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Travel with Insight, Explore with Passion
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Great Music Masters: Verdi and Italian Opera
with Robert Greenberg
ITALY
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Milan
Parma Royal Theater
The Last Supper
Ducal Palace
Verdi Birth House
Starting at $7,995 per person
7 Days, 6 Nights, October 8-14, 2025
Get ready to enter the enchanting world of Italian opera with renowned musicologist, composer, and The Great Courses professor Robert Greenberg. From the historic city of Parma to the vibrant metropolis of Milan, every corner would seem to be alive with a passion for opera. As you traverse Northern Italy, you’ll get to experience first-hand the rich culture and artistic heritage that has shaped some of the most iconic operas ever written, with Professor Greenberg providing insight and guidance into this Italian-born genre along the way. Featuring exclusive access to the homes and haunts of Giuseppe Verdi, an opera lesson with the Verdi Institute, and captivating performances, this experience promises to be a harmonious blend of music, culture, and discovery. Don’t miss out on this operatic adventure!
Great Music Masters: Verdi and Italian Opera
with Robert Greenberg
Explore the towns and cities that inspired opera’s most famous composers with guided walking tours and, of course, delicious Italian food!
Travel with Professor Robert Greenberg and gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of opera in northern Italy.
Enjoy a private opera lesson with the President of the National Institute of Verdi Studies.
Take in live opera performances at Italy’s premiere opera houses, Teatro Regio di Parma and Teatro La Scala in Milan (performances subject to confirmation).
Highlights
Robert Greenberg
Dr. Robert Greenberg is Music Historian-in-Residence with San Francisco Performances. A graduate of Princeton University, Professor Greenberg holds a Ph.D. in Music Composition from the University of California, Berkeley. He has seen his compositions-which include more than 45 works for a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles-performed all over the world, including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, England, Ireland, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands.
He has served on the faculties of the University of California, Berkeley; California State University, Hayward; and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and has lectured for some of the most prestigious musical and arts organizations in the United States, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Van Cliburn Foundation, and the Chicago Symphony. For The Great Courses, he has recorded more than 500 lectures on a range of composers and classical music genres.
Professor Greenberg is a Steinway Artist. His many other honors include three Nicola de Lorenzo Composition Prizes and a Koussevitzky commission from the Library of Congress. He has been profiled in various major publications, including The Wall Street Journal; Inc. magazine; and the London Times.
Journey Expert
Robert Greenberg
Parma City Center
Arrive in Parma today and transfer independently to the hotel in the city center. Gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local trattoria featuring traditional Emilian dishes. Professor Greenberg will share his opening remarks on the program, including some of his best tips and insights from his popular course “How to Listen to and Understand Great Opera”.
Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodations: Villa Verdi Boutique Hotel
Verdi's Birthplace
Begin the day with a lecture from Professor Greenberg about the lasting legacy of Verdi and why he is one of Professor Greenberg’s favorite composers. Afterwards, explore the birthplace of Arturo Toscanini, one of history’s greatest conductors and a sworn champion of Verdi’s work. Situated in the lively Oltretorrente district of Parma, this museum offers a glimpse into Toscanini’s extraordinary life and enduring impact. As you tour the museum, Dr. Greenberg explains the relationship between a conductor and their interpretation of a composer’s work. Enjoy lunch at the bistro of the Verdi Choir, a restaurant that marries the love of music and quality local ingredients. In the afternoon you’ll visit one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses, the Teatro Regio di Parma. Following the tour of the theater you have an exclusive, private opera lesson with a member of the National Institute of Verdi Studies. Dr. Greenberg and the instructor will end the lesson with a discussion about engaging contemporary audiences with Verdi’s body of work. Enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure in Parma.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Villa Verdi Boutique Hotel
Toscanini Museum
This morning starts with a visit to Casa Barezzi in the nearby village of Busseto, where Verdi’s education was overseen by his greatest patron, a wealthy businessman named Antonio Barezzi. Continue on to a guided tour of Casa Verdi in Le Roncole, where the composer was born. Dr. Greenberg will explain how Verdi’s formative years cemented his belief in “sprezzatura” – the art of effortless mastery. Break for lunch in a restaurant that has been women owned and operated for over a century with family recipes prepared to order. Upon returning to the hotel, Dr. Greenberg will deliver his second lecture of the program in advance of this evening’s performance. Spend some time at leisure this afternoon to rest up and be sure to tuck into an independent dinner before your evening at the theater. As part of the Giuseppe Verdi festival, head to the Teatro Regio di Parma for a live opera performance of one of his selected works.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Villa Verdi Boutique Hotel
Ducal Palace
Debrief from last night’s performance with Professor Greenberg over breakfast. Afterwards, say ciao to Parma as we make our way to Milan, with a stop in the city of Mantua. Discover Mantua through Verdi's eyes on a walking tour of the key locations from Rigoletto, including the Ducal Palace, the Hunchback's House, and Sparafucile's Inn. Experience the opera's dramatic story and key arias with commentary from Dr. Greenberg as to why the censors demanded the opera be set in Mantua! Savor Mantua’s flavors at La Fragoletta, a cozy spot known for its seasonal specialties like tortelli di zucca or risotto alla Pilota. In the afternoon you will depart for Milan and settle into your accommodations. Enjoy your evening at leisure in the bustling center of Milan. As you have dinner independently, keep Professor Greenberg’s wisdom in mind: “You have to really try to have a bad meal in Italy!”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Sina de La Ville
Verdi's Tomb
Start at the other famous Casa Verdi, a home for retired musicians and opera singers founded by the maestro himself. Your guided visit provides a unique glimpse into Verdi's final years and his dedication to supporting fellow musicians. Explore the charming rooms, discover personal artifacts and art collections, and visit the tomb of Giuseppe Verdi. Stop for lunch at a Milanese restaurant that features regional heritage dishes with a contemporary twist. In the afternoon you will head to the Duomo di Milano, a marvel of Gothic architecture and testament to Milan’s rich history and art. Dr. Greenberg will share his insights into how the soul of a place enters its art, whether it be music, architecture, or the fine arts. The remainder of the evening is yours to explore the cultural heart of Milan.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Sina de La Ville
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Begin your day with a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary fresco of 'The Last Supper', housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Delve into the artistic and historical significance of this iconic masterpiece. Indulge in a memorable farewell lunch, with a menu brimming with innovative dishes at the group’s own last meal, complete with Professor Greenberg’s closing remarks as a fitting finale to the program. After lunch embark on an exclusive visit to the Teatro La Scala (subject to confirmation). Uncover the secrets of the theater from top to bottom: historic boxes—including one for royalty—stage movement mechanisms, the prompter’s box, and special access to an unforgettable view of the hall from inside the ceiling fixture from which the chandelier hangs. As you move about the theater, Dr. Greenberg underscores the importance of the venue in Verdi’s career and popularity.. Spend a relaxed early evening and dinner on your own before returning to the theater for the culminating performance of the program. End your operatic adventure with a second Verdi performance of Rigoletto at Teatro La Scala (pending confirmation).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Sina de La Ville
Depart hotel for individual flights home from Milan.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport independently for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Sina de La Ville, Milan
Perfectly situated in the historical Brera district, this four-star hotel is within walking distance of many of Milan’s most prominent sites such as the Milan Cathedral and the main fashion district, Quadrilatero della moda. Being only a few steps away from La Scala Opera House, the Hotel de la Ville will serve as the perfect home-base for your opera journey. The property features a blend of traditional sophistication alongside contemporary amenities including a fitness center, pool and hot tub, business center, bar/lounge, and laundry services. Guest rooms are classically decorated and feature complimentary Wi-Fi and an in-room safe.
Villa Verdi Boutique Hotel, Parma
Just outside the beautiful Parco Ducale in the historic district is the Villa Verdi Boutique Hotel. This hotel is accessible to key cultural sites like the Ducal Palace and National Gallery. Guest rooms are equipped with a TV, independently controlled temperature systems, and Wi-Fi. The boutique art nouveau hotel blends charm and convenience in the charming city of Parma.
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