Verona opera?

[Behooven]

Anyone ever been? I've read up from trip advisor but would like to hear your experience.

I haven't been to an opera but been in the verona ampitheatre. Beautiful building and very atmospheric. Going to opera there is now definitely high on my wish list but I am not an opera buff so no idea what standards are like there

I saw both Aida and Carmen there years ago. It was magical (but my bum was numb after!).

Cushions, drink and hope for fine weather. Worth doing

Thanks for the replies! Me and dh (and DS 16) have zero knowledge about opera but it's one of the more achievable things on our bucket list.

We are holidaying in Lake Garda in July so this seems an ideal opportunity to do it. I'm a bit worried about the things I read re toilets being away outside in porta loos (IBS) though so I need to be careful about that.

Magical experience!
If you can afford to get the actual seats then it is a more comfortable evening.
But wonderful wherever you sit!

Saw my one and only opera - La Traviata at Verona on honeymoon 4years ago (also stayed in Lake Garda)
It totally blew me away, I was transfixed. We had a lovely and hot afternoon/evening so the stone rows kept bum warm! We bought the cheap tickets but were sat the row behind the more expensive ones.
You can buy cushions from the vendors.
Do it!

We (me, DH, DD16, DS14) went to see Madame Butterfly last year. It was a lovely experience (quite long though!) We were right at the top on stone seats, took blankets to sit on, cool bag with drinks/snacks; the toilets weren't too far away.
We were staying at Lake Garda too; got the train into Verona, and pre-booked a return bus which left about half an hour after the performance ended.
DD embraced the whole experience; DS watched for 20 mins then played discretely on his phone thereafter!

No question worth buying cushions to sit on if you're in the cheap seats! Operas do last a very long time!

Thanks all, cushions added to the list!

3cats, can I ask you how you booked the bus? We are staying in Peschiera so perfect for the train into Verona but would like to arrange the bus back.

Before the performance starts they will come round several times with cushions for hire rather than taking in your own.

Just had a quick look at the season for this year, and I'd pick Aida or Nabucco for their stunning spectacle for a first Verona visit.

Get the cushions. I really regret not doing so.

If you're not a huge opera fan but want the atmosphere, go when they are setting up and doing technical rehearsals for the next opera. This is also when all the hotels in Verona are 1/3 the price of when the opera is on. We stayed 2 nights for about 100E inthe Grand Hotel, and had picnic meals watching the set for Aida being built and witnessing singers do sound checks. Wonderful and free!

Behooven - I'll get back to you with the bus question - DH has a better memory than me!

Yes we went ten years ago and it was fantastic. Definitely do it.

Ok, I've remembered how we booked the late bus from Verona back to Lake Garda!
We stayed on a campsite in Peschiera and booked at their Reception; but the Tourist Office in Peschiera (near the ferry terminal) will book for you. The bus waits for 30 mins after the performance, and parks up on the far side of the square (Piazza Brà) outside the Arena. It cost around €8 each and took about 45 mins, dropping you back near Peschiera train station.
Plenty of people got on the bus without booking (but I'm not that brave, esp at night and with kids!)

Also, if you google 'ATV bus Verona to Lake Garda' there's lots of info (possible online booking?)

I meant, ATV bus Verona Opera to Lake Garda.
Right, I'll stop posting now, and go do some work!

Fantastic! It's only 3.30€ for the train out, bargain so will definitely book the bus home. We are definitely going, it's Aida (sp) on the Sunday night, really looking forward to it now.

Thanks again

I went when I was 14 and not an opera fan. But the experience was wonderful. Most of the audience took little candles that they lit when it got dark. I don't know if they still do that now. It was 1973 when I went.

Oh, and take some opera glasses/binoculars.

Bunbaker - we were there last summer, and yes, everyone held little candles as it was turning dusk. Was magical! Also, just before the performance starts, a spotlight circles around the very top tier of stone seats, and whichever couple or family it stops on gets escorted down all the steps to the red carpet area on the ground to watch it all in comfort, with Champagne!

Ooh yes, definitely need some binoculars. We wandered around the market in Verona beforehand and picked up a couple of pairs for €7 each!
We enjoyed watching all the VIPs and posh people arrive in their ball gowns and DJs; my DD asked why they were sitting in comfy seats and sipping champagne, and we were on stone steps with a picnic. Cos they're rich and we're not sweetie! (I'm far too invested in this thread now!)

Ball gowns so what will we wear? We're thinking of the central numbered seats (dark green on this map)

here

Just wear what you will be comfortable in. If I was going I would just wear nice maxi dress.

That'll suit me nicely, phew