La Fenice, Venice

OPERA AT LA FENICE IN VENICE

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 8 OCTOBER 2023

La Fenice in Venice is one of the world’s most historic opera houses. Inaugurated in 1792, the opera house has, like its namesake the phoenix, been destroyed by fire and rebuilt, both in 1836 and 1996. The latest exquisitely restored La Fenice opened its doors in 2003. Along with the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and La Scala, Milan, La Fenice has always been one of the top three opera houses in Italy. During the 19th century many operas were first performed at La Fenice, including two of Verdi’s greatest and most popular works, ‘La traviata’ and ‘Rigoletto.’ A ticket for one performance is included, as are several walking tours and accommodation in one of Kirker’s favourite hotels.

the itinerary the hotel

There will be a selection of carefully planned walking tours to some of the city’s churches and galleries. At the Accademia, the ‘National Gallery of Venice’, we see works by the most important Venetian artists from the 14th to the 17th centuries and the more modern Peggy Guggenheim collection at the palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal where she lived. Visits to the jewel-like Santa Maria Miracoli, to Santa Maria della Salute, Santi Paolo e Giovanni, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, and to Carpaccio’s fabulous cycle of the story of St. George in the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni will all be included. There will be free time each afternoon for independent exploration during which you can use your included Venice pass to visit the Palazzo Ducale, the Museo Correr and the Archaelogical Museum.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 8 October £2,598 £672

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 12.55, arrive Venice 16.10 Depart Venice 16.05, arrive London Heathrow 17.20 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Return water taxi transfers • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Two dinners – one at the hotel and one at a local restaurant • One opera ticket in the stalls at La Fenice • Sightseeing as described • The services of a Kirker Tour Leader We stay at the 4* deluxe Monaco & Grand Canal, one of Venice’s most famous hotels. Located just 50 yards from St. Mark’s Square, the entrance leads into a stylish lobby from where a grand staircase takes you up to the beautiful restored 18th century former Venetian theatre, complete with original fresco ceilings. The 92 bedrooms have recently been renovated and breakfast and dinner are served in the hotel’s canalside restaurant or on the terrace in fine weather.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

A wonderful Venetian weekend for opera lovers with two works by Verdi, made even more special by their close associations with the city. You have a choice of two operas. If you would like to attend the second performance, tickets cost £215. I due Foscari First performance given at the Teatro Argentina, Rome on 3 November 1844. Francesco Foscari: Luca Salsi Jacopo Foscari: Francesco Meli Lucrezia Contarini: Anastasia Bartoli Loredano: Riccardo Fassi Francesco Foscari (1373-1457) was the longest reigning Doge in the history of the Venetian Republic. The opera is based on Lord Byron’s play The Two Foscari which paints the family in such an unflattering light that when Verdi finally settled on the play as his next subject, the premiere was not given in Venice for fear of drastic censorship but in Rome.

La traviata First performed at La Fenice, Venice on 6 March 1853. Violetta: Rosa Feola Alfredo Germont: Piero Pretti Giorgio Germont: Gabriele Viviani Robert Carsen’s much loved production is a permanent fixture at La Fenice and is equally admired for Patrick Kinmonth’s designs and costumes. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to her loyal servant, Annina at the end of the opera, Robert Carsen provides a telling and heart warming clue.