Aida

Advantages: Rural
Disadvantages: Infrastricture still not perfect for the size of the event.

...I lived and worked about three miles from the A1 Ring and the return to the F1 calendar of the Austrian Grand Prix has proved to be a success. Although critics will say that the A1 Ring is a veritable emasculation of the Austroring as it used to be, the setting is one of the most incredible in F1. Nestled in the Aichfeld valley, the rustic charm of the area is a great paradox to the usual glitz and glamour of Formula 1. Possibly only the track at Aida in Japan is more remote. The stars actually do enjoy the rural charms of Styria, and Jordan usually are renowned for having a storming party, proving that it doesn't matter wehre you go, you can still have a party. Facilities around the track are adequate, and there is stunning scenry making the area a destination for more than just the duration of the Grand Prix Meeting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Wonderfully varied scenery; superb climate and excellent local food
Disadvantages: Breakfast

...In the end my wife decided we SHOULD visit our Bosnian friends, refugees in Split. The town built round the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace is superb with narrow streets wending their way under arches and in some cases underground. Small squares house a plethora of little cafes and interesting shops; on every street corner there is something to see: a saint in a niche, a roman pillar, a medieval statue. Then there's the peristyle, complete with two Sphinxes, where we saw an open-air production of Aida. The Adriatic laps up to the walls of the promenade shaded by palms and other trees; the vista from a distance is gloriously " Mediterranean ". We flew from UK to Pula where we visted the ampitheatre and temple, and overnighted in a sort of Communist type holiday camp. The Istrian peninsula is well worth a longer stay than we... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Culture, music and Shopping
Disadvantages: Can't think of any except perhaps the crowds at Opera time

...OK, now I know this might not be everyones idea of a great night out but if you are in or around Verona between June and August you should really try it. The Verona Opera Festival takes place every year in the open air arena in the centre of Verona this year its between 19th June and 31st August, they usually perform about 4 different operas on a rotating schedule, one of these is nearly always Aida. If thats a bit too high brow for you they also usually have one of the lighter operas such as Carmen on offer as well. The arena itself seats about 22,000 (no thats not a typo) when full which most nights it is. Unlike the atmosphere and cost of somewhere like Covent Garden, this is very much a people place. Tickets cost as little as 24Euros (thats about £17) for this you get to sit on the stone steps all the way round the arena... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Rural
Disadvantages: Infrastricture still not perfect for the size of the event.

...I lived and worked about three miles from the A1 Ring and the return to the F1 calendar of the Austrian Grand Prix has proved to be a success. Although critics will say that the A1 Ring is a veritable emasculation of the Austroring as it used to be, the setting is one of the most incredible in F1. Nestled in the Aichfeld valley, the rustic charm of the area is a great paradox to the usual glitz and glamour of Formula 1. Possibly only the track at Aida in Japan is more remote. The stars actually do enjoy the rural charms of Styria, and Jordan usually are renowned for having a storming party, proving that it doesn't matter wehre you go, you can still have a party. Facilities around the track are adequate, and there is stunning scenry making the area a destination for more than just the duration of the Grand Prix Meeting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Wonderfully varied scenery; superb climate and excellent local food
Disadvantages: Breakfast

...In the end my wife decided we SHOULD visit our Bosnian friends, refugees in Split. The town built round the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace is superb with narrow streets wending their way under arches and in some cases underground. Small squares house a plethora of little cafes and interesting shops; on every street corner there is something to see: a saint in a niche, a roman pillar, a medieval statue. Then there's the peristyle, complete with two Sphinxes, where we saw an open-air production of Aida. The Adriatic laps up to the walls of the promenade shaded by palms and other trees; the vista from a distance is gloriously " Mediterranean ". We flew from UK to Pula where we visted the ampitheatre and temple, and overnighted in a sort of Communist type holiday camp. The Istrian peninsula is well worth a longer stay than we... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Culture, music and Shopping
Disadvantages: Can't think of any except perhaps the crowds at Opera time

...OK, now I know this might not be everyones idea of a great night out but if you are in or around Verona between June and August you should really try it. The Verona Opera Festival takes place every year in the open air arena in the centre of Verona this year its between 19th June and 31st August, they usually perform about 4 different operas on a rotating schedule, one of these is nearly always Aida. If thats a bit too high brow for you they also usually have one of the lighter operas such as Carmen on offer as well. The arena itself seats about 22,000 (no thats not a typo) when full which most nights it is. Unlike the atmosphere and cost of somewhere like Covent Garden, this is very much a people place. Tickets cost as little as 24Euros (thats about £17) for this you get to sit on the stone steps all the way round the arena... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful