St. Anthony's Chorus and Band to 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, Thursday February 11: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday February 12: Rome

Arrive in Rome and meet your Encore Tour Managers before transferring by private motor coach to the city center. Begin your experience with an opening Mass at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch at a local Roman restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour including the Altare della Patria (Vittoriano), then continue to the iconic Trevi Fountain and time for shopping near Piazza di Spagna. In the early evening, check in to your hotel and freshen up before gathering for a festive group dinner with music at a local restaurant.

Day 3, Saturday February 13: Rome

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Vatican for a guided visit of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and a special Scavi (Vatican Necropolis) tour. Continue to the Basilica of St. John Lateran and climb the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa). Enjoy a hands-on pizza-making lunch at a local restaurant before returning to central Rome to visit the Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda. Explore Piazza Navona and enjoy some free time. Late afternoon, transfer to your performance venue for rehearsal. In the evening, perform a formal concert in this stunning historic setting. Conclude the day with dinner at a local Roman restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Day 4, Sunday February 14: Rome

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of the Colosseum. Continue to St. Peter’s Square to join the Angelus with the Holy Father, followed by a private Sunday Mass of Obligation in the Chapel of Music at St. Peter's Basilica. After Mass, take time to explore the Basilica and shop for religious articles at Savelli Religious. Later this afternoon, visit the charming Trastevere, including Santa Maria in Trastevere, before gathering for a festive San Valentino dinner. The evening concludes with a lively Italian bowling activity, followed by a return to Hotel Tiberio

Day 5, Monday February 15: Florence

Depart the hotel for Assisi. Begin the day with devotions at the Porziuncula, Santa Maria degli Angeli. Visit the Basilica di Santa Chiara and the San Damiano Franciscan Cross, then celebrate a choral and instrumental Solemn Mass in the Basilica di San Francesco, including veneration of the tomb of Saint Francis. After Mass, enjoy lunch and free time in Piazza Communale. Visit Santa Maria Maggiore to venerate the shrine of Saint Carlo Acutis before gathering to depart for Florence. Arrive, check in, and enjoy dinner together with St.Anthony's Shadow Tour. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday February 16: Florence

After breakfast, departing for Siena. Visit the Basilica of San Domenico and enjoy a leisurely group lunch. Return to Florence in the afternoon for rehearsal and some free time to explore, including a visit to Misuri Leather Shop. Conclude the day with a concert performance at San Gaetano Church at 7:30 PM, followed by dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Wednesday February 17: Florence

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting local guides for a walking tour of Florence, including visits to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and the Museum of San Marco to admire Fra Angelico’s masterpieces. Continue on to Pisa for lunch and a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower. In the evening, gather for dinner at Fattoria il Poggio with lively music, followed by a disco at Disco Space Electronic before returning to the hotel.

Day 8, Thursday February 18: Venice Mestre

Rise early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Verona for a walking tour, then continue on to Padua. Enjoy lunch, take a group photo at the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, browse for religious articles in the gift shop, and participate in Holy Mass with devotions and veneration at the tomb of St. Anthony. Afterward, continue to Venice for check-in at the Novotel Mestre and gather for dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday February 19: Venice Mestre

After breakfast, board a private motor launch and sail to St. Mark’s, then walk to Vecchia Murano to enjoy a traditional glass-blowing demonstration. Experience a gondola ride through Venice’s iconic canals before sharing lunch together. In the afternoon, visit St. Mark’s Basilica and enjoy free time for shopping and sightseeing. Later, gather for a rehearsal at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, followed by a pre-concert snack. The final concert performance begins in the evening, and the day concludes with a farewell dinner with the Shadow Tour to celebrate your 2027 Performance and Pilgrimage to Italy. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Saturday February 20: Departure

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