Castles and Concerts

Over the last 15 years, the Castello di Gargonza in Tuscany is the only place we have ever revisited with the Castles and Concerts group. Gargonza remains the “gold standard” by which we measure a destination, so we’ve seized upon this opportunity to make a brief return visit. Over the years our group has become friends with the Count and Countess whose family has owned this property since the time that Dante lived here and created the “Divine Comedy”. On Wednesday, April 29th, the cast and crew producing the opera for Monte Carlo will gather for three days of rehearsals in this picturesque 13th century walled village.

Many of our guests choose to arrive a few days before the official start of these trips in order to relax a little before we board ship. Anyone who would like to spend a few days at Gargonza with us before we sail will be welcome. Those who would like to help with the production will be able to join the team during the day’s rehearsals. Or you can spend the day exploring the glorious Tuscan countryside with its’ charming wineries, towns and villages. In the evening we’ll get together for informal dinners and fun.

Gargonza Details and Costs

We’ve taken the entire Castello for four nights, beginning Wednesday, April 29. The staff will provide 3 meals each day. Most of the apartments have small, rustic kitchens and all have private modern bathrooms. However, because of the nature of 13th century building, virtually every room is different from the other. Let us know if you have difficulty with steep, stone stairs, and we’ll make sure you are on a ground level. The cost for this portion of the trip is $1,850 per person, double occupancy, and includes accommodations, all meals, wine with evening banquets and transportation from Rome to Gargonza on April 29, and to the ship on Sunday, May 3rd.

Gargonza is located in the idyllic Tuscan countryside. It’s on the old road between Arezzo and Sienna, about 75 miles north of Rome and 40 miles south of Florence. On Sunday, May 3rd, we’ll provide transportation from Gargonza directly to Civitavecchia, just north of Rome, where we’ll board our Wind Star ship.

For those joining us directly at the ship, we’ll provide transportation on May 3rd from the Rome Airport and from the city center of Rome to the ship, as well as from Gargonza to the ship.

Castello di Gargonza

Watercolor of the Gargonza Tower by Don Brandenburger.