The Puccini Festival

The Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago is an ever-popular fixture in our summer opera programme. Performances include favourites Tosca and Madama Butterfly, and a new production of La traviata. Enjoy the charms of Lucca and Pisa for a Tuscan holiday to remember.

Wed 15 Aug Afternoon arrival in Pisa and transfer to Lucca to check in at the 4-star superior Hotel San Luca Palace, built within the beautiful Renaissance walls of the town, birthplace of Puccini, and just 40 minutes from Torre del Lago where the festival takes place. Welcome dinner in the hotel or a local restaurant.

Thu 16 Aug Morning walking tour of Lucca, its charming churches, palaces and streets built within Renaissance city walls. We visit the Piazza Anfiteatro, constructed on the site of a Roman theatre, and visit the 13th century Duomo and the Pisan Romanesque church of San Michele in Foro with an eccentric façade of twisted columns. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the evening’s performance at the Puccini Festival’s lakeside theatre.

Fri 17 Aug Join your guide this morning for a half-day tour to Pisa, where we will visit the Piazza dei Miracoli which is dominated by four great religious edifices: the Duomo, the Campanile (the cathedral's famous Leaning bell tower), the Baptistry and the Camposanto. Return to Lucca for an afternoon before your transfer to Torre del Lago for the optional evening performance.

Sat 18 Aug Day at leisure for independent exploration of Lucca. Late afternoon transfer to Torre del Lago to visit Puccini’s villa on the shore of Lake Massaciuccoli. This will be followed by dinner in a local restaurant before this evening’s performance.

Sun 19 Aug Transfer to Pisa airport for your homeward journey.

Flights: British Airways

Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.