St. Teresa’s Family and Friends Shadow Tour

Italy

Join St. Teresa’s family and friends on a breathtaking journey through Italy, designed to complement and celebrate the students’ performance tour. From the Renaissance wonders of Florence to the ancient streets of Rome and the sun-kissed coastline of Sorrento, this experience offers the perfect blend of culture, inspiration, and connection.

Discover iconic landmarks, charming Tuscan towns, and the timeless beauty of the Amalfi Coast—all while savoring authentic Italian cuisine and sharing in unforgettable musical moments. Along the way, you’ll attend student performances in stunning local venues, celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, and create lasting memories with fellow travelers on this extraordinary adventure.

Buon viaggio!

Experience Italy

With Steve Perry

Dates

May 27-June 4, 2026

Price

From Airport: $5,829
Book Your Own Airfare: $4,569

Register Now
View Itinerary

What's Included

  • Experienced Tour Manager
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Welcome dinner with live folk entertainment
  • Student concert in Assisi
  • Student concert at St. Agnes Church in Rome
  • Final student concert at San Francesco Church in Sorrento
  • Mass with student singers at St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Discover Renaissance treasures on a guided tour of Florence
  • Explore the medieval towns of Lucca and San Gimignano
  • Tour the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Visit the Vatican Museums and gaze up at the Sistine Chapel
  • Step inside the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Witness the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square
  • Tour the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii
  • Ride the ferry to Capri and take the funicular to the town center
  • Shop, stroll, and soak in the beauty of Naples and Sorrento’s coastline

Itinerary

9 Days

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2 Florence

Arrive in Rome, where you'll meet your Tour Manager before transferring to Florence. After enjoying a delightful lunch, you'll have time to explore the city's rich Renaissance history. Later, check into your hotel and settle in. In the evening, enjoy an arrival briefing followed by a warm welcome dinner, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure in one of Italy's most iconic cities. (D)

Day 3 Florence

This morning, enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour of Florence, including Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, the Duomo, Santa Croce, and the entrance to the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo's David. Have some free time for lunch and sightseeing on your own. This evening you will have dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4 Rome

This morning, depart Tuscany and enjoy a lovely drive to San Gimignano first. Then proceed to Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis. Arrive and have some time to explore before attending the choir's concert at St. Francis Basilica. After the concert, have dinner as a group before continuing on to Rome, the "Eternal City," where you'll check into your hotel. Dinner. (B,D)

City in Rome

Day 5 Rome

This morning, attend the choir group singing at Mass at St. Peter's Cathedral, making this a truly unforgettable experience. Afterward, your Tour Manager takes you on your panoramic tour of the city. Some highlights will be the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele (Rome's "Wedding Cake monument'). Later in the afternoon, visit the Colosseum with our guide to discover the fascinating history of this iconic Roman landmark, followed by the Roman Forum! Enjoy the sights of ancient Rome this afternoon, as later you'll have time to enjoy dinner with your family. (B)

Day 6 Rome

This morning, feel free to have some leisure time or visit the Baroque area on a walking tour with TM. In the early afternoon, visit the Vatican
museums with timed entrances, including the amazing Sistine Chapel and magnificent St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore in small groups. Enjoy dinner this evening, then attend the second concert, which will be held at a local venue, such as the beautiful St. Agnes Church. (B, D)

St. Peters

Day 7 Sorrento

Today, drive early to Naples and embark on a high-speed hydrofoil ride to the breathtaking island of Capri, known as the "Island of Dreams." Take a funicular or inclined railway through subtropical gardens, leading you up to the charming town’s main square, where you'll have time to shop in artisan stores and explore the picturesque narrow lanes. The afternoon is yours to enjoy more shopping and sightseeing. Later, return to Sorrento for dinner and to attend St. Teresa's final concert at San Francesco Church. (B, D)

Day 8 Sorrento

This morning, drive to Pompeii for a guided visit. The city, famously buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a remarkable glimpse into life nearly 2,000 years ago. Return to Sorrento for free time and enjoy a farewell dinner with the choir group to celebrate the end of your incredible journey. (B, D)

Day 9 Departure

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the United States.

Plane

Dear St. Teresa’s Family and Friends,

It is with great joy and excitement that I invite you to join me on a truly unforgettable journey through Italy as part of our 2026 Shadow Tour! This special travel experience is designed to complement the students’ performance tour, offering families and friends the opportunity to witness the beauty, history, and culture of Italy—while sharing in the joy of their musical accomplishments.

We’ll stroll the Renaissance streets of Florence, admire Michelangelo’s David, and enjoy Tuscan towns like Lucca and San Gimignano. In Rome, we’ll explore ancient ruins, stand inside the Colosseum, and celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. We’ll journey to the coastal gem of Sorrento, take in the breathtaking ruins of Pompeii, and sail to the enchanting island of Capri. Throughout the tour, we’ll attend meaningful performances by the St. Teresa’s Academy Choir in stunning local venues and share in unforgettable moments of reflection and celebration.

Encore Tours has helped us create an itinerary that is seamless, enriching, and full of heart. With expert guides, thoughtfully selected hotels, and immersive local experiences, this is a trip I know we’ll cherish for years to come.

I truly hope you’ll consider joining us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Warmly,
Steve Perry

Taormina Sorrento Rome

Ready to Go?

Dates

May 27-June 4, 2026

Price

From Airport: $5,829
Book Your Own Airfare: $4,569

Register Now

Traveler Resources

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.

Learn More