First Baptist Church Greensboro - 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, Saturday June 12: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday June 13: Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Venice-Mestre. On arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner together. (D)

Day 3, Monday June 14: Venice

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, provided each morning of your tour. This morning take your private motor launch to the heart of Venice, and explore the city with a licensed guide. 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. You will see the magnificent wonders of St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the famous "Bridge of Sighs" which connects the Doge's Palace to the old prison, gondolas, canals and much more! If free time remains, 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 before dinner together. Tonight, perform your debut concert at a local venue such as Chiesa San Rocco! (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday June 15: Florence

After breakfast check out of your hotel and board your motor coach for the journey towards Rome. En route visit the historic city of Bologna and the Ferrari Museum, dedicated to that most Italian of sportscars. Continue to your hotel in the pretty spa town of Montecatini Terme, just short distance from Florence, and take dinner together. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday June 16: Florence

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in beautiful Florence, once the richest city in Europe. Among today's highlights are the magnificent Duomo decorated in pink and green marble, the Baptistry doors of Ghiberti that Michelangelo claimed were "The doors of Paradise," and Santa Croce. Also included is a timed entrance to the Accademia Museum (saving valuable time in long lines!), home to Michelangelo's David. Take dinner in a local restaurant today (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday June 17: Florence

This morning pay a visit to the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca. Our first stop today is the most photographed spot in all of Italy, the cathedral and Leaning Tower of Pisa. Continue to the city of Lucca, birthplace of one of Italy's greatest opera composers, Giacomo Puccini, for a fun tour by bike of this stunning ancient city. Tonight perform your next concert in a local church or cathedral (B,D)

Day 7, Friday June 18: Rome

After checking out, depart by coach for the Eternal City of Rome, Italy's breathtaking capital. Arriving at lunchtime gives you the afternoon to visit the Vatican Musuem and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, before a fun pizza-making workshop leads to a delicious dinner! (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday June 19: Rome

Following breakfast, explore the ancient Roman history of the city with a visit to the Coliseum, the most famous Roman amphitheater still standing. Later perform your final concert in a church such as St John Within the Walls, followed by a farewell group dinner to celebrate your successful tour! (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday June 20: Departure

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