Encore Touring Ensemble Italy 2026

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 June 25: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 26: Florence

Arrive in Italy and meet your Encore Tour Manager who will then transfer you to the magnificent city of Florence. During today's sightseeing tour a local guide provides commentary while showing you Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce; where many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo, are buried; and the Piazza della Signoria; the political center of the Renaissance city. Also, breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 27: Florence

This morning, board the bus and travel to Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower, followed by a visit to the charming Tuscan city of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before you have dinner together in a local restaurant. Then rehearse for your first concert performance at Santa Maria Corteorlandini Church. Rehearsal will be at 7:30 pm, followed by your concert at 9:00 pm. After the concert, board the bus and return to Florence. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 28: Rome

Depart this morning for Rome. En route, visit Assisi where you'll enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis to see the beautiful frescoes by Giotto. Continue on to Rome where this afternoon you'll explore the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant . (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 29: Rome

Rome is called "The Eternal City" because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before rehearsal for this evening's farewell concert at St. Paul's Within the Walls. Rehearsal will be at 3:30 pm, followed by your concert at 5:00 pm. After your performance, enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 30: Rome

Today's highlight will be your participation in mass at St. Peter's Basilica at 11:00 am. This afternoon, a local guide accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Tonight enjoy a special pizza-making activity for dinner. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday July 1: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US. (B)