Italian Choir Pilgrimage

From Venice to Rome, see some of Italy’s most famous highlights and enjoy a unique opportunity to sing Mass at the main alter in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Day 1 – Venice

Upon arrival at Milan Airport, meet your specialist tour guide and transfer to Venice, stopping briefly In Verona to see the Roman arena and Juliet’s Balcony. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and settle in before your first traditional Italian dinner. Overnight Venice

Day 2 – Venice

After breakfast, join your local guide for a private guided tour of Venice. See St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. End the tour with a visit to a traditional glass blowing factory. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Late this afternoon, transfer via boat to a typical Venetian piazza where you will perform your accapella gospel concert. Overnight Venice

Day 3 – Venice – Florence

Today leave Venice and head to Florence. En route, make a stop in Ravenna, the former capital of the Roman Empire. See some of Europe’s finest mosaics, made for the Christian Emperors. Later, continue the journey into Florence, cradle of the Renaissance and home of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Overnight Florence

Day 4 – Florence

This morning, enjoy a tour of Florence visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery and the Accademia, home of the David, Michelangelo’s masterpiece. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore Florence. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant, to the accompaniment of wine and local music.

Overnight Florence

Day 5 – Florence – Assisi – Rome

Today, head South to Assisi, the city of Birds and silence. Enjoy some free time and tour the Basilica of St Francis and his tomb. You may want to climb up to the castle to see the valley. Leaving Assisi behind, depart along the road of the sun, arriving in Rome, the Eternal City, by late afternoon. Overnight Rome

Day 6 – Rome

Early this morning, attend Sunday Mass celebrated by your spiritual leader. Afterwards, your local guide takes you on a tour of the Vatican, the smallest sovereign state in the world. Visit the Vatican Museum and the spectacular Sistine Chapel. End the tour in St Peter’s Square where you will be able to see the Pope on his balcony and receive his Blessing. Overnight Rome

Day 7 – Rome

This morning attend Mass at the main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica. Your spiritual leader will celebrate mass while your choir will sing. Afterwards, join your local guide for a guided tour of Imperial Rome. Get introduced to the Seven Hills of Ancient Rome; see the Roman Forum, Arch of Titus, the Coliseum and the market place. End the tour with a visit to the Church of St Peter in Chains and Santa Maggiore, one of the major Christian Basilicas in Rome. Overnight Rome

Day 8 – Excursion to Tivoli

Today, depart for a full day excursion to the resort town of Tivoli, located approximately 45 minutes drive from Rome. Visit the private Renaissance mansion, Villa D’Este and its terraced garden filled with fountains, grottos and ancient trees. This evening, transfer to the Church of St. Lorenzo in Damaso for the final concert. Overnight Rome

Day 9 – Rome

This morning, transfer to St. Peter’s Square to Witness the Pope’s entrance accompanied by the colourful Swiss Guards. When possible we will join the audience to include a brief address in several languages where your group will be named, and an apostolic blessing. The rest of the day is set aside for last-minute photographs or shopping.

Overnight Rome