Built in 1778 under the auspices of Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa, the Teatro alla Scala is a must-see, culture-defining monument in stone and statuary, gilt and red velvet. Its halls echo a veritable A-list of composers, conductors, musicians and ballet dancers: Rossini, Bellini, Puccini, Verdi, Toscanini, Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, to name just a few. If a performance ticket is beyond your reach, this tour imbues you with the spirit of La Scala, from the soaring performance hall with its six full tiers of private boxes, resounding with music even when none is playing, to the fascinating museum that illuminates 250 years of operatic arts.
*NOTE: Black tie, formal dress and opera glasses not required! Upgrade with an extra hour VIP tour that includes the Royal Box, backstage areas and the orchestra pit