Overview
Take your ensemble on a thrilling performance tour through the beautiful Italian countryside, making stops in Milan, Parma, Pesaro, and that immortal city of Romeo & Juliet, Verona. Your musicians will explore iconic landmarks including the Duomo di Milano and the Basilica of San Vitale, visit the museum dedicated to renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini, and perform for international audiences.
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.
Milan city walk
La Scala opera house, Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Day 3
Travel to Parma
Violin Museum visit
Explore the Stradivarius Museum and the Palazzo Communale to see some of the most famous and priceless violins in the world.
Birthplace of Arturo Toscanini Museum visit
Learn about the life and career of renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini through his personal belongings, musical memorabilia, and exhibits on how his legacy shaped orchestral performances worldwide.
Parma performance
Choirs often enjoy performances at churches (some have restricted sacred repertoire and others allow secular,) temples, museums and cultural centers, significant historic sights or exchange concerts with local schools, universities or community groups.
Day 4
Busseto and Mantua excursion
Villa Verdi visit, Busseto city walk, Mantua city walk, Palazzo Ducale visit
Day 5
Lucca excursion
Lucca's peaceful narrow lanes wind among medieval buildings, churches, tiny piazzas, and Roman ruins, taking visitors on a true journey through the town's long history. Founded as a Roman colony in 180 BCE, the city center was shut off from traffic in the 17th century, making it a pleasant place to wander and explore. Make sure to wander past the statue of Giacomo Puccini, who was born in this idyllic place. His home has been transformed into the Puccini museum!
Parma performance
Choirs often enjoy performances at churches (some have restricted sacred repertoire and others allow secular,) temples, museums and cultural centers, significant historic sights or exchange concerts with local schools, universities or community groups.
Day 6
Travel to Pesaro via San Marino
Pesaro performance
Choirs often enjoy performances at churches (some have restricted sacred repertoire and others allow secular,) temples, museums and cultural centers, significant historic sights or exchange concerts with local schools, universities or community groups.
Day 7
Travel to Verona via Ravenna
Oratory of Galla Placidia visit
Discover the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a 5th century chapel that contains exceptional mosaics dating from antiquity. Translucent panels bring the mosaics alive in all their grace and harmony, vivid with peacock blue, moss green, Roman gold, aubergine, and burnt orange. Visit the octagonal-domed Museum and Basilica of San Vitale, which dates from the mid-6th century. The mosaics inside, among the most celebrated in the Western world, are done in brilliant greens and golds.
Basilica of San Vitale visit
Visiting the Basilica of San Vitale offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Byzantine art and architecture, highlighted by its stunning mosaics and intricate design.
Day 8
Roman Arena visit
Step back in time as you explore this well-preserved, ancient amphitheater and learn about its cultural significance in Roman entertainment and architecture, and how it hosts musical performances today.
Travel to Milan
Day 9
Flight home from Milan
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Northern Italy
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.