COMING ATTRACTIONS: EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

VERONA: 2005 Summer Opera Festival, June 17-Aug 31, www.arena.it
This annual, honored festival is held in the world's third-largest amphitheater, the amazing Arena di Verona. Opera lovers can visit the festival from Casa di Giuliana, a beautiful stone farmhouse on a wine estate.

FLORENCE: Forme per il David, until September 4
The Galleria dell'Accademia marks the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo's David by surrounding it with the work of five contemporary artists, to show the connection between traditional and modern art. Take in this special exhibition and stay in air-conditioned comfort at the chic Vespucci Apartment, overlooking the Arno, or Casetta nel Giardino, a charming garden cottage in the Oltrarno.

SPOLETO: Festival dei Due Mondi, July 1-17, www.festivaldispoleto.com
This international showcase for artists and companies from all over the world includes opera, theater, dance, music, and visual arts, all under the artistic direction of Gian Carlo Menotti. After a day of culture, return to your villa to relax by the pool and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

POMPEII: Take a moonlight stroll through one of the world's most beautiful architectural sites. A new lighting system allows visitors to tour the excavations at Pompeii after sunset.