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Music, Opera & Ballet tours

From the Nationaltheater Munich  to  Drottningholm's 18th-century Court Theatre , our music, opera and ballet tours offer access to the world’s greatest venues, pre-existing festivals and musical programmes. We plan meticulously so that you can relax and enjoy our trademark experience of top-category seats, the companionship of fellow music-lovers and lectures from leaders in their field. We offer a range of musical experiences, from the intimate chamber music and Lieder of a Schubertiade , to spectacular opera in Verona   and  Glyndebourne , and the world's finest soloists and orchestras in Lucerne .

On a grander scale, Martin Randall Festivals feature world-class performers in the finest and most historically apt venues. The cornerstone of every festival is the union of music and place, in glorious destinations such as Salzburg , Lincoln and Sicily ,  and in the form of journeys – along the Rhine Valley, or through central Germany in the footsteps of J.S. Bach.  They are organised and operated solely by MRT and are exclusive to our clients. Although numbers are much larger than on small-group tours – from 100 to 250 people – the principles of care, detail and intimacy, far from being diluted, are simply applied on a grander scale. 

Finally, our  Chamber Music Breaks in the UK  offer the opportunity to hear – up-close – chamber music performed by leading ensembles and solo artists, all the while staying in comfort at famous and well-run hotels.

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Salzburg String Quartet Festival Exploring the string quartet in all its diversity and richness in one of the loveliest little cities on the Continent

The Ring in Berlin Wagner in the German capital

Holborn: a London Choral Day Three choirs and three churches

Leipzig Bach Festival Music by the Bach family and their Baroque contemporaries

The Schubertiade Music and mountains in the Vorarlberg

The Grange & Glyndebourne L’incoronazione di Poppea, The Rake’s Progress, Die Zauberflöte and Giulio Cesare

Trasimeno Music Festival Angela Hewitt and friends in Umbria

West Cork Chamber Music Festival Concerts on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Lofoten Festival Chamber music above the Arctic Circle

Savonlinna Opera The annual summer festival in lakeland Finland

London Organs Day Four fine instruments in the City and Westminster

Opera in Munich & Bregenz Debussy, Wagner, Puccini, Weber

The ring in the alps wagner in the austrian tyrol, mozart along the danube a musical voyage through habsburg heartland via europe’s most sublime waterway.

Walking the Danube Concerts and country walks

The Sibelius Festival All seven symphonies in Lahti

Historic Musical Instruments Museums and private collections in northern Italy, with recitals

The Divine Office: Choral Music in Oxford A unique event of exceptional musical intensity and spiritual potency

Opera in Sicily Five performances in historic theatres in beautiful Baroque cities

Opera at Wexford Rare operas the speciality

Music of the Czech Lands the Janáček Brno Festival

Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective with Matthew Rose Brahms & Beyond

Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective with Matthew Rose tickets to individual concerts

Vienna at christmas art and architecture in the habsburg capital.

Paris at Christmas Art and music in the Ville Lumière

Dresden at Christmas Art, architecture and music in the Saxon capital

Mahler in Amsterdam Ten symphonies in Amsterdam for the first time in 30 years

Cotswolds Choral Festival a celebration of the finest vocal music in England’s prettiest region

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Opera Tour Europe | Theatre-Opera-Ballet and Classical Music Small Group Tour for Seniors

This 22-day small group program visits the major arts centres of Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris , and London . We travel in winter avoiding crowds and enjoy a different perspective of the places visited. At Odyssey Traveller we have sought to assemble entry and show tickets to what many will consider the best arts experiences available in those cities during each program.

From $14,351 USD

Departing Dec

• 1. Attend an opera the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
• 2. Attend the Royal Opera house at the Palace of Versaille to watch Mozart's opera The Magic Flute.
• 3. Back stage tours of major theartes, including The National in London and the Paris Opera.
• 4. Visit major art museums in Amsterdam, Paris & London including current special exhibitions.

• Departure Dates

Opera Tour Europe | Enjoy Theatre, Ballet, and Classical Music

Program for December 2024 program will be available August 2024.

This Opera Tour Europe, combined with theatre, ballet, and classical music performances is a 22-day extravaganza across four leading European cities. This is a chance for music lovers and fans of the performing arts to see and hear a showcase of performances and European opera whilst on holiday.

Each year, Odyssey Traveller seeks to put together the very best of the varied performing arts on offer into one program to celebrate the start of the new year. Going into 2024/25, the program will not be any different. This year, the tour intends to spend 22 days in these 4 great locations.

• Hamburg (5 nights) including New Year's Eve plus 1 night at the end of the tour
• Amsterdam (3 nights)
• Paris (6 nights)
• London (6 nights)

This tour from Odyssey Traveller includes tickets to at least 11 performances during the 22 days, as well as guided city tours to the main museums and art galleries in most locations with a focus on history and the arts. The group is limited to a maximum of 10 people.

The following list is a sample of concerts, operas & performances that the group attends in each city (taken from past tours).

Hamburg is where the group is based for New Year's Eve, and where you'll enjoy the thrill of a performance at the new Elbphilharmonie .

• The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra supplies the perfect background music, with masterpieces of light entertainment for the end of the year. This year the programme features a brilliant musical: Alan Gilbert conducts My Fair Lady.
• Enjoy a performance of Beethoven's 9th on NYE.
• A Jazz performance with De phazz in the main concert chamber of the Elbphilharmonie
• Hannes Minnaar performs Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, op. 30 and two other pieces with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra .
• Attend a concert in the concert hall at the Phiharmonie de Paris . Conductor Herbert Blomstedt bestows his brilliance and pure mastery of Mozart’s Concerto No. 23.
• Attend the Royal Opera at the Chateau de Versailles to watch the opera performance of Mozart's famous The Magic Flute.
• Enjoy Le Corsaire as performed by the English National Ballet
• attend the final performance at the Royal Opera House of the Royal Ballet's performance of Sleeping Beauty
• The group returns to Hamburg for our final concert at the Elbphilharmonie Great Hall where the legendary Christoph von Dohnányi (age 90) conducts the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra

It is a great, diverse program for music lovers. Our European opera tours and music tours reflect the best of the performing arts in these cities. Our guided tour allows to attend some 12 concerts from late December 2019 to mid-January 2020.

Odyssey Traveller secures good-to-better-than-average seats on this program and will typically provides taxis back to the hotels after evening performances.

Check out the blog post in which we profiled some new recently opened European concert halls here!

You can learn more about Germany , the Netherlands , France and England with our country profiles where all other tour departures are listed as well. For more details about this tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

Day 1: Hamburg

Accommodation: 5 nights at Steigenberger Hamburg Hotel, centrally located and close to the Elbphilharmonie. https://www.steigenberger.com/en/hotels/all-hotels/germany/hamburg/steigenberger-hotel-hamburg

After arriving in Hamburg, make your own way to the hotel. In the evening we come together for a welcome dinner and program orientation.

Day 2: Hamburg

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hamburg Hotel or equivalent

Today, we start with a city tour in the morning of Hamburg, its history and place in German musical culture. This evening we are attending a performance of My fair lady at the acclaimed Elbphilharmonie concert hall. High spirits in the Grand Hall. Fireworks outside the windows. And dancing in the foyer. New Year’s Eve at the Elbphilharmonie is a real hit! The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra supplies the perfect background music, with masterpieces of light entertainment for the end of the year. This year the programme features a brilliant musical: Alan Gilbert conducts »My Fair Lady«.

Day 3: Hamburg

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hamburg Hotel

A late start day touring around Hamburg with local guides. Visiting museums galleries and relevant historic locations. This afternoon we return to the Elbphilharmonie for Beethoven’s 9th. At the turn of the year, there is truly joy: there is hardly another work that is more suitable for a successful start to the New Year than Beethoven’s sparkling Ninth Symphony. It conveys in a psychological symphony journey “through night to the light” a valuable and deeply humanitarian message. A musical plea, together with the setting of Schiller’s “Ode to Joy”, which evokes with exuberant pathos the ideal of a society of equals.

Symphony Orchestra Hamburg

Laeiszhallen Special Project Choir

Heather Engebretson soprano

Lioba Brown mezzo-soprano

Brenden Gunnell tenor

Audun Iversen bass

conductor Guillermo Garcia Calvo

The Symphoniker Hamburg under the direction of Guillermo Garcia Calvo get support from a prominent soloist ensemble and a choir, which comes together especially for this performance. Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor op. 125

Day 4: Hamburg

Today is a free day at your leisure. There is a group meal this evening.

Day 5: Hamburg

Accommodation: Amsterdam tbc.

Tonight we attend in the LAEISZHALLE HAMBURG GROSSER SAAl performance by the acclaimed De-Phazz & STÜBAphilharmonie.

Lounge goes classic: you can expect something special when the De-Phazz jazz ensemble takes to the stage with a symphony orchestra. The band started out in tranquil Heidelberg two decades ago and has produced an unmistakable blend of soulful jazz, dancefloor and Latin rhythms. Now, for the first time ever, they join forces with STÜBAphilharmonie, which has repeatedly demonstrated its stylistic openness on critically acclaimed tours with singer-songwriters such as Clueso and Alin Coen. The symphonic De-Phazz project brings two stories of success together at the Laeiszhalle.

Day 6: Hamburg to Amsterdam

Today we take the short flight to Amsterdam. We have an afternoon orientating ourselves with a walking tour of the city. There is a group dinner this evening.

Day 7: Amsterdam

We spend the day exploring Amsterdam. Tonight we enjoy Hannes Minnar performing Rachmaninoff’s piano concerto No.3 at Amsterdam’s The Royal Concertgebouw

Day 8: Amsterdam

Day 9: amsterdam to paris.

Accommodation: 5 nights at Hotel Relais Monceau.

The group leaves Amsterdam morning for the short journey to Paris where we take a guided tour including a gallery visit followed by a group meal.

Day 10: Paris

Mozart Cosi fan tutte , Opening “Il mio tesoro” from Cosi fan tutte “Fra gli amplessi” from Don Giovanni Verdi “Strano … Ah! Fors’è him … Semper libera … “extract from La Traviata Donizetti Roberto Devereux – Opening ” Una furtiva lagrima “,” Prendi per me sei libero “,” Caro elisir! Sei mio! … Esulti pure la barbara »excerpts from L’Elisir d’amore Gounod « I want to live »excerpt from Romeo and Juliette Massenet « Why wake me up, O breath of spring? »Extract from Werther Gounod ” Go! I have forgiven you … Night of Hymenae … “extract of Romeo and Juliet Cilea L’Arlesiana – Prelude ” The solita storia del pastore “from The Arlesiana Leoncavallo I Pagliacci – Intermezzo Puccini ” Si, mi chiamano Mimi “, “Che gelida manina”, “O soave fanciulla” extracts from La Bohème It was a role for her, and this first Violetta exceeded all expectations, as the young soprano “lived” his role, both musically and theatrically. For the Italian tenor of Albanian origin, this was to be his 100 th Alfredo was intact but its freshness and its solar song had the bloom of youth role. It was obvious that these two had to meet for new duets of love. It is done with this program built from some of the most beautiful tunes and duets of Mozart, Verdi, Donizetti, Gounod, Massenet and Puccini.

Day 11: Paris

Day 12: paris.

The group tours Paris learning about the impressionist movement with a guided tour and visit to the Musse D’ Orsee. Tonight the group attends a concert in the concert hall at the Phiharmonie de Paris. Conductor Herbert Blomstedt bestows his brilliance and vitality on the most accessible of Bruckner’s great symphonies. He is joined by Bertrand Chamayou in the pure mastery of Mozart’s Concerto No. 23.

Day 13: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel Relais Monceau

Today local guides assist the group in exploring Paris fro the return visitor beyond the typical sights of the city.

Day 14: Paris

Today we spend the afternoon at Versailles and then attend a performance in the evening of Mozarts The Magic flute in French with english subtitles. The Royal Opera is one of the greatest works by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel . Inaugurated in 1770 during the reign of Louis XV , it was at the time the largest concert hall in Europe, and was also a great technical achievement and an impressive feat of decorative refinement. A theatre for monarchic and then republican life, it has hosted celebrations, shows and parliamentary debates. OPERA IN FRENCH VERSION In 1791, at the Theater auf der Wieden, in a suburb of Vienna, Mozart gave the first performance of his Singspiel Die Zauberflöte . Emanuel Schikaneder’s libretto – he was also the director in his own theatre – aimed to reach a popular audience in their own language. Thanks to the theatrical and dreamlike qualities of the work and to Mozart’s magnificent music it was performed more than a hundred times in a year, and its success has never waned since. To charm audiences of all ages, music lovers and inexperienced public, Mozart and Schikaneder’s plus was addressing spectators in their own language – and not in Italian as in court operas. This is what this new production is proposing, in a version entirely in French, staged by Cécile Roussat and Julien Lubek (remember their beautiful Dido and Aeneas by Purcell) and conducted by Hervé Niquet, with a team of soloists fully invested in their roles of actor-singers, in French, to give more force to Mozart’s masterpiece. Production Opéra Royal de Wallonie / Liège. Corealisation Opéra Royal / Château de Versailles Spectacles, Opéra Grand Avignon, Le Concert Spirituel. Show in French with surtitles in French and English

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) The Magic Flute Opera in two acts on a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, created in 1791 in Vienna.

Day 15: Paris

Today the is at leisure.

Day 16: Paris

Day 17: paris to london.

Accommodation: Stay five nights in London. London – CourtHouse, a 5* hotel with an excellent location in the city centre. http://www.courthouse-hotel.com/

Day 18: London

Accommodation: 6 nights at CourtHouse Hotel, 5* hotel with an excellent location in the city centre. http://www.courthouse-hotel.com/

Day 19: London

Accommodation: CourtHouse Hotel

The day is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 20: London

Today we visit with local guides relevant museums and art gallery exhibitions. Tonight we attend a concert by Sir Mark Elder who conducts Brahms’s radiant and bucolic 2nd symphony, in the second year of an acclaimed four-year symphony cycle. The cycle borrows from the spirit of early performances of the works by performing them with the musical forces that Brahms intended, to ‘exhilarating’ effect (The Times). The concert also traces a poetic line from Brahms’s symphonic Romanticism to more intimate evocations of poetry, love and nature in Mahler’s emotionally charged Songs for a Wayfarer, and Britten’s Suite on English Folk Tunes, the composer’s last completed orchestral work. Programme Britten Suite on English Folk Tunes Mahler Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen Brahms Symphony No 2 Performers Britten Sinfonia Sir Mark Elder conductor Anna Stéphany mezzo-soprano

Day 21: Hamburg

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg.

Today we fly back to Hamburg for our final concert at the Elbphilhamonie great hall. When Christoph von Dohnányi returned to the rostrum of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra after a long time last season, the audience did not want to let him go again: Standing Ovations decided on an intensive interpretation of Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony and paid tribute to the overwhelming artistic achievement of the former chief conductor. It is not too long to wait for the next comeback: a few months after his 90th birthday, Dohnányi’s maestro is back on stage at the Elbphilharmonie. Dohnányi played a major role in its construction and this will be one f the last concerts in this acclaimed concert venue.

NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra

Luc Mangholz flute

Kalev Kuljus oboe

conductor Christoph von Dohnányi

Charles Ives The Unanswered Question / Two Contemplations No. 1 György Ligeti Concerto for flute, oboe and orchestra – Pause – Piotr I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 in B minor op. 74 »Pathétique«

Day 22: Hamburg

The program concludes after breakfast.

• Once performances have been finalised the itinerary will be updated and forwarded to registered participants.
• Group size is limited to 10 participants.

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in our Tour

• 21 nights hotel accommodation.
• Breakfast daily and 7 dinners.
• Tickets to selected performances.
• Transport Passes in London.
• Transport, field trips, concerts and excursions as indicated.
• Touring by comfortable and modern coach as well as public transport.
• Rail services and internal flight in economy class.
• Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
• Detailed Tour Information Booklet.
• Services of an Odyssey Program Leader.
• Gratuities and necessary tips.

What’s not included in our Tour

• International airfares and departure taxes.
• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls and laundry.

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, moderate walking on uneven surfaces between 3 - 5 kilometers per day. Suitable for most fitness levels

29 December 2024

Ends 19 January 2025 • 22 days

Change departure date

By booking two travellers sharing a room you save $2995 per person.

Payment Type

You can reserve your spot by paying a $1,000 pp deposit, for full details please see our Terms & Conditions .

Prices are per person and valid until 30th December 2024.

Make it a private tour

Easing your journey.

Crossing international borders with restrictions

The list of requirements to travel internationally has changed and will continue to change for several years. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements:

For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

Book With Confidence

If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.

See Terms and conditions for details.

Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

This trip could have been planned for me as all my interests were included - ballet, theatre, concerts, opera and visits to magnificent museums and galleries.

Participant -17

Robert was an excellent leader who made things run smoothly. He had great knowledge about all aspects of the content of this expedition. He interacted with all members of the group. I would be very happy to go on another tour with Robert as leader.

The tour was compact, well planned and intense of course, having to include so much in a short space of time, compared with what we would do and see normally at home. A bit overwhelming, but wonderful for looking back, and a challenge to see how much one can remember.

Robert's knowledge and expertise was greatly appreciated especially as I was the least culturally aware of the group. I enjoyed every minute of the tour, and his cheerfulness even in times of trial ( the weather) and the usual small things that go wrong were met with enthusiasm and help.

Reading List Download PDF

When ballet became french: modern ballet and the cultural politics of france, 1909-1939.

Ilyana Karthas

For centuries before the 1789 revolution, ballet was a source of great cultural pride for France, but by the twentieth century the art form had deteriorated along with France's international standing. It was not until Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes found success in Paris during the first decade of the new century that France embraced the opportunity to restore ballet to its former glory and transform it into a hallmark of the nation. In When Ballet Became French, Ilyana Karthas explores the revitalization of ballet and its crucial significance to French culture during a period of momentous transnational cultural exchange and shifting attitudes towards gender and the body. Uniting the disciplines of cultural history, gender and women's studies, aesthetics, and dance history, Karthas examines the ways in which discussions of ballet intersect with French concerns about the nation, modernity, and gender identities, demonstrating how ballet served as an important tool for France's project of national renewal. Relating ballet commentary to themes of transnationalism, nationalism, aesthetics, gender, and body politics, she examines the process by which critics, artists, and intellectuals turned ballet back into a symbol of French culture. The first book to study the correlation between ballet and French nationalism, When Ballet Became French demonstrates how dance can transform a nation's cultural and political history.

Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet

Jennifer Homans

For more than four hundred years, the art of ballet has stood at the center of Western civilization. Its traditions serve as a record of our past. Lavishly illustrated and beautifully told, Apollo’s Angels—the first cultural history of ballet ever written—is a groundbreaking work. From ballet’s origins in the Renaissance and the codification of its basic steps and positions under France’s Louis XIV (himself an avid dancer), the art form wound its way through the courts of Europe, from Paris and Milan to Vienna and St. Petersburg. In the twentieth century, émigré dancers taught their art to a generation in the United States and in Western Europe, setting off a new and radical transformation of dance. Jennifer Homans, a historian, critic, and former professional ballerina, wields a knowledge of dance born of dedicated practice. Her admiration and love for the ballet, as Entertainment Weekly notes, brings “a dancer’s grace and sure-footed agility to the page.”

Ballet in Western Culture: A History of Its Origins and Evolution

This volume is a history of the development of ballet designed for dance history courses. The discussion moves from the origins of dance through the middle ages onto the beginnings of ballet, to Renaissance spectacle in Italy, and the beginnings of ballet in France.

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Article about the Globe theatre and its place in London and Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon . Stories and learning for senior couples and mature solo travelers on a small group tour.

Ten Things We Never Knew About London

Article supports time in London , England's capital city. The city has a history back beyond the Romans , and a collection of some of the finest Georgian and Victorian Architecture on an educational small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers .

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Level 1 - introductory to moderate.

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Opera & Classical Music Tours personally designed and managed by Music Lovers Tours International       

** Please note this is the international site for Music Lovers Tours. For the Australian site, please visit musicloverstours.com.au                                                                                                                                                                          

The Italy Opera Tour specialists, also offering other parts of Europe, United Kingdom, Australia & New Zealand. Opera ‘Mini-Breaks’ and longer, hosted tours.

Music Lovers Tours is now available to a wider client base outside of the Australia and New Zealand region, where it was founded a decade ago. For many years, clients from the United Kingdom, United States and even Singapore have found us online and joined tours such as our ‘Road to Mandalay Cruise Charter’ in Myanmar, ‘Southern Passion’ in Sicily, ‘Viva Verdi’ in Italy and ‘Opera on the Harbour’ in Sydney. Now Australian-born soprano Jennifer Parish and New Zealand-born baritone Stewart Cameron welcome you to all their thoroughly-unique premium tours for lovers of opera, classical music and ”the good life.’

As well as these  fully-hosted group tours for independent, like-minded people we also offer ‘ Opera Mini-Breaks ‘ for couples and small groups, who are in close proximity to Italy.  These Mini-breaks offer premium opera tickets, our choice of hotel and dinner restaurant plus other services.

Each year 3 or 4 boutique tours of around 3 weeks are offered, all hosted and of course created by Jennifer and Stewart. Other tours ( including our Opera Mini-breaks ) are managed by our local tour directors and guides. In addition we create ‘Tailor-Made’ tours for travel retailers, groups, choirs or societies with a primary interest in opera and/or classical music.

Our  tours are unrivalled, offering every aspect of travel, from our favourite hotels and restaurants to visits and performances, booked personally, direct with suppliers. This ensures smooth running and consistently high standards. Excellent value for money is a further benefit. It is no surprise that our tours boast an extremely high percentage of repeat clients.

Whether a group tour or a ‘mini-break’, the sparkling itinerary takes in various attractions and visits relating both to music and to broader fascinations in the cities, towns and regions visited. A favourite and ever-popular tour is to the annual Festival Verdi in Parma, often parcelled with a stay in Milan for La Scala and/or Venice for La Fenice. All Festival Verdi tours and Parma Opera mini-breaks take in the main performances and explore the life of Verdi, Pavarotti and other greats. Excellent seats are guaranteed.

We have wonderful long-standing relationships with the various Opera Houses and theatres featured. It is satisfying to know our clients attend  performances in some of the greatest opera houses in the world. Hearing of their excitement on entering the theatre and settling into premium seats is great reward for our hard work and relationship building.

Our longer 3-week hosted group tours are now so popular, clients avoid missing out by ‘Reserving a Place’ well before tours go on sale. Every tour offered is ‘guaranteed departure,’ and they always sell-out! Subscribing to our secure email newsletter ensures you are up to date with our future plans as well as current news. Subscribe 

If you are a travel agency or corporate entity aiming to put together a group for either Musical travel to Australia or Italy, or general interest group tours to Italy and other Mediterranean countries ( including our prestige 5 star ‘Classical Villa’ tours, please email our wholesale division CLICK HERE   and visit our associated business, Classical Destinations  CLICK HERE

Please note we are currently updating this site to reflect planned tours for 2024 onwards. Please ensure you have subscribed to our newsletter. CLICK HERE .  

Hosted Tours

Italy & europe.

Join us from anywhere in the world as you meet us at the arrival airport or first hotel.  Truly unique and acclaimed tours that are hosted and created by us. Visit some of the great opera houses and festivals of Italy & Europe.

Opera Mini-breaks

Italy & london.

Our premium opera breaks of 3 days or more include prime seats to two performances, a dinner at one of our favourite restaurants, transfers & our guide ( if required ) plus our chosen 4 or 5 star hotel.

Australia & NZ

Join us from anywhere in the world as you meet us at the arrival airport or first hotel.  Truly unique and acclaimed tours that are hosted and created by us. See performances at the Sydney Opera House or elsewhere.

Sydney Opera House

Our premium opera breaks of 3 days or more include prime seats to two performances, a dinner at one of our favourite restaurants, transfers & our guide ( if required ) plus our chosen 5 star hotel.

Tailor-made Tours

Specially for your group..

Our unique relationships in the world of opera, classical music and travel enable us to create something special for your musical-interest group or society. Minimum of 15 people over 10 plus days.

Why travel with MLT?

A boutique, ‘hands-on’ company, we personally create each tour or mini-break ‘from scratch’. This ensures keen-pricing, smooth running and experiences filled with hand-picked inclusions.

Tours Gallery

Future tours in photos.

“A picture paints a thousand words…” Our personally-hosted tours enjoy an exceptionally high rate of return clients. Enjoy our little photo preview… dream a little, then join us!

Future Tours

Coming soon.

In the planning are several new hosted tours, including Historic Singapore, Musical Melbourne, A European Opera Grand Tour and Carnevale in Venice. These cover Oct 2021 – March 2022.

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Whether you are looking to experience the woe of Verdi’s 'La Traviata', the emotion of Puccini’s 'La Boheme' or Bizet’s sultry and magnificent ‘Carmen’, you are sure to be captivated by the poetic drama and raw passion during an evening at the opera. Europe is the location of some of the world’s finest opera houses , each unique in their own special way and all beautifully maintained – from Teatro alla Scala in Milan and Teatro La Fenice in Venice to Prague’s stately National Theatre and the ancient Arena di Verona . Completely tailor-made, there are numerous flights to the continent from most UK regional airports and, once there, a wide variety of hotels to choose from. With a well established reputation in arranging opera holidays we will be delighted to advise you on the different performances and schedules, recommend the most suitable seats, arrange any additional excursions or offer advice on how your holiday could be extended.

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Your Opera Holiday with Pettitts Travel

Pettitts Travel opera holidays are all tailor-made and personalised exactly to your requirements. With a well-established reputation in arranging opera holidays, we will be delighted to advise you on the different performances and schedules, recommend the most suitable seats, arrange any additional excursions or offer advice on how your holiday could be extended. Our opera holidays take place in Europe, ranging from Verona to Vienna, and Paris to Venice. With numerous flights to the continent from most UK regional airports and, once there, a wide variety of hotels to choose from, Pettitts Travel will arrange the perfect opera holiday for you.

All of our opera holidays include international flights from the UK, hotel accommodation, return airport transfers in-country and opera tickets as specified. Many clients also like to add on additional excursions and experiences which we can arrange for you pre-departure. Popular additional experiences include a day out to the excellent Spanish Riding School in Vienna, an afternoon of wine tasting in the Italian countryside when in Verona or Florence, a night at the Moulin Rouge or other cabaret venues in Paris, or a historical and cultural walking tour whilst in Rome, Berlin or Prague.

Popular Opera Performances

With hundreds of operas spanning over four centuries, there are a huge range and variety of opera performances, from stories of death and tragedy to tales of love and romance. One of the world’s most loved and popular operas is La Traviata by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. This masterpiece created in 1853 combines love and tragedy, all set in Paris to Verdi’s faultless score. Turning to one of the world’s greatest composers - Giacomo Puccini - Puccini scored some of the best-known operas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tosca is a tale of power and passion set against crashing orchestral cords, Madama Butterfly explores love and loss between a young Japanese girl and an American sailor whilst La Bohème , one of the most adored operas, follows the pains and pleasures of young love and money. Other recommended performances include Bizet’s Carmen , Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia , Verdi’s Aida and Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ .

European Opera Festivals

Not only is Europe home to some of the most beautiful and renowned opera houses, it is also famous for hosting some of the finest opera and arts festivals in the world. With Italy as the ‘birthplace of Opera’, it is no wonder that this beautifully boot-shaped country boasts some of the most prominent and spectacular festivals including the summertime Arena di Verona Festival and the classic Rossini Opera Festival celebrating the composer Gioacchino Pesaro. For something a little different, enjoy performances in Rome’s open-air opera festival located in the Roman Bath of Caracalla. Elsewhere, combine music, drama and dance at the Salzburg Arts Festival, celebrate all things opera in Munich during July, enjoy the breathtaking location of Ireland’s Blackwater Valley Opera Festival or discover classical music in the picturesque lake-side city of Lucerne at the end of summer. For something a little closer to home, Glyndebourne is an elegant choice for a night at the opera.

Common Opera Questions

Q1 - what are the best european cities for an opera holiday, q2 - what is included on an opera holiday, q3 - what should i wear to the opera, q4 - how long will my opera holiday be, q5 - where should i sit at an opera, q6 - how long does an opera last, q7 - is there correct opera etiquette, q8 - what are the most popular opera festivals in europe.

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Welcome to the epitome of an opera tour company in America. As a highly seasoned and passionate opera enthusiast, we invite you to join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on an extraordinary musical adventure. With over 41 years of unparalleled expertise, H.A.T. Tours has meticulously curated and orchestrated over 370 opera tours, promising a journey that encompasses captivating performances and cherished memories.

Indulge in the true essence of opera as we offer you first-category orchestra-level seats in opulent European opera houses. Our meticulously crafted itineraries ensure an immersive experience that allows you to savor the pinnacle of operatic artistry.

Your opera sojourn extends beyond the stages, with luxurious accommodations at centrally located hotels and delectable dining experiences at gourmet and Michelin-Star level restaurants. Your dream opera tour awaits as we take you on an exquisite journey through the cultural richness of Europe.

Our commitment to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for independent travelers is unmatched. From the moment you join us, you become an integral part of the H.A.T. Tours family, with dedicated travel experts by your side, ensuring a seamless and exceptional journey.

Revel in the magic of opera, as H.A.T. Tours presents you with a symphony of harmonious melodies and breathtaking performances. This immersive experience will transport you to a world of musical brilliance, forging cherished connections with fellow opera enthusiasts.

Embark on your operatic odyssey today with H.A.T. Tours, where passion for opera meets world-class travel expertise. Allow us to be your trusted companion as you delve into the captivating world of opera, creating memories that will resonate in your heart for a lifetime.

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Due to the ongoing pandemic, HAT Tours, LLC – European Opera Tours has not cancelled but postponed the 2020 tours. All the rescheduled tours will be carried out in 2022. The dates of the listed tours will depend on the reopening of the venues, and the safety of travel. If you are interested in any of our listed tours, please contact us through the inquiry form to save your spot. Please check our Terms and Conditions for further details.

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Excellent seats for superb performances of great operas in the best houses; the chance to explore and revisit inexhaustibly rich cities; the opportunity to meet and talk with small groups of like-minded enthusiasts from around the world; superb meals and five-star hotels: HAT Tours supplies all of these things, and more. But what is especially distinctive – and what will keep us coming back again and again – is the perfect balance of hyperefficient organisation with relaxed informality. The walking-groups and bus-tours are always there (and always worthwhile), but if you’d rather wander off by yourself to a gallery or go shopping, there’s no hassle; if an unforeseen opportunity comes up to attend an extra concert or recital, tickets will be found; if you decide to extend your stay in order to take in additional performances, seats will be booked; if a problem arises, Grethe and Aspee will find a way to solve it. Coming across them on the internet in 2014 when we were searching for some way to get to an oversubscribed Ring Cycle in Vienna has been one of the happiest discoveries of our opera-going lives.

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Anja Kampe, Andreas Schager, Rene Papa, Rolando Villazon and Tomasz Konieczny performing during Ring Cycle in Berlin tour.

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THE 10 BEST Europe Operas

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1. Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Allami Operahaz)

2. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

3. Teatro di San Carlo

4. Semper Opera House (Semperoper)

5. Copenhagen Opera House

6. Italian Opera Taormina

7. Buxton Opera House

8. Dutch National Opera & Ballet

9. The Bridgewater Hall

10. Old Opera House (Alte Oper)

11. Odessa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater

12. Liverpool Philharmonic

13. I Virtuosi dell'opera di Roma

14. Grand Theatre

15. Mozart Dinner Opera

16. Palau Dalmases

17. Bayerische Staatsoper

18. Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra

19. Puccini e la sua Lucca - International Permanent Festival

20. Latvian National Opera

21. The Royal Swedish Opera

22. State Kremlin Palace

23. Lacko Castle

24. Opernhaus Zurich

25. RomeOperaConcerts

26. Volksoper

27. Royal Danish Theater (Kongelige Teater)

28. Opera at St. Mark's Anglican Church

29. Opera de Monte-Carlo

30. Festspielhaus

What travelers are saying

History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

27 of the Best Opera Houses in Europe for a Perfect Night Out

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:40 pm

Whenever I travel, I always look for a fun or elegant performance that I can add to my itinerary

. In London, this was seeing a Shakespeare production in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. In NYC, this meant seeing Hamilton during a fantastic New York weekend .

And in Vienna, this, of course, meant going to the Vienna Opera!

Since I haven’t gotten to go to the opera all over Europe, I asked a group of professional travel writers to share what, in their opinion, are the best opera houses in Europe. Their answers, from Oslo to Odessa, might surprise you! 

So if you’re wondering where to go to the opera in Europe, take notes. And if you find yourself in a city without enough time to see a performance, you can always to what I did in Dresden and take a tour of the opera house instead.

Read next: 5 Things You May Not Know About Opera

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The Best Opera Houses in Europe

As selected by professional travel writers:

Amsterdam’s Dutch National Opera & Ballet Stopera (The Netherlands)

The Amsterdam Opera House is a young theater with a long history. The first discussions about its construction started back in 1915, but the building next to the Amstel River, as we know today, was only inaugurated in September 1986.

After several protests and construction delays, the Amsterdam Opera House opened its doors to the creation, production, and presentation of both traditional and innovative opera and ballet concerts of the highest quality.

For tickets, one can either purchase them online through the theater’s website or at the box office in Amsterdam.

While tickets aren’t absurdly expensive, booking them in advance might save you money as the Opera House uses a dynamic pricing system.

However, if you, by any chance, a re staying in Amsterdam around the first week of June, know that all ballet performances go on sale.

As for sold-out performances, you can always try to purchase uncollected tickets at the box office half an hour before the start of the show. Beyond that, students, City Pass, and iAmsterdam cardholders receive a discount on the ticket prices.

If you want to watch high-quality performances in a top theater, the Amsterdam Opera House is a place you can’t afford to miss.

Contributed by Bruna Venturinelli from Maps ‘N Bags

Barcelona’s Palau de la Música (Spain)

Bayreuth’s Margravial Opera House (Germany)

Belfast’s Grand Opera House (Northern Ireland)

It doesn’t matter what t ime of the year you visit Belfast  in Northern Ireland, a visit to the Grand Opera House should definitely be on your itinerary. This majestic opera dates from 1895 and was designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham. Its architectural ‘oriental style’ on the outside facade, but also in the interior, especially the grand auditorium, is absolutely stunning.

The early seasons were very successful and thus heightened the reputation of the Grand Opera House resulting in performances by international stars like Gracie Fields or Will Fyffe. During the years of war, the theater offered an outlet of escapism to its visitors and many comedies, including performances of Laurel and Hardy, were staged.

Famous visitors include General Dwight Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery, who enjoyed a performance here in 1945. In 1963 the then-unknown singer Luciano Pavarotti made his UK debut on stage.

From 1969 onwards, the Troubles in Northern Ireland made the city center of Belfast a no-go area at night. This accelerated the disrepair of the opera house. In 1972 the Grand Opera House was closed and was on the verge of being torn down until the Ulster Architectural Society launched a successful campaign, which made the Grand Opera House the first listed building in Northern Ireland.

After ambitious renovation work, the building suffered extensive damage from two car-bombs in 1991 and 1993. However, as an act of humanitarian resilience, the BAFTA Awards were hosted here in 1994.

Nowadays, Belfast’s Grand Opera House is more popular than ever. In early 2020 it embarked upon its most extensive restoration project in the last 40 years (e.g. returning the 1895 auditorium to its beautiful oriental state) and will reopen in December 2020 for its 125th anniversary.

Contributed by Emer and Nils from Let’s Go Ireland.

Bucharest’s Romanian Athenaeum (Romania)

Bucharest’s Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) has to be one of the most architecturally distinct opera houses in Europe. Artists have been treading the boards here since 1889 when it opened as the Romanian capital’s main concert hall.

The Athenaeum is famously associated with George Enescu, Romania’s greatest national composer, conductor, and pianist who authored a score of operas and orchestras. He first graced the stage in 1898, and in 1903, Romanian Rhapsodies , a twin orchestral composition considered to be his magnum opus, premiered at the Athenaeum. Today, the venue is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic, the same ensemble that inaugurated the building.

The Neoclassical façade designed by French architect Albert Galleron is a Bucharest icon. The front of the Athenaeum, with its columns and central dome, is best appreciated from the park that stretches out in front. Inside, the 650-seat auditorium is lavishly decorated with frescoes wrapped around the red-and-gold dome interior.

Painted in 1933, scenes depict different chapters of history, including the unification of the Old Kingdom with Transylvania to form modern-day Romania. The Communist regime hid the frescoes under a red cloth for two decades, only unveiling them to the public again in 1966.

The Athenaeum hosts a bi-annual international music festival in Enescu’s name, as well as music and opera performances throughout the year. Tickets are very reasonably priced and can be purchased from the box office. Even if there’s nothing showing during your visit, it’s still worth popping inside for a look at the interior.

Contributed by Emily from Wander-Lush.

Budapest’s Hungarian State Opera House (Hungary)

The Hungarian State Opera House is located on the glamorous Andrássy Avenue in Budapest, Hungary. It was built in 1875 and opened up in 1884, and designed by Miklós Ybl, which is a famous architect with a major role in the city’s famed architecture in the 19th century.

It has been a venue for many famous artists and it’s also known for its spectacular decorations and neo-Renaissance style mixed with Baroque. 1261 people can attend in the horse-shoe shaped auditorium, which has been ranked to have the third-best acoustics in Europe. Only Palais Garnier in Paris and La Scala in Milan are held at a higher standard when it comes to acoustics.

Furthermore, the Hungarian State Opera House offers guided tours in six languages, which include English, German, and Spanish. It is also a host for the Hungarian National Ballet with performances from September to June.

The composer Gustav Mahler was a director from 1888 until 1891, and Otto Klemperer was a music director between the years of 1947 and 1950. Ferenc Erkel was the first director of the Hungarian State Opera House, and Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle had its world premiere in 1918 but failed to gain popularity.

Contributed by Alex from Gourmand Trotter.

Buxton Opera House (England)

Proudly standing in the heart of Derbyshire’s Victorian spa town of Buxton is Buxton Opera House. Designed by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham, it opened amidst great celebration on 1st June 1903 to a full house audience of The Prologue, written specifically for the occasion.

Buxton Opera house continued to present touring Shakespeare, West End successes, ballets, and comedy right up until the great depression of 1921. To diversity, it was converted to a cinema in 1927, firstly showing silent films, and then was later wired up for the ‘talkies’ from 1932.

However, theatre performances still continued, including George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, starring Robert Morley and Diana Wynyard for the first Buxton Theatre Festival in 1937.

Throughout the 1970s however, the Opera House fell into disrepair and it took decades of work through the 80s and 90s to return it to its former glory. Buxton Opera House reopened in 2001 and grew further to open the adjacent Pavilion Arts Centre to house more theatre productions in 2010.

Today, it is one of Britain’s leading receiving theatres, presenting around 450 performances each year, all alongside a lively Fringe Theatre and Community and Education Programme. Pre-shows, the adjacent Pavilion Gardens make for a wonderful stroll, and kids will enjoy the ride on the miniature train, boating lake and play area. 

Copenhagen Opera House (Denmark)

Dresden’s Semperoper (Germany)

The Semperoper in Dresden is one of the most famous places to see opera in Europe. Located on the banks of the Elbe river, the opera house is one of the most prominent symbols of the city. Yet it’s actually been destroyed and rebuilt twice. First in 1878 and then in 1945 after the Allied bombing of Dresden.

Richard Wagner was the conductor here in the 1840s and premiered several operas here. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Richard Strauss held various premiers here over multiple decades. 

If you don’t have time to go to a performance, you can go on a tour of the opera house. They conduct tours in several languages including English.

Editor’s Choice

Frankfurt’s Alte Oper (Germany)

The old opera house of Frankfurt should be a must in your what to see in Frankfurt list.  Situated at Opera Square or Opernplatz, it is one of the most outstanding buildings of importance. It was constructed in the late 19th century, in 1880 to be precise.

It was based on the plans of the Berlin architect Richard Lucae. The opening ceremony was celebrated with Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Many other important operas were performed here in Frankfurt for the first time including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

However, it was extensively destroyed in 1944 during WW2 by bombing raids. But many of the outside walls and façade survived. Due to popular demand through a citizen’s initiative, a fund was collected and the opera house was built again slowly and was completed in 1981.

The reopening ceremony was celebrated in August 1981, with Gustav Mahler’s ‘Symphony of a Thousand’. A live recording of that reopening concert conducted by Michael Gielen is available on CD.

The original opera house in Frankfurt is now called the Alte Oper (Old Opera) and hosts around 50 important concerts and events every year including the Apfelwein festival in the square in front of the building which is known as Opernplatz (Opera Square).

During the Apfelwein festival, one can see people dancing to live bands playing music in German and English while enjoying many varieties of Apfelwein or Apple cider, occasionally mixed with other fruits as well. And many local snacks to go with it.

The Alte Oper has a large hall with a seating capacity of 2500 and Mozart Saal has around 700 seats. The nearest S-Bahn station Taunusanlage S1, S2, S3, S4. S5, S6, S8, S9, and Nearest U-Bahn station Alte-Oper U6, U7.

Contributed by Nisha & Vasu from Le Monde The Poetic Travels

Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie (Germany)

Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie is one of the most fascinating concert halls in the world. The Elbphilharmonie opened its doors in January 2017, after 10 years of construction work, and hosts regularly opera performances, symphonic concerts, orchestras, piano recitals, and many other modern music genres such as pop or electronic shows.

The Elbphilharmonie takes part every year in Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival , the largest club music event in Europe.

Built on an old warehouse in Hamburg’s docks area, the Elbphilharmonie is a true example of innovative architecture and acoustics. On top of the exposed brick warehouse, the fantastic glass structure rises with its wave-shaped design. Besides the Grand concert hall, the Elbphilharmonie is also home to another smaller hall, a hotel, and residential apartments.

The glass façade is defining the Elbphilharmonie, with its 1000 curved window panels that reflect the sky, the water underneath, and the rays of light. Because of the tricky location, in the harbor, where daily massive ships are passing by, the Elbphilharmonie needed a special acoustic, which was designed by one of the best sound experts in the world, Yasuhisa Toyota.

Inside the concert hall, everything can be heard, no matter where you sit, and this is why seeing an opera performance at the Elbphilharmonie is quite a unique and emotional experience. You can feel the music! 

If you want to book a ticket for the Elbphilharmonie you need to do it way in advance. The most popular performances get sold out very fast.

Contributed by Joanna Davis from The World in My Pocket

Istanbul Süreyya Opera House (Turkey)

The Süreyya Opera House is an opera house in Istanbul, Turkey. Actually, the building itself has a super long history. It was designed by the Armenian-Turkish architect Kegam Kavafyan on behalf of the Constantinople MP Süreyya İlmen until 1924 and opened on March 6, 1927, as the first music theater on the Anatolian side of Constantinople.

However, due to inadequate and inadequate stage technology, no works of musical theater have been performed there until recently. Instead, the building was initially used as a playhouse and from 1930 to 2005 as a cinema under the name of Süreyya Sinemasi. 2006-2007 the building was subjected to a renovation and reopened on December 14, 2007, as an opera house (Süreyya Opereti) and concert hall.

The stage is 14 m wide, 10 m deep, and 4.9 m high. 14 changing rooms were added without changing the architecture of the building. The dance hall on the second floor has a capacity of 500 guests, while the main hall has a capacity of 570 seats.

The Süreyya Opera House is owned by the Darüşşafaka Association, which rents the building to the Kadıköy district. The operator is the Istanbul State Opera with the State Ballet. The house has a capacity of 570 seats.

Contributed by Clemens Sehi   from Travellers Archive

London’s Royal Opera House (England)

If you are in London, you should visit the Royal Opera House. Located in Covent Garden, the current building is the third one in this exact place, the ones before burned down several decades ago. The foyer, façade, and auditorium date from 1858, the rest of the building was reformed between 1980 and 1999.

One of the most spectacular places inside the Opera House is the Paul Hamlyn Hall, made entirely of glass and iron; you can enjoy champagne in the interlude of the concert.

This Opera House is the home of the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, so they are usually performing there. Besides these two, some of the more memorable artists that appeared on stage were Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, and Juan Diego Flórez.

In case you want to take a guided tour, the prices vary from 20€ to 40€, depending on which option you choose. They offer two different tours, the Backstage Tour and the Velvet, Gilt, and Glamour Tour.

The first one is focused on how the Opera House works and how they develop their productions, the second one is focused on the story of the Opera House and its architecture.

If you want to witness some magic on the stage, they have a good variety of prices that go from affordable to crazy expensive. You should check Friday Rush, a way to buy last-minute tickets at a lower price. These tickets are released every Friday at 1 p.m. London Time.

Contributed by Laura from LauraNoEsta .

Lviv’s Solomiya Krushelnytska Lviv State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet  (Ukraine)

Among many spectacular buildings in Lviv, Ukraine you will find the Opera House, standing proudly in the city center. It was designed by the Polish architect Zygmunt Gorgolewski and built in the neo-Renaissance style between 1897 and 1900, being a witness of Lviv’s turbulent history.

While the building is impressive from the outside, the interior will make your jaw drop. Lviv Opera House is rich in decoration, with marble stairs, numerous statues around, and gold-plated details – everything was prepared by the most renowned artists at that time.

The main hall that can fit up to a thousand people, is yet another masterpiece, with plush seat, sculptures on the walls and decorated curtain. Be sure to look up to see an impressive chandelier and paintings on the ceiling. If you have been to the Paris Opera House you might find the one in Lviv a bit similar since some of the decorations and solutions were copied from there.

The good news is that tickets for the plays at Lviv Opera House are very affordable, starting at around $3. You can see here some of the well-known plays like the “Swan Lake” or “Aida” as well as attend classical music concerts or plays for kids.

But you don’t need to go for the play to see the grand interior. It is possible to visit the Opera every day except on Mondays. You just need to buy the ticket in the ticket’s office once you enter the building and you are free to marvel at this spectacular building and its interiors.  

Contributed by Kami from Kami and the Rest of the World

Manchester Opera House (England)

Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre (Russia)

The pride of Moscow and Russia at large, Bolshoi Theatre stands in all its beauty right in the heart of the capital, on Teatralnaya Square. 

Literally translated from Russian, “Bolshoi” means “big.” And if you are wondering if there’s a small theatre in Moscow too, the answer is yes! There’s Maly Theatre which specializes in plays production. Bolshoi Theatre, meanwhile, is known the world over as one of the most prestigious opera and ballet companies. 

Its historic stage has been graced with performances of the most talented Russian and international singers and dancers, like Anna Netrebko, Svetlana Zakharova, and Luciano Pavarotti to name a few.  

Although Bolshoi is most famous for its ballet – Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake premiered here in 1877 – opera performances are just as grand and mesmerizing. The opera company draws inspiration in classical Russian repertoire with operas like Boris Godunov, Eugene Onegin, and Prince Igor. But you’ll find the works of renowned Italian composers here too. 

The theatre features two stages that are located in two different buildings. If your goal is to see the original neoclassical building make sure to get the tickets for the “historic stage”. The “new stage”, although beautiful, was opened only in 2002. 

The original building, on the other hand, has been around since 1856. It has gone through a colossal restoration from 2005 to 2011 when its doors were completely closed to the public for six years. The renovations were done to rebuild the original imperial decor, while at the same time install modern technology for better acoustics. 

If watching a show at Bolshoi is a life-long dream of yours, make sure to get the tickets well in advance. The best and safest way to buy tickets is on the theatre’s official website (there’s an English version) as soon as they are available. Usually, the tickets to the New Stage are cheaper and easier to get.  

Russians consider watching a theatre performance a special occasion, so you might want to dress up a bit. And don’t miss out on some amazing  Russian food  at a pre-show dinner. 

Contributed by Yulia Dyukova from That’s What She Had. 

Munich’s Bavarian State Opera (Germany)

In the heart of Munich, three minutes from Hitler’s favorite Hofbräuhaus, stands the largest opera house in Germany, The National Theatre. With over 2000 seats, it is known for its unique interiors that balance the innovative technologies and the grandeur of King Ludwig’s reign.

The building itself deserves an opera performance dedicated to its history. The theatre was commissioned in 1810 by King Maximilian I of Bavaria to be designed by Karl von Fischer, of the Odéon Paris fame. In 1817, a fire-roasted the building which was then open to the public in 1818.

Another rebuild was necessary after a great fire in 1825 but was destroyed again in the second world war. The present theatre mimics Karl von Fischer’s original neo-classical design. The stage, about 2,500 square meters, is the world’s third-largest, after the Opéra Bastille in Paris and the Grand Theatre, Warsaw.

Bavarian State Opera has attracted the famous opera directors from Richard Strauss, Clemens Krauss, and Richard Wagner to Wolfgang Sawallisch. It has one of the most diverse performance schedules where over 40 operas, ballets, concerts and song recitals from four centuries are performed every season.

To attract a wide audience, discounted tickets (€10) for selected performances are available for kids and young under 30. A monthly pass is also available for selected seats at the special price of € 50 (reduced € 25), with the exception of special performances. Additionally, an hour-long guided tour is available every day at 2 pm. 

Planning a trip to Munich? Have a look at this comprehensive guide to a weekend in Munich by Nisha who lived there for five years!

Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet (Ukraine)

The “pearl of the Black Sea” was founded in 1794, and its status as a free port city attracted merchants and traders and aristocrats from all over the world. It’s no wonder, then, that Odessa has such a European flair!

Even though its glory has faded a bit, the Odessa opera house remains as stately as ever. The present Viennese baroque building was built by Fellner & Helmer — architects who designed over 200 buildings! The Odessa Opera House has ‘sister’ opera houses in cities all over the former Austro-Hungarian empire.

Amazingly, the building was barely damaged during World War II, but a recent renovation in 2007 has ensured that the Odessa theatre still dazzles with all the luxury of the world’s best opera houses.

The auditorium’s every surface is gilded, with rich red curtains and carpets providing a sophisticated contrast. If you look up through the chandelier, you can see scenes from Shakespearean plays depicted on the ceiling. 

The Odessa Theatre performs both the classic operas and national treasures, from Madame Butterfly and La Boheme  to Eugene Onegin and Zaporozhets za Dunayem (Cossacks in Exile) .

And while some people might be shocked to find such a gorgeous, vibrant opera house in Ukraine, and even more delightful surprise is the affordability of tickets — you can snag seats for less than $10! Even if you are not much of an opera aficionado, it’s worth a visit when you visit Ukraine !

Contributed by Amy Butler from The Wayfarer’s Book.

Oslo Operahuset (Norway)

Palermo’s Teatro Massimo (Italy)

A night at the opera is one of the most popular things to do in Palermo , and it’s surprisingly inclusive too. Since the Teatro Massimo reopened in 1999 after decades of neglect and corruption, the theatre has become a symbol of the city’s regeneration and of its anti-mafia movement. 

The beloved opera house is an important part of local identity and ticket prices are kept affordably low. The Teatro Massimo also leads the way when it comes to community inclusion, with immigrant choirs, live-streamed performances, and even an opera truck amongst its early initiatives.

Milan’s La Scala might be the most famous opera house in Italy, but Palermo’s theatre is the largest and is famed for its perfect acoustics. You might also recognize the outside of the building from The Godfather: Part III; that iconic final scene was filmed on the steps of the Teatro Massimo.

The website is in English however it can be tricky using a foreign card for payment – it’s best to telephone the ticket office if you need tickets in advance.

But for all but the most popular performances and times you should have no problem buying tickets when in Palermo – the friendly staff will be able to talk you through the different price and seating options.

You can also go behind the scenes on a daytime tour of the building, which is worth it just for the panoramic rooftop views of the city.

Contributed by Steph Edwards of The Mediterranean Traveller

Paris’s Opera Bastille (France)

The Opéra Bastille, located at Place de la Bastille in Paris, is one of the two buildings of the institution Opéra de Paris. Whilst Palais Garnier is dedicated to ballet and other kinds of shows, the Opéra Bastille is the theater that hosts operas in Paris.

The Opéra Bastille was commissioned by the French President François Mitterrand in 1982. The main reason to build another opera theater in the city was that Palais Garnier was too small for a city capital like Paris and its installations were a bit obsolete. The winner o the architecture contest was Carlos Ott, an Uruguayan-Canadian architect.

The Opéra Bastille was inaugurated in  1989, on the occasion of the bi-centenary of the French Revolution.

The building’s design is functional and modern, which contrasts with the design of the opera theaters of the 19th century. The seats are upholstered in black in contrast to its granite walls, and it has an impressive glass ceiling.

Opéra Bastille may not be as glamorous as Palais Garnier but it is equipped with the latest technology and the sound is great. In addition, it is one of the most important opera theaters in the world in terms of capacity, with 2.747 seats!

Despite its impressive capacity it is not easy to find last-minute tickets but quite the opposite! If you are interested in a specific opera, buy your tickets as soon as possible, especially if it is a famous opera.

Contributed by Elisa from World in Paris

Paris’s Opera Garnier (France)

Paris is filled with stunning architecture and must-see attractions, so it’s not surprising that you can stumble across sights such as the Opéra Garnier when you’re not even looking for them!

The Opéra Garnier one of France’s premier opera houses and can host almost 2000 guests in the plush velvet seats in the auditorium. Built at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III, Palais Garnier or Opéra Garnier is an opulent theatre that is home to the Paris Opera and used to host Paris Opera Ballet performances (until they moved to Opéra Bastille in 1989).

Another thing that adds to the allure of Opéra Garnier is that it was the setting for the 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera, now a world-renowned Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical.

Today, visitors can choose to simply explore interiors of the Opera Garnier to admire the décor or can book tickets to a performance such as Carmen , La Traviata or Aida .

The best way to book tickets to shows at the Opéra Garnier is to either plan well in advance, choosing the best seats to suit your budget, or to leave it really last minute and turn up just one hour before the show starts to try and snag one of the €10 “6th category seats” while stocks last!

Of course, this depends if you want to see something specific or if you just want to experience an opera in Paris, so you’ll need to choose what works best for you.

Porto’s Casa da Musica (Portugal)

This striking modern opera house was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas in the context of Porto being named the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2001, although the building was not inaugurated until 2005. People either love or hate its unusual design and asymmetrical shape, which is said to look like the hull of a ship that’s been beached at low tide.

While most of the building is very much in a contemporary architectural style, the VIP Hall is filled with classic blue and white azulejo tiles. You can catch a glimpse of these from the outside when the lights are turned on in the evening, but it’s worth paying the 10 euros for the full guided tour of the building.

These are available twice a day in both English and Portuguese. The tours are fascinating, and to be honest, are even more worthwhile than a visit to some of the museums in Porto .

Best of all, if you decide to attend a performance at any point after your tour, the tour price will be deducted from the price of your concert ticket, making the tour essentially free. In addition, discounts of 50% are available on concert tickets for people under 25 years old as well as music teachers and students.

Contributed by Wendy Werneth from The Nomadic Vegan.

Prague’s Stani Opera Praha (Czech Republic)

Contributed by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

Rome’s Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma (Italy)

The Opera House of Rome, or Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma, was established in 1879 above the ruins of the mansion of Roman Emperor Elagabalus. Sir Domenico Costanzi, an entrepreneur in the construction field, poured most of his private fortune into the work.

The first Opera house in Rome is horseshoe-shaped and has a ceiling with a dome decorated with frescoes. For the 40 years that followed the foundation, the theater bore the name of its father. The “Teatro Costanzi” hosted the debut of incredibly successful performances like Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Puccini’s Tosca . It can be considered one of Rome’s historical landmarks .

In the 1920s, the Municipality of Rome acquired Costanzi’s Opera House and renamed it “Royal Opera Theater of Rome”. Performances did not stop even during WW2 and in 1948, after the proclamation of the Italian Republic, the theater took on the current name.

Opera enthusiasts, as well as students of opera music and singing, are welcomed to visit the theater’s archives, which has been storing all the documents from the ultra-centenarian activity.  

You can browse the past and present scheduling of the Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma , (most performances are available only online at the moment), and get your ticket free from pre-sale costs from the official online ticket office .

By Lisa from Travel Connect Experience

Sofia’s National Opera and Ballet (Bulgaria)

If you are looking to enjoy a night at the opera in Eastern Europe, Sofia is a great place to start! Opera has existed here since the 1890s. It briefly had to cease performing during the Allied bombing campaign in Bulgaria in 1944, but performances continued throughout the communist era.

Performances by the National Opera and Ballet has been held in its current building since 1953, though plans for the building began as early as 1921. 

Performances here typically focus on Italian and French operas; however, Wagner has been a popular choice in the last few years.

Tickets start as low as $7 per person, and you can buy them online ahead of time. You can check out my guide to going to the Sofia Opera to plan a trip.

Venice’s La Fenice (Italy)

Venice’s La Fenice is one of the most famous opera houses in Europe.  The name means “The Phoenix” and is apt because the theater has been destroyed by fire three times.  First in 1774, then in 1836, and finally the entire interior was completely gutted in 1996, with only the exterior walls remaining. 

It was rebuilt again, in 19 th -century style, based on photos of the former theater.  It is not huge (it seats 1,000 people), but its intimacy is part of its charm.  It is beautiful, with the stereotypical layers of boxes, plush red and gold trimmings, and a cherub-filled painted ceiling.

The opera house reopened in 2004 with a performance of La Traviata .  This famous Verdi opera, as well as his equally famous Rigoletto , debuted here.  If you are very lucky, you can time a trip to Venice with a performance of one of these operas in the place they opened!   Tickets are available on their (English language) website.

Of course, when you think of Venice, you think of canals and gondolas , and the theater sits in the middle of Venice, surrounded by narrow canals.  So, if you want to be completely decadent for an evening, get dressed up and take a gondola ride around the canals of Venice, then head to the theater for a glass of champagne and performance in this legendary opera house.

Contributed by James Ian from Travel Collecting. 

Vienna State Opera (Austria)

Vienna , named the Most Livable City numerous times, offers a lot of cultural and historical significance. One of the architectural greats the city boasts of is the Vienna State Opera. It was completed in 1869, standing 151 years to this day but its neo-classical style transcends many eras.

The opening premiere at the Opera was Don Giovanni , a piece by Austria’s own Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was held on May 25, 1869, and the event saw Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) among the spectators.

The war brought significant damage to it, it was debated whether to be rebuilt or to be completely established in another location. It was decided to be restored on-site, and it stands today where it originally was – at Opernring 2, a few minutes walk away from the city center. During the reopening, the public was treated to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fidelio .

The Opera House is where the members of the Vienna Philharmonic (orchestra) are selected from. It’s sort of a training ground for those aspiring to be a member of the renowned orchestra. The State Opera is also home to the Vienna Opera Ball – an annual society ball that closes every year with the waltz Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II.

Tickets to the opera start as soon as the season previews are out. The cheapest ticket could be priced at 16€ – yes, a price for the masses and they are the first to go.

Going to the day of the concert to the ticket office is one way to get them in case of returns. Otherwise, get the standing tickets if you’re ok with watching hours of a beautiful performance on foot. Surely, one will forget the capacity of one’s legs over a wonderful experience.

Contributed by Marie Gizelle from Vienna 101Facets

Tips for Seeing the Opera in Europe

If you’ve never been to the opera before, here are a few things you want to keep in mind!

First, dress the part. You don’t need to go head-to-toe in diamond and furs as some locals might, but you’ll feel like a complete schlub if you show up in a t-shirt and shorts. I like to pack a nice dress that can transition from day-to-night to wear. 

Second, eat beforehand. You don’t want to be hungry during a three-hour performance (and some run longer). I suggest a nice dinner out beforehand and after-show drinks.

Third, show up early! You’ll want to enjoy time taking in the beauty of the opera house before it’s time to take your seat.

Fourth, you’ll be asked to turn off your cell phone during the performance. Get as many pics as you want beforehand, afterward, and during intermission. If you want to get a picture of the cast (like the one I took above), you can typically turn your phone back on during the curtain call.

Finally, bring some cash. Many opera houses will not take credit cards for the concessions, and you’ll want cash in case you need to tip anyone (this is country-specific).

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Europe

A   Lonely Planet   guidebook for your trip. It can be hard to find big, international guidebooks once you land (or they’ll be way overpriced). Get yours ahead of time, either a hard copy or on a Kindle.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use local sim cards while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road.

Backup Charging Bank  for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie.

A Camera  since Europe is super photogenic. I use a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my   Samsung8  smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe , which is especially great for cities because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets. It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day. 

More European Travel Resources

If you’re headed to Europe, check out my podcast, Rick Steves Over Brunch. We review episodes of the Rick Steves’ Europe tv show and throw in our own travel tips. We’ve covered quite a bit of Europe!

For country-specific information, check out my country pages. You can find them here .

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for Europe make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging enjoying time in big cities where travelers can attract pickpockets.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Pin this Guide to the Best European Opera Houses for Your Trip!

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1 thought on “27 of the Best Opera Houses in Europe for a Perfect Night Out”

Thank you for the review – you missed two of the World’s best: The Mariinsky Theater and The Mikhailovsky Theatre, both in St. Petersburg, Russia. You would do well to include them.

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Explore ancient Athens

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Catch a flamenco show in Spain

Discover the soul-stirring emotion of a Flamenco show in Spain. This expressive art-form has an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO, merging song, dance and musical instruments into a performance that has to be experienced at least once. Finish with dinner of paella or tapas to round off your perfect evening.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Mother Nature’s wonders come to life with the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. In the frosty landscapes of Iceland, this light display offers viewers a genuine pinch-me moment as vivid colours dance across the night sky.

Spend a night at the opera in Vienna

Hear the talents of traditional opera with the ghosts of Mozart and Strauss in your presence. Though there are more than few places to catch the opera in Vienna, none can compare to the State Opera House (Staatsoper).

Our top 5 things to do in Europe & Britain

There are endless pinch-me moments to be found across the many countries that make up our Europe travel packages. But where to even begin? Perhaps a Flamenco show in Spain, afternoon tea in London or a Northern Lights viewing in frosty Iceland? Here are some of the highlights of our Europe and Britain trips that you're sure to love. 

Paris, France

The world’s largest gallery and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is without rival in the art world and is a must see when in Paris. Allow an entire day to explore its eight departments, not missing the Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art and various halls of sculptures. End your day with sunset by the Louvre Pyramid.

London, England

The British Museum

With some eight million works within its permanent collection, The British Museum is an illustrious European landmark. Admire objects brought back from the voyages of Captain James Cook and walk in the controversial presence of the Parthenon Marbles.

Florence, Italy

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters can be found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo fill Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River reveal the building’s architectural brilliance.

Best museums in Europe & Britain

When traveling Europe with Trafalgar, museum hopping is one of the best ways to understand the culture and history of the places you visit. You’ll find yourself critiquing ancient art and staring in awe at some of the world’s most prominent works. Here are some of our favorites.

Paella Valenciana

Saffron, snails, butterbeans and bomba rice are just some of the ingredients you might find in traditional Spanish paella. Despite originating from the coastal town of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a variety without seafood. You'll love sitting back to enjoy a steaming plate over the sounds of Spanish jazz in a lively alfresco restaurant.

Beef Stroganoff

Now a staple dish in many parts of the world, beef stroganoff is best enjoyed in its birthplace in Russia with a vodka in hand. This simple dish of beef strips sauteed in a sour cream sauce offers a heart-warming taste of this country’s culinary heritage.

Bouillabaisse

The Mediterranean city of Marseille is where a French culinary icon can be found and devoured. The fragrant stew of bouillabaisse, commonly served with crusty white bread, boils up the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables with the flavors of fennel, saffron and cayenne pepper.

Best food in Europe & Britain

Our trips to Europe gravitate around indulgent local mealtimes. With new cuisines and cooking methodologies found at every turn, this continent is simply delicious. 

What to pack for a tour in Europe

With such a large expanse of space to explore on a European travel tour, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about European history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A good book

Exploring Europe is best done at a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to absorb your surroundings. Dedicate a few days to sitting in a park or a cafe, alternating between reading and watching the world go by.

Versatile shoes

Within the space of one outing you may experience all kinds of terrain when in Europe. Pack shoes that can see you walking from an elegant restaurant to a cobbled footpath, with a stroll along the soft grass of a park in between.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Europe, you may find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to share recommendations with friends when you return home.

All climate clothing

No matter the time of year you travel, Europe can deliver a myriad of temperatures. From frosty cities of Scandinavia to the temperate hills of Portugal, layered clothing best suits the varying micro-climates across this continent.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

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