Elevated experiences for musically minded travelers who are inspired by a deeper interaction with the people and places that produce world-class music.
Join St. Anthony’s family and friends on a remarkable journey through Italy, created to complement and celebrate the students’ performance tour. From the historic grandeur of Rome to the artistic treasures of Florence and the enchanting canals of Venice, this experience blends culture, faith, music, and connection in unforgettable ways.
Explore iconic landmarks, beautiful churches and basilicas, and charming Tuscan towns while enjoying authentic Italian cuisine and meaningful shared experiences throughout the journey. Along the way, you’ll attend student performances in stunning local venues, take part in special Mass experiences, witness the Papal Blessing in St. Peter’s Square, and create lasting memories with fellow travelers.
Buon viaggio!
*Pricing is based on a minimum of 30 paying participants.
With Don Corrao
February 11–20, 2027
Land and Air: $7,329 Book Your Own Airfare: $6,059
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Departure from the United States.
Arrive this morning at Fiumicino Airport and meet your Tour Manager! Board your private motor coach and head to downtown Rome to check into your hotel. After lunch on your own, meet an English-speaking guide for a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy welcome dinner together this evening. (D)
After breakfast, which is included each day of the tour, our English-speaking guide will take you to visit the incredible Colosseum and Roman Forum! The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Tonight, transfer to see the chorus and orchestra's first concert performance, which will take place at a local venue, such as Sant'Andrea della Valle. Enjoy dinner this evening. (B,D)
This morning, walk to St. Peter's Square and visit the Scavi with your timed tickets (subject to reconfirmation). Afterward, attend the noon Papal Blessing. Enter St Peter's Basilica attend private Sunday Mass in the Vatican Chapel of Music. This afternoon enjoy time to explore Rome at your leisure. Rejoin your group for a St. Valentine's-themed dinner at a restaurant tonight. (B,D)
Check out of the hotel early this morning and enjoy an excursion to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. At noon, attend a private Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis with the students. In Assisi, you will have time to have lunch on your own. Board the coach and transfer to Florence. Dinner will be together with the student group this evening. (B,D)
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Florence, including Santa Croce, the famous Duomo, and a guided tour of the Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David. Afterward, spend time exploring the charming streets of Florence at your leisure. Tonight, you will attend a concert by the St. Anthony's Chorus and Orchestra at a local venue such as Chiesa di San Gaetano, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B,D)
Depart for Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage town famous for the Palio, its biannual horse race. Continue to a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse where you will enjoy a delicious feast. After lunch, board your bus for a drive to Pisa. Upon arrival, enjoy a timed entrance to the Leaning Tower. Return to Florence in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own. (B,L)
After breakfast, check out and board the private motor coach. Depart for Verona and enjoy a guided walking tour, followed by lunch on your own. Board the motor coach and continue to Padua, where this afternoon you will will attend a private Mass at St. Anthony’s Basilica with St. Anthony's High School. Continue to Venice to check into your hotel and enjoy time to relax and unpack. Enjoy dinner this evening. (B,D)
Today enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour of Venice, including St. Mark's Basilica and entrance to the Doge's Palace. Have time at your leisure this afternoon. Later, board the private water taxi and transfer to the final concert by St. Anthony’s High School Orchestra and Chorus, which will take place at a local venue such as the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Afterward, enjoy a special farewell festive dinner tonight together with students. Board the private water taxi and sail back to hotel for overnight. (B,D)
Depart for the USA. (B)
It is with great joy and excitement that I invite you to join me on an unforgettable journey through Italy as part of our 2027 Family and Friends Shadow Tour. This special travel experience is designed to complement the students’ performance tour, giving families and friends the opportunity to experience the beauty, history, faith, and culture of Italy while sharing in the excitement of the students’ musical accomplishments.
Together, we’ll explore the timeless streets of Rome, stand beneath the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and walk through the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We’ll journey through the heart of Tuscany, discovering the beauty of Florence, Siena, and Pisa while admiring masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David. In Venice, we’ll sail along the canals, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, and celebrate the conclusion of our journey alongside the students during a festive farewell evening.
Along the way, we’ll attend meaningful student performances in remarkable venues, share special meals and Mass experiences together, and enjoy moments of reflection, celebration, and connection that make this tour truly unique.
Encore Tours has helped create an itinerary that is seamless, enriching, and thoughtfully designed from beginning to end. With expert Tour Managers, centrally located hotels, and immersive cultural experiences throughout the journey, this is a trip I know we will remember for years to come.
I sincerely hope you’ll consider joining us for this extraordinary Italian adventure.
Warm regards, Don Corrao
Our traveler resources center is your one-stop hub for all the essential materials and information you’ll need before setting off on your upcoming performance tour. Designed with both group leaders and participants in mind, our Traveler Resource Center offers easy access to registration materials, application forms, protection plan details, and other key documents to help ensure your travel experience is smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free.
Basic protection is included for all travelers, but more than 50% choose to upgrade their plan for enhanced protection and added peace of mind—especially with the flexibility of Cancel For Any Reason coverage up to 4 days before departure.