Augusta Chamber Choir Italy Tour

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 April 4: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday April 5: Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Venice-Mestre. On arrival, check into the hotel followed by an orientation visit to centralVenice with your Tour Manager, using your 48 hour 'Vaporetto' water bus pass. After your introduction to Venice, enjoy a welcome dinner together. (D)

Day 3, Sunday April 6: Venice

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, provided each morning of your tour. This morning conitinue to explore the city under the guidance of your tour manager. 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)

Day 4, Monday April 7: 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, before continuing on to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. After checking into the hotel, your Tour Manager can lead you on an informal walking tour to acquaint you with Italy's 'open-air' art museum, pointing out architecture of Brunelleschi and Alberti along the way! This evening, enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday April 8: 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. Lunch and dinner today are independent. Later, transfer to a venue such as the San Gaetano Church for rehearsal. The highlight of your day will be your concert performance this evening. (B)

Day 6, Wednesday April 9: Rome

Depart by coach for the Eternal City of Rome, Italy's breathtaking capital. Take a guided tour of the ancient Colosseum and enjoy entrance to the Roman Forum (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday April 10: Rome

Following breakfast, take a guided tour through the Vatican Museums, including a walk through the magnificent Sistine Chapel. Later this afternoon participate in the liturgy at St Peter's Basilica in the heart of the Vatican, followed by a farewell group dinner to celebrate your successful tour! (B,D)

Day 8, Friday April 11: Departure

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