La Fenice Opera Venice Trips

Venice La Fenice Opera

Whilst many thousands of visitors head to Venice every year, Teatro La Fenice Opera House is largely forgotten and something of an enigma to the average traveller. Teatro La Fenice however, should not be underrated. Boasting a name that translates as ‘The Phoenix’ and having burned down several times, this is more than just a casual name. But, inside, stunning operas are performed most months of the year.

Some of La Fenice Venice operas can include Madame Butterfly, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Rigoletto and plenty more besides. Teatro La Fenice is a stunning opulent opera house that creates the perfect Venetian backdrop to some of the world’s most loved operas and is truly worthy of a standing ovation just for its intrinsic beauty.

Unlike some of the opera venues, this Venice opera house can be visited during the day by taking a tour. This can either be privately or with the use of hiring the audio guide. Both options will take you through Teatro La Fenice’s stalls along with the main boxes, of course not forgetting the Royal Box. You will also get to walk through the main salons that adorn Teatro La Fenice also, as well as discovering the full history of this scenic house.

La Fenice Opera house can be found just west of St Mark’s Square, so idyllic surroundings for both the main hotels and sightseeing during the day. Indeed, you can even arrive at Teatro La Fenice by boat if you really want to indulge yourselves!

If however you are new to opera and travelling with someone that adores opera, then a good midway point is Musica a Palazzo. Enjoy the opera from a beautiful palazzo just below St Mark’s Square. The difference? The performance has no stage. Instead chairs are put out in rows and the singers perform in front of you. You still have some sets and an orchestra but in a much more intimate setting. With opera performances every night of the week, you are always sure to see a classic, which can range from The Barber of Seville, Rigoletto and other well-known operas.

With any Venice trip there is always plenty to do. This is the same for the first timer as the seasoned traveller to this floating metropolis. For the first timers a trip to the Doge’s Palace to see the historical maps, paintings of the previous Doge’s (the ruler of Venice) and the prison are a must. Pay particular note to two things when walking towards the prison. The first is the bridge that you walk over before reaching the prison. This is the Bridge of Sighs which always has a loyal throng of camera-wielding tourists outside wanting to catch a shot. The second is that this prison is the one that Casanova escaped from – the only prisoner to do this!

After the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica is the next place to visit. Here you can see Venice’s main church and for several euros mount the steps to the roof. This provides a sweeping view over St Mark’s Square and the Campanile opposite. But when you turn away from the view, you will notice the statued horses that stand beside you. These are copies of the ones the Venetian’s took from Constantinople when they ransacked the city. The original horses are housed just inside the roof which you can see and whilst originally were positioned where the copies are now, when Napoleon invaded Venice, they attracted his eye. The Venetians demanded their return after Napoleon left Italy and they were returned. Not wanting to risk their further damage and decay exposed to the elements, the decision was made to house this inside with copies overlooking the square.

Both the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica are the main sites of interest and the queues can be extensive most months of the year as a result. We include a St Mark’s Pass Card on most of our Venice holidays, which doubles as both a beat the queues and free access to the two sites. Although if you do want to access both the roof and the gold leaf painting in the basilica there is a small fee of several euros to enjoy. Whilst in high season we cannot guarantee immediate access, being able to go into the Pass Holders Line can turn a wait into several minutes rather than hours.

When walking in the crowds of your Venice trip, then take to the canals with a traditional Venetian gondola trip. This is the only way to see Venice and the best. It also creates a calmer, more tranquil way to see the nooks and crannies of this unique city.

If you have been before then head out for a day exploring Murano and Burano islands. Enjoy lace-making and glass blowing, which provide the perfect souvenirs to remember your Venice holiday by.

Of course fine dining is a speciality of Venice and for those wanting to really celebrate a special occasion, Hotel Metropole’s stunning Michelin Starred meal is a must. This 5 star hotel provides traditional Venetian meals based on locally sourced ingredients – the very best!

If however you are worried that the crowds might be all-consuming on your Venice trip, then we have the option of staying on an island just below Venice, in the shape of San Clemente Palace Kempinski. With regular complimentary watertaxis into St Mark’s Square, this his perfect for those that want to enjoy their Venice holiday their way. With tennis courts, yoga, spa, a swimming pool and beautiful walks on the island, you might even just decide to have a day away from Venice.

Any Venice Teatro La Fenice trip doesn’t just have to focus on only one location however. If travelling during the summer than the Arena di Verona Summer Opera Festival is perfect for viewing a second night at the opera but in an open-air Roman arena. You could also combine with enjoying Milan La Scala’s prestigious opera house and enjoy our Operatic Indulgence break based in Venice, Verona and Milan with an opera night in each setting.

If however, one opera experience is enough for you and you want to try something completely different and enjoy two unique events, why not combine your Venice trip with a Siena Palio Package and witness the thrill of a historical horse race.

There really are so many different options and at least one to suit everyone!