lived and wrote many of his Operas. Most years since 1930 a stage has been set up over the Massaciuccoli Lake to host a handful of performances of some of Puccini’s most loved works.

2012 will be the 58th Festival and the special package price includes one first class ticket, and transfers to and from the opera with the option to attend another opera on the first or last evening if you wish for an additional cost.

The Hotel

Our hotel, a family run 4*, is between the outer and inner city walls of Lucca. You can either stroll the short level walk into the centre or get around, like the locals do, by bicycle as these are on loan from the hotel.

The Opera tickets

First category tickets to an Opera are included. Option to purchase additional tickets on request, subject to availability, and will not be available at the last minute. Below are the dates for all performances this summer however please note that if you require a different date to 9-12 Aug 2012, the price will be significantly higher.