Carmen at the Teatro dell' Opera, Rome

Opera & Wine in Rome Carmen with Andrea Bocelli

27 - 30 June 2008

The famous tenor Andrea Bocelli and Hungarian mezzo Ildiko Komlosi star in Bizet’s Carmen at the Teatro dell’ Opera, Rome.

Our chosen hotel, the beautiful Bernini Bristol (5* luxe) is in the heart of The Eternal City and an easy stroll to many of Rome's most celebrated sight including the beautiful baroque square, Piazza Navona and to the nearby Spanish Steps.

Cafe life is essential to the Italian way of life and Rome has many famous cafes such as Caffe Greco mentioned in Casanova's diaries. However as you wander through the streets and squares, even the most spartan, local bar will serve you a reviving aromatic espresso. Restaurants in Rome range from the luxurious to welcoming authentic local trattorias. The cuisine is simple and flavoursome using the local fresh produce. Typical dishes include mouth-watering roast baby lamb and more unusual specialities such as gnocchi with nettles.

Of course being an Arblaster & Clarke tour, it is not long before we visit one of the best wine estates of the Lazio region. At Colli di Catone we taste their fragrant pure Malvasia based Frascati. Rome is surrounded closely by vineyards, many of which produce nondescript glugging wine for the capitals' many tourists. However there are a growing number of estates who are concentrating on keeping low yields to produce a wonderful rounded version wine.

During the tour you will visit a couple of Rome’s enotecas (wine bars) to taste the wines of Lazio. We spend a day visiting the gardens of Tivoli and the vineyards of Frascati. There is free-time too to visit the galleries, museums, churches and sites, (not forgetting our favourite trattorias which we will guide you to).

An opera trip that is not to be missed!