Overview
Bring your young musicians to perform in the heart of Italy at the Florence Youth Festival, an international celebration that brings together young orchestras and bands from around the world. Beyond the stage, experience the art, history, and culture of Tuscany as you explore Florence, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stroll through historic Lucca and Montecatini Terme, tour local olive oil vineyards, and enjoy time along the Mediterranean coast.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Florence)
Day 2
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to Montecatini Terme
Day 3
Pre-concert rehearsal
San Gimignano excursion
Step into medieval Tuscany with a visit to San Gimignano, a hilltop town once shaped by powerful rival families whose soaring stone towers signaled wealth, influence, and defense. Wander its remarkably preserved streets and explore landmarks like Piazza del Duomo, the Palazzo Comunale, Torre Grossa, and Piazza della Cisterna. Discover how this 13th- and 14th-century town became a lasting symbol of civic pride, trade prosperity, and fortified urban life.
Olive oil tasting and workshop
Florence Youth Festival Performance
Day 4
Pisa guided excursion
Stop in Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower, tilted since builders set it on soft ground centuries ago. Visit the Baptistery, renowned for its acoustics, and admire the nearby duomo. Together these landmarks form the Campo dei Miracoli, their black-and-white marble façades gleaming against the green lawn.
Lucca excursion
Experience the timeless charm of Lucca, a beautifully preserved Tuscan city renowned for its Renaissance walls and rich musical heritage. Stroll atop the historic city walls and visit the Puccini Museum, the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, to discover the life, works, and legacy of one of opera's greatest composers.
Day 5
Montecatini Alto visit
Ride the historic funicular to Montecatini Alto, a charming hilltop village known for its cobblestone streets, sweeping views, and timeless Tuscan character.
Pre-concert rehearsal
Florence Youth Festival Performance
Day 6
Viareggio Beach excursion
Relax along the Tuscan coast in Viareggio with a reserved beach setup featuring umbrellas, bar service, and restroom facilities. Spend free time strolling the lively seaside promenade, browsing local shops, or unwinding at one of the town's inviting cafés.
Day 7
Free time in Florence
Pre-concert rehearsal
Florence Youth Festival Performance
Day 8
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Florence
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.