Overview
Discover a side of Italy where music is as much about craftsmanship as performance. Bring your choir, band, or orchestra to perform in Cremona and Verona while tracing the region’s musical heritage from Milan’s La Scala to Cremona, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of violin making. Itinerary stops in Lake Garda, Vicenza, and Verona only add to the exploration of art, architecture, and breathtaking Italian scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Milan)
Day 2
Arrive in Milan
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.
Day 3
Milan guided sightseeing tour
Discover the highlights of Milan on a guided sightseeing tour through Italy's vibrant fashion and financial capital. Admire the magnificent Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, see the renowned La Scala opera house, and view the historic Sforza Castle while learning about the city's rich history and culture.
La Scala Opera House guided tour and museum visit
Step inside the world-famous La Scala Opera House for a guided tour of its historic performance spaces. Discover the rich history of one of the world's most influential venues for opera and classical music.
Day 3
Milan guided sightseeing tour
Discover the highlights of Milan on a guided sightseeing tour through Italy's vibrant fashion and financial capital. Admire the magnificent Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, see the renowned La Scala opera house, and view the historic Sforza Castle while learning about the city's rich history and culture.
La Scala Opera House guided tour and museum visit
Step inside the world-famous La Scala Opera House for a guided tour of its historic performance spaces. Discover the rich history of one of the world's most influential venues for opera and classical music.
Milan Cathedral (Duomo) visit
Visit the magnificent Gothic Duomo, renowned for its distinctive roofline of 135 spires, statues, and gargoyles. Admire its beautifully crafted stained-glass windows, explore the treasury, and see the remains of the original 4th-century baptistry.
Day 4
Sforza Castle visit
Witness the blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture while soaking in the Sforza Castle's rich historical narrative, reflecting the grandeur and intrigue of Northern Italy's past.
Bergamo excursion
Discover Bergamo, the birthplace of opera composer Gaetano Donizetti and a city celebrated for its rich artistic heritage. Ride the funicular to the historic Città Alta, where Renaissance architecture, elegant piazzas, and centuries of cultural treasures reflect Bergamo's importance as a center of art and music.
Travel to Lake Garda
Day 5
Lake Garda excursion
Escape to Lake Garda, Italy's largest and most picturesque lake, where sparkling waters meet charming lakeside villages and dramatic mountain scenery. Explore the medieval town of Sirmione, including a visit to Castello Scaligero, while strolling its cobblestone streets and scenic lakeside promenade.
Day 6
Cremona Tour Director-led sightseeing
Cremona Violin museum guided visit
Cremona orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 7
Verona city walk
Verona’s historic center reflects Roman, medieval, and Renaissance history. Piazza delle Erbe, once the Roman forum, remains a lively gathering place with frescoed buildings and markets. The Verona Arena, a 1st century BC amphitheater, is still used for performances today. The Castelvecchio Bridge spans the Adige River, showcasing Verona’s medieval strength and offering scenic city views.
Arena di Verona visit
Verona orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 8
Travel to Padua Area
Vicenza guided sightseeing tour
Discover Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for the Renaissance architecture of Andrea Palladio, one of history's most influential architects. Visit the remarkable Teatro Olimpico, the world's oldest surviving enclosed theater, and the Basilica Palladiana, a defining landmark overlooking Piazza dei Signori. Together, these masterpieces showcase the artistic and architectural legacy that has made Vicenza famous around the world.
Day 9
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 Milan and Veneto
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.