Italian Opera Experience - The Barber of Seville

While Verona’s arena is iconic, Macerata offers something refreshingly different. The legendary Barber of Seville is performed at the stunning Sferisterio Theatre, a neoclassical open-air arena built in 1823 and celebrated for its superb acoustics.

Here, every seat feels close. Every note feels personal and, in some way, the entire town becomes part of the performance.

• You’ll enjoy:
• Premier seating
• Private transfers
• Time to wander Macerata’s charming piazzas before the show
• Optional pre-performance group dining, arranged by your hosts

Just imagine strolling toward the Sferisterio at sunset, feeling the anticipation build, then taking your seat beneath the stars as the orchestra strikes its first chord—an experience that is unforgettable.

During your stay, you’ll have time to:

• Wander charming piazzas and medieval streets
• Enjoy panoramic countryside views
• Explore local artisans, cafés, markets, and hidden corners
• Immerse yourself in the authentic culture of one of Italy’s most undiscovered regions

Optional Experience (additional cost)

An Exclusive Culinary Journey in Marche – Private Italian Cooking Experience

Step into the heart of Marche’s culinary traditions and discover the passion and love for Italian cooking. Under the guidance of a local cook , you’ll learn to create authentic regional masterpieces, for example the celebrated Vincisgrassi — a sumptuous, layered baked pasta with slow-cooked meat ragù and béchamel — alongside refined pasta specialties and seasonal recipes cherished for generations.

Experience a warm and personal welcome in a elegant Agritourismo, where your host will provide a live, hands-on cooking demonstration, sharing insider tips, techniques, and the stories behind Marche cooking .

After the demonstration, indulge in a 3-course meal, showcasing the dishes you’ve just prepared. Each course is paired with local wines — 4 glasses of wine per person — water and freshly brewed coffee.

This exclusive, small-group experience (minimum numbers apply) includes private transportation, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your culinary journey. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Marche’s warm hospitality and rich gastronomic heritage.

Dietary requirements can be arranged Vegetarian, Gluten free and lactose free

£100.00 Per Person 

Domus Stella Maris https://www.domusstellamaris.it/sito/en/domus-stella-maris/

The Domus Stella Maris in Ancona is deeply rooted in the region's religious and cultural heritage. Named "Star of the Sea”, while maintaining its spiritual significance, the residence has been modernized to function as a hotel, offering amenities like a reception, bar, and ensuite facilities and we have exclusivity of the residence.

Situated near Ancona's coastline, the hotel provides easy access to the sea, approx. 10-to-15-minute walk, it is believed that Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed at the residence.

Accommodation is across three levels with lift access to all floors but some rooms may have additional steps to access them.

Provisional Flight Information

16/07/26 Stansted to Ancona Dep: 0615 Arr: 0930

20/07/26 Ancona to Stansted Dep: 1045 Arr: 1205

10/09/26 Manchester to Bologna Dep: 0830 Arr: 1150

14/09/26 Bologna to Manchester Dep: 1545 Arr: 1715

Checked in luggage allowance - 20kg

Transfers to resort - Ancona approx 45 mins, Bologna approx 2hr 30 mins

Opera Performance Cancellation/Suspension in Case of Bad Weather

In case of bad weather, the performance is never cancelled in advance. If weather conditions do not allow the performance to begin on time, the Associazione Arena Sferisterio reserves the right to announce a delayed start of the performance, or its possible cancellation, up to 120 minutes after the scheduled start time.

Once the performance has begun—even if it starts late—no ticket refunds will be issued, even if the show cannot be completed due to weather conditions.

Tickets will only be refunded in the event of full cancellation of the performance.

To obtain a refund, tickets must be returned to the Sferisterio Box Office starting from the day after the cancelled performance, or sent by registered mail with return receipt within 10 days of the cancelled date, to:

Associazione Arena Sferisterio

Via Santa Maria della Porta, 65

62100 Macerata – Italy

The following must be included with the tickets:

the “Refund Request Form”, available in paper format at the Box Office from the evening of the cancellation, downloadable from www.sferisterio.it, or obtainable by email from boxoffice@sferisterio.it

a photocopy of a valid ID

Refunds will not be processed on the same day as the request but will be made by bank transfer by September 30 of the current year.

Changes and Refunds

The theatre reserves the right to make any changes to dates, programs, or organizational aspects of performances if necessary due to technical needs of the Theatre or artists, or due to causes beyond the Theatre’s control (including strikes, abstentions from work, or force majeure).

In such cases, the Theatre will attempt to provide alternative solutions compatible with available budgets and scheduled activities.

A ticket may be refunded only in the following cases:

Date change: Refunds are granted by returning the original ticket to the Macerata theatres' box office no later than the original date and start time of the performance.

Essential modifications caused by unplanned worker abstention or force majeure, resulting in an incomplete performance (e.g. opera performed without orchestra, with recorded music, or with piano accompaniment only)

Refunds are granted by returning the ticket no later than the original scheduled date and start time.

Cancellation of the performance:

Tickets may be refunded within 10 days following the originally scheduled date.

All refunds are subject to SIAE regulations and any other applicable rules.

According to current regulations, the Association cannot refund or cancel tickets that are not returned intact in their original format.

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual. 

This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.

Further information on the EES can be found on the following link - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

Starting in end 2026 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.

Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!

The latest FCO travel guidance for Hungary

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy