Overview
Bring your ensemble to Italy, where centuries of art, architecture, and music set the stage for an unforgettable performance tour. Perform in the Eternal City of Rome and nearby Orvieto, before exploring famed Roman ruins at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. In Florence, your students can look forward to discovering Renaissance masterpieces and participating in authentic Tuscan 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
Vatican City guided sightseeing tour
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, with its vast colonnades that seem to embrace the world. Inside, admire Michelangelo’s soaring dome, rising 452 feet above the ground, and his renowned Pietà. Then step into the Sistine Chapel, where the artist reluctantly painted frescoes that today stand among the world’s greatest masterpieces.
Rome band performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 4
Catacombs & gladiator centre excursion
Descend into Rome’s early Christian catacombs, dating from the 1st-4th centuries, once the burial place of saints, popes, and martyrs. See frescoes of fish and doves, plus tomb inscriptions beneath the Appian Way. Then step into gladiator life through workshops and demonstrations of training and combat.
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 Florence
Orvieto city walk
Orvieto choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 6
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.
Giotto's Bell Tower ascent
Day 7
Accademia Gallery visit
Immerse yourself in the rich history of art education at Europe’s first school dedicated to drawing, painting, and sculpting. Students will engage with iconic masterpieces, including Michelangelo's "David," fostering a deeper understanding of artistic techniques and historical context. This experiential journey connects directly to curriculum standards in art history, providing measurable learning outcomes through hands-on exploration and critical analysis.
Cooking class and dinner
Learn to cook in Rome! Join classmates in an Italian cooking course, where you'll create traditional Tuscan and Florentine dishes. From pappa al pomodoro to panna cotta, you'll learn the ins and outs of Italian cuisine (make your own hand-made pasta!)--then enjoy tasting your creations. Buon appetito!
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. Savour 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
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
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
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Florence and Rome
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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.