Puccini in a Lucca wine shop window
St Guisto Church, Lucca
Independent Opera, Puccini Festival
11 July - 25 August 2013
This independent Opera holiday is based in the attractive Tuscan town of Lucca, and includes the Puccini festival on the lake-side at Torre del Lago. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Giacomo Puccini.
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 walk to all the town’s attractions. 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 (please see the table below for dates of each Opera). The Puccini operas being performed this year are Cavalleria Rusticana and Tabarro, Turandot, Tosca and Rigoletto.
Lucca
Puccini’s birthplace, Lucca 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 the Arblaster & Clarke recommended restaurant list, as well as our wine notes on the wines of the Lucchesi hills.
Sites to visit 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. The 3400 seat open air theatre is just 100 metres from where Puccini lived for 30 years.
2013 will be the 59th 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 another evening if you wish for an additional cost.
The Hotel
Our hotel, a comfortable 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 of your choice are included. Hotels and opera tickets will not be available at the last minute – so you must book soon!
| Opera | Performance Dates |
| Cavalleria Rusticana & Tobarro by P. Mascagni & G. Puccini | 12 July; 10 & 17 August 2013 |
| Turandot by G. Puccini | 13 & 20 July; 8 & 24 August 2013 |
| Tosca by G. Puccini | 26 July; 7 & 22 August 2013 |
| Rigoletto by G. Verdi | 19 & 27 July; 9 & 23 August 2013 |
