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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 feast of wonderful operas has been planned for 2020, all strongly cast. Tickets for a performance are included, as are several walking tours and accommodation in one of the city’s most famous hotels.
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.
...when you travel with Kirker
Flights with Brisitsh Airways:
Depart London Gatwick 11.50 arrive Venice 15.00
Depart Venice 15.50 arrive London Gatwick 17.00
Times vary according to departure date. Flights from London Heathrow and City Airport and regional airports are available – please speak to one of our team to discuss the option most convenient to you.
At Kirker we select what we feel are the most suitable hotels to suit the character of the tour, to find out more about these hotels, please click below for more information.
The Monaco is one of Venice’s most famous hotels. 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.
Charlie Hall has known Italy intimately since 1965 when his father set up the excellent John Hall Venice course for gap year students who wish to become enlightened by many aspects of Venetian and Italian culture.
He now runs the programme with his father and spends almost half of the year working in Italy. He has designed courses for the Christie's Education 'Collecting and Great Collections’ programmes and the Serpentine Gallery ‘Collectors Circle’ as well as for The Soho House group of members’ clubs. Charlie has now led many Italian tours for Kirker, to destinations including Rome, Florence and Venice, and has proved to be very popular with our clients.
Louisa first visited Venice briefly in 1995 on a gap year, only to fall deeply in love with the city’s art, culture and ambience. Graduating from the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London, she went on to take a Master’s in the History of Art, Venice and Rome, at the University of Warwick, partly held in La Serenissima.
In 2001 she moved permanently to Venice where she has worked in the art world ever since. She works in the Venice Biennale, as a freelance art translator, with art education programmes such as the John Hall Venice Course, and with the Querini Stampalia Museum and Gallery. She has never lost her love for her adoptive city.
LA FENICE OPERA PROGRAMME
25 April Departure:
Faust by Gounod (28 April)
First performed at the Theatre Lyrique, Paris on 29 March 1859
Frederic Chaslin conducts Carmela Remigio as Marguerite and Alex Esposito as Mephistopheles.
The role of Faust will be announced at a later date.
19 September Departure:
Madama Buterfly by Puccini (20 September)
First performed at Teatro alla Scala on17 February 1904
The cynical Pinkerton is sung by `Vincenzo Costanzo and Sharpless by Alberto Mastromarini.
Il trovatore by Verdi (21 September)
First performed at Teatro Apollo, Rome on 19 January 1853.
Leonora is sung by Francesca Dotti, Azucena by Carmen Topciu, Manrico by Antonio Poli and The Count of Luna by Mattea Oliviero. Francesco Ivan Ciampa conducts.
*You have a choice of two operas in September. If you would like to attend the second performance, tickets cost £215.
17 October Departure:
La fille du régiment by Donizetti (20 October)
First performed at the Salle de la Bourse, Paris on 11 February 1840.
Tonio will be sung by the American tenor, John Osborn, and the regiment’s mascot, Marie by Maria Grazia Schiavo. Stefanio Ranzani conducts
The Tour Leader was extremely helpful & knowledgeable about the places we visited. Indeed she made our holiday very special. We really cannot fault Kirker in your management or organisation. Well done!
View DetailsHaving visited Venice before, I already had some knowledge but Louisa Warman was outstanding and the visits to La Fenice have fulfilled a long held ambition. The Hotel Moncao & Grand Canal is in the perfect situation. We loved it all!
View DetailsAll so civilised and relaxed. Just the tonic needed. What a nice surprise the welcome bottle in one’s room, many thanks. Liked the tour leader’s leisurely approach. Very informative – I will look at church paintings with different eyes now. It was good to see old masters and contemporary paintings.
View DetailsMy first visit to Venice and it was brilliant - the hotel couldn't have been in a better location, the itinerary was well chosen and very interesting and Siân Walters a knowledgeable and friendly tour leader.
View Details
Tour Leader
Charlie Hall has known Italy intimately since 1965 when his father set up the excellent John Hall Venice course for gap year students who wish to become enlightened by many aspects of Venetian and Italian culture.
He now runs the programme with his father and spends almost half of the year working in Italy. He has designed courses for the Christie's Education 'Collecting and Great Collections’ programmes and the Serpentine Gallery ‘Collectors Circle’ as well as for The Soho House group of members’ clubs. Charlie has now led many Italian tours for Kirker, to destinations including Rome, Florence and Venice, and has proved to be very popular with our clients.
The Tour Leader was extremely helpful & knowledgeable about the places we visited. Indeed she made our holiday very special. We really cannot fault Kirker in your management or organisation. Well done!
Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.
