Europe
(171)
Italy
(59)
Germany
(23)
France
(20)
Spain
(16)
United Kingdom
(16)
Austria
(7)
Czech Republic
(7)
Greece
(6)
Switzerland
(6)
Netherlands
(4)
Finland
(3)
Portugal
(3)
Malta
(2)
Slovakia
(2)
Albania
(1)
Armenia
(1)
Belgium
(1)
Bulgaria
(1)
Croatia
(1)
Cyprus
(1)
Denmark
(1)
Georgia
(1)
Ireland
(1)
Romania
(1)
Slovenia
(1)
Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Country
)
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Europe
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Lombardy
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Location
)
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Piedmont
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Location
)
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
)
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Milan
[category] => Array
(
[name] => Location
)
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
)
)
)
Milan, La Scala, aquatint c. 1830.
The Ring at La Scala - Wagner at the world’s most famous opera house
Tour highlights
- The first Ring at La Scala in over a decade, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Cycle’s premiere in 1876.
- 28 Feb–8 Mar: Directed by David McVicar, conducted by Alexander Soddy, and with internationally renowned soloists such as Michael Volle.
- 9–16 Mar: Directed by David McVicar, conducted by Simone Young, and with internationally renowned soloists such as Michael Volle.
- Led by Wagner expert Barry Millington (February and March departures) and art historian Dr R.T. Cobianchi (February only).
- Visits to Milan’s finest historical and artistic sites with a local art historian.
Notwithstanding Richard Wagner’s problematic relationship with Italian opera, La Scala Milan, historically the major centre of operatic activity in that country, has over the last century or so established a notable reputation in Wagner repertoire. Following in the footsteps of giants such Arturo Toscanini and Wilhelm Furtwängler, Daniel Barenboim conducted the Ring there as music director of the company between 2011 and 2015. The first cycle is is to be conducted by Alexander Soddy, one of the most sought-after conductors of his generation, with a building reputation as one of the great Wagner specialists. The second cycle is to be conducted by the Australian Simone Young, who will be the first female conductor of the cycle at La Scala, just as she was the first woman to conduct it at the Bayreuth Festival in 2024. The director is the highly experienced and popular David McVicar, known for his visceral, psychologically probing productions.
The stellar cast includes Michael Volle (Wotan), arguably the leading singer in the role today, Camilla Nylund (Brünnhilde), Klaus Florian Vogt (Siegmund/Siegfried), Okka von der Damerau (Fricka) and Johannes Martin Kränzle (Alberich).
February: There will be lectures on each instalment of the Ring by Barry Millington, the Wagner specialist and editor of The Wagner Journal, and walks or excursions on most days with Italian art historian Dr R.T. Cobianchi visiting the area’s historical and artistic treasures.
These vary from Leonardo’s Last Supper to the internationally-renowned Pinacoteca Brera, packed with big names from Italy’s unrivalled artistic heritage, as well as excursions to important sites in the medieval Duchy of Milan – approximately coterminous with modern Lombardy – such as Bergamo and Vigevano. We have of course also allowed plenty of time to rest and to prepare for experiencing these operas, the greatest achievement of music drama.
March: There will be lectures on each instalment of the Ring by Barry Millington, the Wagner specialist and editor of The Wagner Journal.
There will also be guided visits to Milan’s historical and artistic treasures, most with a local art historian. These vary from Leonardo’s Last Supper to the internationally-renowned Pinacoteca Brera, packed with big names from Italy’s unrivalled artistic heritage, as well as excursions to Bergamo, an important site in the medieval Duchy of Milan. We have of course also allowed plenty of time to rest and to prepare for experiencing these operas, the greatest achievement of music drama.
Practicalities
February: Two sharing: US$9,220 or US$8,850 without flights. Single occupancy: US$10,490 or US$10,120 without flights.
March: Two sharing: US$8,680 or US$8,310 without flights. Single occupancy: US$9,810 or US$9,440 without flights.
February: travel by private coach for transfers and excursions; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 restaurant dinners and 3 buffet dinners at La Scala, with wine, water, coffee; admission tickets, tips, taxes; the services of the lecturers.
Music: Silver Premium tickets to all 4 performances are included.
March: travel by private coach for transfers and excursions; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners with wine, water, coffee; admission tickets, tips, taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager.
Music: Bronze Premium tickets to all 4 performances are included; seats are in the rear half of the stalls
Rosa Grand Hotel, Milan: a smart 4-star hotel excellently located directly behind the Duomo. Rooms are well appointed in a clean, modern style. Single rooms are double for sole use.
There is a fair amount of walking as much of the centre is closed to traffic; the theatre is a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel. The visits and excursions require a fair amount of standing around, and steps and stairs. The tour is not suitable for anyone who has difficulties with everyday walking and stair climbing.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to Travel.State.Gov to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting. As a British company we follow the advice of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Ravenna & Urbino, 9–13 March 2026
Related tours and events
Sign up to our e-newsletter
e-newsletter recipients are the first to hear about our future plans and our tours as they come on sale. By signing up you agree to our Privacy policy.
Or request your free brochure here
My Wishlist
Please note that all saved tours will be removed if you clear your cookies.
Sign up to our e-newsletter
E-newsletter recipients are the first to hear about our future plans and our tours as they come on sale.