Jul 28 - Aug 4, 2025
New Mexico
Opera Extravaganza: The Santa Fe Opera Festival Season
Program No. 11299RJ
Attend five live performances and enjoy expert discussions on Santa Fe’s opera scene as you take in the museums, plazas and unique sites of this historic city.
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8 days
7 nights
16 meals
7B 4L 5D
6
Opera Class, Free Time, La Bohème
Santa Fe
8
Program Concludes
Santa Fe
At a Glance
Explore the wonders of the opera world as you experience this season's productions of the Santa Fe Opera and enjoy the exciting combination of music, theater, writing, art and dance. Program lectures will inform you about the composer, music, singers and the story of each work you experience.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Getting on and off the motorcoach. Walking up to two miles over the course of the day on paved and unpaved surfaces. Standing up to one hour at a time. Negotiating at least one flight of stairs.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Attend an array of staged productions starring some of the finest singers from the U.S. and abroad in a spectacular open-air amphitheater.
- Enjoy a Santa Fe city field trip and explore the museums at world-renowned Museum Hill.
- Dive deep into each production with daily presentations by our expert opera instructor.
General Notes
Program limited to 70 participants, divided into two smaller groups of 35 for many activities. Small group assignments will be made approximately one month prior to the program start date. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.” Approximately two weeks prior to the program departure you will receive an email with your group assignment and Group Leader information. Upgraded seats available. Each program attends all five performances presented by the Santa Fe Opera; the itinerary varies by program according to the Opera's performance schedule.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Oliver Prezant
Oliver Prezant is a lecturer and educator for the Santa Fe Opera and has presented for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Guilds of the San Francisco Opera, and other organizations. He was the music director/conductor of the Santa Fe Community Orchestra, and a faculty member of the College of Santa Fe and Santa Fe University of Art and Design. He studied conducting at the Pierre Monteux School and is a graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York City.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Oliver Prezant
View biography
Oliver Prezant is a lecturer and educator for the Santa Fe Opera and has presented for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Guilds of the San Francisco Opera, and other organizations. He was the music director/conductor of the Santa Fe Community Orchestra, and a faculty member of the College of Santa Fe and Santa Fe University of Art and Design. He studied conducting at the Pierre Monteux School and is a graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York City.
Christopher Gibson
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Christopher Gibson is an award-winning artist, writer, and arts educator who makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work includes the Cuentos del Camino series on lower Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe and mixed-media installations at numerous museums in New Mexico and California. Over the years, he has written several articles on Hispanic arts and culture for the magazines "Tradición Revista" and "Imagen."
Sherry Moon
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Sherry Moon is a certified interpreter for the profession of heritage interpretation and an experienced group leader. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and has taught communication and art. For nearly 20 years, she has been a group leader specializing in the Southwest and Alaska/Yukon. As president of the Rocky Mountain Guides Association, she is regarded as a local expert. Her interests include the arts, history, heritage, geology, reading, outdoor activities, and socializing with friends.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Opera Extravaganza: The Santa Fe Opera Festival Season
Program Number: 11299
Santa Fe, History of an Ancient City
A revised edition of of this classic history of Santa Fe to the mid-nineteenth century, featuring essays by ten scholars and hundreds of archival photographs, drawings and maps.
Indian Arts of the Southwest
Featuring color photographs of the basketry, pottery, weaving, jewelry, and carvings of 200 noted artists, this book is both a collector's guide and cultural history of the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Pueblo peoples and other native peoples.
The Penguin Concise Guide to Opera
An essential reference for the opera enthusiast. Well organized, with short descriptions of plots, characters, performances and historical background.
Dark Beauty, Photographs of New Mexico
Southwest photographer Parsons presents the rugged landscapes and the people of New Mexico, exploring religious iconography, far-flung ranches, small towns and wide open spaces in this full-color coffee table book.
Santa Fe
Filled with the dynamic culture of Santa Fe (a uniquely wonderful piece of the USA) this book of images moves through the seasons, capturing summer’s low-rider cars, autumn’s harvest, spring’s bursting of color and much more in The City Different.
The Spell of New Mexico
A selection of 12 thoughtful essays on the New Mexico state of mind by great writers, including C.G. Jung, Mary Austin, D.H. Lawrence and Lawrence Clark Powell. Hillerman succeeds in communicating the lure of the desert Southwest in this wonderful, literate introduction to the state.
A History of Opera
Filled with insights and arguments, meditations and composer biographies, this passionate genealogy of opera has been praised by the Times of London as "The best single volume ever written on the subject."
New Mexico, A History
This cooperative effort between three native New Mexicans is the first complete history of New Mexico. It charts the state’s development from 16th-century Spanish colony to frontier province, from its 1912 American statehood to a hub of (often classified) scientific research. A vital source for anyone seeking to understand the complex history of the West.
Opera 101, A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera
A well-written introduction to opera, this volume includes a brief history of the art form, a guide to operatic terms and a review of 11 famous operas.
Year
- 2025
Date
- Jul 28 - Aug 04
- Aug 04 - Aug 11
- Aug 12 - Aug 18
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Jul 28 - Aug 4, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure attends Santa Fe Opera performances in the following order on Tuesday - Saturday nights: Rigoletto, Walküre, The Marriage of Figaro, The Turn of the Screw, and La Bohème.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Jul 28 - Aug 04
- Aug 04 - Aug 11
- Aug 12 - Aug 18
Jul 28 - Aug 4, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure attends Santa Fe Opera performances in the following order on Tuesday - Saturday nights: Rigoletto, Walküre, The Marriage of Figaro, The Turn of the Screw, and La Bohème.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
16 meals (
7B, 4L, 5D
)
6 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
5 performances
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). This program takes place at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, so all physical activity, including walking and climbing stairs, will be more challenging than at sea level. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.”
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. It is recommended to book dinners on your own in advance. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups. If you are traveling with someone and wish to be grouped with them, please be sure to identify each other on your participant information and preferences. You will not be able to change groups after arriving at the program. This program will attend five performances at the Santa Fe Opera. The operas attended will be determined when the Santa Fe Opera announces it’s 2025 season.”
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Take the rest of the evening to continue getting to know your fellow participants, relax, and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.
Day
2
Opera Class, Santa Fe Plaza, Rigoletto
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time to/from the opera house. Walking up to a mile including several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; varied terrain. Please note that the exploration of the Plaza area involves walking several blocks over paved, often uneven terrain with inclines. If you are unable to walk, you'll need to arrange for your own transportation via Uber, Lyft, or pedicab.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll be joined by our expert instructor in the hotel meeting room who will lead a discussion about tonight’s opera. Each day, we’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into each production, examining the story, composer, music, and performers with our opera expert.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Our Group Leader will lead us on an exploration of Santa Fe’s Plaza area, the historic heart of the city. We’ll visit the impressive Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the lovely Loretto Chapel with its intriguing spiral staircase, and other sites as time permits. We’ll return to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
As we will before each performance, we’ll board our motorcoach and depart from the hotel at 7:15 p.m. for the Santa Fe Opera house. Tonight's performance will be Rigoletto. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.
Day
3
Opera Class, Backstage Visit, Walküre
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 30 miles to/from the opera house; approximately 1 hour riding time each way. Walking up to 1 mile including several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; varied terrain. The backstage visit involves walking uphill and several flights of stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.
Lunch:
At a popular local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to the Santa Fe Opera House for a docent-led backstage exploration. As we go behind the scenes to see the production areas, we'll gain a better understanding of all of the parts and processes involved in producing the beautiful performances we'll see this week. We’ll return to the hotel for some downtime before dinner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost so that you can enjoy what you wish or sample the local fare. Santa Fe is known for the breadth and depth of its culinary offerings. Not to be confused with "Tex-Mex," New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Native American and Spanish influences. There are a number of fine restaurants within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions. (Advance reservations recommended.)
Evening:
We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of Walküre at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.
Day
4
Opera Class, NM Heritage Arts Museum, The Marriage of Figaro
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles for 1/2 hour driving to/from the opera house; walking up to 1 mile including several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; varied terrain. Riding up to 1 hour round trip for the field trip. Walking and standing for up to one hour during field trip.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Boarding the coach, we will take a brief ride to the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum. The Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum, formerly known as the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, is located in the only John Gaw Meem-designed residential building open to the public in Santa Fe. It is home to a remarkable collection, library, and archive of regional art, mostly from New Mexico, including historic pieces from around the world for comparative purposes. Return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of The Marriage of Figaro at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.
Day
5
Opera Class, Museum Hill, The Turn of the Screw
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking from several hundred feet up to a mile over paved and unpaved terrain over the course of the day; walking several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; standing for up to two hours at museums.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll board our coach and depart for Museum Hill for self-directed visits at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture offers a huge collection of pottery, basketry, rugs, jewelry, and artifacts, mostly from tribes of the southwest region. The exhibits are beautifully displayed and documented. The Museum of International Folk Art’s holdings constitute the largest collection of international folk art in the world, including wings featuring some of the 106,000 pieces donated by collectors Alexander and Susan Girard and Lloyd Cotsen’s Neutrogena collection. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of The Turn of the Screw at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.
Day
6
Opera Class, Free Time, La Bohème
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time to/from the opera house. Walking several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.
Lunch:
On your Own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of La Bohème at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.
Day
7
Opera Class, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our expert instructor will present a final wrap-up of last night’s opera and will debrief our week of performances.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We will wrap up the program in the meeting room and say farewell to new friends. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes
Location:
Santa Fe
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
7 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
- Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
- Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
- Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 28 Reviews
Sort By:
This is an excellent program than can be enjoyed by anyone who has no knowledge of opera and the way up to a person who has expert knowledge of opera.
— Review left August 31, 2024
Excellent instructor and group leader. Interesting perspective on opera for seasoned fans and for beginners.
— Review left August 23, 2024
The Opera Extravaganza is just the best for opera lovers. To experience the Santa Fe Summer Opera in the lovely setting of New Mexico with the lectures by Oliver Prezant makes for wonderful memories.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Enchanting Entertainment in the Land of Enchantment!
— Review left August 19, 2024
Magical week in Santa Fe - Everything was even better than last year - Oliver with guest speakers from the opera, fun companions, great singing, orchestra and not to be believed scenery for five all challenging performances.
Greer Grimsley and Tracy K Smith and Gregory Spears World Premiere, scenery for Rosenkavalier, hope I get to see Ryan Speedo Green next year. Thank you Shelly and Ellen for managing our happy group
— Review left August 15, 2024
A superb week of education, music, and friendship. Planning on attending next year.
— Review left August 14, 2024
Opera Lovers, Santa Fe Opera is amazing! Santa Fe is amazing! And this program is totally worthwhile!
— Review left August 14, 2024
The opportunity to be a part of the outdoor amphitheatr experience offered by Santa Fe Opera is not to be missed. The convenience of the program in the area of ticketing, (great seats!!!) transportation, meals, and hotel add to the value. The museums and free time to explore the city made the contrast to opera complete. Morning lectures and guests were meaningful. Hotel is in an excellent location for easy walks to the plaza and the downtown area. This is a great trip for opera lovers, regardless of their level of knowledge or previous experience. The chance to see world-famous stars as well as in-depth learning about each production followed by thoughtful discussion the day after each performance made the trip much better than it would have been if I had traveled alone.
— Review left August 7, 2024
This is the perfect program for those who like/love opera and are wanting to learn more about it and how to increase appreciation of the art form.
— Review left August 6, 2024
This is a fabulous program! Oliver Prezant’s morning presentations are delightful — I got to see 3 operas that were unfamiliar to me — the Santa Fe Opera productions are innovative and exciting — and there are numerous excellent restaurants in Santa Fe. I totally understand why people enroll in this program multiple years.
— Review left September 3, 2023
A trip worth attending to see and learn what opera is all about. Truly, enjoyed the learning experience!
— Review left August 25, 2023
I liked this program. The interactions and layout have made me want to participate in other Road Scholar programs.
— Review left August 23, 2023
I enjoyed this trip immensely as I was a novice about Opera. I was a little concerned about a daily 3 hour lecture, but Oliver made it enjoyable, as well as educational. I have no experience with music other than enjoying listening, but did not feel overwhelmed at all. The operas were slightly different than i thought, but the venue and production sold me on getting more opera in my future. The hotel was very nice, although the food was a little bland; Happy Hour was a pleasant change.
— Review left August 21, 2023
This program serves both experienced opera-goers and neophyes well. Interesting discussions with open-minded, smart and friendly people.
— Review left August 16, 2023
This was a wonderful learning experience for me. I hope to do more trips with Road Scholar.
— Review left August 16, 2023
Oh my goodness. How to be brief? I think these opera tours are perfect for me. The level of instruction was very high but not daunting. The other participants were stimulating. Near as I could tell, we all felt comfortable about contributing. The operas and accommodations were wonderful.
— Review left August 14, 2023
I had looked forward to seeing the operas. I did not expect the number of hours we spent with the lecturer. I was not disappointed with either. I loved the operas and the lectures made them even more enjoyable. Great experience.
— Review left August 7, 2023
A world was opened wide and my enjoyment of opera was enhanced with this program. Many conversations about music, production and the intent of the director enlivened the experience.
— Review left August 7, 2023
This course is a good bet, whether you are an opera buff or an opera novice who wants to know more. It's also a chance to experience much of what Santa Fe has to offer: many museums and galleries, high quality restaurants, and some regional history.
— Review left September 1, 2022
Whether you are new to opera or a long time opera goer, this program has much to offer you: fine performances, great discussions/lectures wonderful accommodations
— Review left August 24, 2022
The Santa Fe Opera experience was great. However, late nights and bring a tad more than a light wrap. One night I was very cold; bring layers.
— Review left August 17, 2022
This is a fantastic program that we have attended many times. It is enjoyed by people who are knowledgeable long term opera buffs as well as people who have never attended an opera before. Oliver Prezant is an amazing presenter who has a depth of musical knowledge as well as a special talent for sharing it with participants. Staying in the center of Santa Fe and going to museums are the icing on the cake.
— Review left August 16, 2022
A great program whether you're an opera addict or only go to see AIDA if there are elephants in the production. The lecture component alone is worth the price of admission. And performances at Santa Fe Opera make you wonder why they don't just sell tickets to watch the sunsets!
— Review left August 16, 2022
If you love opera or not, this program is for you - great music, great lectures at one of the most beautiful cities!
— Review left August 13, 2022
What a great opportunity to combine the beauty and excitement of Santa Fe with five nights of world class opera topped by lively discussion.
— Review left August 9, 2022
Excellent program with a brilliant and approachable lecturer. Great for experienced opera mavens as well as newcomers to opera.
— Review left August 8, 2022
If you are an opera lover, this is a great program for you. The Santa Fe opera is a first class venue and this program is a first class way of experiencing it.
— Review left August 18, 2019
If you love opera, this is for you, and Santa Fe is worth visiting on its own. Oliver P. will teach you things you never even thought about.
— Review left August 11, 2019
