FESTIVAL DATES
June 13-17, 2024
Welcome to Tuscany
Each year in June, the Tuscany International Choral Festival in Italy attracts choirs from all corners of the globe. The festival is set in the picturesque Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme, nestled between the rolling hills of Pistoia.
The festivities begin on Thursday night as choirs form a procession and walk to the Torretto Spa for the Opening Ceremony. Guests enjoy a traditional Tuscan Flag Throwing Ceremony and later see performances by local choirs.
As part of the festival, choirs perform three concerts: Firstly at Tettuccio Spa; then in the town’s main plaza, Piazza del Popolo, and finally for a church congregation on Sunday morning. Between performances, choirs visit the nearby towns of Florence, Pisa, or Lucca.
The Festival’s closing ceremony takes place at the stunning Villa Medici, founded by Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Guests enjoy a traditional four-course Tuscan dinner. Finally, the evening culminates with a group sing under the stars in the Villa’s gardens. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Itinerary
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 | DEPART FOR ITALY
Your Tuscany International Choral Festival experience starts with a flight from North America to Italy.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024 | ARRIVE IN ITALY | OPENING CEREMONY
Upon arrival in Italy, your Music Contact International Tour Manager will greet your choir at
the airport. Together, travel by private motor coach to Montecatini Terme, a delightful Tuscan
spa town in a valley of olive groves and vineyards. Settle into your hotel before taking a walk
through the picturesque town center. Treat yourself to an Italian gelato and do some window
shopping. A welcome dinner celebrates your group’s arrival in Tuscany!
Tonight, the Tuscany International Choral Festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony and
friendly show of Italian hospitality. Cultural dignitaries host the event with traditional flag
throwing and musical entertainment by a local choir.
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024 | FESTIVAL CONCERTS
Wake up to a beautiful day in Italy and perform your first festival concert under the
magnificent dome at Tettuccio Spa, a beautiful representation of Art Nouveau, mosaics, marble,
and fine colonnades. Sing in turn with other festival choirs and enjoying listening to choral
presentations from around the world!
The afternoon is for exploring the quaint marketplaces and cafes and riding the funicular up to
Montecatini Alto, the ancient hilltop part of town with spectacular views of the city below.
This evening, dinner is served at your hotel. Then, music fills the air as choirs perform public
concerts in Piazza del Popolo. Residents look forward to the choral concerts each year and turn
out enthusiastically for your performances in their town center.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024 | FLORENCE | TUSCAN DINNER | CLOSING CEREMONY
After breakfast in your hotel, enjoy a guided excursion to Florence, Tuscany’s historic capital
with renowned artistic treasures. See the glorious cathedral “the duomo”, palaces, piazzas,
and churches filled with masterpieces, and the much-photographed Ponte Vecchio bridge
laden with gold sellers.
Afterward, enjoy time in Florence to explore at leisure. Perhaps, visit a magnificent museum
or shop in the crafts markets for leather goods, pottery, jewelry, and scarves. Alternatively, a
concert can be arranged in Florence, before returning to Montecatini Terme to prepare for
evening activities.
Tonight, choirs are treated to a traditional Tuscan dinner followed by the Festival Closing
Ceremony, where ensembles are officially recognized and thanked for their musical
achievements. A shared choral piece rounds out the festivities amidst rounds of joyful
impromptu singing!
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024 | CHURCH SERVICE | PISA OR LUCCA
Start your day singing for mass and worshipping at a local church. The congregation will be uplifted by
the songs you contribute to their Sunday service.
This afternoon, choose an excursion to either Pisa or Lucca.
In Pisa, see the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Leaning Tower, and its beautiful surroundings on
Piazza dei Miracoli. Construction on the tower began in 1173 on a foundation that began to tilt well
before completion.
The walled city of Lucca is a Renaissance showcase with peaceful squares, churches, and scenic lanes at
every turn. The great Italian composer Puccini was born in Lucca, and the city remains a haven for
classical music and culture.
This exciting day comes to a close at a farewell group dinner with the opportunity to recount the many
highlights of your tour!
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024 | DEPART ITALY
Ask us about additional days of touring Italy and when it’s time to go, we’ll send you off with happy musical memories to last a lifetime!
Package
Accommodations
•4 nights in Montecatini Terme hotels, double occupancy
Transportation
A private, modern, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary, including round-trip transfer between the airport and hotel.
Meals
•Continental breakfast buffet each morning
•Three multi-course dinners served at the hotel
•Festive Tuscan dinner at an Italian villa with other participating guest choirs
Tour Manager
•Full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities
Three performance opportunities
•Concert under the dome at Tettuccio Spa
•Open-air concert in Piazza del Popolo
•Sing sacred selections at a Catholic Mass
Guided Tours & Special Events
•Full-time Italian guide to assist with festival-related activities and events
•Opening Ceremony with a performance by an Italian choir
•Visit to Florence with a guided walking tour
•Visit to Pisa or Lucca
•Closing Ceremony with acknowledgments and shared choral piece
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
March 2024
The orientation trip for the International Choral Festival in Tuscany is a 4-day excursion from (departing North America). Participants are flown to Italy and treated to a highly enjoyable, informative visit of Montecatini Terme, Florence, and greater Tuscany. The trip includes previews of performance venues, hotels, restaurants, and attractions that are part of the annual Festival program.
Upon arrival in Italy, a Music Contact International representative will greet and escort you to Montecatini Terme, site of the Festival, to settle into a hotel in the quaint spa town. In the evening, guest directors are brought to Tettuccio Spa, the site of the Closing Ceremony and Gala Festival Dinner. A traditional dinner, mimicking the meal in June will be served with delicious food and ample time for meeting and mingling with participants and festival organizers.
The following morning, travel by train to the nearby Tuscan capital of Florence. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this magnificent city and have time for shopping in the open air markets and leather shops. In the evening, dinner is served in the hotel as your choir will experience it in June.
Sunday morning is dedicated to visiting the two main festival venues in Montecatini Terme, and in the afternoon, a visit to Lucca is planned. Lucca is a charming Tuscan city with beautiful churches, lively cafes and unique shops. Dinner is served back in Montecatini, and the following morning, the orientation trip ends at the airport with flights home.
Your travel to Tuscany for this orientation program is complimentary including airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, accommodations, transportation, guides, and most meals. This extraordinary opportunity is extended to the director or representative of each choir registered for the June event. Participation is encouraged, not required, and Music Contact International is committed to keeping even those who cannot attend, well informed of festival details.
If your choir is interested in staying in Italy or Europe for a longer time, please inquire with us. We can work with you to create and plan an itinerary according to the choir’s interests. The magnificent cities of Rome, Venice, Assisi, Milan, and more are only a short drive away.
Inclusions
Accommodations
•4 nights in Montecatini Terme hotels, double occupancy
Transportation
A private, modern, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary, including round-trip transfer between the airport and hotel.
Meals
•Continental breakfast buffet each morning
•Three multi-course dinners served at the hotel
•Festive Tuscan dinner at an Italian villa with other participating guest choirs
Tour Manager
•Full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager from arrival to departure
Performance Opportunities
Three performance opportunities
•Concert under the dome at Tettuccio Spa
•Open-air concert in Piazza del Popolo
•Sing sacred selections at a Catholic Mass
Guided Tours & Special Events
•Full-time Italian guide to assist with festival-related activities and events
•Opening Ceremony with a performance by an Italian choir
•Visit to Florence with a guided walking tour
•Visit to Pisa or Lucca
•Closing Ceremony with acknowledgments and shared choral piece
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
Complimentary Directors Orientation Trip
March 2024
The orientation trip for the International Choral Festival in Tuscany is a 4-day excursion from (departing North America). Participants are flown to Italy and treated to a highly enjoyable, informative visit of Montecatini Terme, Florence, and greater Tuscany. The trip includes previews of performance venues, hotels, restaurants, and attractions that are part of the annual Festival program.
Upon arrival in Italy, a Music Contact International representative will greet and escort you to Montecatini Terme, site of the Festival, to settle into a hotel in the quaint spa town. In the evening, guest directors are brought to Tettuccio Spa, the site of the Closing Ceremony and Gala Festival Dinner. A traditional dinner, mimicking the meal in June will be served with delicious food and ample time for meeting and mingling with participants and festival organizers.
The following morning, travel by train to the nearby Tuscan capital of Florence. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this magnificent city and have time for shopping in the open air markets and leather shops. In the evening, dinner is served in the hotel as your choir will experience it in June.
Sunday morning is dedicated to visiting the two main festival venues in Montecatini Terme, and in the afternoon, a visit to Lucca is planned. Lucca is a charming Tuscan city with beautiful churches, lively cafes and unique shops. Dinner is served back in Montecatini, and the following morning, the orientation trip ends at the airport with flights home.
Your travel to Tuscany for this orientation program is complimentary including airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, accommodations, transportation, guides, and most meals. This extraordinary opportunity is extended to the director or representative of each choir registered for the June event. Participation is encouraged, not required, and Music Contact International is committed to keeping even those who cannot attend, well informed of festival details.
Additional Days in Europe
If your choir is interested in staying in Italy or Europe for a longer time, please inquire with us. We can work with you to create and plan an itinerary according to the choir’s interests. The magnificent cities of Rome, Venice, Assisi, Milan, and more are only a short drive away.
Extensions
Spend two days in Rome, Italy’s capital, after the Tuscany Festival and experience Roman culture, history and music at its best. Rome is a city famous for its lively nightlife, charming cafes, and friendly inhabitants and for its numerous museums, ruins and other sights of historic interest. When traveling to Rome, you may enjoy the city’s cultural offerings, and also share your musical background and passion with the locals. A post-extension to Rome is the perfect way to end your stay in Italy!
DAY ONE
Mid-day arrival in Rome. Enjoy a guided tour of Vatican City with a local English-speaking guide. Tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. See St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. After, check in to the hotel. Your tour manager can offer suggestions for dinner and evening activities.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, the day is free for independent exploration and sightseeing. In the evening, perform a concert at a local church such as Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli. After the concert, a festive farewell dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Rome Airport and your return flight to North America. Welcome home!
Spend two days at Villa Sabolini, situated in the Chianti hills, after the Tuscany Festival and experience more Tuscan culture, history and music at its best. Just outside the city of Siena sits Villa Sabolini, a former haven of peace and inspiration of the archpriest Amerigo Sabolini, who worked on the construction of the Cathedral of Colle Val d’Elsa. Spend two days exploring more of what Tuscany has to offer as you visit the medieval town of San Gimignano and then share your voices in the historic city center of Siena. A post-extension to Villa Sabolini is the perfect way to end your trip to Italy!
DAY ONE
Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano this morning. Late afternoon transfer to Villa Sabolini and check in. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Villa Sabolini this evening.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, full day excursion to Siena. Arrive and enjoy a guided walking tour with a local guide. Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, perform a friendship concert with a local Siena choir. After the concert, a Festive Farewell Dinner will be arranged at a Siena restaurant.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Florence Airport for your return flight to North America. Welcome home!
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Venice will provide a stunning backdrop to your final days in Italy. Spend two days exploring all that Venice has to offer. From the Grand Canal and Doge’s Palace to the twisting alleyways filled with Murano glass, Venice, in itself, is a work of art. A city with charm unlike any other, Venice will enchant you with its ambiance and rich culture. A performance in historic St. Mark’s Basilica will delight your group members and is sure to be a memorable experience at the end of an already memorable and rewarding tour!
DAY ONE
Mid-day arrival in Venice. Hotel check-in Venice Mestre. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Venice Island and enjoy a guided tour of Venice, see famous sights such as Piazza San Marco, the Canal Grande, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, take the ferry to Venice Island and enjoy a day of independent exploration. You may want to visit the Accademia, Venice’s impressive art museum, or take an enchanting Gondola ride down the Grand Canal. In the evening, perform as part of the Mass at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Following the service, a Festive Farewell Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Venice Airport and your return flight to North America. Welcome home!
Two night extension to Rome, Italy
Spend two days in Rome, Italy’s capital, after the Tuscany Festival and experience Roman culture, history and music at its best. Rome is a city famous for its lively nightlife, charming cafes, and friendly inhabitants and for its numerous museums, ruins and other sights of historic interest. When traveling to Rome, you may enjoy the city’s cultural offerings, and also share your musical background and passion with the locals. A post-extension to Rome is the perfect way to end your stay in Italy!
DAY ONE
Mid-day arrival in Rome. Enjoy a guided tour of Vatican City with a local English-speaking guide. Tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. See St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. After, check in to the hotel. Your tour manager can offer suggestions for dinner and evening activities.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, the day is free for independent exploration and sightseeing. In the evening, perform a concert at a local church such as Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli. After the concert, a festive farewell dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Rome Airport and your return flight to North America. Welcome home!
Two night extension to a Tuscan Villa
Spend two days at Villa Sabolini, situated in the Chianti hills, after the Tuscany Festival and experience more Tuscan culture, history and music at its best. Just outside the city of Siena sits Villa Sabolini, a former haven of peace and inspiration of the archpriest Amerigo Sabolini, who worked on the construction of the Cathedral of Colle Val d’Elsa. Spend two days exploring more of what Tuscany has to offer as you visit the medieval town of San Gimignano and then share your voices in the historic city center of Siena. A post-extension to Villa Sabolini is the perfect way to end your trip to Italy!
DAY ONE
Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano this morning. Late afternoon transfer to Villa Sabolini and check in. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Villa Sabolini this evening.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, full day excursion to Siena. Arrive and enjoy a guided walking tour with a local guide. Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, perform a friendship concert with a local Siena choir. After the concert, a Festive Farewell Dinner will be arranged at a Siena restaurant.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Florence Airport for your return flight to North America. Welcome home!
Two night extension to Venice, Italy
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Venice will provide a stunning backdrop to your final days in Italy. Spend two days exploring all that Venice has to offer. From the Grand Canal and Doge’s Palace to the twisting alleyways filled with Murano glass, Venice, in itself, is a work of art. A city with charm unlike any other, Venice will enchant you with its ambiance and rich culture. A performance in historic St. Mark’s Basilica will delight your group members and is sure to be a memorable experience at the end of an already memorable and rewarding tour!
DAY ONE
Mid-day arrival in Venice. Hotel check-in Venice Mestre. In the afternoon, take the ferry to Venice Island and enjoy a guided tour of Venice, see famous sights such as Piazza San Marco, the Canal Grande, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, take the ferry to Venice Island and enjoy a day of independent exploration. You may want to visit the Accademia, Venice’s impressive art museum, or take an enchanting Gondola ride down the Grand Canal. In the evening, perform as part of the Mass at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Following the service, a Festive Farewell Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant.
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Venice Airport and your return flight to North America. Welcome home!
Your Tour Includes
Traveler's Resource Website
The site is customized exclusively for your group, and is full of exciting and interactive features that you will find informative and helpful before, during, and after the tour.
•Current tour itinerary with full descriptions of each day
•FAQ’s and things to know before you go
•Recommended books, movies, websites, and videos
Online Payment System
Group leaders have the option to use our Online Payment System, which enables you to effortlessly collect payments for your trip. Group leaders receive weekly automated reports with traveler balances and due dates.
Travelers can log in to our secure website to review the cost of their trip and all payment deadlines, register for the trip, and make credit card payments. All travelers receive automated reminders when payments are coming due.
Additional Materials
•Customized handbook for each person traveling with your choir, including a detailed program and travel information.
•Electrical adapters*
•Luggage tags
•Passport holder*
*for international travelers