Discover Puccini's Lucca with opera critic David Mellor

Posted on : 02/27/2022
Discover Puccini's Lucca with opera critic David Mellor
Travel 

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Discover Puccini’s Lucca with opera critic David Mellor

He created some of the world’s best-loved operas – and we’re giving you a chance to visit the birthplace of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini in stunning Lucca and hear expert talks by broadcaster and Mail on Sunday classical music critic David Mellor.

Our unforgettable five-day break includes opera performances and Puccini-themed visits. On a trip to Torre del Lago, the composer’s home for 30 years, you’ll immerse yourself in his world as you breathe in the Italian lakeside air he loved so much.

Villa Puccini, where he lived, is today a museum. You’ll be able to visit the chapel on the ground floor where he is buried.

Tuscan treasure: The beautiful town of Lucca, above, where you will be based during the five-day break

Musical treat: Guests will experience live opera performances in the locations that inspired Puccini. Pictured is the Gran Teatro Puccini in Torre del Lago

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by David Mellor 

David Mellor is The Mail on Sunday’s opera and classical music critic and a presenter on Classic FM. The former politician and ex-Cabinet Minister was briefly Culture Secretary. He now regularly contributes to politics and arts programmes on the radio. He says: ‘I have always enjoyed my visits to Torre del Lago and I can’t wait for the opportunity to help you discover its magic.’

During your visit to Torre del Lago, the director of the Giacomo Puccini Foundation will give a private lecture and take you behind the scenes to hear all about the composer who created some of the world’s best-loved operas, including Madama Butterfly, La Bohème and Tosca.

In the evenings, experience live performances of Turandot and Madama Butterfly in the locations that inspired Puccini, with David Mellor’s introductory talks providing context and insight into the composer’s life and the impact his operas had on the musical world.

REASONS TO BOOK

Immerse yourself in Tuscany: The tour includes visits to museums as well as to the beautiful town of Lucca, the tiny village of Celle dei Puccini, Torre del Lago and the coastal city of Viareggio.

First-class seats to Puccini operas: Born in 1858, Giacomo Puccini wrote some of the world’s most famous operas. On this trip, you will have first-class seats to performances of Madama Butterfly – the tragic love story of a Japanese girl and an American naval officer – and Turandot, the tale of a Chinese prince who seeks the hand of a princess in marriage.

Insight from Puccini specialists: Puccini adored this region of Italy. Talks by David Mellor give an exceptional insight into the sometimes tempestuous life of the composer and bring his story vividly to life.

Stay in a four-star hotel: Accommodation is at a four-star hotel in Lucca – either the Hotel Palazzo Alexander or the San Luca Palace Hotel, both in the town’s historic quarter and within the old city walls. The hotels are in ancient buildings with all the trappings of modern, personalised service.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Scheduled return flights from London to Pisa (regional UK airports available on request, some at extra cost) and all coach transfers.
  • Four nights in a four-star hotel in central Lucca on a B&B basis.
  • Four dinners and one lunch.
  • Performances of Turandot and Madama Butterfly, with introductory talks by David Mellor.
  • Three talks and a question- and-answer with David Mellor.
  • Expert guide lecturer.
  • Explore Torre del Lago, Celle dei Puccini and Viareggio.
  • Services of a Travel Editions tour manager.

YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 Arrive in Lucca DAY 2 Lucca, talk by David Mellor, Turandot performance DAY 3 Torre del Lago, talk by David Mellor, Madama Butterfly performance DAY 4 Lucca DAY 5 Lucca and return to the UK

HOW TO BOOK

The dates: August 4 to 8, 2022. The price: From £2,070pp*.

Call 02045 716 424 quoting ref MOS PUCCINI MELLOR. Visit mailtravel.co.uk/puccinimellor for more details and to see the full itinerary.

Terms and conditions: *From price based on two sharing and subject to availability based on departure date and room availability. Single supplement: £152. Tour operated by TS Tours and Travel Editions. Travel insurance is not included. Price and itinerary may be subject to change. 

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