Northwest University Choir Tour to Italy

Tuesday, May 13
The group arrived in Venice and took a water taxi to San Marco Square. The next few hours included a guided walking tour of San Marco Square, the Basilica, and the Doges’ Palace. The evening ended with the first meal in Italy.

Wednesday, May 14
A day of leisure in Venice. In the evening the Choir sang during mass at Saint Marc’s Basilica.

Thursday, May 15
The group checked out of its hotel in Venice and took its tour bus to Florence. During a walking guided tour, they saw the majestic Cathedral and Baptistry. In the evening they had dinner at a traditional Florentine trattoria.

Friday, May 16
A day of sightseeing in Florence included vists to the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s “David”). That evening the choir performed a full concert at San Stefano al Ponte Vecchio Church.

Saturday, May 17
A full day of travelling included a walking tour of the medieval town of Lucca and a visit to the famed leaning tower of Pisa. In the evening the choir sang a joint concert with the Citta di Pistoia choir.

Sunday, May 18
A day trip to Siena included the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, and the Cathedral of Siena where the choir sang an informal concert.

Monday, May 19
En route to Rome, the group stopped in Orvieto, a beautifully-situated city atop dramatic cliffs. Sightseeing included the Duomo of Orvieto, what some call the most beautiful cathedral in Italy. In Rome the group visited the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.

Tuesday, May 20
The group visited the ancient archeological site of Pompei, one of the most completely preserved cities of classical antiquity. Ash and mud from the volcano preserved Pompei almost exactly as it was the day Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. The day ended with breathtaking views as the group arrived in Sorrento.

Wednesday, May 21
A visit to the isle of Capri during the day was followed a full evening performance at San Michele Arcangelo Church.

Thursday, May 22
Some of the group enjoyed a day of leisure in Sorrento while others enjoyed a breathtaking bus tour of the Amalfi Coast.

Friday, May 23
The group travelled from Sorrento back to Rome. An afternoon of sightseeing was followed by participation in a mass at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.

Saturday, May 24
A guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel was followed by independent sightseeing, a festive farewell dinner at Grotta Azzurra Restaurant was a final celebration of the Italy trip.