Elevated experiences for musically minded travelers who are inspired by a deeper interaction with the people and places that produce world-class music.
Get ready for an extraordinary musical adventure with our latest offering! Join us on an exclusive 10-day journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences, including an illuminating conducting workshop. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich culture of two incredible Italian cities, indulge in gourmet delights at the finest restaurants, connect with like-minded music lovers, and relish in an array of delightful surprises. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled itinerary—it’s a musical journey like no other! We hope to see you there!
Arrive in Catania, Sicily and meet your Encore Tour Manager at the airport. Upon arrival, transfer to Modica to check in to your hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
After breakfast, provided each morning at your hotel, enjoy a walking tour of Modica with a local guide. Comprised of two separate areas, Alta (high) and Bassa (low) connected by a flight of steps, Modica offers a wealth of sights and is the ideal base from which to explore this stunning region of the Mediterranean's largest island. The town's highlights include the Duomo - a remarkable example of Sicilian Baroque - Santa Maria di Betlem, San Pietro, the main street, Corso Umberto I lined with impressive palazzi, churches and the Corso Regina Margherita in the Alta district. In the afternoon, perhaps a chocolate tasting for which Modica is famous. (B)
Take the time today to explore on your own the towns in the Modica region, perhaps the most prominent Baroque area in Europe. Your private motorcoach will take you on a short 10-mile ride to the stunning center of Ibla di Ragusa, located in a dramatic canyon. Also divided into two distinct districts - Ragusa, built in Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake, and much older Ibla. Highlights include the Duomo, Archaelogical Museum, many more gorgeous churches, piazzas and streets. Many scenes from the stories of Montalbano were filmed here. Tonight you'll have a special group dinner at one of the Michelin starred restaurants in town. (B,D)
Today's highlight will be a conducting workshop with Mirko Caruso, clarinetist and conductor at the Liceo Musicale "G. Verga" of Modica. The workshop will include a wind orchestra of local students and teachers. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct the ensemble if they'd like. (B)
Continue exploring the hidden pearls of this southeastern corner of Sicily as your motorcoach takes you to nearby Noto (15 miles) and Marzememi (18 miles). Again rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Noto boasts magnificent baroque architecture, unique in Sicily. Highlights include the cathedral, Palazzo Trigona and churches of Santa Chiara and San Carlo al Corso. The streets here are perfect for a leisurely stroll amongst the stunning buildings. Continue down the coast to the delightful fishing village of Marzememi with its whitewashed houses and lovely waterfront location. Tonight, back in Modica, enjoy a special performance by a local folk ensemble at Osteria della Musica. The performance will take place at a beautiful outdoor venue with a panoramic view of the town. (B)
Today will be your last day in Sicily. Before leaving, you'll take a motorcoach journey to Syracuse for a full day in the capital of the southeast of Siciliy,dating back some 27 centuries. Visit the Neopolis archaeological area including the impressive Greek amphitheater and the "Ear of Dionysus." There will be free time to wander around the mystical peninsular of Ortigia, surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean, with a wealth of sites from the Roman era through to the Baroque. At the end of the afternoon, continue north a further 35 miles to Catania's airport for a 6pm flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, transfer to your city center hotel. (B)
This morning, enjoy the day by independently exploring the many phases of Roman history. Rome is called "The Eternal City" because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Feel free to adventure inside the iconic and historic Colosseum and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. In the evening, you'll experience Rome's summer music scene by attending either a concert in the park, an opera at Caracalla Baths or entertainment at the Parco della Musica. (B)
Today, feel free to visit Vatican City. Enter the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel and wander inside St. Peter's Basilica to see something you have never experienced before. And if you're eager for antiquities in the domain of music, take the time to visit one of the oldest music instrument museums in the world. Or perhaps visit the church of St. Cecile, the patron saint of music, established in the 5th century AD. This evening learn the art of the Italian passeggiata romana and enjoy a farewell dinner together.(B,D)
Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States.
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