Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Day

Your Italian performing arts journey begins as you board your overnight flight to Rome. Settle in and get excited—ancient history, breathtaking cities, and unforgettable performance moments await.

Day 2: Welcome to Rome

Arrive in the Eternal City and meet your local Program Director at the airport. Transfer to your centrally located hotel and take time to settle in after your flight. Later, enjoy an orientation walk through Rome’s historic streets, where fountains, piazzas, and ruins introduce you to the rhythm of Italian life. Gather in the evening for a welcome dinner to kick off your adventure together.

Day 3: Ancient Rome & Gladiator Games

Step back in time with a guided tour of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Learn how engineering, politics, and spectacle shaped one of the greatest civilizations in history. In the afternoon, channel your inner warrior during a hands-on Gladiator Games experience at Castrum Legionis, where students don replica armor and compete in fun, educational and team building challenges inspired by Roman traditions. This evening, enjoy a walking tour of Rome by night, taking in iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain beautifully illuminated after dark.

Day 4: Vatican City & First Performance

Begin the morning with a guided visit to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Explore the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpieces, and St. Peter’s Basilica with a local expert. After a relaxed afternoon, prepare for your first performance, held in the early evening at a church, piazza, or cultural venue in Rome—an unforgettable opportunity to share your music in the heart of the Eternal City. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely evening walk, stop for gelato, and take in the magic of Rome from the Spanish Steps as the city comes alive at night.

Day 5: Farm-to-Table Experience & Lucca

Travel north into the Tuscan countryside and arrive at a working agriturismo farm, where rolling hills and vineyards set the scene for a truly authentic experience. Begin with a walk through the vineyards, learning about local agriculture and life on a Tuscan farm, before taking part in a hands-on farm-to-table cooking class. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepare a traditional Italian meal together and enjoy lunch in a beautiful rural setting. In the afternoon, continue on to Lucca, a charming walled city known for its cobblestone streets, Renaissance walls, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 6: Florence & Second Performance

Spend the day immersed in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Begin with a guided walking tour highlighting the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce, while learning how Florence shaped art, architecture, and culture across Europe. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Florence’s lively markets, browse artisan workshops, and soak in the city’s vibrant street life. In the early evening, prepare for your second student performance, held at a church, piazza, or cultural venue in Florence—an inspiring opportunity to share your music in a city that has influenced artists for centuries!

Day 7: San Gimignano & Tuscan Hills

Travel into the heart of the Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano, a beautifully preserved medieval hill town often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its iconic stone towers that rise above the rolling vineyards. Once built by rival families to display wealth and power, these towers still define the town’s dramatic skyline today. Stroll through cobblestone streets, lively piazzas, and artisan shops selling local ceramics, saffron, and handmade goods. Take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, explore historic churches and town squares, and enjoy time to soak in the atmosphere of one of Tuscany’s most enchanting towns.

Day 8: Travel to Venice, Orientation Walk & Gondola Ride

Journey northeast to Venice, one of the world’s most unique cities. After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy an orientation walk through winding alleys, historic bridges, and lively squares. Learn how Venice rose from a lagoon settlement into a powerful maritime republic. In the evening, glide through the city’s canals on a traditional gondola ride, experiencing Venice from its most iconic perspective.

Day 9: Venice History & Final Performance

Dive deeper into Venice’s rich history with a guided sightseeing tour exploring key landmarks tied to trade, exploration, and the Venetian Republic. Hear stories of Marco Polo, the Doges, and Venice’s role as a gateway between East and West. In the afternoon, prepare for your final performance, held in a historic church, cultural hall, or public venue—an inspiring finale to your musical journey. Celebrate your accomplishments together at a farewell group dinner.

Day 10: Departure Day

Transfer to the airport and depart Italy with unforgettable memories—of ancient ruins, Renaissance cities, scenic countryside, and the powerful experience of sharing your music across Italy.