Overview
Experience Italy’s extraordinary artistic and musical heritage on a performance journey through Rome and Tuscany. Explore ancient landmarks in Rome before traveling with your ensemble to discover Assisi, Pisa, Lucca, and Florence, with opportunities to perform for local audiences along the way. Discover Renaissance masterpieces, historic churches, and celebrated Italian traditions.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Rome)
Day 2
Arrive in Rome
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.
Rome city walk
Discover Rome’s iconic landmarks on a guided walk. At the Spanish Steps, see the “sinking ship” fountain, designed that way because of low water pressure that forced the artist to sink it below street level. Marvel at the Trevi Fountain’s Baroque grandeur, the Pantheon’s soaring dome, and Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers anchors the bustling square.
Day 3
Ancient Rome guided sightseeing tour
Step inside the Colosseum with a licensed guide, once the stage for gladiators, naval battles, and wild beast hunts, and explore the underground chambers where animals were kept. Continue to the Forum Romanum, the hub of Roman politics, religion, and commerce. Conclude at Piazza Venezia, framed by its grand palaces and the striking Victor Emmanuel Monument.
Authentic trattoria dinner
Day 4
Gelato making demonstration and tasting
Watch a gelato-making demonstration at an authentic working gelato laboratory and learn the art of Italian ice cream. See how gelato is made before enjoying a tasting of some of your favorite flavors.
Rome choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 5
Travel to Montecatini Terme
Assisi guided sightseeing tour
The medieval town of Assisi is closely tied to the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. Carefully restored after the 1997 earthquake, Assisi’s narrow streets, hillside views, and lively piazzas reflect its lasting spiritual character. The guided tour includes visits to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 13th century to house the saint’s remains; the Basilica of Saint Clare, home to St. Clare’s tomb and St. Francis’s crucifix; and the Portiuncula, where the Franciscan movement began.
St. Francis of Assisi Basilica visit
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi was first built in 1228 when Pope Gregory IX laid the cornerstone of the Lower Basilica. St. Francis’s body was secretly moved here in 1230 to prevent looting. The Upper Basilica followed after 1239, and both churches were consecrated in 1253.
Assisi choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 6
Pisa Tour Director-led walking tour
Stop in Pisa to explore the iconic Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), home to the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery. Admire these outstanding examples of Pisan Romanesque architecture while learning how the tower's soft foundation caused its world-famous tilt during construction.
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 7
Florence guided sightseeing tour
Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Admire the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery’s famed Gates of Paradise that inspired generations of artists. Visit Palazzo Vecchio on Piazza della Signoria, once the seat of Florentine power, and step inside Dante’s House to learn about the poet’s legacy. At Santa Croce, see the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Conclude your day by crossing the Ponte Vecchio and visiting a leather workshop to see one of Florence’s most famous crafts.
Day 8
Travel to Milan
Modena and Parma excursion
Experience the best of Emilia-Romagna, a region celebrated for its world-renowned cuisine, rich musical traditions, and automotive heritage. Visit the Ferrari Museum to discover the history of Enzo Ferrari, explore legendary race cars and engines, and learn how the brand became an icon of motorsport. Savor Modena's famous balsamic vinegar during a tasting, then enjoy a guided tour of Parma's historic Teatro Regio, one of Italy's most celebrated opera houses. Together, these experiences showcase the craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural traditions that have made the region 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
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
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)
Scenes from Rome and Tuscany
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.