The Institute for Culture Travel, Ireland’s leading experts in opera, ballet, and classical music tours, has launched a new tour for summer 2026, Opera Under the Stars with RTÉ Lyric FM’s Marty Whelan at the prestigious Arena di Verona Festival.
Departing Dublin on Thursday 16th July 2026, this four-night tour promises world class opera and exclusive cultural experiences in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, including a special lunch with one of Ireland’s most loved broadcasters.
Marty will be broadcasting live from Verona also, for the 3rd year running, in this very successful partnership with The Institute for Culture Travel, which also included an Outside Broadcast last month in Vienna for the 200th Anniversary of Johann Strauss “ The Waltz King”. Other projects for the group will be announced later this year with RTÉ.
Guests will stay at the centrally located Hotel Giberti and enjoy a programme designed to showcase the very best of Verona. Highlights include a guided walking tour of the UNESCO listed historic centre, a visit to the Biblioteca Capitolare, the oldest working library in the world recently featured on Marty in the Morning, and a relaxed winery visit to the Farina estate in the Veronese countryside. Marty Whelan will host lunch in the historic Piazza delle Erbe, bringing his signature warmth and storytelling to the experience.
The centrepiece of the tour is an evening at the iconic Arena di Verona for an open-air performance of Puccini’s La Bohème, enjoyed from premium Poltronissima seats. Guests can also opt to extend their stay with a second operatic evening at the Arena, featuring Verdi’s Nabucco, preceded by dinner in a local restaurant.
Tour itinerary highlights include:
- Direct return flights from Dublin to Bergamo with private coach transfers to Verona
- Four nights bed and breakfast at the centrally located 4* Hotel Giberti
- Welcome aperitif and tasting aperitif on arrival
- Guided walking tour of Verona’s historic centre including the Biblioteca Capitolare
- Lunch with Marty Whelan at the renowned Maffei Restaurant
- Evening performance of Puccini’s La Bohème at the Arena di Verona with pre-opera dinner
- Excursion to the Farina Winery with guided tour and tastings
- Ample leisure time to explore Verona at your own pace
Opera Under the Stars with RTÉ lyric fm’s Marty Whelan departs 16th July and returns 20th July 2026.
Prices from €1,939 per person sharing.
Single room cost from €2,269.
An optional extra evening at the Arena for Nabucco is available from €279 per person.
IFC Arena di Verona Festival Tours
