Philadelphia Girls Choir - Italy

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 June 25: Overnight Flight

Depart on your overnight flight to Italy

Day 2, Saturday June 26: Montecatini

Arrive in Florence and meet your Tour Manager and driver for the transfer to Montecatini, a beautiful Tuscan spa town. Enjoy an orientation tour with your Tour Manager, perhaps a refreshing swim in the hotel pool and then your first Italian dinner. (B,D)

Day 3, Sunday June 27: Montecatini

This morning depart for the magnificent city of Florence. During today's guided walking tour marvel at Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce; where many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo, are buried; and the Piazza della Signoria; the political center of the Renaissance city. This afternoon take part in a scavenger hunt around the city with delicious prizes to win! After an early dinner perform in an exchange concert at a venue such as San Trinita Church and spend time with your hosts before returning to Montecatini. N.B. Lunches are included on days 3 through 8 and will be a mixture of fun al fresco picnics, street food and simple pasta dishes at local restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Monday June 28: Montecatini

Relax today in Italian riviera style with a visit to a 'stabilimento' in Versilia where you will have your own reserved area on the beach including sun loungers and umbrellas. Return to Montecatini for dinner at the hotel, before taking the funicular to Montecatini Alto for the best ice-cream/view combination in Italy!. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 29: Montecatini

This morning, board the bus and travel to Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower, followed by a visit to the charming Tuscan city of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini and where bike rental is included for a tour around the ancient walls. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before rehearsal. Enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant before your first exchange concert performance at a local venue such as Santa Maria Nera Church. After the concert, spend some time with your hosts before boarding the bus and returning to Montecatini. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 30: Rome

Depart Tuscany and head for Rome and an introductory walking tour of its Baroque piazzas, churches and fountains, and a visit to the most famous Roman site in all civilisation, the Coliseum! Later prepare for your participating and singing at the liturgy in St Peter's Basilica, before dinner together in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Thursday July 1: Rome

Rome is called "The Eternal City" because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. This morning is free to explore with your Tour Manager or at your leisure; a visit to Hadrian's Tomb/Castell Sant'Angelo is included this morning. This afternoon perform your third concert for a local charity and enjoy post concert reception with your hosts (adult representatives and volunteers from the charitable organisation). This evening get creative as you learn the art of pizza making and fire up your very own Roman pizza for dinner (B,L,D)

Day 8, Friday July 2: Rome

Head to a local market this morning where your Tour Manager will provide all the information you need to buy the ingredients for today’s picnic lunch in the park. Shop for fruit, bread, cold cuts, and other picnic items, and learn how to interact with local vendors. After free time this afternoon and an early dinner in a local restaurant,perform your final exchange concert at a venue such as the church of Sant' Agnese on Piazza Navona , followed by a lovely gelato experience with your new Italian friends. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Saturday July 3: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US. (B)