We have received some fantastic reviews from our guests since our tours first begun. On this page you will find reviews and images from previous tours of Lucca and Verona.
“We were thoroughly satisfied with the tour. It was recommended by our friends whom we accompanied”
“The hotel and its location was great”
“The booking went smoothly”
“We enjoyed the tours, excursions and meals and the chance to appreciate the wonderful city of Verona”
“Debra, Simon and Andrew were superb hosts throughout”
“We are not opera buffs so Andrew’s excellent introductions really helped us gain a depth of understanding of each opera. The operas were truly fabulous in a stunning location”
“Oh what a lovely time we had in Lucca. It was so good to be back there. Thank you very much for always making the arrangements seem so easy and go so smoothly too”
“Why do I try to go each year – because it is all so lovely! I have to get my annual fix”
“You leave no stone unturned – all aspects of the holiday are, for me, perfect”
“I found your company details on Twitter as you follow someone that I follow”
“Debra - thank you for being such a fine leader and shepherd to us all”
“This was the best run and most rewarding trip I have ever been a part of, to witness the glories of Verona and the thrill of the opera all in one trip!”
“Please thank Simon too for his kindness, humour and spirit”
“First, I found your tours via an Internet search, and I believe that I also checked out your website. My travel agent took things from there. I chose Opera Tours Italy because the price was affordable, and because the locations as well as the Puccini and Verdi locations intrigued me. As I said in writing to Debra, these tours are the best run of any I've ever experienced. The small number of guests was a major plus, as was the expertise and number of available staff. We were treated like kings and queens. It was fun to meet Brits and South Africans as well as fellow Americans. I taught ALA's library advocacy program in South Africa for 3 weeks about 20 years ago, so it was fun to catch up on the country in conversation with South Africans”
“I had to talk my Alabama travel agent into your tours because she'd never heard of you. I'd give you a 5+. The only bobble in the process occurred when my travel agent left on a cruise, thinking all had been paid for, and I discovered that you were still due the final payment. The travel agency didn't understand that you don't keep credit card info on hand, that the info had to be re-sent. We'll know that next time”
“The San Luca Palace Hotel was well placed and charming. I loved the friendly staff!”
“I enjoyed the winery afternoon, and adored Andrew's pre-opera talks in both Lucca and Verona. What a superb addition he is! (Thank you, Andrew, for taking me to the grocery store to find gluten-free products.) All staff were excellent, including Christine and Simon. Debra's incredible efficiency and attentiveness were major pluses. Before leaving for the trip, I worried about the transfers since I was traveling alone, but Debra's planning came through for me, even in Venice. At 8 a.m. on the day of my departure, the water taxi arrived. The car for the airport was waiting dockside. Thank you, thank you, Debra!”
“How could you improve on row 3 for the Puccini operas? I enjoyed touring the Opera Museum and its Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit on my own. Thank you, Debra, for arranging the manicure!!! The restaurants were all excellent. The walking tour was fine, though I preferred the guide in Verona. The Lucca guide provided too much detail, so that the tour seemed to go on and on, and she spoke so softly that unless you were right in her circle you couldn't always hear her, whereas the Verona guide spoke up. I liked the coffee break in the Verona tour”
“I loved the Accademia Hotel in Verona, which also had a good location. The waiters were wonderful! Two of them remembered my need for "senza glutino," and were simply charming and attentive”
“The thirteenth row in an arena that seats 15,000 was incredible! Given my stomach issues (I've learned what I can eat and drink for next time!), I passed on the second winery tour. In the future it's either one glass of Prosecco or one shot glass of slowly sipped grappa for me!”
“I can't say enough good about Opera Tours Italy!!! I hope to return next year, especially if you go to La Scala/Milan and Parma. I've been reading Sachs' new biography of Toscanini, who was born in Parma. There's more to the latter than cheese!”
“We met Debbie and Hunte’s Gardens in Barbados. Liked how Debbie talked about the tours and appreciated that OTI was a small, personal ‘family’ company”
“Thought that the idea that Andrew would convey information prior to the opera sounded excellent”
“Looked after everyone – very inclusive”
“Andrew’s pre-opera talks were excellent!”
“My previous experience with OTI was excellent so I booked again”
“I found your details in ‘The Oldie’ magazine”
“I don’t know why I chose OTI! But it was a good fun group of people”
“Thank you for a lovely time. My Italian opera experience was definitely enriched by your knowledge and passion for their wonderful art”
“Your inventive piano/keyboard talks were a key (pardon the pun!) highlight of both Luca and Verona, helping to enjoy the Puccini & Verdi as if for the first time. What spectacles! What drama! What sublime music!”
“Please accept this as a small gift as my thanks for all you did for me on this Italy trip… even talking one to the grocery for bananas and gluten free products! Happy opera travels”
To keep up to date with the latest news and tours, follow us on Twitter...
Fully Insured for your Protection by Zurich Insurance Company PLC on behalf of Towergate Chapman Stevens.
