Festival trip guides

Every February, the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua celebrates the Feast of the Tongue, marking the discovery of the saint's incorrupt tongue in 1263. The reliquary is carried in a solemn procession inside the basilica, not through the city streets. This guide explains the history, the route, and how to plan a visit.

Sciacchetrà is a rare, amber passito wine made from partially dried grapes grown on the steep terraces of Cinque Terre. In Manarola, you can taste it at charming cantinas like Cantina Buranco and Nessun Dorma, often after a short vineyard walk. The harvest runs from September to October, making autumn the ideal time for a visit.

Sherwood Festival transforms Padua's Park Nord Stadio Euganeo each summer into a hub of music, debates, sport, and social initiatives. This guide covers the 2026 edition, sustainable travel options, food, accessibility, and the festival's roots in Radio Sherwood.

Discover how to secure tickets to Modena's historic opera house, Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni. This guide covers the official Vivaticket platform, seating areas without exact prices, guided tour details, and practical advice for first-time visitors—plus how to turn your opera trip into a full Modena weekend.

Planning to see opera or ballet in Rome this winter? Here's how to get tickets for Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, from the box office and official online channels to seating tips and practical advice for your visit.

Planning a trip around Palermo's historic opera house? Learn how the Teatro Massimo's autumn-to-spring season works, what types of performances you can expect, and how to book tickets as a visitor—so you can align your stay with the right show.

At Palermo's Teatro Massimo, the daytime guided tour reveals the auditorium and royal box but does not include a performance. Attending an opera or ballet requires a separate show ticket, which does not cover a guided tour. This guide compares the two experiences to help you decide, with practical tips on booking, accessibility, and what to expect.

The Festival Verdi turns Parma into a stage each autumn, with performances at the historic Teatro Regio and satellite venues. This guide covers the festival's character, key venues, booking strategy, and how to weave in visits to Verdi's birthplace, Villa Verdi, and Busseto. Practical tips help you book early, choose tickets wisely, and pair opera with the region's food culture.

The small towns around Parma shaped Giuseppe Verdi: his birthplace in Roncole, the Casa Barezzi museum and jewel-box Teatro Verdi in Busseto, and his private Villa Verdi in Sant'Agata. Learn how to combine these sites with the Verdi Festival for a memorable pilgrimage.

The vendemmia transforms Montepulciano from late August through mid-October. Harvest dates shift with each vintage, but the atmosphere is reliably electric: cellars buzz with activity, wine bars pour Vino Nobile alongside fresh olive oil, and the countryside glows with autumn color. To taste the region's noble wine at its most authentic, plan ahead—book cellar tours in advance and consider staying overnight to savor the season.

When Richard Wagner stepped into the gardens of Villa Rufolo in 1880, he declared that he had found Klingsor's magic garden, the setting for the second act of his opera Parsifal. That moment, recorded in his wife's diary and on a plaque at the villa, later inspired the Ravello Music Festival, a summer concert series held in the very spot where the composer found his vision.

When planning your trip to the Putignano Carnival, choosing the right base is key. Stay in the heart of Putignano for the full festival atmosphere, or opt for nearby towns like Conversano for a quieter stay. Bari offers a larger city base with frequent train connections. Consider the pros and cons of each to make your carnival experience smooth and enjoyable.