Day 1: Venice
Arrive at the airport, & transfer to the heart of Venice by boat. This charming, Italian city is situated on top of over one hundred islands, making transport by boat more common than by car. Enjoy time of leisure after checking into the hotel & before tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day 2: Venice
Take a stroll through the city at your leisure before the first performance of the trip, taking place at noon. Afterward, see the most gorgeous cathedral in all of Venice, Saint Mark’s Basilica. Cruise the Grand Canal, & see the famous bridges nearby. Learn about the connection between the Bridge of Sighs & Doge’s Palace, & enjoy a visit to this monumental building that dates back to the 14th century. Let your voices be heard tonight as you perform in the city.
Day 3: Venice – Florence
Discover the breathtaking scenery of Italy’s Tuscany region today on the journey to Florence. The Tuscany region is also known for its fine cuisine & award-winning vineyards. Arrive in Florence, a city famous for its history, art, & fashion. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, home to the cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore. The cathedral, or “Duomo,” is a truly unique piece of architecture. You’ll marvel at its black & white striped interior & stunning bronze doors, sculpted by Ghiberti. Other highlights of the public square include the 11th-century Florence Baptistery & Giotto’s Bell Tower. Today’s tour also includes a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, “David.” Head to one of Florence’s trattorias for dinner this evening.
Day 4: Florence
Enjoy a walk through the famous Piazza della Signoria, & visit one of its bordering buildings, Palazzo Vecchio. Tour guides with 16th-century costumes will show you the highlights of this historic monument that currently serves as Florence’s town hall. Next, visit the famous Uffizi Gallery. Here you will find a distinguished collection of art from the Renaissance era. Highlights include works by Italian artists Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, & Leonardo da Vinci. There will be time for a rehearsal before tonight’s musical performance.
Day 5: Florence – Assisi
This morning, travel to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, father of the Franciscan Order. Check into the hotel upon arrival, & enjoy a tour of the town. Visit the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. Highlights of the cathedral include 13th-century frescoes by Giotto. Later today, there will be a rehearsal for the concert held in Assisi. After the performance, enjoy dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 6: Assisi – Rome
Journey to “The Eternal City” today. Upon arrival in Rome, visit the Pantheon, the famous Roman temple that was built during the 2nd century AD & is still in use today. Explore the historic Piazza Navona, home to the famous “Fountain of the Four Rivers.” This 17th-century sculpture symbolizes four rivers across the globe. Other highlights of today’s tour include the legendary Trevi Fountain. Enjoy dining at one of the restaurants located within the plaza for dinner this evening.
Day 7: Rome
Explore Vatican City this morning. See St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums: a spread of palaces, chapels, museums, & galleries. You’ll marvel at the stunning Sistine Chapel, located inside the Apostolic Palace, the residence of the Pope. Most famous for its ceiling, the chapel displays some of the most beautiful, inspirational, & spiritual illustrations of all time. This afternoon, your choir will perform in Vatican City. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at dinner this evening, as you dine in one of Rome’s lovely restaurants.
Day 8: Rome
Experience the essence of Rome’s ancient history & culture. Visit the Colosseum, the late Roman Empire’s largest amphitheater, known today as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. See the Aurelian Walls, Piazza Venezia, the famous street Via Veneto, & Capitol Square. Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, & see the Arch of Constantine & the Arch of Titus. Rehearse for tonight’s musical performance in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner after the concert.
Day 9: Rome – USA
Transfer to the airport in Rome, & board return flight home.