Join RTÉ lyric fm's Marty Whelan for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opera Experience at the Arena di Verona Festival 2025 with Institute for Culture Travel! 

Institute for Culture Travel (IFC) is thrilled to announce three extraordinary opera tours to the world-famous 102nd Arena di Verona Opera Festival. This year’s programme includes an extra special tour joining RTÉ lyric fm's Marty Whelan who will be broadcasting his show ‘Marty in the Morning’ live from the Arena this July. Set in the breathtaking ancient Roman amphitheatre of Verona, this festival is globally celebrated as one of the most remarkable cultural events of the year. Featuring iconic performances such as Verdi’s Aida and Bizet’s Carmen these tours promise an unforgettable fusion of opera, history and Italian culture. 

 

Each tour includes carefully crafted itineraries with premium tickets, exquisite accommodation and enriching experiences ensuring an operatic adventure like no other. 

 

Tour 1: Arena di Verona Opera Festival – Verdi’s Nabucco 

 

Dates: 12th–16th June 2025 
A once-in-a-lifetime operatic and musical thrill! 
Experience the opening night of the 102nd Arena di Verona Opera Festival with Verdi’s Nabucco. Witness this masterpiece in its awe-inspiring Roman amphitheatre setting directed by Stefano Poda. Explore Verona’s historic streets and immerse yourself in its cultural and architectural heritage. 

 

Tour Highlights: 

Return flights from Dublin to Verona 

Four nights B&B at the 4-star Hotel Giberti 

Walking tour of Verona 

Premium Poltronissima tickets to Nabucco (13th June 2025) 

Airport and hotel transfers 

Price: 

€1,659 per person sharing 

Single room supplement: €1925 (standard) | €2139 (double for single use) 

 

Tour 2: Bizet’s Carmen – With RTÉ lyric fm’s Marty Whelan! 

 

Dates: 17th–21st July 2025 
Join RTÉ lyric fm’s Marty Whelan for an enchanting opera holiday featuring Bizet’s Carmen. Enjoy exclusive experiences such as lunch with Marty, a visit to Lake Garda’s picturesque towns and a guided tour of Verona including the Biblioteca Capitolare, the oldest working library in the world. 

 

Tour Highlights: 

Return flights from Dublin to Verona 

Four nights B&B at the 4-star Hotel San Marco, Verona 

Welcome drink and aperitif 

Walking tour of Verona and visit to the Biblioteca Capitolare 

Excursion to Lake Garda with stops in Peschiera, Sirmione and a local winery 

Exclusive lunch with Marty Whelan 

Poltronissima tickets to Carmen (18th July 2025) 

Transfers and local guide throughout 

Price: 

€1,997 per person sharing 

Single supplement: €531 
Optional ticket upgrades from €29 (1st sector stalls silver) to €119 (1st sector stalls platinum). 

 

Tour 3: Arena di Verona Opera Festival – Aida & Carmen 

 

Dates: 26th–30th August 2025 
Experience two iconic productions at the Arena di Verona - Verdi’s Aida and Bizet’s Carmen. Enjoy luxury accommodations at the boutique Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel Des Arts, a stone’s throw from Verona’s historic centre. Discover the beauty of Lake Garda, Verona’s storied past and indulge in pre-opera dinners before each performance. 

 

Tour Highlights: 

Return flights from Dublin to Verona 

Four nights B&B at the Grand Hotel Des Arts 

Welcome aperitif 

Walking tour of Verona including the Biblioteca Capitolare 

Excursion to Lake Garda with winery visit and tastings 

Pre-opera dinners on two evenings 

Tickets to Verdi’s Aida (28th August) and Bizet’s Carmen (29th August) – 1st sector stalls seating included 

Local guide and coach transfers throughout 

Price: 

€2,179 per person sharing 

Single supplement: €739 
Optional ticket upgrades from €29 (1st sector stalls silver) to €119 (1st sector stalls platinum). 

 

Create Your Own Arena di Verona Opera Experience! 

 

At IFC, we offer bespoke Arena di Verona Opera Packages from 13th June to 6th September 2025, designed to give you a tailor-made operatic adventure. Choose from 2, 3 or 4 night packages with return flights to Verona, private airport transfers and accommodation. Each package includes a guided walking tour of Verona, allowing you to explore this enchanting city steeped in history and romance. Our expert team will work with you to craft a personalised itinerary including hidden gems and authentic cultural and operatic experiences based on your travel requirements and budget. ??? 

 

So, don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the spectacular Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2025! 

FOR INFORMATION OR TO BOOK, PLEASE CALL (01) 888 7840 

reservations@instituteforculturetravel.ie  

www.reservations@instituteforculturetravel.ie 

 

 

 

 

Issued by Aileen Eglington & Rosie O’Toole, AE Consulting on behalf of Institute for CultureTravel/Keith Prowse Ireland