Opera fans can immerse themselves in music and drama during Saga Sapphire’s 19-night summer sailing in the Mediterranean. 

It includes singing lessons and performances as well as visiting Puccini’s summer villa in Torre del Lago, Italy.

The opera-themed events also feature a pop-up opera and listening to the modern genre of rock opera.

When the box office opens, Saga also hopes to be able to offer tickets to the annual open-air Puccini Festival.

Saga Sapphire moors overnight in Livorno for the visit Torre del Lago, where Puccini’s summer villa is now a museum, with a further option to take an excursion to Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Barcelona has inspired many musicians and singers over the centuries and an overnight call during The Musical Mediterranean cruise allows guests to time to explore the city.

The 720-passenger ship also calls into Cartagena, Castellón de la Plana and Ibiza, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Monte Carlo, Monaco and Gibraltar.

The 19-night cruise costs from £3,705pp departing from Dover on July 19, 2018. The price includes a UK travel package to and from Southampton, all meals and entertainment, choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free wifi internet, all on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

It is based on two people sharing the lowest available inside cabin grade and includes any relevant booking discount.

All excursions mentioned are optional, at an additional cost, and are subject to availability and change.