Experience Opera in its Birthplace: Citalia Offers Exclusive Discounts on Opera Getaways

• Searches for ‘Verona opera 2025’ have risen 3100% with searches for ‘Arena di Verona tickets’ rising +120% in the past 12 months¹
• Italian travel specialists Citalia have shared insight behind the city’s musical heritage and why it’s a “must visit” for Italian opera holidays
• Citalia are also running a series of discounts for Italian opera holiday with last-minute availability over Verona opera season

As the birthplace of opera, attending a live operatic performance in Italy is a must add for any bucket list. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado, or new to the art form, the exquisite costuming, captivating storylines, and beautiful orchestral music will leave an impression lasting long after your trip.

Romantic and historic Verona is one of the best Italian cities to experience opera in all its glory, with UK searches for ‘Verona opera 2025’ (+3100%) and ‘Arena di Verona tickets’ (+120%) rising over the last 12 months.¹ With this in mind, Italian travel specialists Citalia have shared why Verona is a must-visit destination over its opera season, including some last-minute discounts on Italy opera holidays over the 2025 season.

Why is Verona the perfect destination to experience opera?

Naturally, as a city steeped in tales of tragic romance and historic architecture Verona is the perfect destination for an operatic experience. Each summer, from 13^th June to the 6^th of September,the ancient Arena di Verona hosts its world-famous opera festival, staging performances of classics like Aida, Tosca, and La Traviata. Held in the breathtaking Roman amphitheatre, these performances capture the grandeur of Italian opera – the city is even recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Beyond the music, Verona’s culinary scene is just as delightful. The city’s atmospheric restaurants and trattorias provide the perfect prelude to a night at the opera. A pre-show aperitivo in Piazza Bra with a glass of Valpolicella or Soave is an absolute must, while local dishes showcasing the regions culinary flavours such as the risotto all’Amarone are not to be missed.

What is on the Verona opera calendar for 2025?

Commencing on the 13^th June, with the curtain of the festival falling on the 6^th of September, audiences have the opportunity to immerse themselves in tales of tragic love, war and family.

The Arena di Verona’s summer opera season brings some of the world’s most famous operas to life in a spectacular open-air setting. Verdi’s Nabucco tells a tale of power and exile, featuring the famous “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,” while Aida immerses audiences in a story of love and betrayal set in ancient Egypt, complete with grand processions and striking arias. La Traviata captures the tragedy of doomed love, and Rigoletto weaves a dark tale of vengeance with some of Verdi’s most powerful music. Bizet’s Carmen offers fiery passion and unforgettable melodies, while Orff’s Carmina Burana stirs with its dramatic choral intensity.

Alongside these operatic masterpieces, Roberto Bolle and Friends also present a special ballet event showcasing exceptional dance artistry from across the city. Running from June to September, each performance is set against the stunning backdrop of Verona’s ancient amphitheatre, where history and music come together for an unforgettable evening.

What else can you do in Venice over the summer months?

Over the summer months there is plenty to explore across Verona beyond a night at the opera. By day, stroll through the historic city centre and admire the beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture. As a centre for artists in the Renaissance era, you can also see a collection of paintings and sculptures in the Museo di Castelvecchio. There are also landmarks dating back to Verona’s days as a Roman colony, including the amphitheatre, which was built in the 1st Century. Romantics will delight in visiting the city of love, exploring the famous setting for Romeo and Juliet. You can visit Casa di Giulietta, (Juliet’s house), and have your photo taken on the famous balcony.

If you’re looking for a day trip, the magnificent Lake Garda is a stone’s throw away, and there are plenty of walking opportunities, both around the lake and Il Vittoriale botanical gardens. Or, join a bike sharing service and explore the city’s sights and the paths along the river Adige.

Citalia is offering exclusive discounts on last-minute opera breaks

For those looking to experience the magic of Verona’s world-famous opera season, Citalia are offering exclusive discounts on their getaways, which include expert curated luxury accommodation, opera tickets, and transfers.

• 3-Night Verona Escape

Date of departure: 5th July 2025

Prices: From £825pp

Stay at the elegant 4-star Hotel Giberti, just moments from the historic centre. This packages includes tickets to Aida by Giuseppe Verdi at the breathtaking Arena di Verona, along with private transfers and the option to upgrade your seats for an enhanced experience.

• 5-Night Verona & Opera Experience

Date of departure: 31st August 2025

Prices: From £1149pp

Enjoy an extended stay at the charming three-star Hotel Touring, ideally located for exploring the city. This package includes two opera performances, Carmen by Georges Bizet and Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, as well as two private transfers and seat upgrade options for an unforgettable night under the stars.

Commenting, Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia said, “Music has the power to create lasting memories, and the dramatic and passionate opera is one of the most emotionally stirring art forms. Experiencing it in its birthplace, Italy, is something truly special and should be on everyone’s bucket list – whether a seasoned attendee or a newcomer. With this in mind, our team wanted to encourage travellers to immerse themselves in the grandeur of Italian opera by offering exclusive discounts on our carefully curated opera holidays.”

Visit the site to find more information on Italian Opera Holidays