At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Discover the heart and soul of Italian opera on a luxurious journey that spans the iconic cities of Venice, Verona, and Milan.
This exclusive gay group trip offers an unparalleled exploration of Italy’s rich operatic tradition, with visits to historic theaters and live performances of classics such as Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne Auf Naxos” in Venice’s Le Fenice theatre, Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot” in the Verona Arena, and Jules Massenet’s “Werther” in Milan.
Between performances, savor exquisite Italian cuisine, meander through ancient streets, and embrace Italy’s renowned fashion scene. Get to know your fellow travelers and enthuse about opera over drinks in swanky Italian bars.
This trip is a must for opera enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Italy’s cultural splendor, all while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travelers.
*The itinerary and opera shows shown below are for the 2024 trip. Details for the 2025 trip will be revealed in due course.
More Information
The legal picture in Italy is more mixed than elsewhere in Western Europe. Civil unions have been legal since 2016 and provide most of the practical rights associated with marriage, including inheritance and hospital visitation, though Italy is one of the few Western European countries that hasn’t yet legalized full same-sex marriage. Anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education and services.
In practice, LGBTQ+ travelers will find the destinations on most luxury itineraries entirely comfortable. The cities, the lake regions, the coastlines and the major islands all welcome same-sex couples as standard. Italian luxury hospitality is unbothered, and the staff at the kind of hotels we book have been welcoming same-sex couples for decades.
Italy also has one of the most interesting LGBTQ+ cultural histories in the world. Michelangelo’s love poetry, Leonardo da Vinci’s biography, the writing of Pier Paolo Pasolini and the films of Luchino Visconti are part of how the country has thought about sexuality for centuries. The legal framework may lag behind the rest of Western Europe, but the cultural ease that comes from that history is real, and it’s what travelers notice on the ground.
Please ask us about dates
- Accommodation as listed
- Seven breakfasts, two dinners and two aperitifs included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1: Verona
Verona is famed as the setting of Romeo and Juliet. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers, before a briefing on the upcoming theatre events.
In the evening you’ll be attending a production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot” at Verona’s open-air arena – the biggest open-air theatre in the world.
Day 2: Verona
In the morning you’ll visit Juliet’s balcony and learn about the legend that inspired Shakespeare’s play.
You’ll then visit the palaces of the Scala family who ruled Verona during the period the play is set in. Afternoon at leisure.
You’ll have dinner together with your fellow travelers in the evening.
Day 3: Milan
Today we’ll take a trip to the fashion capital, Milan. Lunch on your own.
You’ll then take a guided tour of the city, following in the footsteps of Leonardo Da Vinci. In the evening you’ll dine with your fellow travelers in a classic Milanese restaurant.
Day 4: Como
Today you’ll visit the city of Como and see its famous lake.
You’ll take a ferry down Lake Como and see some of the most beautiful sights in Italy, including the many lakeside villas.
After lunch, you’ll head back to Milan and have a classic Italian Pizza near the city’s gay area, Porta Venezia.
A little bit of bar hopping may be in order.
Day 5: Milan
After breakfast, we’ll head out for a guided tour of the city. We’ll see its main sights, including Duomo Square and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. After lunch, your free to explore the city at your own pace. You can join an optional tour of Navigli and Isola.
Afternoon at leisure. You may wish to do some shopping. This is Milan, dear!
In the evening, you’ll all head to La Scala for a performance of “Werther” by Jules Massenet.
Day 6: Venice
Today you’ll take a train to Venice, the floating city. After you check into your hotel you’re free to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 7: Venice
After breakfast, you’ll set out on a guided walking tour of Venice. You’ll learn about the city’s decadent history, its wild carnivals, and its enigmatic streets.
In this city, the streets are – famously – made of water. It’s like something out of a work of fiction, more so than a real place.
In the evening, you’ll watch “Ariadne Auf Naxos” by Richard Strauss at La Fenice theatre.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, it’ll be time to say ciao to your new opera pals and, to quote Madonna, Ciao Italia.
More Information
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Milan, Verona and Venice
- See operas at La Scala of Milan, the Arena of Verona, and La Fenice in Venice
- Explore Milan’s gay nightlife
- Enjoy private walking tours
- Make new friends
- Tickets to all operas are included
Why book with us?
Personal Service
We want to ensure you have the best experience with us so we’ll keep working on your itinerary until perfect. You will have your own personal dedicated member of our team who will help build a trip that is bespoke to you.
Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
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