ITINERARY

DAY 1 | FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2027

1ST OF 4 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES, PALERMO

ARRIVE PALERMO (D):

We arrive and check in at the luxurious 5-star Grand Hotel et Des Palmes, the only 5-star hotel in the centre of Palermo and former residence of the Ingham-Whitaker family. Hotel check-in is at 2:00pm, and we recommend arriving at this time.

In the early evening, we meet our Tour Leader, Guy Noble, who will introduce the tour. We then enjoy a delicious gourmet meal to welcome us to the start of our tour together.

DAY 2 | SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2027

2ND OF 4 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES, PALERMO

GUIDED TOUR OF PALERMO & OPERA PERFORMANCE AT TEATRO MASSIMO (B):

This morning begins with our first pre-performance talk from our distinguished Tour Leader Guy Noble, on the opera we will attend this evening.

We then begin our exploration of Palermo with a guided walking tour. We set off from our historic hotel, where Richard Wagner once completed his opera Parsifal, on a relaxed walking tour that takes in Palermo’s enchanting historic quarter. Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city where history, culture, and flavour collide. From dazzling Arab-Norman architecture and bustling street markets, to golden Byzantine mosaics and Mediterranean cuisine, its layered past and spirited character make it one of Italy’s most captivating destinations.

Our private local guide will tell us about the history of the impressive Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, in fact one of the largest in Europe, and where we will enjoy a performance tomorrow evening. Our walk will then lead us along the pedestrianised Via Maqueda to the iconic Quattro Canti, the octagonal public plaza featuring ornate statues and fountains. We then walk along to Fontana Pretoria, one of Palermo’s major landmarks dating from 1555, and on to the Chiesa di San Cataldo and Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio.

Time is then allowed for lunch, which you might choose to purchase from the vibrant open-air market square of La Vucciria, with its bustling restaurants loudly competing for custom, or from one of the many street food vendors on Via Maqueda offering traditional Sicilian arancini. Alternatively, for those with a sweet tooth, you might be interested in visiting Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, near where our walking tour will finish. Here, for small fee, you can visit the impressive church (currently undergoing restoration work inside) and then make your way to the quaint cloister, in a corner of which is a small café, serving the largest, sweetest and most impressive cannoli you are ever likely to encounter!

The late afternoon is then free, and this evening we attend our first performance of the tour, Mozart’s ever-popular opera The Magic Flute at the remarkable Teatro Massimo.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - TEATRO MASSIMO
Mozart The Magic Flute

Diego Matheuz conductor
Salvatore Punturo chorus master
Manuel Fuentes Sarastro
Maria Kokareva Queen of the Night
Markus Werba Papageno
Teatro Massimo Orchestra and Chorus

DAY 3 | SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2027

3RD OF 4 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES, PALERMO

PALAZZO REALE DI PALERMO, PALERMO CATHEDRAL & PALAZZO CONTE FEDERICO (B):

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of the Palazzo Reale di Palermo, otherwise known as Palazzo dei Normanni, the oldest royal residence in Europe. Over the centuries, the Norman Palace has mirrored the city of Palermo’s fortunes, evolving under the rule of emirs, dukes, princes, kings, and viceroys, who added to its structure as they pleased. Towers, treasuries, courtyards, chapels, and ballrooms were incorporated into its design at various times, reflecting the whims of its successive rulers. Our guided tour includes a visit to the Cappella Palatina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The chapel functioned as both the religious centre of the palace as well as a venue for royal ceremonies. In its eclectic combination of Byzantine, Islamic, and Romanesque architectural and decorative traditions, the Cappella Palatina embodies the multicultural cosmopolitanism of Palermo.

From the Norman Palace, we make the short walk to Palermo’s iconic Cathedral. It is located in the oldest sacred area of Palermo, where the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs had previously built their own places of worship. When the Normans took power, they immediately replaced the Muslim mosque with a Christian church. However, the archbishop of Palermo, Gualtiero Offamilio, had the building demolished in 1184 and began the construction of a new splendid cathedral, a symbol of religious power in the city. Over the course of the following centuries, additions and restorations modified the original building, and it is this union of apparently incongruous different styles that gives life to a grandiose and harmonious whole.

Following some free time for lunch, we have the exclusive opportunity of visiting Palazzo Conte Federico for a private guided tour. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious buildings in Palermo, with the Norman tower at its heart dating back to the 12th-century. The building has links with Garibaldi, Richard Wagner, and many famous individuals linked throughout the ages to Freemasonry. The palace is still inhabited today by Count Alessandro Federico, a direct descendent of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, and our host for today’s visit, Countess Alwine Federico, an Austrian opera singer, champion swimmer and teacher.

Following our guided tour, we return to the hotel for a restful evening.

DAY 4 | TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2027

3RD OF 4 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES, PALERMO

DAY TRIP TO MONREALE & PIANO RECITAL AT TEATRO MASSIMO (B):

This morning, we take a picturesque drive into the hills above Palermo to Monreale. Monreale offers one of Sicily’s most breathtaking views, and one of Europe’s greatest artistic treasures. The magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Norman architecture which dazzles with its vast golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes that shimmer in the light. Built in the 12th-century under King William II, the cathedral blends Arab, Byzantine, and Norman influences into a stunning harmony of cultures. Our tour guide will provide a fascinating introduction to this incredible building, constructed in just 10 years by a group of craftsmen trained in Byzantium, along with a history of this delightful town on the slopes of Mount Caputo.

Time is then allowed for lunch in this bustling hilltop town, before returning to Palermo.

After a free afternoon to rest and relax in Palermo, we enjoy the second of our pre-performance talks from Tour Leader Guy Noble.

We then attend an unforgettable piano recital at Teatro Massimo from pianist Daniil Trifonov.

PIANO RECITAL - TEATRO MASSIMO
Daniil Trifonov piano

Program TBA

DAY 5 | TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2027

OVERNIGHT FERRY FROM PALERMO TO NAPLES

DAY TRIP TO CEFALÚ, PALERMO TO NAPLES OVERNIGHT FERRY (B, L):

This morning, following a relaxed check out from our hotel, we travel along the northern coast of Sicily to the town of Cefalú. Cefalu’s Old Town is home to a picturesque maze of pedestrian corridors that sit at the base of La Rocca, a soaring cliff that is home to Greek, Roman and Norman remains. On arrival, we make our way to one of Cefalú’s top dining destinations for a relaxed group lunch in a peaceful courtyard.

After lunch, we enjoy a stroll through the town’s maze of charming streets with our local guide, culminating in a guided tour of the Duomo di Cefalù, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, and a perfect example of the Norman style. The cathedral was founded in 1130 by Roger II who, according to legend, had vowed to build it if he would be saved from a terrible storm that had hit his ship on its way to Palermo. The fury of the elements threw him on the beach of Cefalù, where the king therefore laid the first stone of the imposing construction.

Some free time is allowed for a stroll around Cefalú’s charming streets, and for a little shopping in its boutique stores, before we make our way back to Palermo, where we board our overnight ferry which will take us to Naples, and the next stage of our tour.

DAY 6 | WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2027

1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO, NAPLES

GUIDED TOUR OF THE ROYAL PALACE OF CASERTA & NAPLES (B, D):

On arrival into Naples, following our overnight ferry journey from Palermo, we take a short journey to Grand Hotel Vesuvio (our luxurious home for the next four nights), where we have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed breakfast in their beautiful Puccini Room overlooking Castel dell'Ovo and the Gulf of Naples.

Following breakfast, we depart for the short drive to Caserta, for a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Caserta, one of Italy’s most magnificent Baroque landmarks. Commissioned by Charles VII of Naples in the 18th-century and designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, it was intended to rival the grandeur of Versailles. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts over 1,200 rooms, grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, and vast gardens adorned with fountains and sculptures. Our guided tour will take in the impressive Royal Apartments, following which, time will be allowed to explore the expansive grounds, including the manicured English Garden, and to get lunch.

Following our visit to Caserta, we return to Naples where we check in to our 5-star hotel, the Grand Hotel Vesuvio. The remainder of the afternoon is free, giving you time to relax at the rooftop bar with a cold drink to soak in the views of the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri and Mount Vesuvius in the distance, or to stroll along the seafront enjoying views of the imposing Castel dell'Ovo, a fortress and former royal residence.

This evening, we gather at the stylish rooftop restaurant Caruso, for a gourmet introduction to our time in Naples.

DAY 7 | THURSDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2027

2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO, NAPLES

GUIDED TOUR OF NAPLES & PALAZZO REALE DI NAPOLI (B):

This morning, we journey to the historic centre of Naples for a fascinating guided walking tour. Our tour starts at the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, Naples’ impressive cathedral dating from the 13th-century, and will include visits to a series of incredible and ornate churches including the Chiesa dei Girolamini, Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara with its ornate tiled cloisters, and the mighty Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, along with other fascinating locations along the way.

After our walking tour, which will finish in the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, there will be an optional coach transfer back to our hotel. Alternatively, guests might like to continue their exploration of Naples with a stroll along the bustling Via Toledo through the heart of the Spanish Quarter. Originally built in the 16th-century to house Spanish soldiers, it has evolved into one of the city’s most characterful neighbourhoods. Colourful laundry lines, buzzing scooters, and the aroma of espresso define its atmosphere. Once rough-edged but now revitalised, the Spanish Quarter blends history and charm, offering a true glimpse into the heart of Naples. A few delicacies that you might like to pick up for lunch are of course the traditional Neopolitan pizza, the alternative Pizza Fritta, a Naples street food staple of a small fried pizza, or Babà Napoletano, a delicious sponge cake soaked in a sticky, citrus-scented boozy syrup.

Late this afternoon, we stroll along the harbour-front from our hotel to the Palazzo Reale di Napoli for a guided tour. The Palazzo Reale in Naples is a grand testament to the city’s royal past and artistic splendour. Overlooking the bustling Piazza del Plebiscito, this elegant palace once housed Spanish and Bourbon monarchs, and today offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into centuries of regal life. Inside, lavish halls sparkle with frescoes, tapestries, and chandeliers, while the grand staircase and royal apartments evoke Naples’ baroque magnificence.

The evening is free.

DAY 8 | FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2027

3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO, NAPLES

EXCURSION TO HERCULANEUM & OPERA AT TEATRO DI SAN CARLO (B, L):

This morning, we journey around the Gulf of Naples to the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum. The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD., offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life in a Roman town. Smaller and wealthier than nearby Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash and mud that preserved wooden structures, frescoes, mosaics, and household objects in remarkable detail. During our guided tour, we will walk through elegant villas, shops, and bathhouses, gaining a vivid sense of ancient Roman urban life. This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as one of the world’s most extraordinary windows into antiquity and human resilience amid natural disaster.

Following our guided tour, we enjoy a delicious group lunch in one of the impressive villas on Herculaneum’s ‘Golden Mile’.

In the early evening, we gather for our pre-performance talk from Guy Noble on this evening’s opera, Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust.

We then travel to historic Teatro di San Carlo for this evening’s performance. Opened in 1737, is the oldest continuously active opera house in the world. Renowned for its opulent architecture and superb acoustics, it has hosted premieres by Rossini, Donizetti, and Verdi, remaining a glittering symbol of Italy’s rich operatic tradition and cultural heritage.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - TEATRO DI SAN CARLO, 8:00pm
Berlioz The Damnation of Faust

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor
Damiano Michieletto director, reprising Eleonora Gravagnola
Carla Teti costumes
Alessandro Carletti lighting
Chiara Vecchi choreography
rocafilm video
Alex Esposito Méphistophélès
René Barbera Faust
Annalisa Stroppa Marguerite
Vartan Gabrielian Brander
Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro di San Carlo

DAY 9 | SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2027

1ST OF 4 NIGHTS AT ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME HOTEL

NAPLES TO ROME & ABBEY OF MONTE CASSINO (B, L (packed lunches)):

This morning, we check out of our hotel in Naples, and depart by private coach for our journey to Rome. En route, we travel into the hills of Monte Cassino for a guided tour of the Abbey of Monte Cassino.

Perched high on a rocky hill between Rome and Naples, the Abbey of Monte Cassino is one of Europe’s most historic and resilient monasteries. Founded by Saint Benedict in 529 AD, it became the birthplace of the Benedictine Order and a beacon of learning, faith, and culture throughout the Middle Ages. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times - most famously after devastating and potentially unintentional bombing in World War II - the abbey today stands as a symbol of spiritual endurance and artistic beauty. Its serene cloisters, priceless manuscripts, and panoramic views make Monte Cassino a profound destination for pilgrims and history lovers alike.

Following our guided tour, time is allowed to peruse the Abbey’s impressive museum, which offers visitors examples of the various phases of the monastery's history and art. As there are no catering options at the Abbey of Monte Cassino, packed lunches will be provided on this day to enjoy following our visit.

We then continue on our journey to Rome, arriving at our luxurious 5-star hotel in the late afternoon, followed by a free evening to rest ahead of a busy day tomorrow.

DAY 10 | SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2027

2ND OF 4 NIGHTS AT ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME HOTEL

PALAZZO COLONNA & OPERA PERFORMANCE AT TEATRO DELL’OPERA DI ROMA (B):

This morning, we make our way to the Palazzo Colonna for an exclusive private guided tour. Palazzo Colonna is a testament to centuries of aristocratic grandeur and artistic patronage. Home to the noble Colonna family for over twenty generations, this palatial complex combines Renaissance and Baroque architecture with lavish interiors, frescoed halls, and exquisite art collections. Our exclusive guided tour explores its stunning galleries, ornate chapels, and the famous Salone dei Principi, adorned with frescoes by Pietro da Cortona. Beyond its artistic treasures, the palace offers a glimpse into Rome’s social and political history, reflecting the enduring influence of one of the city’s most powerful families.

In the late afternoon, we gather for our pre-performance talk on the opera we will attend this evening, Puccini’s La Rondine, before strolling to the impressive Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (with the interior theatre known as Teatro Costanzi). The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, founded in 1880, is one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses, renowned for its opulent architecture and superb acoustics.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - TEATRO DELL’OPERA DI ROMA, 4:30pm
Puccini La Rondine

Francesco Lanzillotta conductor
Andrea Bernard director
Ciro Visco chorus master
Alberto Beltrame set designer
Elena Beccaro costume designer
Marco Alba lighting designer
Ermonela Jaho Magda
Rosalia Cid Lisette
Francesco Meli Ruggero
Matteo Mezzaro Prunier
Bruno Taddia Rambaldo
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Orchestra and Chorus

DAY 11 | MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2027

3RD OF 4 NIGHTS AT ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME HOTEL

GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF ROME & PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF THE PAPAL BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR (B, L):

After breakfast, we journey via coach to the Campo de’ Fiori to begin our walking tour of historic Rome. Our relaxed stroll will include a brief history of the Eternal City, providing us with information on Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola and more.

Following our walking tour, we will enjoy a lunch of traditional Roman cuisine at one of Rome’s finest restaurants.

After lunch, guests might like to stroll back to the hotel via the famous Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps, or take the coach back to the hotel for a restful remainder of the afternoon.

This evening, we have the exclusive opportunity to visit one of Rome’s most spectacular sacred buildings on a private after-hours tour, the nearby Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. It is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and stands as a masterpiece of Christian art and architecture. Founded in the 5th-century, it is renowned for its stunning mosaics, richly decorated coffered ceiling, and the sacred relic of the Nativity crib. Perched on the Esquiline Hill, the basilica reflects centuries of devotion, blending early Christian, medieval, and Baroque influences. Santa Maria Maggiore remains both a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural treasure, embodying Rome’s enduring religious and artistic legacy.

DAY 12 | TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2027

4TH OF 4 NIGHTS AT ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME HOTEL

CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS, FAREWELL LUNCH & CONCERT PERFORMANCE (B, L):

Perched atop Rome’s Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums are the world’s oldest public museums, founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated ancient bronzes to the city. Today, the museums house an extraordinary collection of classical sculpture, Renaissance art, and archaeological treasures celebrating Rome’s millennia of history and artistic grandeur. This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of this impressive museum, which takes in the highlights of the collection, followed by some free time to explore further.

After our visit to the Capitoline Museums, we stroll to our nearby lunch destination, where we can enjoy delicious food and the good company of our fellow guests, while soaking in spectacular views of the Colonna Traiana and Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.

In the early evening, we gather for the final time for a pre-concert talk with our Tour Leader Guy Noble, before our final concert performance of the tour.

CONCERT PERFORMANCE

Program and Venue TBA

DAY 13 | WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2027

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

INCLUSIONS

17–29 september 2027 (13 DAYS)

AUD$??? PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$???
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 17 May 2027)
Final payment due: 15 July 2026

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium seats to five performances including: a opera performance at Teatro Massimo in Palermo, a recital at Teatro massimo in Palermo; an opera performance at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples; an opera performance at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma; a concert performance in Rome.

  Please note: There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on final confirmation of evening performances.

• Tour Leaders and Talks: Tour leadership and exclusive private talks by Guy Noble.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotels: 12 nights' accommodation including:

  • Four nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel et Des Palmes in Palermo in a Superior Room;

  • One night on the ferry from Palermo to Naples in a Premium Sea View Cabin;

  • Three nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Vesuvio in Naples in a Superior Room with City View;

  • Four nights at the 5-star Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel in a Premium Room;

  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at each hotel (excluding on the overnight ferry).

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach, one overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel and an additional breakfast at Grand Hotel Vesuvio on arrival in Naples, six lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee, and a packed lunch on day 9 for the visit to the Abbey of Monte Cassino.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be used at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and for meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of the tour. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Entry into Europe: ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will confirm the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 3

For the benefit of the tour group, all members of the tour must have the ability to:

• use a combined shower/bath (please note that we cannot guarantee walk-in shower facilities at all hotels);

• undertake walking tours of two-three hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for one to two hours in galleries and museums at a time without a break;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains, boats and other methods of transportation without assistance;

• handle your own luggage (where porterage services are unavailable).

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

Opera & Art in Southern ItalY