Whether you are an opera lover or not, including a night out at the Arena opera in Verona on your Lake Garda holiday itinerary will give you an experience that will stay long in the memory.

The 1st century Arena was built to host Gladiator tournaments way back in the 1st Century AD. The Roman amphitheatre is the third largest in the world and since the first performance, over 100 years ago, the Arena has become one of the world most important Opera venues.

Many of the worlds most famous opera singers have performed at the Arena in operas which include Romeo and Juliet, whose legendary balcony is just a stones throw away, and Aida, which has become the most loved Arena opera. Other opera’s that are regularly performed at the Arena include Gioacchino Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Tosca, Verdi’s -Nabucco and Don Giovanni by Mozart.

The Arena opera season begins in mid June and continues through to the last week of August, with performances commencing around 8.45 – 9.00pm.

I have been once, to see Aida, I really should go again as it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere inside the Arena before the performance began was absolutely exhilarating, it gave me goose bumps and made my hairs stand on end. The sound of the orchestra warming up and…..well I don’t want to give too much away as you MUST experience it yourself. I will say though that if you are purchasing tickets for the stone steps, then you are well advised to take or hire cushions (you can hire them on the way in).

So don’t hesitate….book your tickets now

Program

• 20 June: Aida
• 22 June: Turandot
• 23 June: Aida
• 27 June: Barbiere di Siviglia with pre-show itinerary (deaf-cognitive)
• 28 June: Aida with pre-show itinerary (deaf-cognitive)
• 29 June: Turandot with pre-show itinerary (deaf-cognitive)
• 06 July: Barbiere di Siviglia
• 07 July: Aida
• 11 July: Aida with pre-show itinerary (blind)
• 12 July: Barbiere di Siviglia with pre-show itinerary (blind)
• 13 July: Carmen
• 18 July: Aida
• 20 July: Carmen
• 21 July: Aida
• 25 July: Carmen with pre-show itinerary (deaf-cognitive)
• 26 July: Aida with pre-show itinerary (deaf-cognitive)
• 01 August: Aida
• 03 August: Carmen
• 08 August: Carmen with pre-show itinerary (blind-deaf-cognitive)
• 17 August: Carmen
• 23 August: Carmen with pre-show itinerary (blind)
• 24 August: Barbiere di Siviglia with pre-show itinerary (blind)
• 31 August: Barbiere di Siviglia
• 06 September: Barbiere di Siviglia
• 07 September: Carmen 

While your in or around Verona you might be interested in some of these other activities!

Or check out this sightseeing tour of Verona!