Trasimeno, Aix & more ... best of Italian-French Summer Festivals

T"he best thing about a Lingua Musica Tour is that they have personally visited every hotel in their Itinerary and personally travelled all routes taken, so that there are never any nasty surprises. But best of all, they take us to small fascinating festivals, obtaining excellent tickets. The individual traveller would find it impossible to achieve the results of Lingua Musica's knowledge, built up over a life-time of travel, coupled with their on-going research."
Clive Stark, ABC Radio Arts Personality, Melbourne, Australia

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PRICING DETAILS:
Per person, twin-share AUD$9,750
Single Supplement AUD$1,400

DEPOSIT: AUD$500
Your deposit is used to secure Festival tickets.

FINAL PAYMENT: AUD$9,250 1st APRIL 2011

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE:

Italian / French Festivals Brochure & Booking Form
File Size:	131 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 16 nights' accommodation in centrally located 4* hotels
- 8 Festival Performances, including Opera
- an additional OPTIONAL Festival perfromances
- In-depth lectures, plus a comprehensive Tour Handbook containing information on orchestras, soloists and conductors, and detailed programme notes for all major performances.
- Comprehensive sight-seeing with local English-speaking guides
- All breakfasts, plus meals as indicated in the Itinerary
- All admissions, bus & metro tickets when on guided tours
- Services of the Tour Director or Manager
- Travel by private, air-conditioned coach
- Hotel Porterage - one bag per person, where available
- All tips and taxes

VIEW EXCERPTS FROM ANGELA HEWITT's  2010 TRASIMENO FESTIVAL ON YOUTUBE

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
International flights and airport transfers to and from your hotel at the commencement and conclusion of the Tour are NOT included in this tour. Please contact us if you would like assistance with your International Flights.

YOUR HOTELS:
Hotel Sangallo, Perugia
The NH Hotel Ravenna
The Accademia Hotel, Verona
The Westminster, NICE
The Grand Hôtel Roi René, Aix-en-Provence

GETTING THERE:
Perugia is easily accessible from its closest major airport, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO / LIRF) (Rome, Italy), which is about 148 km from the center of Perugia, Italy. Both Bus and Train services run direct routes from the airport. Please advise in writing at time of booking if you would like us to arrange this service on your behalf. We can then quote you the additional cost.

The TGV fast train from Aix-en-Provence provides easy and fast access to Paris. Please advise at time of booking if you would like us to arrange this service on your behalf. We can then quote you the additional cost.
http://en.aixenprovencetourism.com/aix-acces.htm

Trasimeno, Aix & more ... Italian-French Summer Festivals
Perugia, Ravenna, Verona, NICE, Aix-en-Provence
Commencing Perugia 4th July 2011
17 Days

Commencing in Perugia, Italy, our summer tour incorporates a spectacular journey through the regions of Umbria and Emilia-Romagna before travelling to the equally intoxicating environs of southern France, Provence and the Cote d’Azur. We will be indulging in breathtaking scenery, art, history and culture whilst incorporating the very best of Europe's music lovers' festivals.

Situated in the beautiful hilly country of North Umbria and close to the university city of Perugia, lies Lake Trasimeno (sometimes known as Lake Perugia). This is the home of world famous pianist, ANGELA HEWITT, and the place she decided would be the perfect venue for her annual festival of music. Now in its sixth year, the Trasimeno Festival is recognised by classical music lovers across the globe as being the best of all the more intimate European Festivals. Angela Hewitt is considered to be one of the finest performing artists on the current world circuit. In 2000, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC) and was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006. Our visit to the Trasimeno Festival will include spectacular classical performances in historic Perugia and nearby towns, Gubbio and Magione.

From Perugia our journey travels north-westwards to the ancient Roman city of Ravenna. Once home to the great Roman Empire’s northern fleet, Ravenna is renowned for its early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, which date back to the time when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Empire, then under Ostrogoth and Byzantine rule. Ravenna’s Byzantine basilicas, cloisters and piazzas provide superb backdrops that combine art and architecture with classical music in memorable performances. Founded by internationally renowned conductor, Riccardo Muti, in 1990, the Ravenna Festival has become one of the most prestigious musical events in Italy. It attracts some of the finest artists, orchestras and opera companies in the world.

A pleasant drive through the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions brings us to Verona, another UNESCO heritage site and home to literature's most famous, star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Verona’s also boasts a plethora of Roman ruins, most notably the Arco dei of Gavi and the Teatro Romano, also built in the 1st century, also still in occasional use as a theatrical stage. We will visit the renowned Arena di Verona Opera Festival, held in the ancient Roman amphitheatre. The first operas were performed here in 1913 in celebration of the centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, and produced by the tenor Giovanni Zenatello and the theatre impresario Ottone Rovato. Their staging of Aida in the biggest open-air lyrical theatre in the world began a long tradition throughout the world.
From Verona, we travel to Nice, a jewel situated on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Our explorations from here will include Cannes and Cap d'Antibes, as well as the hillside locations of Vence and gorgeous Saint-Paul de Vence. In the other direction and via different levels of the great Corniche, we will visit Monaco, the splendid gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, and the tiny Cocteau Chapel at Villefranche. Our Nice segment will be exploring interesting historical sites, and Matisse, Chagall and Picasso and the many other artists who were drawn to the special light of this fabulous part of the Mediterranean Coast.

Our final destination is the capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence where we will savour the ‘Festival Internationale d'Art Lyrique et de Musique’. Located in the site of a Roman town, Aix-en-Provence features many fine examples of architectural and cultural heritage, as well as a rich artistic heritage, notably Cezanne and Van Gogh. We will also explore the beautiful and historically interesting environs, exploring famous archeological sites, including the astounding Ponte du Gard.
Itinerary follows but if you require any additional information please don't hesitate to telephone Roma Randles on 03 9589 0942 or 0407 942 296  OR  Deborah Tresise on 02 9327 5733.
Emails : [email protected] and [email protected]

DETAILED ITINERARY
Monday 4th July
PERUGIA
Our tour commences in Perugia, where we will be staying in the Sangallo Palace Hotel, which is located in the historic center of Perugia 50 meters from the fascinating 15th century fortress "Rocca Paolina". All the monuments and tourist attractions in Perugia are within easy walking distance.

Meet fellow travellers in the later afternoon at our first tour meeting, followed by a welcome dinner in our hotel with Roma Randles and your Tour Manager. (D)


Tuesday 5th July
PERUGIA
Perugia is the capital of Umbria and is best known for its rich tradition of art and artists. Both the High Renaissance painter, Pietro Perugino and his pupil, Raphael, created a number of masterpieces here. The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria houses a number of masterpieces and the Collegio del Cambio is an extremely well preserved representation of a Renaissance building and houses a magnificent Pietro Perugino fresco.

This morning we will commence our time in Perugia with a discovery walk during which our local guide will bring this beautiful city alive for you.

After a relaxing afternoon we will gather for our transfer to the nearby town of Magione, where we will attend a forum discussion in the Piazza, Town of San Savino, Magione.  Canadian broadcaster and journalist Eric Friesen will lead a fascinating discussion into what goes on behind the scenes in the music world. The audience will be given a chance to interact with the speakers.

Panel Discussion:
Eric Friesen: interviewer
Angela Hewitt: pianist
Hannu Lintu: conductor
Simon Perry: manager of Hyperion Records
Ludger Böckenhoff: manager of Audite Musikproduktion

Dinner will be served before our first Trasimeno Festival concert in the Castle of the Knights of Malta, Magione. (D)

TRASIMENO FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Carducci String Quartet
Violist: Burkhard Sigl

Beethoven: String Quintet, Op. 29 ("Storm")
Vaughan Williams: Phantasy Quintet
Dvorak: String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96 ("American")


Wednesday 6th July
PERUGIA
After a leisurely morning, we will take an excursion to nearby Gubbio.

Dinner will be served in Gubbio before our second Trasimeno Festival concert in the Chiesa di San Domenico, Gubbio. (D)

TRASIMENO FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Orchestra da Camera di Mantova
Hannu Lintu, conductor
Angela Hewitt, piano
Melanie Diener, soprano

Mozart: Overture from The Marriage of Figaro
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 453
Beethoven: Concert Aria "Ah Perfido", Op. 65
Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 in C major


Thursday 7th July
PERUGIA
This morning we will take an excursion to nearby Assisi.

Dinner will be served in Magione before our third Trasimeno Festival concert in the Castle of the Knights of Malta, Magione. (D)

TRASIMENO FESTIVAL PROGRAM
An Evening of Love Songs

Melanie Diener, soprano
Angela Hewitt, piano

An evening of love songs for voice and piano by Beethoven, Mahler, Liszt, Strauss, and Schumann. Dinner will precede the performance. (D)


Friday 8th July
PERUGIA
A leisurely day for independent exploration.

Dinner will be served in Perugia before our fourth and final Trasimeno Festival concert in the Basilica di San Pietro, Perugia. (D)

TRASIMENO FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Schumann Evening

Orchestra da Camera di Mantova
Hannu Lintu, conductor
Angela Hewitt, piano

The complete works by Robert Schumann for Piano and Orchestra:

Introduction and Allegro Appassionato, Op. 92
Introduction and Allegro, Op. 134
Concerto in A minor, Op. 54


Saturday 9th July
RAVENNA
This morning we take a leisurely drive to historic Ravenna situated on Italy's East coast (3 hrs). Once a Roman fort, Ravenna is a UNESCO Heritage listed city and home to many UNESCO heritage mosaics.

Dinner will be served in a charming Ravenna restaurant. (D)

During our stay in Ravenna we will attend one performance of the renowned Ravenna Festival in the historic arena.
Program and pricing details will be posted as they become available.

Sunday 10th July
RAVENNA
This morning we will discover this delightful UNESCO Heritage listed city with our private local guide.

RAVENNA FESTIVAL PROGRAM
An evening Festival performance. Program tba.


Monday 11th July
RAVENNA
Today we will take an excursion to BOLOGNA. Our day will include a visit the International Museum of Music in the Palazzo Sanguinetti and other Bologna highlights. Lunch will be served beside the lively Outdoor Market. (L)


Tuesday 12th July
VERONA
We say goodbye to Ravenna and travel on in our private bus to VERONA, the city of the world famous Arena di Verona Opera Festival.

Here we will be staying in the excellent centrally situated HOTEL ACCADEMIA.

Dinner will be included this evening. (D)


Wednesday 13th July
VERONA
A morning guided tour of the Old City (2 hours) before a leisurely afternoon of independent discovery. A highlight of our Verona visit will be the memorable experience of the Verdi's 'AIDA' in the ancient amphitheatre Arena di Verona. The performances begin at sundown, are of the highest international standard, always a magical night to remember!

ARENA DI VERONA FESTIVAL PROGRAM
AIDA
Opera in 4 acts by Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni

Conductor: Daniel Oren
Direction & Stage Design: Franco Zeffirelli

Cast:
Amneris: Mariana Pentcheva
Aida Anna: Lucrezia Garcia
Radames: Salvatore Licitra
 
Choreography: Vladimir Vassiliev 
Choir Master: Giovanni Andreoli
Director of the Corps de Ballet: Maria Grazia Garofoli
 
Thursday 14th July
NICE
Today we depart Verona early and embark on an interesting and relaxing day of travel to NICE. We will arrive in good time for drinks on the terrace of our luxurious HOTEL WESTMINSTER, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, followed by dinner in their beautiful restaurant. (D)


Friday 15th July
NICE
We spend a full day with lunch included, exploring NICE highlights, commencing with a walk through the Vieille Ville. We will spend time discovering the old sector of Nice, with its colourful Flower & Vegetable markets, and narrow winding cobbled streets of churches, boutiques and arresting architecture and squares, and learning about its history. There will be time for coffee before we continue, with superb vistas all way, to the higher parts of the city, where we will visit the charming Musee Matisse and a short hop on the bus down to the Musee Chagall. We will take lunch at a nearby restaurant, before continuing via a different leafy route on foot into the Centre Ville. Our tour concludes in the lively Rue Massena, where your time will be your own. (L)       
There is the possibility of a further (optional) evening performance. However no details are available yet.


Saturday 16th July
NICE
We set off in our private coach for the captivating elevated walled artists' village of St Paul de Vence about 40 minutes away. There will be time to explore this gorgeous and famous village, stopping for morning tea, before our driver takes us to visit the Chapel du Rosaire in nearby Vence. Here we will enjoy the quiet reflective atmosphere and the marvellous frescoes painted by Matisse as a token of his gratitude to the Dominican Sisters for their care for him during his recurperation from cancer some years before. Lunch in a superbly sited restaurant will follow. Our day will conclude with a visit to the superb gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild overlooking the Mediterranean. (L)

 
Sunday 17th July
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
We depart NICE this morning, driving the short distance to Cap d'Antibes for a visit to the fascinating Musee Picasso, situated above the water, with its excellent collection. We will lunch beside the old port in Chez Félix, a tiny restaurant favoured by Graham Greene, where there is a plaque by his table. Afterwards we continue on to Aix-en-Provence. Often called the Little Paris, Aix is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. With its wonderful natural light and rich Provençal hues, Aix-en-Provence has little trouble working its charm on present-day visitors. Over the course of the centuries little has changed in this mediaeval city. Water still gurgles from old stone fountains, cars still rattle down the narrow, cobbled streets, and garlic still roasts in the sun at the colourful daily markets. Many would say this is France at its best. (L)

This evening we will enjoy our first Festival d’Aix-en-Provence concert in the Grand Théâtre du Provence, a pleasant stroll from our hotel.


PROGRAM - FESTIVAL D'AIX-EN-PROVENCE
London Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Sir Colin Davis

Haydn, Symphonie N° 99
Beethoven, Concerto pour piano N° 2
Nielsen, Symphonie N° 6


Monday 18th July
AIX-EN-PROVENCE

This morning we will take a guided walk tour 'In The Footsteps of Cezanne', including a visit to his atelier.
Lunch will be included in a lively Cours Mirabeau restaurant.

After a leisurely afternoon for independent discovery, we take a short walk through Aix for our second Festival d’Aix-en-Provence concert, this time in the courtyard of the elegant Palais de l'Archevêché, Aix-en-Provence. This 17th century palais also houses the Musée des Tapisseries - a sumptuous collection of tapestries that once decorated the walls of the bishops' quarters. The collection includes magnificent hangings from Beauvais, including a lush series on the life of Don Quixote from Compiègne. (L)

PROGRAM - FESTIVAL D'AIX-EN-PROVENCE
La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi

Conductor: Louis Langrée
Stage Director: Jean-François Sivadier
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra

Cast:
Violetta: Natalie Dessay
Alfredo Charles: Castronovo / Fabrizio Mercurio
Germont: Ludovic Tezier
Annina: Adelina Scarabelli
Flora: Silvia de La Muela
Gaston: Manuel Nunez Camelino
Douphol: Kostas Smoriginas

This is a new production co-produced by the Wiener Staatsoper and the Opéra de Dijon.


Tuesday 19th July
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Today we take an excursion to the beautiful and historically interesting city on the Rhone, Avignon, as well as St Remy-de-Provence, Les Baux and Glanum, exploring famous archeological sites, including the astounding Ponte du Gard. Lunch will be included. (L)

This evening there will be an OPTIONAL Festival d’Aix-en-Provence performance, also in the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, Aix-en-Provence.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE
(Not included in Tour price.)

PROGRAM - FESTIVAL D'AIX-EN-PROVENCE
La Clemenza di Tito
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Conductor: Sir Colin Davis
Stage Director: David Mc Vicar
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra

Cast:
Titus: John Mark Ainsley
Vitellia: Carmen Giannattasio
Sesto: Sarah Connolly
Annio: Anna Stephany
Servilia: Simona Mihai
Publio: Darren Jeffery

 
Wednesday 20th July
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Our wonderful tour concludes after breakfast.

Home                                                                                                     Back to Top

Perugia, Italy

Duomo, Ravenna

Ravenna, Italy

Mosaic, Duomo Ravenna

Verona

Arena di Verona

The Mediterranean, NICE, France

Promenade des Anglais, NICE

Aix-en-Provence

Provence, France