Italian Opera in Santa Monaca Church with Dinner

Experiencing Italy’s treasures takes many forms, and this combined opera and dinner tour in Florence offers a glimpse into both its rich musical heritage and culinary traditions. While it’s a popular choice, booking well in advance, the experience has its ups and downs, making it a good fit for those seeking an authentic, cultural evening out.

What we love about this experience is the chance to enjoy timeless Italian arias performed in a stunning medieval church, paired with a typical Tuscan meal. The venue itself—a historic church—adds an aura of authenticity. The music performed by skilled singers is often described as beautiful, and the dinner offers regional specialties that give you a taste of local flavor.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The organization can be a bit murky, especially around timing and instructions, and the dinner experience may not live up to everyone’s expectations. Still, for lovers of opera, history, and local cuisine, this tour offers a worthwhile taste of Florence’s artistic spirit.

This experience is best suited for travelers who are open to a slightly unscripted evening, appreciate historic settings, and want a combined culinary and cultural experience without straying far from the city center.

Good To Know

• Authentic musical setting in a medieval church with good acoustics
• Regional Tuscan dinner featuring multiple courses, including vegetarian options
• Operatic performances of famous arias from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and more
• Convenient location close to Florence’s city center and public transportation
• Pre-booking is recommended, as tours are often booked 77 days in advance
• Some reviews mention organizational issues and unclear instructions

Detailed Review of the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour balances a delicious Tuscan dinner with an evening of live opera in a historic Florence setting. It’s split into two main parts: the dinner at Trattoria Napoleone and the performance at Santa Monaca Church.

The Dinner at Trattoria Napoleone

Starting in Carmine Square, just a two-minute walk from the church, the dinner is designed to showcase regional specialties. The menu features vegetable entrees, an appetizer platter with salami, Parma ham, and polenta varieties, and a choice of main courses like spaghetti with truffled carbonara, tortelli mugellani with wild boar, or Sienese pici with sausage sauce.

Dessert options include warm apple pie with mascarpone and strawberries, paired with water, coffee, and a glass of local wine. Vegetarian options are available for every course, which adds to the appeal for guests with dietary preferences.

Reviewers note that the food quality can be hit or miss. While some found it to be a good, hearty Tuscan meal, others described the food as below average or lacking atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned that the portion sizes felt more like a tasting menu, which could leave those with bigger appetites wanting more.

The Opera in Santa Monaca Church

The highlight is a performance of Italian arias by professional singers, accompanied by a piano, set inside the beautiful Santa Monaca Church. This medieval church, located at via S. Monaca 6, offers excellent acoustics—a point many reviewers appreciated, describing the sound as crystal clear.

The program features works from G. Puccini, G. Verdi, G. Rossini, and others, performed in Italian. Audience members often praise the quality of the singing; some describe it as beautiful and top-notch, with front-row seats being a bonus for close-up views of the performers.

A few reviewers, however, have noted that the church can get quite warm during the performance—something to prepare for, especially in summer.

Timing and Organization

The itinerary suggests a 7:15 pm dinner, followed by the concert, but reviews indicate confusion about the schedule. Several guests mention unclear start times and poor instructions on where exactly to meet. One reviewer pointed out that the concert might start around 9:15 pm, but this was only discovered after inquiring with the restaurant owner.

Plus, some reviews state that communication before the event could be improved, with some guests waiting outside the venue for 40 minutes before being directed to the correct place. This lack of clarity might be frustrating, especially for those on a tight schedule.

Value for Money

At $92.55 per person, the package offers an all-in-one cultural evening, which can be appealing for first-time visitors wanting to combine dining and entertainment. The price includes the meal and opera ticket, making it convenient, but some reviews suggest that booking the opera separately might be more cost-effective if the meal is not a priority.

Given the mixed reviews about the dinner quality, travelers who mainly want to experience Florence’s operatic atmosphere might prefer to skip the meal and just attend the concert. The performance itself is often highlighted as worth the experience, especially if you love classical opera.

The Venue: Santa Monaca Church

This medieval church is an excellent choice for an intimate opera concert. Its historic charm and stellar acoustics make it a memorable setting. However, the location can be tricky to find, with some reviews mentioning that the address listed might be incorrect and directions unclear.

Guests recommend confirming the venue location beforehand and arriving early to avoid unnecessary stress. Despite this, the atmosphere inside is often described as beautiful and authentic, enhancing the overall experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book early: Since the tour is popular and booked well in advance, securing your spot at least 77 days ahead is advisable.
• Arrive early: To avoid confusion, plan to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early—especially given some reviews’ reports of disorganization.
• Prepare for the heat: The church can get warm during the performance, so wear light clothing and stay hydrated.
• Consider skipping the dinner: If your main goal is the opera itself, you might find better value by purchasing tickets alone and finding a local restaurant at your leisure.
• Verify venue details: Double-check the address and directions, as some reviews mention inaccuracies and confusing signage.
• Bring a small flashlight: The streets nearby can be dark at night, especially if you’re searching for the correct alleyway.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This opera and dinner tour caters best to cultural enthusiasts who love experiencing music in historical settings and don’t mind some organizational quirks. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a romantic, authentic Florentine evening with a focus on music and regional cuisine.

However, if you’re looking for perfect organization or a gourmet meal, you might want to explore alternative options. The opera performance alone is often praised, and skipping the dinner could allow more flexibility and potentially better dining experiences elsewhere.

For travelers who enjoy historic venues, local flavors, and live performances, this tour offers a memorable night in Florence—just be prepared for some minor logistical surprises.

FAQ

Is the dinner included in the price?
Yes, the price covers both the Tuscan meal at Trattoria Napoleone and the opera ticket.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 77 days in advance, as the tour is popular and can sell out early.

What should I wear?
A smart casual dress code is suggested, aligning with the elegant, historic setting of the church and the restaurant.

Can I skip the dinner and attend the opera?
Absolutely. Many guests find the opera worth attending even without the meal, and some review that booking just the tickets is a better value.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian alternatives are offered for each course, accommodating different dietary preferences.

What are the main issues reported by past guests?
The most common concerns involve organizational clarity, uncertain start times, and directions. Some also found the meal quality inconsistent.

Is the venue accessible for all?
While the church is historic and charming, it might involve some walking on uneven streets, and the warm environment could be uncomfortable for those sensitive to heat.

In summary, this Florence experience blends musical artistry with the flavors of Tuscany in an atmospheric setting. It’s perfect for opera lovers and history buffs eager for a night of culture and cuisine, but it’s wise to stay flexible and prepared for minor logistical hiccups to make the most of it.