European Waterways Opera Cruise featuring a live performance of Carmen

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - April 15th, 2016 - European Waterways announced that its 2016 Opera Cruise will feature front-row seats to watch a performance of one of the world’s most beloved operas, Georges Bizet’s Carmen, staged at the Arena di Verona amphitheater in Italy. The night at the opera will be followed the next day by a 6-night, all-inclusive cruise aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita hotel barge, which cruises Venice to Mantua.  The cruise is a total of seven days, from August 20 – 27, 2016, and starts at $3,490 per person, based on double occupancy.

Before the Opera Cruise begins, guests will be picked up at the Hotel Due Torri in Verona to visit the fascinating Arena Museo Opera museum, followed by dinner in its courtyard restaurant.  In the evening, they will be treated to front-row seats in the magnificent setting of the Arena di Verona to watch a magical performance of Carmen.

The next morning, guests will enjoy a walking tour of Verona before being transferred to La Bella Vita in Venice, which sets off that afternoon along the Giudecca Canal. It will moor at the Naval Museum, followed by a guided tour of the Doge's Palace, a city landmark. The cruise also features visits to several historic baroque theatres. These include Gran Teatro La Fenice, where the premières of operas by composers such as Rossini and Verdi were performed, and the intimate Teatro Bibiena in Mantua, with its bell-shaped interior that opened in 1770 with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart.

“The Opera Cruise is one of our most beloved cruises,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “The extra day of sightseeing and front-row seats to watch Carmen is just the beginning.  Once the cruise starts, guests will also enjoy excursions that include visits to the famous fish market in Chioggia, the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara and the stunning Ducal Palace in Mantua. They are also treated to wine tastings and a dinner in the private home where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry.”

The opera cruise itinerary is for seven nights and includes a one-night, pre-cruise stay in a 4-star hotel in Verona; the evening in Verona at the opera; all gourmet meals prepared by the chef on-board; fine Italian wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, admissions and local transfers. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-394-8630 or visit http://www.gobarging.com/opera--itinerary.

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