delightful frescoed churches - the ideal place for a passeggiata – perhaps with gelato in hand . We return to Verona in the late afternoon , and there is more time for you to explore , perhaps the medieval Castelvecchio , a Scaligeri family castle when they ruled the city in the Middle Ages . Today , from its defensive location on the River Adige , it houses sculptures , art and a museum of ancient armoury . This evening ’ s performance is Aida . Verdi ’ s opera is a classic to see in the Arena and tells the tale of Egypt and Ethiopia at war . Egyptian Army General Radamès is chosen to lead an assault on the enemy . He hopes , by being victorious , to win the hand of his lover Aida , an Ethiopian enslaved as handmaiden to the Egyptian princess , Amneris . However , Amneris is in love with Radamès herself , and is growing suspicious . Radamès returns from battle triumphant , but Aida is devastated – her own father Amonasro , who is actually the King of Ethiopia , has been taken captive . To make matters worse , the King rewards Radamès with an unwelcome gift – his daughter Amneris in marriage . When Amonasro tasks Aida with helping him avenge Ethiopia though Radamès , loyalties collide , with devastating consequences …
Day four - The Colli Euganei and back to Venice airport
Saturday 9 September 2023 This morning after breakfast we check-out of the hotel and leave Verona , heading west to the Colli Euganei , a range of volcanic hills that rise from the plains to the south of Padova . Here we visit La Montecchia , the wine estate belonging to the aristocratic Capodilista family , who make delightful wines from food-friendly Pinot Bianco , their flagship red blend from Merlot , Carmenere and Cabernet through to an enticing fragrant dessert wine . Following a visit to their spectacular frescoed villa on the Montecchia Hill , we enjoy a range of their wines matched with lunch . Afterwards , we continue to Venice airport where we check-in for the British Airways flight BA469 departing from Venice Marco Polo at 17.20 hrs and arriving at 18.35 into London Heathrow .
Verona , the River Adige
Your tour leader
This tour will be led by Wine Guide , Cindy- Marie Harvey . Founding Owner of Love Wine Food Ltd , she has spent almost 25 years visiting wine estates around the world from South America to New Zealand , Italy to Slovenia and most places in between ! Despite the beauty of South Africa ’ s Cape Winelands or the classic chateaux of Bordeaux , northern Italy remains one of her absolute favourite areas to wine tour ( and a destination for her own personal holidays !) - a combination of truly inspiring wines and delicious food . Her love of opera started at a young age ; indeed , she moved to live and work in Italy in her early 20s , with the sole aim of learning Italian so she could understand La Traviata in the original !
Your hotel
The Hotel Indigo Verona – Grand Hotel des Arts occupies an elegant 19th century building , replete with classical columns , balustraded balconies and red awnings , that stands on the broad tree-lined boulevard that leads from the Porta Nuova , dating from the 16th century , into the centre of the city and the old town . From the hotel , you can reach the Arena di Verona on foot in about 9 minutes . This 4-star hotel has a total of 62 rooms and suites and has been renovated to provide a comfortable blend of modern amenities whilst respecting the 19th century building . The hotel displays elements of decoration and furnishings that have been inspired by the city ’ s art and architecture . Natural wooden floorboards work well with the splashes of colour provided by cushions , bedheads and paintings . A welcome spot is the interior garden of lawn and patio where you can sunbathe or doze after a day ’ s sightseeing . There is also the Arya Bar & Mixology , a lounge bar , perfect for an aperitif before venturing out into the old town for dinner .
Hotel Indigo Verona - exterior Hotel Indigo Verona - bar
Hotel Indigo Verona - premium room
Telephone number 01392 441250 Email info @ expressionsholidays . co . uk 4