| Viva Italia! August
1st - 14th, 2002 |
|
|
458
West 52nd Street #1D
New York, NY 10019 (800) 916-0312 |
VIVA
Italia!
Thursday, August 1st
Independent evening flights to Rome.
Friday, August 2nd
Arrival in Rome and independent transfers to our superior four star Hotel
Empire Palace, superbly located in the center of Rome, between Via Veneto
and Piazza Barberini, in the heart of the most famous and fashionable business
and shopping district. The hotel was opened in September 1999 after a complete
renovation of the ornate, stylish palazzo built at the end of the 19th century
for a noble Venetian family. Welcome Dinner at a characteristic Roman Trattoria.
Saturday, August 3rd
This morning we embark on a tour of the glorious Rome of the Caesars, including
a visit to the magnificent ruins of the newly reopened Domus Aurea (Golden
House) of Emperor Nero, to view the frescoes and stuccos. Afternoon at leisure
to continue exploring the Roman Ruins. This evening we will attend the final
performance of the Zeffirelli production of Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, at the
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. The production features Alberto Mastromarino; Alberto
Cupido; Angeles Blancas Gulin; Enrico Marrucci, and Bruno Gianluca Sorrentino.
Sunday, August 4th
Our morning tour today takes us to the Villa Borghese, Rome's extensive park
designed in 1605. We visit the 17th century Galleria Borghese, to view important
works of sculpture by Bernini and Canova as well as paintings by Caravaggio,
Titian and Rubens. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, we will attend a performance
of the ballet Gerusalemme, at the spectacular Baths of Caracalla. (Cast TBA)
Monday, August 5th
In 1929, the Lateran Treaty between Pope Pius XI and the Italian Government
created the world's smallest independent state, the Vatican. Though small,
this state contains a gigantic repository of treasures from antiquity and
the Renaissance housed in labyrinth galleries. The Vatican's art collection
reaches its apex in the Sistine Chapel. The Museums comprise a series of lavishly
adorned palaces and galleries that occupy part of the papal palaces built
from 1200 onward. We will enjoy an expert guided tour of the Vatican, after
which there will be free time for further exploration of this vast collection.
Afternoon and evening at leisure to explore St. Peter's Square and Basilica,
a church of incredible grandeur which houses Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's
Baldacchino. You may visit the elegant Piazza Navona; the Pantheon; toss a
coin into the Trevi Fountain, or stop to enjoy tea at Babington's Tearoom
at the Spanish Steps.
Tuesday, August 6th
Our guided visit today takes us to the magnificent Galleria Doria Pamphilj,
housed in a remarkable 17th century palace with an extensive collection of
Italian, Flemish and Spanish masters. We then continue to the Casino dell'Aurora,
a jewel of early Baroque architecture that is part of the Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi,
for an exclusive private visit. The complex and elegant architectural fabric
of the Casino and the exquisite hanging gardens will provide us with a glimpse
of a bygone era that will surely be an unforgettable experience. Afternoon
at leisure, or an optional visit to St Peter in Chains, to view Michelangelo's
statue of Moses, Santa Maria Maggiore, whose majestic interior has preserved
its original paleo-Christian structure, richly decorated by mosaics, pictures
and sculptures, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. You may wish to join us for
dinner in the picturesque old Trastevere quarter, which is perhaps most typical
of the 'original' Rome.
(Please indicate your interest in the afternoon option at Registration. Cost:
$50 per person. Cost of the optional Dinner TBA)
Wednesday, August 7th
Departing by the Via Tiburtina, our private coach transfers us to the Roman
hillside town of Tivoli, where we visit the celebrated archaeological complex
of Hadrian's Villa, one of the largest and most spectacular villas ever built
in the entire Roman Empire. Following the Salaria Road, the ancient pilgrims
route through the Mont Sibillini National Park to Ascoli Piceno in the Marches
region, we stop en-route for a late lunch, before continuing along the scenic
Adriatic Coast to the seaside town of Civitanova Marche. Our hotel is the
four star Hotel Miramar. This evening, we will enjoy a performance of Bizet's
Carmen, at the spectacular outdoor Arena Sferisterio in Macerata (Cast TBA).
Thursday, August 8th
Our morning walking tour of the hill town, Macerata, which is rich in Renaissance,
Baroque and 17th century art works, will include visits to the Piazza della
Libertà, Loggia dei Mercanti, Torre dell'Orologio, and the Basilica
della Madonna della Misericordia. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure
in Civitanova Marche, where you may enjoy some time at the beach or harbor.
Dinner before the performance of Verdi's Rigoletto at Theatre Sferisterio.
(Cast TBA)
Friday, August 9th
We follow the Potenza River past the vast ruins of the Roman Helvia Recina
destroyed by the Visigoths, to Loreto Abbey, the famous Renaissance sanctuary,
rich in works of art. Lunch included. Continue on to Recanati to the small
museums of tenor Benjamino Gigli, and Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi, whose
works portray the quintessential romantic Italian spirit. Visit Tolentino
to see one of the most famous sanctuaries in Central Italy, the Basilica of
S. Nicolas, whose chapel, frescoed by Pietro da Rimini, represents the finest
example of the school of Giotto and Rimini. Our final performance in Macerata
is Donizetti's charming L'Elisir d'Amore, at Theatre Sferisterio. (Cast TBA)
Saturday, August 10th
Our coach transfers us to Verona where we check in to the elegant, centrally
located four star Hotel Leon d’Oro. This evening, an exceptional cast
has been assembled for the premiere performance in the spectacular 1st century
AD Arena di Verona, for a new production of Puccini's Tosca, conducted by
Giuliano Carella and starring Daniela Dessì, Fabio Amiliato, and Ruggero
Raimondi.
Sunday, August 11th
A private tour of Verona, led by a devoted scholar of history, will include
the Roman Ruins, Piazza Bra and the history of the town. We will be personally
welcomed to the Villa Arvedi Estate by our host, for a private, guided tour
of the Villa and gardens, followed by a light buffet lunch. Visit the ornate
Romanesque church of San Zeno, patron saint of Verona, with its fascinating
and important bronze door panels dating from the 10th and 11th centuries,
featuring primitive but forceful scenes of biblical stories. Attend the evening
performance of a new Franco Zeffirelli production of Verdi's Aida at the Arena
with Salvatore Licitra, Fiorenza Cedolins, Marianne Cornetti, Carlo Guelfi,
Orlin Anastassov and Giacomo Prestia. Daniel Oren conducts.
Monday, August 12th
A lovely excursion to Lake Garda awaits us today, with free time for shopping
or enjoying a delicious gelato at the resort town of Sirmione, before crossing
the lake to Bardolino. Drive along the Wine Road, to be welcomed by our hosts
at their wine estate, for a tour of the cellars and an extensive lunch of
Italian home made specialities, accompanied by generous wine tasting. Return
to Verona for an evening at leisure.
Tuesday, August 13th
We have left the entire day at leisure in this fascinating town, to further
explore or browse the elegant shops. We celebrate our tour with a Farewell
Dinner at one of Verona's gourmet restaurants. Our evening performance is
Verdi's Nabucco. Under the baton of Daniel Oren, the cast includes Alexandre
Agache, Nazzarene Antinori, and Kristinn Sigmundsson, with the demanding role
of Abigaille TBA.
Wednesday, August 14th
Individual check-out and departures from the hotel. Connecting flights are
available directly form Verona, or you may take a train to connect to the
airports in Milan and Rome. We are pleased to assist with transfers, if desired.
Please allow appropriate transit time when booking return flights.
TOUR
PRICE
Land Arrangements
US$4995 (Based on Double Occupancy)
Single Supplement US$900
$1500 Deposit is required
to secure your space on tour.
Balance due on June 1st, 2002.
Transportation
Lowest Airfare at time of booking is available directly through Pro Musica
Tours, at cost, for your convenience. A Saturday night stay is included to
assure you the lowest airfare possible.
Please call for details.
Post-Tour Extension
in Pesaro
August 14-17, 2002
Rossini Opera Festival
Wednesday, August 14
Depart Verona for the seaside town of Pesaro. Check in at our centrally located
four star Hotel Savoy. Orientation tour of the town and visit the Casa Rossini.
This evening at the internationally reknown Rossini Festival, we will have
the pleasure of hearing Rossini's comic Il Turco in Italia, at the Palafestival.
(Cast TBA)
Thursday, August 15th
Today a rare treat awaits us - a guided visit to the medieval and Renaissance
town of Urbino to visit the Casa Natale di Raffaello, and Italy's most beautiful
Renaissance palace, which was built for Duke Federico da Montefeltro, the
ruler of Urbino between 1444 and 1482. Lunch included. Afternoon leisure time
before returning to Pesaro. At the charming Teatro Rossini, we attend a performance
of the rarely performed La Pietra del Paragone. (Cast TBA)
Friday, August 16th
We enjoy a guided tour to San Marino, Europe's oldest republic, reputedly
founded in the 4th century on the slopes of Mt. Titano. Leisure time for lunch
and to browse the duty-free shops before returning to Pesaro. Tonight, another
treat at the Auditorium Pedrotti, Rossini's L'Equivoco Stravagante. (Cast
TBA)
Saturday, August 17th
Coach transfer to Ancona, for connecting flights for departure.
Post Tour Extension Price
Pricing of Post Tour Extension was being finalized at time of publishing.
Please call for complete details.
Transportation
Lowest Airfare at time of booking is available directly through Pro Musica
Tours, at cost, for your convenience. A Saturday night stay is included to
assure you the lowest airfare possible.
Please call for details.