Sounds of Northern 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 March 20: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday March 21: Rome

Benvenuti in Italia! Meet your tour manager in Rome, who will take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy an arrival briefing and welcome dinner as you settle into this amazing city. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 22: Rome

This morning, you'll visit the famous ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum, with entrances included. Imagine the roar of spectators as they cheered on gladiators battling one another on the ground and water! After the tour, enjoy lunch on your own and an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, you'll dine together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 23: Rome

Begin your day with a guided tour of the world-renowned Vatican Museums, where you'll explore a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. Marvel at the masterpieces housed within, including the iconic Sistine Chapel, with its breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Conclude your Vatican visit with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history. This afternoon, assemble for rehearsal before your first concert performance at St. Paul's Within the Walls. Following the performance, enjoy dinner together before returning to the hotel. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 24: Montecatini

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and board the bus for your journey to Montecatini. Along the way you'll make a stop in either Perugia or Orvieto, where you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. Continue your journey and upon arrival, check into your hotel. Enjoy a walk through the city before having dinner together. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 25: Montecatini

Board the coach and depart for Florence this morning. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin a walking tour of downtown Florence. Highlights include Ghiberti's Baptistry doors, the Duomo, and Santa Croce. Then visit the Accademia, home of Michelangelo's David, using a timed entrance to avoid the lines! After an independent lunch, prepare for your second performance of your tour! Have dinner in a local restaurant and return to the hotel. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 26: Cremona

This morning, enjoy free time to explore Montecatini at your own pace. Stroll through its charming streets, discover quaint shops, or relax in the picturesque squares. Be sure to sample Italy’s famous gelato as you soak in the vibrant local atmosphere! The head up to Cremona with a stop in Bologna on the way. Known as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna invites you to wander its charming portico-lined streets, sample its famous pasta and local delicacies, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere at your own pace where you may have the opportunity to visit Verdi’s house, exploring the life and legacy of the legendary composer. Afterward, depart for Cremona. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and gather for dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 27: Cremona

Today is a symphony of musical experiences! Start your day with a a walking tour exploring the city’s rich musical heritage. In the afternoon, have your final rehearsal and an early dinner before performing your final concert of the tour at a venue in the charming city of Casalmaggiore as part of the Spring Music Festival. (B, D)

Day 9, Saturday March 28: Milan

Today, you'll visit the Museo del Violino, which has an incredible collection of original Stradivarius violins. Following the visit, journey to the fashionable city of Milan. This afternoon will be at your leisure. You could visit the stunning Duomo, one of the world's largest and most beautiful cathedrals or perhaps the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest shopping mall, renowned for its elegant architecture and luxury boutiques. . Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 29: Departure

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