Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra 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, Monday June 8: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday June 9: Cremona

Benvenuti in Italia! Arrive in Milan and meet your Tour Manager at the airport. Transfer to Cremona for check-in and enjoy dinner together this evening. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 10: Cremona

Start the day off with a walking tour of beautiful Cremona to learn about the important heritage of violin-making in this city with your Tour Manager. You will visit the Museo del Violino, which has an incredible collection of original Stradivarius violins. This afternoon, take part in an orchestra workshop. Enjoy dinner together this evening. (B, D)

Day 4, Thursday June 11: Montecatini

Drive to Lucca for lunch and perhaps catch and afternoon concert at the local church or visit Giacomo Puccini's home. Your final destination today is Montecatini, where you’ll check into your hotel and have dinner together (B, D)

Day 5, Friday June 12: Montecatini

After breakfast, your tour manager will take you on a walking orientation tour of Florence, showing you Santa Croce, the Duomo, and Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors. You will also visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo's "David." This afternoon, prepare for your first rehearsal and performance at either Teatro Alfieri in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana or Terme Tettuccio. Enjoy dinner together tonight (B, D)

Day 6, Saturday June 13: Rome

This morning, check out of your hotel and have some more time in Florence to shop ! After visit the beautiful Tuscan town of San Gimignano. Climb the medieval Torre Grossa for stunning town and countryside views, and then sample some of the finest gelato in Italy! Continue to the dramatic setting of Orvieto, where you reach the center via a funicular visit to the Teatro Mancinelli, Prepare for your second concert at the Teatro Mancinelli depending on approval . After head to Rome (B, D)

Day 7, Sunday June 14: Rome

This morning, visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Tonight, enjoy a unique pizza making and dinner to celebrate your successful performance tour! (B, D)

Day 8, Monday June 15: Rome

Today, you'll see one of Rome's most ancient landmarks: the Colosseum and Roman Forum. You will learn about the heart of the Roman Empire and Roman life in the capital. Later this afternoon, plan for your final performance at a suggested venue, like St. Andrea della Valle church. Explore Rome this evening and have dinner on your own. (B, D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 16: Departure

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