Your Choir. The Vatican. A New Era of Possibility. Pope Leo XIV has just been elected, becoming the first American pope in history. This historic moment is inspiring choirs across the country to reconnect with the Vatican through sacred music and meaningful travel. After decades of bringing ensembles to Rome, we understand how powerful this experience can be, and there has never been a more meaningful time to go. To mark this occasion, we’re excited to offer a special opportunity. The first five groups to confirm a 2026 performance tour will receive free access to the Vatican Gardens, a peaceful and rarely seen part of Vatican City that is closed to the public. This unique setting offers a rare chance for quiet reflection and a deeper connection to the spirit of your journey. Now is the perfect time to start planning a tour your choir will never forget. Spotlight Trip Why Encore? Taking Your Music Program To New Places For over 25 years, we’ve helped Catholic schools and church choirs bring their music to life through international performance tours. Our team understands the unique needs of sacred music programs and how to build a tour that strengthens both faith and community. When it comes to the Vatican, our experience runs deep. We’ve helped choirs sing during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, perform at Papal Audiences, and share sacred music in some of Rome’s most historic cathedrals. Many have led prayer services, joined local clergy in devotional concerts, or rehearsed with Roman church choirs—experiences that connect music with mission in unforgettable ways. Learn why choir directors trust us to design purposeful, well-organized performance tours. From your first planning call to your final encore, we’re here to make the experience smooth, inspiring, and unforgettable. Discover Italy Unique Choral Experiences Where Music Meets Faith This is more than just a performance tour. It’s an opportunity to be part of a historic moment for the Church and to bring your music to some of the most sacred and inspiring spaces in the world. With Pope Leo XIV newly elected, many choirs are choosing to reconnect with the Vatican through faith-filled travel and shared musical experiences. Our groups have sung during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, performed at General Audiences, and shared sacred music in historic churches like Santa Maria Maggiore, Sopra Minerva, and St. John Lateran. Some have led prayer services with local clergy, joined Italian choirs for rehearsals, or presented formal concerts in Roman basilicas and pilgrimage sites. Others have taken part in choral masterclasses or performed quiet devotional programs in chapels near the Vatican or in Trastevere. Every tour is different, but each one offers your ensemble the chance to grow musically, connect spiritually, and be part of something truly unforgettable. Learn More Book Now and Save! Plan With Confidence Planning an international performance tour is a big commitment, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With decades of experience and a team that understands the needs of music educators and directors, we make it easy to bring your vision to life. From guaranteed pricing and custom recruitment tools to 24/7 support while abroad, we take care of the details so you can focus on the music. Groups that register early for 2026 or 2027 unlock exclusive benefits, including travel scholarships, professional development credit, and added perks for directors. There’s no better time to begin shaping a tour that will inspire your singers and strengthen your program for years to come. Learn More Sacred Stages, Unforgettable Moments From world-renowned basilicas to hidden chapels, our Vatican tours offer an unmatched blend of music, faith, and cultural discovery. Whether you’re singing at Mass, exchanging music with Roman choirs, or exploring sacred sites, each experience is designed to deepen your ensemble’s purpose and leave a lasting impact. Choir Sing at Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica Rome Choirs may be selected to sing sacred repertoire during Mass inside one of the most iconic churches in the world. This rare opportunity places your ensemble at the spiritual heart of the Catholic faith. Choir Perform during a Papal Audience Rome Share your music with thousands of pilgrims at the Pope’s weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. It’s a powerful, joyful expression of faith on a global stage. Choir Sacred Concerts in Historic Cathedrals Rome Perform in magnificent Roman churches such as Santa Maria Maggiore, Sopra Minerva, or Santa Maria in Trastevere. These venues blend historic beauty, rich acoustics, and centuries of Catholic tradition. Choir Concerts in Pilgrimage Sites Rome Bring your music to renowned pilgrimage sites steeped in sacred significance. These concerts give your ensemble a chance to perform in places where faith and tradition converge. Choir Prayer Services and Devotional Concerts Rome Offer reflective musical programs focused on prayer and meditation in sacred spaces throughout Rome. These services provide your singers with a deep connection to the spiritual intent of their repertoire. Show All 13 Venues Show Less Choir Rehearsals with Roman Church Choirs Rome Collaborate musically with local church choirs through shared rehearsals and cultural exchange. These moments often build lasting friendships and broaden students’ musical perspectives. Choir Devotional Programs in Chapels Rome Present quiet, contemplative musical selections in smaller chapels near the Vatican or in the Trastevere neighborhood. These programs are ideal for fostering intimacy, reflection, and personal growth. Choir Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Visit Rome Explore the Vatican Museums on a curated tour that highlights artistic treasures of the Catholic Church. End your visit in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Choir Attend a Papal Audience (non-performance) Rome Experience a General Audience with the Pope even if your group is not performing. The energy and reverence of the crowd make this a deeply moving moment for many travelers. Choir Spiritual Retreat or Mass in Assisi Assisi Travel to the peaceful hillside town of Assisi for a retreat or private Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis or Santa Chiara. These experiences provide time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual bonding. Choir Private Access to Vatican Gardens Rome Walk through the peaceful, closed-off gardens where popes have found retreat for centuries. This exclusive experience is available only to the first five groups confirmed for a 2026 tour. Choir Private Access to Vatican Organists Rome Through special Encore connections, meet and learn from organists who perform regularly at Vatican Masses. This behind-the-scenes access offers unique insight into the liturgical music of the Catholic Church. Choir Gregorian Chant Workshop Rome Join a hands-on workshop in Gregorian chant led by a local expert personally connected to the Vatican music community. This rare educational experience immerses your ensemble in the roots of sacred music. Customize Your Tour Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Get a quote from one of our tour consultants who will help you customize a trip to meet your goals. Get A Quote Sample Itineraries Browse a selection of our most popular performance and pilgrimage tours for Catholic choirs, schools, and parish groups. Each itinerary combines meaningful musical opportunities, such as singing during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, with guided visits to Italy’s most sacred and culturally rich destinations. Whether you are planning for 2026 or 2027, these programs are fully customizable to match your group’s goals, schedule, and spiritual vision. Band Choir Orchestra Sacred Sounds of Italy 9 Days / 3 Florence / 4 Rome Band Choir Orchestra Vivo In Italia 8 Days / 3 Florence / 3 Rome Band Choir Orchestra Vatican Voices 10 Days / 3 Rome / 1 Palestrina / 2 Amalfi Coast / 2 Florence Band Choir Orchestra A Greco-Roman Rhapsody 10 Days / 3 Athens / 1 Overnight Ferry / 1 Sorrento / 3 Rome Claim Your Exclusive Vatican Experience We’re offering something no other tour can, but it’s only available to the first five ensembles that take action. The first five groups to request a quote and confirm a 2026 Catholic performance tour will receive private access to the Vatican Gardens, a peaceful and rarely seen part of Vatican City that is closed to the public. This unique experience adds a powerful layer of meaning and reflection to your time in Rome. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. Request your quote today to reserve your place. Request a Proposal