Overview
Experience Italy’s extraordinary artistic and musical heritage on a performance journey through Rome and Tuscany. Explore ancient landmarks in Rome before traveling with your ensemble to discover Assisi, Pisa, Lucca, and Florence, with opportunities to perform for local audiences along the way. Discover Renaissance masterpieces, historic churches, and celebrated Italian traditions.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Rome)
Day 2
Overnight flight to Italy (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
Ancient Rome guided sightseeing tour
Step inside the Colosseum with a licensed guide, once the stage for gladiators, naval battles, and wild beast hunts, and explore the underground chambers where animals were kept. Continue to the Forum Romanum, the hub of Roman politics, religion, and commerce. Conclude at Piazza Venezia, framed by its grand palaces and the striking Victor Emmanuel Monument.
Authentic trattoria dinner
Day 4
Gelato making demonstration and tasting
Watch a gelato-making demonstration at an authentic working gelato laboratory and learn the art of Italian ice cream. See how gelato is made before enjoying a tasting of some of your favourite flavours.
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 Montecatini Terme
Assisi guided sightseeing tour
The medieval town of Assisi is closely tied to the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. Carefully restored after the 1997 earthquake, Assisi’s narrow streets, hillside views, and lively piazzas reflect its lasting spiritual character. The guided tour includes visits to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 13th century to house the saint’s remains; the Basilica of Saint Clare, home to St. Clare’s tomb and St. Francis’s crucifix; and the Portiuncula, where the Franciscan movement began.
St. Francis of Assisi Basilica visit
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi was first built in 1228 when Pope Gregory IX laid the cornerstone of the Lower Basilica. St. Francis’s body was secretly moved here in 1230 to prevent looting. The Upper Basilica followed after 1239, and both churches were consecrated in 1253.
Assisi choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 6
Pisa Tour Director-led walking tour - Bundle
Stop in Pisa to explore the iconic Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), home to the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery. Admire these outstanding examples of Pisan Romanesque architecture while learning how the tower's soft foundation caused its world-famous tilt during construction.
Lucca excursion
Experience the timeless charm of Lucca, a beautifully preserved Tuscan city renowned for its Renaissance walls and rich musical heritage. Walk atop the historic city walls and visit the Puccini Museum, the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, to discover the life, works, and legacy of one of opera's greatest composers.
Day 7
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.
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
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)
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 Rome and Tuscany
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.
