Overview
Discover a side of Italy where music is as much about craftsmanship as performance. Bring your choir, band, or orchestra to perform in Cremona and Verona while tracing the region’s musical heritage from Milan’s La Scala to Cremona, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of violin making. Itinerary stops in Lake Garda, Vicenza, and Verona only add to the exploration of art, architecture, and breathtaking Italian scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Milan)
Day 2
Arrive in Milan
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.
Day 3
Milan guided sightseeing tour
Discover the highlights of Milan on a guided sightseeing tour through Italy's vibrant fashion and financial capital. Admire the magnificent Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, see the renowned La Scala opera house, and view the historic Sforza Castle while learning about the city's rich history and culture.
La Scala Opera House guided tour and museum visit
Step inside the world-famous La Scala Opera House for a guided tour of its historic performance spaces. Discover the rich history of one of the world's most influential venues for opera and classical music.
Milan Cathedral (Duomo) visit
Visit the magnificent Gothic Duomo, renowned for its distinctive roofline of 135 spires, statues, and gargoyles. Admire its beautifully crafted stained-glass windows, explore the treasury, and see the remains of the original 4th-century baptistry.
Day 4
Sforza Castle visit
Witness the blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture while soaking in the Sforza Castle's rich historical narrative, reflecting the grandeur and intrigue of Northern Italy's past.
Bergamo excursion
Discover Bergamo, the birthplace of opera composer Gaetano Donizetti and a city celebrated for its rich artistic heritage. Ride the funicular to the historic Città Alta, where Renaissance architecture, elegant piazzas, and centuries of cultural treasures reflect Bergamo's importance as a centre of art and music.
Travel to Lake Garda
Day 5
Lake Garda excursion
Escape to Lake Garda, Italy's largest and most picturesque lake, where sparkling waters meet charming lakeside villages and dramatic mountain scenery. Explore the medieval town of Sirmione, including a visit to Castello Scaligero, while strolling its cobblestone streets and scenic lakeside promenade.
Day 6
Cremona Tour Director-led sightseeing
Cremona Violin museum guided visit
Cremona orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 7
Verona city walk
Explore Verona’s historic centre, where Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences meet. Piazza delle Erbe, once the Roman forum, remains a lively gathering place with frescoed buildings and markets. The Verona Arena, a 1st-century BC amphitheatre, still hosts performances today, while the Castelvecchio Bridge spans the Adige River with scenic city views.
Arena di Verona visit
Verona orchestra performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 8
Travel to Padua Area
Vicenza guided sightseeing tour
Discover Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for the Renaissance architecture of Andrea Palladio, one of history's most influential architects. Visit the remarkable Teatro Olimpico, the world's oldest surviving enclosed theatre, and the Basilica Palladiana, a defining landmark overlooking Piazza dei Signori. Together, these masterpieces showcase the artistic and architectural legacy that has made Vicenza famous around the world.
Day 9
Return home
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
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
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
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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)
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 full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
Scenes from Milan and Veneto
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.