Berlin High School - Italy Choir Tour

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Sunday November 29: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday November 30: Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer by private motor launch to your hotel: there is no finer way to arrive in the city! Venice, known as the Queen of the Adriatic, consists of an archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, and is simply incomparable. On arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Day 3, Tuesday December 1: Venice

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, provided each morning of your tour. Meet your local guide for a city tour through downtown Venice, including St. Mark's Square and the Basilica. See the famous "Bridge of Sighs" which connects the Doge's Palace to the old prison. During your free time, you may wish to take a gondola ride through the city's beautiful canals or visit the Peggy Guggenheim museum. This afternoon, come together to rehearse for your debut concert this evening in one of Venice's beautiful churches (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday December 2: Florence

This morning, depart Venice and transfer to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival in Florence check into the hotel, and begin an informal walk through the city with your Tour Manager. You will become acquainted with Italy's 'open-air' art museum and see the architecture of Brunelleschi and Alberti along the way! This evening, enjoy some Tuscan culinary specialties with dinner in a restaurant. Afterward, you might wish to visit the Boboli Gardens for its panoramic views of Florence and the Tuscan hills - the ideal place to end your day! (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday December 3: Florence

Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide and headsets shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce and the Piazza della Signoria, the political center of the Renaissance city. Also, enjoy a timed entrance to the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. This afternoon, assemble for rehearsal followed by dinner. Tonight, perform your second concert in Florence! (B,D)

Day 6, Friday December 4: Rome

Depart Tuscany this morning and enjoy a lovely drive to Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis. Arrive and spend some time exploring the Basilica on your own. Here, you could participate in Mass at St. Francis Basilica if a slot is available. Continue on to Rome, the "Eternal City". Built on seven hills, Italy's capital is renowned for its history, architecture, art, culture, culinary delights and exquisite shopping. After checking into your hotel, have dinner together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday December 5: Rome

Today, enjoy panoramic city sightseeing of Rome with a local guide including the Circus Maximus, the Imperial Forum, the Pantheon, and the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele (Rome's "Wedding Cake monument"). Entrance is included to the Colosseum. Imagine the bloody battles that once took place in this awe-inspiring structure and marvel at the nearby richly decorated Arch of Constantine! More than just a monument, this arch marks the end of pagan Rome and the beginning of Christian Europe. This afternoon, begin rehearsal, followed by dinner together. Tonight, perform your final concert in Rome in a church such as St Paul within the Walls (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday December 6: Rome

Your local guide will accompany you through the Vatican Museums today to see the Sistine Chapel and magnificent Raphael rooms. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest and most prominent church of the catholic faith. Stroll across the Piazza San Pietro towards the dome, designed by Michelangelo and almost as large as that of the Pantheon. Choirs can often participate in the Mass service here (subject to approval) . This afternoon take part in an authentic Italian pizza-making workshop, before rounding off your successful concert tour by dining on the results of your efforts! (B,D)

Day 9, Monday December 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)