Puccini in a Lucca wine shop window

Independent Opera, Puccini Festival

30 July - 1 August 2010

Arblaster and Clarke are very pleased to offer this independent Opera holiday based in Lucca, Tuscany, featuring the Puccini festival 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 some of his greatest works are being staged.

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 Turandot (31st July), with the option to attend other Operas by request; Tosca (30th July) & Madama Butterfly (1st August).

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.

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 del Anfiteatro, a ramshackle oval of medieval buildings incorporating elements of the Roman Amphitheatre that stood here.
The Puccini Festival

Just 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.

2010 will be the 56th Festival and we have included one first class ticket, 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 four star, 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 tier tickets to Turandot (31st July) are included.
Option to purchase additional tickets on request.