Tour Reviews by our Clients

My trip to Italy with Operatif was extraordinary – many highlights and so steeped in your contacts and local friendships. The operas and workshops to understand violin making, velvet production, costume making, cheese production and gondola construction were all wonderful too. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and the careful way every step of the tour was planned and thought through. Jane, Sydney NSW ( Viva Verdi )

Apart from all the fun and great opera, it was a treat to watch at close quarters while you both performed your magic. I remain in awe of your network of extraordinary local contacts Neil, Canberra ( Viva Verdi )

In all we saw six Verdi operas in various locations, including Busseto and La Fenice (I Due Foscari), opera in a palazzo plus concerts (Simone Young conducting Messiaen, a Vivaldi concert, and a showcase by Verdi Academy graduates. ) A wonderful variety, interspersed with museums, cathedrals and artisan workshops – it was amazing. We have done 3 other wonderful Italian trips with you, but this was ‘ the best ever’ Ifor & Kathryn, Brisbane ( Viva Verdi )  READ MORE 

From the start when we were met at Bologna airport by the amazing duo Jennifer and Stewart, to the end when they farewelled my little group on a water taxi from the door of our Venice hotel, everything was exemplary. Suzanne, Melbourne. Viva VerdiREAD MORE

The organisation is outstanding as is the attention given to every detail. Nothing is left to chance: the location of the hotels, restaurants, excellent seats at the various theatres/opera houses, super comfortable coaches, interesting places to visit, sufficient free time to recharge batteries, suggestions for additional activities. Nothing was too much trouble to deal with for Jennifer , Stewart and our wonderful tour director, Paolo.  Lilian, Melbourne. 

Amazing trip with such great fellow Opera lovers. Congratulations Jennifer & Stewart for your organization & special extra treats. Would love to travel with you again Marlene, Sunshine Coast ( Viva Verdi )

I think your tour and my holiday was absolutely amazing. I realise for a tour to go as seamlessly as it did that there was a HUGE amount of work before and during the trip. A big thank you for such a wonderful tour.  Seona, Rotorua ( Viva Verdi )

Just a note to thank you for the wonderful sojourn in Sydney. Going back to the Sir Stamford is like going home. The operas and lunches were memorable and it was nice to catch up with previous guests. You and Stewart organise amazing tours and I hope to enjoy more in your company. Dawn, Perth

I feel very privileged to have participated in a number of Music Lovers Tours with OPERATIF! both overseas and in Australia, and am looking forward to more with wonderful feelings of excitement, pleasure, delight and confidence. As with previous tours there are many ‘returnees’ the surest indication of satisfaction! Our accommodation is always first rate re location if in a city and ambience if in the countryside. Variety of concerts, music and dinners is first rate and then, there are those extra treats that are so memorable. You have the ability to meld individuals into a convivial group whilst each is free to participate as desired. Many thanks! Fay T, Sydney. (Many tours)


A big thank you for planning and escorting us on our memorable three week musical Bohemian Tour. We saw such beautiful cities from Salzburg, to Vienna, Prague and Budapest and sat in their stunning theatres. All that we did together, including our musical Danube dinner cruise was wonderful. The lovely central hotels made it easy for us to wander in and out at our leisure and you were both always at our service. We had many unexpected inclusions and the whole tour far exceeded my expectations. This truly was my dream ‘Tour of a Lifetime. I, like many other repeat OPERATIF! travellers, look forward to joining you on future Tours. Thank you sincerely. 
Margaret B. Stafford (Bohemia Tour)


I so thoroughly enjoyed travelling with you to Italy on our wonderful Viva Verdi tour in October. It was truly the trip of a lifetime for me. Thank you both very much for your careful planning and convivial direction of the trip. It was really a fantastic experience. I have been fortunate to visit Italy five times, but it is a place one never can get enough of. You both made it very delightful indeed! I really enjoyed the focus on the life of Verdi and our visits to so many places of musical significance. Our evenings at the opera were unforgettable.
Christina P., Adelaide. ( Viva Verdi )

Dear Stewart and Jennifer, Both Morrie and I would like to thank you most sincerely for the wonderful travel experiences you have provided for us.​ From Bohemian Rhapsody, the Verdi Festival, England and Wales, Opera in Sydney to Tonga, we have had the huge benefits of your wealth of musical and world knowledge; your meticulous research and planning, both in travel, accommodation and entertainment; your tenacity in securing the best possible bookings for your clients; your careful supervision of the comfort and welfare of your clients and your flexibility in changing arrangements at a moments notice when circumstances demand.​ We realise what time consuming tasks these undertakings are and we are greatly appreciative of your work. We are looking forward to our next experiences in Malta and Sicily.
Margaret & Morrie, Melbourne ( many tours )


I cannot thank you enough for my “Wonderful Trip of a Lifetime”. It was so very much more than I had preconceived !! I feel that I have visited so many different countries on our tour around the little island of Sicily…Ancient Rome, Greece, Spain, Arabia and of course Italy. – Margaret, Sunshine Coast ( Southern Passion, Italy & Sicily)

Dear Jennifer & Stewart, what a wonderful 8 days we had in New Zealand. Our time in the Northland was great. The five days on the boat – incredible. What a magnificent vessel with the best crew, terrific meals and glorious views. (I am going to run out of adjectives soon.) What more could you ask for? We loved all the concerts (the morning one was my favourite – a trip down memory lane). We are looking forward so much to our next two tours with you.   Christine & Bob – Sydney (Musical Cruise Charter NZ)

Dear Jennifer and Stewart, a big thank you is not enough for all your care and dedication. I had an unforgettable 3 weeks with you and your nice group of people, also Paolo. What ever we did,Operas,Concerts and Restaurants also Hotels, all 1st Class. The whole Tour far exceeded my expectations. Truly it was a dream. Like others I look forward to joining you again in the near future. Very Happy I did!!!!!! Thank you again, Love you !!!   Estela G. Double Bay (Verdi tour)

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