Villanova University Pastoral Musicians

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, Friday February 26: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday February 27: Rome

Arrive into Rome and meet your tour manager, who will accompany you into central Rome. Immediately immerse yourself into the city's Christian history with visits St John Lateran, Holy Stairs, Santa Maria Maggiore and St Peter and Chains. Afterwards, check into your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy entrance and a tour of the Roman Colosseum and Imperial Forum. Tonight, come together for a welcome dinner with your tour manager. (D)

Day 3, Sunday February 28: Rome

After breakfast at your hotel, included throughout your tour, enjoy morning visits to Trastevere and St Cecilia Basilica. Afterwards, board the bus to visit Augustinianum, Collegium Santa Monica – Augustinian HQ for a Sunday morning talk (by own arrangements). Travel to St Peter’s Basilica to participate in the 6pm Sunday evening Mass at the Throne Altar. Dinner will be on your own around the Piazza Navona followed by a visit to the Trevi Fountain (B)

Day 4, Monday March 1: Rome

This morning, you will visit the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel, including the Dome. After time for lunch, board the bus for St Callixtus Catacombs for a private blessing. Later, return to Rome for free time and to visit the Pantheon. Your first choral performance will be this evening at St Agnese en Agone on the Piazza Navona . Dinner will be together tonight. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 2: Rome

Enjoy a special additional day in Rome with the opportunity to deepen your musical and cultural experience. A third liturgy at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore may also be possible on this day, to be confirmed closer to departure. This evening, attend an opera performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, subject to seasonal programming.

Day 6, Wednesday March 3: Siena

Check out of the hotel and travel northeast by bus to Assisi. On arrival, visit Santa Maria degli Angeli and the chapel before continuing up to the hill town for free time. Your next concert will be today at St Francis Basilica in Assisi . Enjoy dinner together after the performance before driving across to Florence for a late arrival and your overnight. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 4: Siena

This morning, enjoy Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. You will have an introductory walking tour with a local guide, including entrances to the Accademia and Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch on your own and some time at leisure. With your tour manager, visit the Augustinian Church, Santo Spirito, to view Michelangelo’s crucifix. This evening, the choir will performa at San Gaetano in Florence or similar . Dinner will be in a restaurant in Florence prior to the concert. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 5: Venice Mainland

Your morning visit will take you to the beautiful hilltop town of San Gimignano with its famous towers. Enjoy free time to visit the main church, including Collegiate Assunta , regroup to sing the 5pm mass at Sant Augustino (under your own arrangments). Dinner will be on your own in San Gimignano around 6pm before driving to your hotel in Padua. Check into your final hotel late tonight. (B)

Day 9, Saturday March 6: Venice Mainland

This morning, make a short visit to St Anthony's Basilica before heading across to beautiful Venice for your final day. Enjoy a full day, including a visit to St Mark's Basilica and a nearby Murano Glass workshop. Enjoy some time at leisure and a farewell tour dinner together this evening in a Venetian restaurant. Return to the hotel. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport for in the early hours for your return flight to the United States. (B)