Opera in Northern Italy

WELCOME FROM THE GENERAL & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

I look forward to welcoming you to Italy this September for an extraordinary journey curated to provide an unforgettable experience.

We will enjoy rare access to some of Italy’s most celebrated operatic institutions, with performances and visits at the Arena di Verona, Teatro alla Scala, and Teatro La Fenice. Our journey will be complemented by stays in elegant hotels and by memorable dining experiences that highlight regional Italian cuisine. Together, we will attend outstanding performances and concerts in this trio of Italian cities, experiencing opera and music in settings that have shaped the art form for centuries.

Tomer Zvulun
General & Artistic Director
The Atlanta Opera

Tour Website

This page is your go-to resource for details and logistics for the trip. It will be updated throughout the tour with the most updated information. You can return to this page at any time by visiting www.atlantaopera.org/Italy26 on your phone or computer.

Save this page to your phone's home screen alongside your apps:

• On an iPhone: Open this page in Safari. Tap the three dots in the lower-right. Tap 'Share'. Scroll down and select 'Add to Home Screen.' Then edit the name, if you wish, and tap 'Add.'

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Daily Schedule

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
DEPARTURES TO VERONA

• Independent departures

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
ARRIVALS & WELCOME DINNER

• Private transfers to Hotel Due Torri Verona
  Arranged by Dolce Cultural Tours.
  **Please note: You will be asked to provide a credit card for incidentals when checking in.
  Piazza Sant'anastasia, 4, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

• 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm - Welcome Gathering & Dinner at Ristorante Maffei
  Meet at 6:45 in the hotel lobby to walk to dinner. Set menu.
  Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
WALKING TOUR OF VERONA & LA TRAVIATA

• 10:00 am - 12:30 pm - Walking Tour of Verona
  Meet at 9:45 in hotel lobby to depart by foot.

• 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Lunch at Ristorante Greppia
  Set menu.
  Vicolo Samaritana, 3, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

• 2:30 pm - Visit to the Palazzo Maffei art museum
  Self-guided visit and return to hotel on own following.
  Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

• 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Dinner at Ristorante Vittorio Emanuele
  Meet at 6:05 pm in hotel lobby, dressed for the opera, to walk to dinner. Set menu.
  Piazza Bra, 16, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

• 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm - La traviata at the Arena di Verona
  Piazza Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
  Cast and production information
  Return by foot to the hotel after the performance.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
COACH TO MILAN WITH WINERY & LUNCH

• 10:00 am - Coach departure to Milan
  Leave bags with tour luggage tags outside your room by 8:45 am. Meet at 9:30 in hotel lobby to depart.
  **Please remember to pay for any hotel incidentals before departing.

• 11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Vineyard tour and wine tasting at Barone Pizzini
  Via S. Carlo, 14, 25050 Provaglio d'Iseo BS, Italy

• 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Lunch at Ristorante Zù
  Set menu.
  Via XXV Aprile, 24060 Riva di Solto BG, Italy

• 6:00 pm - Coach arrival at Grand Hotel et de Milan
  Bags will be delivered to your rooms.
  Via Manzoni 29, 20212 Milan MI, Italy

• Evening at your leisure. For those interested in making dinner reservations, some suggestions:

  • • For fine dining: Andrea Aprea (two Michelin stars) or Don Carlos Restaurant at the Grand Hotel

    • For elegant traditional dining: Boeucc or Il Baretto

    • For a more vibrant atmosphere: Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone or Paper Moon Giardino

    • For casual and traditional: Rigolo or Locanda alla Scala

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
LA SCALA TOUR, MUSEUM, & L'ELISIR D'AMORE

• 10:00 am - 11:00 pm - Backstage tour of Teatro alla Scala
  Meet at 9:35 in the hotel lobby to depart by foot.
  V. Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

• 11:00 am - 12:45 pm - Guided tour of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
  Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Lunch at Langosteria Montenapoleone
  Set menu.
  Corso Giacomo Matteotti, 9, 20121 Milano, Italy

• 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm - Light Dinner at Foyer alla Scala
  Meet at 6:00 in the hotel lobby, dressed for the opera, to walk to dinner. Choice of main course.
  V. Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

• 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm - L'elisir d'amore at La Scala
  V. Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
  Cast and production information
  Return by foot to the hotel after the performance.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
FREE DAY & TWO-MICHELIN-STAR DINNER

• Day at your leisure

• 7:45 pm - 23:00 pm - Dinner at Seta at the Mandarin Oriental
  Meet at 7:35 in the hotel lobby to walk to dinner. Set menu.
  Via Andegari, 9 - 20121 Milan, Italy

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
COACH TO VENICE WITH VISIT TO BERGAMO

• 9:30 am - Coach departure to Venice
  Leave bags with tour luggage tags INSIDE your room by 8:30 am. Meet at 9:20 in hotel lobby to depart.
  **Please remember to pay for any hotel incidentals before departing.

• 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Walking tour of Bergamo with visits to Donizetti's birthplace, museum, and tomb

• 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm - Lunch at Da Mimmo
  Set menu.
  Via Bartolomeo Colleoni, 17, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy

• 5:00 pm - Arrival at Nolinski Venezia hotel
  Bags will be delivered to your rooms.
  Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2032, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

• 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Dinner at Il Caffe Zeffirino
  Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:55 pm. Set menu.
  Nolinksi Venezia, Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2032, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
TOUR OF LA FENICE, FREE TIME & CONSERVATORY

• 10:00 am - 10:45 am - Backstage tour of Teatro La Fenice
  Campo S. Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
  Meet at 9:45 in the hotel lobby to depart by foot.

• 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Private Tour and Concert at the Conservatorio di Musica Benedetto Marcello
  Fondamenta Narisi, 2810, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
  Meet at 4:55 in the hotel lobby to depart by foot.

• 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Dinner at Ristorante Guna Beccafico
  Campo Santo Stefano, 2801, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
  Directly following the visit to the Conservatorio. Self selection from menu.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
WALKING TOUR OF VENICE AND BIENNALE & PAGLIACCI

• 9:30 am - 12:30 pm - Guided walking tour of Venice with visits to pavilions of the Venice Biennale 2026
  Meet at 9:15 in the hotel lobby to depart by foot.

• 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Lunch at Ristorante La Corte
  Set menu.
  Calle Bressana, 6317, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

• 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Pagliacci at the Teatro Malibran (opening night)
  Meet at 6:00 in the hotel lobby to depart by foot.
  Campiello del Teatro, 5873, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
  Production and cast information

• 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Closing Dinner at Bistrot de Venise
  Calle dei Fabbri, 4685, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
  Following the performance. Choices from set menu.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
DEPARTURES

• Private transfers to Venice Airport
  Arranged by Dolce Cultural Tours.
  **Please remember to pay for any hotel incidentals before departing.

Tour itinerary and activities may change. Consult this website and the group WhatsApp for the most up-to-date information.

Hotels

SEPTEMBER 11-13
Hotel Due Torri Verona
Website
Piazza Sant'anastasia, 4, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
conciergeduetorrihotel@duetorrihotels.com 
+39 045 59 50 44
Taxi: Ask concierge or +39 045 532666

SEPTEMBER 13-16
Grand Hotel et de Milan
Website
Via Manzoni 29, 20212 Milan MI, Italy
concierge@grandhoteletdemilan.it 
+39 02 72314626
Taxi: Ask concierge or +39 02 4040 or appTaxi

SEPTEMBER 16-19
Nolinksi Venezia
Website
Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2032, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
concierge@nolinskivenezia.com 
+39 3292968632
Taxi: Ask concierge or +39 041 723112

Logistics Information

Arrival in Verona

Private airport transfer from the Verona airport will be arranged for your arrival in Italy. Transfers from other airports can be booked at a supplemental cost. Details of transfers will be shared by email prior to depature from the United States.

Monitor your email and the group WhatsApp for any day-of changes.

Coach & Luggage Transport

Coach transportation will be provided throughout the trip. Upon arrival, guests will be provided with luggage tags to identify their belongings. Bag service will be provided when arriving at and departing from hotels.

Group Communications

Shortly before departure, you will be invited to participate in a WhatsApp group for the tour. Tour leaders will send important communications about the daily schedule to the group chat, and guests can use the chat to ask questions, share photos, and coordinate logistics. Additional communications will be sent daily by email.

Departure from Venice

Private airport transfers to the Venice airport will be arranged for your departure at the conclusion of the trip. Details will be distributed in the days before departure.

Know Before You Go

Weather

Mid-September is typically warm and pleasant in Italy.

• In Verona, daytime temperatures will be around 75–85°F (24–29°C) with cooler evenings in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F (15–18°C).

• In Milan, daytime temperatures will be around 72–80°F (22–27°C) with cooler evenings in the upper 50s to low 60s°F (15–17°C).

• In Venice, daytime temperatures will be around 72–80°F (22–27°C) with mild evenings in the low to mid-60s°F (17–19°C)

Venues & Attire

You're encouraged to dress at ease during the day for the weather in each location. Opt for shoes that allow you to walk comfortably, especially through historic streets with uneven stones. During evenings and on coach rides, you may wish to have something warmer at the ready in case you get cold. 

For performances, dress festively and elegantly. But black tie is NOT required for any performances.

• Verona: The Arena di Verona is the most casual of the three venues. Keep in mind that the performance is open-air, and it can get chilly at night. Even though the arena is very old, our premium seats have seat cushions and chair backs. In the case of rain, performances may unfortunately be delayed or canceled.

• Milan: La Scala has historically been more dressy, but that's no longer required. Jackets are suggested for men, and women should dress comparably.

• Venice: The performance at the Teatro Malibran will be an opening night, so slightly dressier clothing is suggested (e.g. ties for men).

Passports

Italian law requires that you carry your physical passport on your person at all times; photos and digital IDs don't count. Some museums may require you to show you passport for entry. Please plan to have it with you throughout the trip.

When shopping, you will need your passport to qualify for a tax refund on purchases over €70.

Paying & Gratuity

Cards are commonly accepted, but cash is still useful for small shops, taxis, and tips. Look for ATMs labeled "Bancomat." Many restaurants include a coperto (cover charge); tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.

Tips for group meals, local guides, and drivers are pre-arranged.

International Phone Numbers

When calling an international number from a U.S. cell phone, use the + symbol followed by the country code and phone number. On most smartphones, you can enter the + by pressing and holding the 0 key. 

In much of Europe, international numbers are often written with a "0" at the beginning when they are listed as local numbers without the country code (e.g. 031 7510200); when you add the country code to call from a U.S. cell phone, drop the "0" (e.g. +46 31 7510200). This is NOT the case in Italy: Keep the zero when adding +39.

Electronics

In Italy, the voltage is 230V and the plug types are mainly Type C and Type L (and Type F in some places). Bring a universal plug adapter that includes these types. Most phones, laptops, and chargers are dual voltage and don’t need a converter (check the label). Avoid bringing high-powered appliances like hairdryers unless they’re rated for 220–240V.

Suggested Reading 

• The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

• Palladian Days: Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country House by Sally and Carl I. Gable

• Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare

Your Tour Team

HOST
Tomer Zvulun
Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director, The Atlanta Opera
415-548-0300 (cell)
tzvulun@atlantaopera.org 

LEADER
Jonathan Blalock
Director of Advancement, The Atlanta Opera
336-512-6832 (cell)
jblalock@atlantaopera.org 

TOUR MANAGER
Dan Cooperman
Principal, Dolce Cultural Tours
610.331.0061 (cell)
Dan@dolcecultural.com

TOUR MANAGER
Carla Severino
Assistant Tour Leader, Dolce Cultural Tours
856.625.8080 (cell)
Carla@carlaseverinotours.com 

Emergency Contacts

In case of a life-threatening emergency, contact the European emergency number first — then alert the hotel and your tour managers.

In the middle of the night, contact the hotel first — then alert your tour managers. To reach your tour managers after hours, call their cell phones twice within 3 minutes.

You are encouraged to prepare and carry a list of your regular medicines, health conditions, and pharmaceutical allergies to present to medical services in the case of an emergency.

European Emergency Number
Call: 112

The Atlanta Opera
Kathy White: 404-567-6682 (office), 404-226-5814 (cell)
kwhite@atlantaopera.org 

Dolce Cultural Tours
Tours@dolcecultural.com