Family Travel Italy

Wow! Family travel can mean seeing absolutely stunning theatrical shows like a world class opera in an ancient Roman amphitheater in Verona, Italy. When ever possible, we try to add cultural advantages and shows to our family world travel trip like we did at the Globe Theatre in London , Prague and else where. 

We see shows every time we go to London and soon hope to see the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables in October, which also goes nicely with our recent summer extended travel to France and Paris which included homeschooling about the French Revolution and Victor Hugo.

Yes, DO see Venice on your family trip to Italy, but if at all possible, add Verona to your family friendly Italian itinerary in the summer,  as the operas at the Arena are spectacular under the moonlight, plus  fun and educational for the whole family.

Go early and bring a picnic like the locals do and sit on the cheap high seats. We did not even book ahead and we were there in the height of high season. Even kids who might not like an opera at home will love the people-watching and almost ballgame-like atmosphere before the show begins and at intermission where they sell ice cream and such with vendors working the crowds. They also have a tradition before each opera starts where candles are passed and the whole coliseum lights up with candles which kids love and it is an awesome sight to behold. We saw two operas, while there,  Carmen and Aida, and all of us wish we could have seen more. Both were outstanding  and Carmen was directed by Placido Domingo ( I happened to go to his 50th birthday party long ago through a friend, so have met him)  and it was designed by one of our favorites, Franco Zeffirelli.Go!

This is a photo Friday post for Deliciousbaby!

Comments

[Marlana]

I LOVE the Shakespeare theater in London. I stood in the front like the poor people did. Something so amazing about that.

[Amanda Graves]

We were in Italy last August/September and one of the highlights for me was going to see 'Carmen' at the amphitheatre in Verona. Would love to go back...but it will be a while as we are now back in New Zealand!

[soultravelers3]

Marlana- Isn't it wonderful? We did that too & it made quite an impression on my daughter. Very special place and way to experience Shakespeare!

[soultravelers3]

Amanda - Wow, we were there at the same time! We were there in early August after Cinque Terre and before Austria.

It really was spectacular! We returned to Verona just to see the opera because we missed it the first time. Worth it!

I hear ya about the NZ distance, we will be there in Nov briefly on our way to Penang for the winter ( in Auckland for a night after Tahiti) ....not looking forward to those long and expensive flights.

I am looking forward to exploring NZ one of these days! ;)

[Dominique]

I have to admit that I'm not much for opera, but this post almost made it sound like fun! Opera with ice cream might almost be bearable :lol:

[soultravelers3]

Dominique - It REALLY is fun here and I recommend it highly even to folks who have never seen an opera.

We never saw operas until we had a baby who asked for opera when she was a year old. LOL True story!

See the story here:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2009/07/family-travel-photoengland-globe-theatre-king-lear.html

She got us going to opera and I even ordered her some dvd's from famous performances. It is really a great medium, much more enjoyable than most people realize.

[Lisa @ The World is Calling]

I'd heard of the operas in Verona...glad to hear it's a kid-friendly excursion.

[Amanda Graves]

if you are in the South Island we are near Christchurch and would love to meet up with you

[soultravelers3]

Lisa- It is REALLY fantastic for kids & a great way to introduce them to opera. Pretty fun to sit on the same seats that the Romans did & fun spying at the posh folks in the evening where in the close seats too. ;) The programs give the story, so it is easy to follow, even if you do not know the opera or language.

[soultravelers3]

Amanda - Thanks so much! Not this time, but we will be back for a longer stay at one point. Hope you are OK after the earthquake. I lived through a 7.2 earthquake and know how bad that can be, including all the aftershocks.

Healing vibes to you & all there. It took us in Santa Cruz over 10 years to rebuild and probably me that long to recover as I was in a very bad place when it hit.

I hear earthquakes are one of the hardest natural disasters to heal from because the aftershocks keep one on edge for a long time.

Hugs!

[Mary R]

That stage is amazing! I've been reading your adventures and it looks so fantastic.

Thank you for encouraging travel with a young child. I absolutely believe that it's a kind of education that can't be learned in school. My parents also travelled with me throughout the world, and I'm eternal grateful for it.

[soultravelers3]

Mary - It was awesome in person..he is a genius. Thanks for your comment, I read it to Mozart.

I LOVE getting comments from people like you who are now grown and say how much they got out of traveling as a family. I know it was very important in my life as well & why I do it.

Mozart has always just thought of it as normal life, but now she is really starting to get just how lucky she is.

It took a lot of effort and sacrifice to create this life of travel, but it has been more than worth the effort & I hope will last for generations of benefits ...if Mozart also passes along this love of travel, languages, music, education , adventure etc.

[Amanda Graves]

Thanks for your kind thoughts. 2 weeks after the quake and we are still getting quite strong after shocks. We are starting to suffer from lack of sleep, but are very thankful to God that there was no loss of life. Our house also escaped pretty much undamaged, and after a week off school the kids have now had a week back and are starting to get back into some routine. We are all very sick of the after shocks though!

[Amanda Graves]

Thanks for your kind thoughts. 2 weeks after the quake and we are still getting quite strong after shocks. We are starting to suffer from lack of sleep, but are very thankful to God that there was no loss of life. Our house also escaped pretty much undamaged, and after a week off school the kids have now had a week back and are starting to get back into some routine. We are all very sick of the after shocks though!

[Angela]

Wow, great way to enjoy at best your travels, and Italy is a great place to soak up in culture! I'm glad they organise family-friendly operas, such pieces of art should be easily available to anyone.
I've been to the Globe Theatre in London to see "Romeo and Juliet," a really great experience.

[Heidi Wagoner]

Wow, now I get it! I think we need to plan more time in Italy. We must go to the Opera in Verona. Oh so much to see/do.