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A river cruise in Italy is a magical way to immerse in the cultural and historical attractions of this wonderful country. Cruising at a laid back pace along tranquil waterways, taking in the scenery as you’re treated to the hospitality of a ‘floating hotel’ is an experience you never forget. But if you think that’s hard to top, the chance to take a river cruise in Italy that’s tailored to one of your passions offers even more temptation. There is nowhere more synonymous with opera than Italy, a country that’s produced some of the world’s greatest. If you’re an aficionado, or even just a casual admirer, an opera themed river cruise in Italy will allow you to immerse in the heritage of some of the world’s most famous music and the settings that helped to inspire it. A Wealth of Musical History So, what does this kind of themed cruise look like and what can you expect? While itineraries and vessels will differ from company to company, if you book with a reputable and well-known operator you can look forward to the trip of a lifetime and an opera history lesson unlike any other. Highlights and High Notes Along with the chance to see the magnificent landscape and take shore excursions to numerous towns along the waterways in the north of the country from Venice to Mantua, an opera river cruise in Italy will take you to some of the most iconic theatres in the country. Venice is home to the spectacular Teatro la Fenice, which has now been completely refurbished after multiple devastating fires burnt centuries of its history to the ground. It has hosted countless famous premieres, including the works of Verdi and Rossini. The theatre is one of the most important performance spaces in the country, and its stunning interiors provide a fitting backdrop for today’s modern artists who carry on the legacy of the Italian maestros. In Verona, you’ll have the chance to make dreams come true at the iconic Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona. Dating back to the first century, this vast ancient structure, with a capacity for an audience of 15,000, has been the site of large-scale operas for many hundreds of years. It is magnificently preserved and, to this day, is an absolutely incredible place to experience a live performance. On a very different scale, the intimate Teatro Bibieno, in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mantua, is a Baroque theatre designed by Antonia Bibieno. It was officially opened in 1770, with a performance from a 13-year-old boy by the name of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The theatre is renowned for its stunning interiors, with four tiers of balconies and walls adorned with several monochrome frescos. The Renaissance city of Ferrara is home to Teatro Comunale, opened in 1798 and still in use today. With seating for nearly a thousand audience members it runs a very busy opera season, with local and international productions of works from greats like Puccini, Verdi and Bizet taking centre stage. Enjoy Music, History and Sightseeing Not only will you be able to soak up the gorgeous landscape and visit some of the country’s most famous landmark theatres, an opera cruise will also provide the opportunity to attend live performances. The chance to hear the world’s most beloved operas performed by modern day stars in the most ancient of settings will make memories that last a lifetime. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for a fantastic river cruise in Italy, or cruises to other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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