Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Day

Your Italian performing arts adventure begins! Depart the United States on an overnight international flight to Italy, excited to explore history, culture, food, and artistic expression in two of Italy’s most inspiring cities.

Day 2: Welcome to Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Arrive in Venice and begin your time in this one-of-a-kind city built entirely on water. After arrival, enjoy an orientation walk through Venice’s winding streets and canals, getting your first glimpse of its bridges, piazzas, and waterways. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner with your group to kick off your Italian journey.

Day 3: Marco Polo’s Venice & Easter Mass at St. Mark’s

Step into the world of Marco Polo and explore Venice through the lens of its most famous traveler. Begin the day with a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, learning how Venice rose to power as a global trading hub connecting Europe to the East.

The group will attend Easter Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica, offering a meaningful opportunity to experience this important celebration in one of Venice’s most iconic and historic churches. After Mass, continue exploring Venice’s narrow alleys and canals, including a walk across the Rialto Bridge—once the heart of commerce and daily life in the city. The remainder of the afternoon allows time to further explore the city on foot.

Day 4: Murano Island, Venice Performance & Gondola Ride

Travel to Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking tradition. Visit a local workshop for a glass-blowing demonstration, where master artisans showcase techniques that have been passed down through generations and remain central to Venice’s artistic heritage.

Later in the day, students take part in a performing arts experience in Venice, performing in a local Catholic church. This cultural exchange allows students to share their work in a historic and authentic environment.

In the early evening, enjoy a gondola ride through Venice’s winding canals, gliding past historic palazzos, hidden bridges, and quiet waterways—offering a memorable perspective of the city from the water.

Day 5: Travel to Florence & Performance

Depart Venice and travel south to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walking tour of the city, exploring Florence’s piazzas, markets, and cafés while getting a first sense of its artistic energy.

In the evening, attend a live opera or musical performance, experiencing Florence’s rich tradition of music and performance in a historic setting or local church.

Day 6: Florence, the Renaissance & Performance

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Florence, exploring iconic landmarks including the Duomo, Santa Croce, and the Piazza della Signoria. Learn how artists, architects, and thinkers helped shape Western culture during the Renaissance.

Later in the day, students participate in a performing arts experience in Florence, performing in a local church or community setting. Sharing music or theatre in this historic city offers a powerful connection between place, performance, and tradition.

Day 7: Farm-to-Table Experience & Lucca

Spend the morning in the Tuscan countryside on a working organic farm. Learn about sustainable agriculture and take part in a hands-on farm-to-table cooking class, harvesting fresh ingredients and preparing a traditional Italian lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Lucca, a charming city surrounded by Renaissance walls. Enjoy free time to explore its cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs, relax in local piazzas, and enjoy gelato. Return to Florence in the evening for a farewell dinner celebrating your time in Italy.

Day 8: Departure Day

Say arrivederci to Italy and the unforgettable memories of your performing arts journey. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, bringing back inspiration from Venice’s canals, Florence’s artistic legacy, and Italy’s rich cultural traditions.