Italy Puccini Festival small group Tour

The Puccini festival is an escorted tour complete with local guides as part of our small group travel program, we will also visit Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Viareggio, Genoa, Milan, Verona, and Venice. Join like minded people on this European tour in Italy. For solo travellers there is a nominal single supplement charged.

From A$14,995AUD

Available

Highlights

  1. 1. Experience a private concert at the Villa Medici Giulini, Milan
  2. 2. Visit Chigiana Academy, a prestigious music institution in Siena
  3. 3. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Teatro Alla Scala
  4. 4. Explore the enormous Parco della Musica, Europe's most visited music complex.
Italy Puccini Festival small group Tour itinerary

Departure Dates

Departure Date Price
05 July 2024

Ends 24 July 2024

A$14,995 Twin

A$17,695 Single

Available
Selected
04 July 2025

Ends 23 July 2025

A$15,995 Twin

A$18,695 Single

Available
03 July 2026

Ends 22 July 2026

A$15,995 Twin

A$18,695 Single

Available

Puccini Festival Small Group Tour in Italy

Join Odyssey Traveller in this guided small group tour where we attend the Puccini Festival, a summer celebration held in Torre del Lago dedicated to the renowned Italian composer.

In addition to the festival Puccini, we also explore other locations associated with Giacomo Puccini, such as Lucca, his birthplace and the site of a statue that commemorates him. As we move from Rome to Milan to Florence to Venice, with journeys to surrounding villages along the way, we build a picture of music in Italy. We explore theatres and museums with an aim to appreciate the history of the man and Puccini's work.

Puccini’s Early Life

Before he became known as the great Italian composer and proponent of verismo (realistic) opera, Puccini already had music in his DNA. He was born in Lucca in 1858 to a musical family. His great-great grandfather, also Giacomo, was maestro di cappella of the Cattedrale di San Martino in Lucca, and was succeeded by generations of Puccini men. In all, the family occupied the position of maestro di capella for a total of 124 years. It was expected that Puccini would continue this tradition, but this was prohibited by the early death of his father when Puccini was only six. He nonetheless participated in the church’s music, as a choir member and organist.

Later, Puccini studied at the Milan conservatory. Aged 21, he composed his Mass, which gestured towards his family’s long association with church music in Lucca.

Puccini and the Opera

But Puccini progressed quickly to operas, commencing with Le Villi in 1885. His second opera, Edgar (1889), met with a lukewarm reception. Puccini had attracted negative attention as well for eloping with his married former piano student, with whom he would go on to share a tumultuous relationship. His music publishers, G. Ricordi & Co. supported him to produce a third opera: Manon Lescaut (1893). It was an acclaimed production, with Puccini heralded as the most likely heir of Verdi, whose 1853 opera La traviata paved the way for the verismo movement (characterised by operas concerning ordinary people and everyday life) in Italian opera.

His greatest successes, however, were yet to come. La Boheme followed (first performance 1896), and was performed in opera houses across Europe, Britain and the United States. Next was Tosca (1900). Having seen Tosca performed as a play, it’s said Puccini was inspired to produce an opera without elaborate spectacle. Distinctive musical signatures were attached to characters and emotions. Some have compared it to Wagner.

Puccini in Later Life

In 1901, Puccini was seriously injured in a car accident. While his wife and son escaped harm, Puccini was pinned beneath the vehicle. As a result of his subsequent medical treatment, doctors discovered he was also suffering diabetes.

Madama Butterfly premiered in 1904. This opera was not well received at the time. This is attributed in part to inadequate rehearsals (compounded, perhaps, by the composer’s illness), and an incident in which the star’s kimono accidentally lifted during a performance. Puccini withdrew Madama Butterfly. But he continued to revise it, up until 1907. The 1907 version is the version we know and love today.

In December of 1918 in New York's Metropolitan Opera Puccini premiered his Il Trittico, collection of three one-act operas: Il tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi. He didn't attend the performance in America, but went to the production in Rome, Italy the following January.

Turandot was Puccini’s final opera. He died from complications from throat cancer treatment in 1924. It is said the news arrived to Rome midway through a performance of La Boheme, and the orchestra stopped immediately to play Chopin’s Funeral March in his honour. Turandot was left unfinished, but has been completed by Franco Alfano using Puccini’s sketches. Puccini has said of the style of his operas: “Poetry, poetry, ardent affections, flesh, searching, almost surprising drama, fireworks finale”. Fans of his work will likely concur with the characterisation.

The Puccini Festival Small Group Tour Itinerary

From 1891, Puccini spent most of his time in his beloved Torre del Lago, a charming hamlet near Viareggio, drawn to its picturesque lake. He was welcomed enthusiastically by its residents. In fact, after his death, the town was renamed Torre del Lago Puccini. This town now hosts the Puccini Festival – the only festival in the world that is solely dedicated to the composer and in an outdoor theatre.

This festival takes place each summer, during July and August. Since its inception in 1930, it has continued to grow in prestige. It showcases the local places that inspired Puccini throughout his life. Stagings of his great works feature the stars of the opera world. The Great Open Air Theatre leads onto Massaciuccoli Lake, and is set amongst gardens dotted with contemporary sculpture. And, to complete the experience, you can even see Puccini’s house: the place where he composed his masterpieces.

To complete our discovery tour, we will also visit Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Viareggio, Genoa, Milan, Verona, and Venice.

You can browse our Italy country profile for more information. For more details about this tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email.

Other Odyssey Tours to Italy

We also have other tours in Italy that might be of interest:

We have several articles concerning Italy, which you can read here as well as an article about planning a trip to Italy. We have articles about preparing for walking tours here and here. Other articles of possible interest is this two-part post filled with travelling tips for seniors, an article on the many nifty gizmos and gadgets you can bring on your trips, and an important article about practising responsible travel.

Itinerary

20 days

Day 1: Rome

Accommodation: Albergo Ottocentro or similar

We make our way to the hotel individually, before meeting for a group dinner.

(D)

Day 2: Rome

Accommodation: Albergo Ottocentro or similar

This morning we visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, a sprawl of impressive ruins that were once the centre of the ancient city.

The afternoon is at leisure, to explore the streets of sunny Rome.

(B)

Day 3: Rome

Accommodation: Albergo Ottocentro or similar

Today we visit the Museum of Music Instruments, which houses over 500 items. We check out the Auditorium Parco della Musica, which was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is Rome’s largest public music complex, and features three indoor concert halls, and impressive gardens. This is Europe’s most visited music facility, and the second most visited in the world (behind Lincoln Centre in New York).

We visit the Archive of the oldest Italian music academy. Then, we have entrance to the Vatican Museum, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel.

Tonight, we eat dinner together in a local restaurant.

(B,D)

Day 4: Rome to Siena

Accommodation: Hotel Athena or similar

Today we travel to Siena by coach. Siena is located in the picturesque Tuscany region. Its medieval brick buildings and distinctive fan-shaped central square endear it to visitors. Its historic centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our local guide will show us the city’s main attractions. We’ll have entrance to the Cathedral, and visit Chigiana Academy – a prestigious music institution established in 1923.

We’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant tonight.

(B,D)

Day 5: Siena to Sam Gimignano

Accommodation: Hotel Athena or similar

Today we enjoy a full day excursion to San Gimignano. Our local guide will introduce us to this beautiful village located in Tuscany. It boasts a skyline made up of medieval towers. We will sample local produce and wine during lunch at an agritusmo.

The afternoon will be free for us to explore charming San Gimignano, before we return to Siena.

We have dinner tonight in a local restaurant.

(B,L,D)

Day 6: Siena to Florence

Accommodation: Rivoli Boutique Hotel or similar

Today, we travel to Florence. On arrival, our local guide will show us the city’s many historic attractions. We will visit the Duomo Complex, with the opportunity to explore it from both the outside and inside. The complex includes the Baptistery, Campanile and of course, the distinctive dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.

We share dinner in a local restaurant tonight.

(B,D)

Day 7: Florence

Accommodation: Rivoli Boutique Hotel or similar

We spend today at leisure in Florence, before transferring by coach in the late afternoon to Chiesa Di Santa Monica. On arrival, we will have dinner at Trattoria Napoleone (TBC).

Then, this evening, we will experience an Opera at Chiesa Santa Monica (TBC).

Afterwards, we return by coach to Florence for the night.

(B,D)

Day 8: Florence to Lucca to Viareggio

Accommodation: Hotel Europa or similar

Today, we make our way by coach to Lucca – Puccini’s birthplace. We will stop in at Caffe di Simo, which was Puccini’s favourite cafe.

We will arrive at our hotel in Viareggio, before our evening transfer to Torre Del Lago. This is the location of the Puccini Opera Festival!

We have dinner in a local restaurant tonight.

(B,D)

Day 9: Viareggio

Accommodation: Hotel Europa or similar

Today is set aside for your experience of the Puccini Opera Festival. Explore the locations that inspired the man to produce his masterpieces.

In the evening we attend Madama Butterfly opera at the festival.

(B)

Day 10: Viareggio

Accommodation: Hotel Europa or similar

Today you may continue your experience of the Puccini Opera Festival, or remain in coastal Viareggio during the day if preferred. The Festival hosts many performances of Puccini’s great works.

In the evening we’ll attend the opera Tosca at the festival.

(B)

Day 11: Viareggio

Accommodation: Hotel Europa or similar

Today is our final day at leisure in Viareggio, and last opportunity to visit picturesque Torre Del Lago: site of the Puccini Opera Festival.

(B)

Day 12: Viareggio

Accommodation: Hotel Europa or similar

Today we take a day excursion to Bologna, a UNESCO Creative City of Music. We enjoy a self-guided walking tour with our Odyssey Program Leader and explore the main sights of the city.

We enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, before returning to Viareggio tonight.

(B,D)

Day 13: Viareggio to Genoa

Accommodation: Hotel Continental Genoa or similar

We travel to Genoa this morning. With the services of a local guide, we get behind-the-scenes access to the Carlo Felice Theatre. We explore this sparkling, sea-port city, before transferring to our hotel.

We meet for dinner in a local restaurant tonight.

(B,D)

Day 14: Genoa to Milan

Accommodation: Hotel Sanpi Milan or similar

This morning, we make our way to Milan, arriving late morning.

We visit the Villa Medici Giulini, where we will experience a private concert. The remainder of the day is free for your to explore on your own.(d

(B)

Day 15: Milan

Accommodation: Hotel Sanpi Milan or similar

This morning, we visit Teatro Alla Scala – an Opera House that was inaugurated in 1778. We have entrance to the Teatro Alla Scala museum, and we experience a behind-the-scenes tour.

Tonight, we enjoy an Opera here, before returning to our hotel in Milan. (Concert details to be confirmed).

(B)

Day 16: Milan

Accommodation: Hotel Sanpi Milan or similar

This morning we take a coach to Cremona, where we visit a local violin maker. We also visit the Stradivari Museum.

We return to Milan this evening and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

(B,D)

Day 17: Verona

Accommodation: Hotel Colomba D'Oro or similar.

This morning, we travel by coach to Verona. We view the city’s main sights, including Juliet’s house and entrance to the Arena.

The Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheatre famed for its large-scale opera performances. The building was begun in AD 30, and, despite damage caused by events such as the 1117 major earthquake, remains a very well-preserved ancient structure.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight.

(B,D)

Day 18: Venice

Accommodation: Ca Dei Conti or similar

Today, we travel to Venice by private boat. Once we arrive, we have time to explore it at leisure, before meeting at la Fenice Opera Theatre for a guided tour. Afterwards, we stroll to our hotel.

Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight.

(B,D)

Day 19: Venice

Accommodation: Ca Dei Conti or similar

Today, we experience a walking tour of Venice. We visit the main sights, including the Music Museum. We also take an Antonio Vivaldi tour.

We spend our final evening at leisure in picture-perfect Venice.

(B)

Day 20: Venice

Our tour concludes after breakfast.

(B)

Tour Notes

  • Puccini festival concerts are based on 2022 schedule. For 2023 departures festival schedule will be released in Sep/Oct 2022.
  • Concerts listed are subject to be amended pending final tour schedule and availability

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in our Tour

  • 19 nights of accommodation.
  • 19 breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 12 dinners as listed on the itinerary.
  • Entrances and tipping as per itinerary. Including 2 operas at Puccini Festival.
  • All travel is in modern, air-conditioned coaches.
  • Services of a Tour Leader for the duration of tour.
  • Detailed information booklet.

What’s not included in our Tour

  • Comprehensive international travel insurance.
  • International flights.
  • Items of personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and medical expenses.
Level 2 - Moderate

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking / hiking up to 8 kilometers per day on uneven ground.

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If you have a group of 6 friends or more you can book this tour as a private departure, with all the benefits of our small group tours.
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For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

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Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

Reading List Download PDF

Puccini: The Great Composers

Michael Steen

Puccini and Verdi are unquestionably the two giants of 19th-century Italian grand opera. Like Verdi, Puccini knew what his audience wanted, and supplied it – in Puccini's case, a highly coloured world of sweeping emotion, melodrama shot through with a kind of sadism. His three greatest operas, La Bohème – the most popular opera ever written – Tosca and Madama Butterfly are invariably staged every year, while Turandot, La fanciulla del West, Manon Lescaut, and Gianni Schicchi appear only scarcely less often.

Ever the hard-drinking, chain-smoking sportsman, Puccini had much of the raffish playboy about him. He bought himself fast cars, yachts named after the works whose proceeds financed them, and built a magnificent house at Torre del Largo where he continued his womanising under the jealous eye of his wife, Elvira. Michael Steen's narrative follows the progress of the small boy stealing the organ pipes of his village church on the rocky road to fame to become this larger-than-life figure.

Supported for several years by his publisher Ricordi, Puccini's first real hit was Manon Lescaut, heavily influenced by Massenet. Subsequent success saw him joining the jet set, and travelling to England and America, his star only eclipsed by the First World War. But his appeal remains clear and direct, as the director Jonathan Miller says: ‘I'm made to cry by Puccini and I never am by Verdi.’

Plot Synopses of Puccini's Operas: La Bohème, Tosca, Madame Butterfly

Originally published in 1916 as portions of the author’s larger “The Opera Book,” this Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 16 pages, summarizes the plots of Puccini’s most famous operas: “La Bohème,” “Tosca,” and “Madame Butterfly.” Includes a brief sketch of Puccini’s life.

Puccini: His Life & Music

Julian Haylock

Puccini is one of the most beloved of all opera composers – La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot play to packed opera houses the world over. In his lifetime he achieved an international celebrity accorded to only a few, yet the critics were rarely impressed. He was nevertheless a creative artist of profound sensitivity and dramatic flair who developed a unique form of free-flowing opera while penning some of the greatest melodies of all time. His oeuvre constitutes the final flowering of the centuries-old tradition of Italian opera while also being an influence on cinema music then in its infancy. This music companion provides a compelling overview of the constant tension created between Puccini’s indulgent, sometimes traumatic personal life and his need to achieve exceptionally high standards in its work.

Puccini Among Friends

Vincent Seligman

Puccini was an Italian, a musician, highly strung, temperamental, diffident and easily discouraged, changing quickly from exaltation to despair.
Nearly all of Puccini's biographers remark on his distaste for writing letters, nevertheless when my mother died nearly two years ago I found amongst her papers more than seven hundred letters from him, all written during the last twenty years of his life. From these I have selected, in whole or in part, some three hundred letters to form the basis of this memoir. In no sense of the word can it be considered a formal biography, but rather a portrait, largely
self-drawn, of a very lovable character, and the record of a
singularly beautiful friendship.

The Complete Puccini: The Story of the World's Most Popular Operatic Composer

Colin Kendall

La Boheme, Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly - Puccini's operas are among the most frequently performed in the standard repertoire. 'Nessun dorma' and other Puccini arias have achieved great levels of fame and recognition. Puccini was a contradictory character - apparently cavalier in his approach to life, with his many affairs with women, but also subject to feelings of great depression. Kendell explores Puccini through his music - confident at first when he emerged as a promising young talent, cautious and uncertain after the failure of his second opera had endangered his career, gradually more assured as he became established as a leading musical figure, then, at the end, anxious to complete his final work before it was too late. Kendell tells the story of the world's most popular operatic composer, progressing through the operas, their plots and how they were composed. He recounts it all in a simple way with explanations of operatic terms so that no expert knowledge is required.

Puccini’s Operas For Beginners

Gianni Truvianni

The opera’s of Puccini described for those who are considering becoming opera fans.

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