Cremona & Mantua - Where music lives L’italiana in Algeri

Day 1: Switzerland – Cremona

Arrival in the early afternoon. Your 4* hotel is located in the heart of the historic old town. Cremona is widely regarded as the “cradle of violin making”, and the violin-making families Stradivari and Amati both came from this town. An interesting visit to a violin-maker’s workshop offers insights into the craft of violin making. Dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 2: Cremona & Opera

In the morning you will explore the historic old town. Highlights include the main square, Piazza del Comune, with the cathedral, the Torrazzo, the baptistery and the town hall. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon you will visit the “Museo del Violino”, where you can admire the famous violins by Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari. After the guided tour, a violin concert awaits you at the Auditorium Giovanni Arvedi. Before the opera performance, dinner is served at a good ristorante, followed by the performance at the Teatro Ponchielli.

Day 3: Excursion to Mantua

Today you will visit Mantua. The city impresses with its magnificent buildings, renowned museums and superbly preserved old town. Closely associated with the noble Gonzaga family and world-famous as the birthplace of Virgil, Mantua also served as the setting for Giuseppe Verdi’s celebrated opera “Rigoletto”, whose plot unfolds at the court of the Duke of Mantua. Lunch together at a cosy restaurant. Return to Cremona and free evening.

Day 4: Cremona - Switzerland

With many wonderful memories of Cremona, you travel back to Switzerland.