Verona is one of the most magical places for a combined opera and city break. Not only is it home to one of the world’s most historic and iconic theatres, the Arena di Verona, it is a fairytale city with a medieval core and rich architectural heritage.
Spend an unforgettable night at the opera, enjoying your chosen performance in a timeless venue, and well as spending two full days exploring beautiful Verona. For the second part of your trip, be transported to the lakeside villages and glistening waters of Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most prestigious and sought-after destinations. Spend three nights in the spa town of Sirmione, often described as Garda’s ‘prettiest village’, enjoying the slow pace of life and admiring the breathtaking scenery the region has to offer.
Trip Highlights
- Watch the opera under the stars at one of the world’s most historic amphitheatres
- The UNESCO city of Verona is known for its medieval architecture and pretty piazzas
- The setting of Romeo and Juliet, visit Juliet’s house and balcony at Casa di Giulietta
- Travel by train to Lake Garda which framed by mountainous peaks and crystal waters
- Stay in Sirmione, home to pastel-coloured homes, pretty waterfront and Roman villa
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Verona
Begin your journey by boarding your flight to Verona. On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel in Verona. Known as one of Italy’s most romantic cities, you have the afternoon at leisure to start exploring Verona. You may wish to visit Juliet’s house, Casa di Giulietta, to see the famed balcony from Shakespeare’s celebrated story, Rome and Juliet, or meander through the cobbled stone lanes stopping at local trattorias. We can also arrange sightseeing options for you, just speak to your Travel Consultant for further ideas and details. (N)
Please note that the Arena di Verona is an open-air venue and performances can be cancelled due to bad weather. If it rains before a show and the performance is cancelled a refund can be obtained in person from the arena box office. If it rains after the performance has started and the performance is cancelled no refund will be given.
Hotel Accademia
Hotel Indigo - Grand Hotel Des Arts
Day 2
Verona
Today is at leisure. You may wish to stroll around the Giardini Giusti, Verona’s beautiful renaissance gardens, before walking along the banks of the Adige River continuing to the gothic Castelvecchio and Museum where you can admire renaissance art. Climb the 238 steps to the top of the Lamberti tower for panoramic views across the city and visit Piazza delle Erbe, the former site of the Roman forum where you will find a mix of market stalls for you to browse and a selection of delightful independent restaurants and bars where you can soak up the charming Italian ambience. This evening, enjoy your chosen opera performance at the spectacular Arena di Verona. Watch the theatre come alive as thousands of eyes focus on the stage and enjoy a world-class performance of your chosen opera..
- Breakfast
Hotel Accademia
Hotel Indigo - Grand Hotel Des Arts
Day 3
Verona
There are plenty more cultural sights to explore in Verona including opulent palaces, historic cathedrals and bustling piazzas. You could also take a day trip to nearby Venice by train. An archipelago of 117 small islands, Venice is one of Italy’s most enchanting cities which stands above the water showcasing its beautiful, ancient architecture.
- Breakfast
Hotel Accademia
Hotel Indigo - Grand Hotel Des Arts
Day 4
Verona to Lake Garda
This morning you will be privately transferred to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda which is home to sparkling emerald waters and dramatic mountain peaks. After checking into your hotel on the southern shores of Sirmione, spend the afternoon exploring the elegant lakeside villages and spa towns.
- Breakfast
Day 5-6
Lake Garda
Spend the next two days at leisure exploring Sirmione and Lake Garda. Sirmione itself is known as the ‘pearl of the lake’ and is home to pastel-coloured buildings, picturesque waterfront, medieval castle and a well-preserved Roman villa. It is recommended to spend a full day in Sirmione with plenty of sightseeing and walking options, or alternatively take a boat trip to visit other Lake Garda villages or just enjoy the spectacular scenery. Sirmione boasts many excellent restaurants and local trattorias, perfect for a traditional Italian dinner.
- Breakfast
Day 7
Lake Garda to Verona / Verona to the UK
Enjoy your final morning in Lake Garda before your private transfer to Verona Airport for the flight back to the UK.
Verona Opera Schedule for 2026/27
| Date | Performances |
|---|---|
Guide to Price
7 days from £1490 per person
What's Included
- International flights and private transfers
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Opera tickets as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £1490
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fabulous holiday
VG & AG - Verona Opera & Lake Garda - July 2025
Carmen in the Arena di Verona was spectacular, an unforgettable experience. Our seats were well placed with a good view - thank you for selecting those for us. Also, the location of the Hotel San Luca in Verona was perfect. The concierge was really helpful with suggestions for places to visit and recommendations for places to eat. Hotel Caesius on Lake Garda had very good facilities; outdoor and indoor pools and a terrace area for breakfast. The reception staff were also helpful with maps and ferry timetables. We used their shuttle bus service into Bardolino and enjoyed using the local buses and lake ferries to explore beautiful places around Lake Garda. All in all, we had a fabulous holiday and were extremely pleased with arrangements you made for us. Thank you so much - we will definitely return to Lake Garda and to Pettitts Travel.
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