This gay opera vacation will start from one of the most fascinating yet lesser known cities in Northern Italy, Verona. The city hosts the best preserved open-air opera theatre in the world, the Arena. Turandot by Puccini in the enchanting atmosphere of one of the oldest Roman amphitheaters still surviving will be for sure an amazing night of this tour.
The group will then move to the Fashion Capital of Italy, Milan of course, where they will discover the amazing history of the city. You will enjoy its exuberant gay nightlife and the fantastic Milano Pride and spend a night at La Scala Theatre for an unforgettable opera night: Werther by Jules Massenet is on. A day trip exploring Como and its lake is without a doubt also a highlight on this tour.
The gay opera tour will end in Venice, the charming city on everyone’s romance list that will fascinate you with its regal history and architecture. Participants will pay homage to La Fenice Opera House, where they will enjoy Ariadne Auf Naxos by Strauss.
Day 1 - Welcome to Verona - Arena Opera Night: Turandot by Puccini
Welcome to Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, as well as the first stop of this gay opera tour.
In the afternoon, the group will meet at the hotel for a welcome meeting. This is their opportunity to know each other and have a full briefing on the opera adventure that lies ahead.
Soon after, they will take off for a welcome dinner, on Italy Gay Travels, of course! From there, participants will make their way to the Verona Arena for one of the most famous and iconic operas by Giacomo Puccini, Turandot. The setting is spectacular: the biggest open air theatre in the world.
- Meals included: Welcome dinner
Day 2 - Verona walking tour
In the morning, the gay opera tour will undertake a guided tour of Verona.
Meander through the streets, squares, and bridges of Verona in the words of the great Shakespeare. Visit Juliet’s tomb, Romeo’s house, and Juliet’s balcony. Get the true sense of the historical background of the legend. Not stopping there, you will also explore the palaces and places of the Della Scala family, rulers of Verona at the time of the Romeo and Juliet romance.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the city at your own pace. Shopping, anyone?
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Verona to Milan - Pizza dinner
After breakfast, participants will take a train to reach the second destination of this gay opera tour: the Italian capital of fashion and business!
After checking into the accommodation, do as you please: this is a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.
Whatever you choose to do, please join Italy Gay Travels for a delicious pizza dinner, on them! You will savor one of the best pizzas in Milan.
After dinner, an escapade of gay bar hopping will end the evening nicely. Milan is the Gay City Capital of Italy for a reason!
- Meals included: Breakfast, pizza dinner
Day 4 - Como and the lake
After breakfast, the group will head off for a private a tour of Lake Como, including Bellagio. This exclusive gay opera tour allows a relaxed pace to take in the picturesque landscapes and beautiful landmarks of this city. Enjoy ‘La Dolce Vita’ among villas of delight and gardens.
Enjoy a delicious lunch (your expenses) by the lake with incredible views. At the end of the tour, the group will make their way back to Milan.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Around Milano - La Scala Opera Night: Werther by Jules Massenet
After a hearty breakfast, the tour embarks on a tour of the best-known sights of Milan. Starting in Duomo Square, you will have the opportunity to visit Milan’s Cathedral (entrance fee not included). Next off is a stroll in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele before making way to the Sforza Castle.
Enjoy lunch and stroll around Milan at your own pace for the rest of the afternoon. You can ask your Italy Gay Travels hosts any help and tips about the city and what to do. They are there to guide you!
After a bit of time to relax, it’s time to join the second opera included in this amazing vacation: Werther by Jules Massenet.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Milan to Venice
After breakfast, participants will take the high speed train to reach the last stop of this unforgettable gay opera tour: Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world!
After checking into the hotel, feel free to explore this historical and romantic city at your own pace.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Venice walking tour - La Fenice opera night: Ariadne Auf Naxos by Richard Strauss
After breakfast, the group will take a walking tour of the enchanting city of Venice. They will explore San Marco Square, as well as the typical narrow alleys and over stone footbridges characteristic of the city. Discover the sordid secrets and thrills and spills of Venice.
In the afternoon, do as you please. Why not explore some of the colorful islands nearby? Murano, Burano, and Torcello are just a short boat ride away.
In the evening, you will enjoy the last opera night of this gay opera tour at the iconic La Fenice Opera theatre in Venice: Ariadne Auf Naxos by Richard Strauss will be on stage.
After the opera, join Italy Gay Travels for a farewell dinner, on them, in one of the charming restaurants of that fantastic old city.
- Meals included: Breakfast, farewell dinner
Day 8
After breakfast, the group will all say goodbye (no tears hopefully) and hope to see each other the next time.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Note: This tour is accessible to anyone. There will be a full briefing on the first day. You will have 24 / 7 support throughout the tour.