Experience the timeless beauty of Verona with the Institute for Cultural Travel (IFC).
IFC holidays offer the perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent Italian city while enjoying one of Europe’s most celebrated cultural events—the Arena di Verona Opera Festival.
Set along the gentle curves of the River Adige, with the Alps rising in the distance, Verona is a city of exceptional beauty, history, and romance. Known worldwide as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona’s terracotta rooftops and pastel-hued buildings create a charming and atmospheric cityscape that captures the true essence of Italy. Located at the historic crossroads between north and south Europe, Verona’s long-standing importance is reflected in its remarkable architectural, artistic, agricultural, and financial heritage.
Apart from Rome, Verona is Italy’s best-preserved Roman city. Its extraordinary legacy includes the magnificent Roman amphitheatre—the Arena—along with Roman bridges, gates, and a theatre that still dominate the city today. Built upon these ancient foundations, Verona flourished through the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods, resulting in a beautifully preserved city adorned with frescoed churches, elegant palaces, and historic houses.
Beyond its Roman heritage, Verona’s romantic reputation continues to enchant visitors. Shakespeare immortalised the city as the home of his star-crossed lovers, and Juliet’s famous balcony on Via Cappello remains one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
Daily life in Verona is best experienced in its lively piazzas. Each afternoon, locals and visitors alike gather in Piazza Bra, just outside the Arena, for the traditional passeggiata, enjoying a coffee or aperitif before the evening’s festivities. Nearby, Piazza delle Erbe hosts a colourful daily market, continuing a tradition that has lasted for nearly 2,000 years.
Verona is also a culinary delight, boasting an array of excellent restaurants—from charming trattorie to elegant fine-dining establishments—often frequented by opera lovers and cultural enthusiasts during the summer season. Sample regional Veneto wines, savour authentic Italian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
There is no better way to experience Verona than by wandering its historic streets, visiting its churches and cultural landmarks, enjoying local food and wine, and concluding your day with a breathtaking performance at the Arena—perhaps a dramatic and romantic production of Aida beneath the stars.
The Arena di Verona Opera Festival
102nd Arena di Verona Opera Festival | 12 June – 12 September 2026
The world-renowned Arena di Verona Opera Festival returns in 2026 for its 102nd season, offering an extraordinary programme of opera, music, and ballet in one of the most spectacular performance venues on earth.
Performances scheduled for the 2026 season include:
La Traviata (New Production), Aida (Poda 2023), Nabucco (Poda 2025), La Bohème (Signorini 2024), Turandot (Zeffirelli 2010), Aida (Zeffirelli 2002), Carmina Burana, Viva Vivaldi, and the much-anticipated Roberto Bolle & Friends.
Travel with a group of like-minded opera lovers and experience these magnificent productions staged beneath the stars in Verona’s iconic Roman amphitheatre on our 2026 Verona Opera Tours. In addition to unforgettable evenings at the Arena, explore the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet and enjoy a scenic boat journey across the beautiful waters of Lake Garda.
Internationally acclaimed as one of the most spectacular opera festivals in the world, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival is celebrated for its grand-scale productions, dramatic settings, and unforgettable atmosphere. Each summer, timeless masterpieces are brought to life in the awe-inspiring surroundings of this ancient Roman arena.
Verona Opera Festival | Travel with a group of like-minded people
IFC offers a carefully curated selection of group tours to Verona throughout the year, including unforgettable holidays centred around the Arena di Verona Opera Festival and classical music performances. Travel alongside like-minded enthusiasts, benefit from expert planning, and experience all that Verona has to offer—from world-class opera and music to its rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Our group tours are designed to combine exceptional cultural experiences with comfort, ease, and outstanding value, making them the ideal way to enjoy Verona’s celebrated opera, ballet, and music scene.
Verona Opera Festival | Tailormade Travel
For those who prefer to travel independently, we offer bespoke Verona opera and music holidays, created around your individual preferences and travel dates.
To request a customised Verona holiday, please contact us on 01 888 7840 or email [email protected].
