Hotel barge operator European Waterways has announced details of two Opera cruises in Summer 2015 – departure dates aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita are 5 July; and 11 September, both for 7 nights.

Before the cruise from Venice to Mantua begins, guests will be taken from their hotel in Padua to visit the fascinating Arena Museo Opera museum in Verona, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant. And then the highlight, front stall seats in the magnificent setting of the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona, to watch a magical performance of one of the best-known and loved operas, either Puccini's Tosca, or Verdi's Nabucco.

After spending a memorable evening in Verona, the next morning guests will be transferred from their hotel and en route to embark La Bella Vita in Venice, enjoy a guided tour of Padua, one of the Veneto's most charming cities.

During the 6-night cruise, there are visits to some wonderful baroque theatres: Gran Teatro La Fenice, where the premières of operas by composers such as Rossini and Verdi were performed, and the intimate Teatro Bibiena in Mantua, with its bell-shaped interior that opened with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart in 1770.

And there is a lot more to see while cruising across the Venetian Lagoon past its colourful islands and on through the Po Valley - visits to the famous fish market in Chioggia, the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara and the stunning Ducal Palace in Mantua, as well as wine tastings and dinner in a private stately home where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry.

While cruising, delicious Italian food will be prepared daily by the talented on-board chef, accompanied, of course, by fine Italian wines.

Each opera itinerary is for 7 nights and includes: a one-night stay in a 4-star hotel in Padua; the evening in Verona at the opera; all gourmet meals prepared by the chef on-board; fine wines, an open bar, the daily escorted excursions, admissions and local transfers.

The fully-crewed, 7-night itinerary, based on double occupancy, costs from; £3,240 per person.

For more information on this and other cruises, visit www.gobarging.com or call 01753 598555. Follow European Waterways on Facebook and Twitter @gobarging.