Below is a proposed itinerary. Please note that this itinerary is subject to change and a final program itinerary will be provided to participants before our departure at the pre-trip meetings.
Day 1 (Tuesday, May 18, 2027): Travel day
-
Meet at P Lot (Stadium - not GTC) for the bus to Toronto. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before bus departure time. (Remember - you need your passport when you cross the border to Canada so don’t pack it in your suitcase)
-
Bus will arrive in Toronto around three hours before the flight (depending on traffic at the Canadian border)
-
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 (Wednesday, May 19, 2027): Rome
-
Transfer to hotel, rest, and lunch
-
Guided visit to the city's iconic landmarks, including the Colosseo, Fori Romani, and Fontana di Trevi
Day 3 (Thursday, May 20, 2027): Rome
-
Continued visit to the city's iconic landmarks
-
Exploration of Jewish Ghetto
-
Exploration of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City, home to centuries of art, history, and sacred music tradition (possibly use Alan P?)
Day 4 (Friday, May 21, 2027): Rome
-
Guided visit to Rome's iconic landmarks, including the Pantheon, Altare della Patria, and the legendary Bocca della Verità
-
Introduction to Rome's vibrant classical music scene through its historic churches, concert venues, and opera traditions, with free time to experience the city's unique cultural atmosphere
Day 5 (Saturday, May 22, 2027): Rome
-
Villa Borghese
-
Museo Pietro Canonica
-
Galleria Borghese (Bernini, Caravaggio, etc.)
-
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Day 6 (Sunday, May 23, 2027): Florence
-
Train to Florence in the morning
-
Walk to hotel
-
Guided visit to the Galleria degli Uffizi
-
Exploration of Florence's iconic landmarks, including the Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Repubblica
-
Introduction to Florence's rich musical heritage, including its role in the birth of opera, with visits to historic churches, performance venues, and sites connected to the Camerata Fiorentina
Day 7 (Monday, May 24, 2027): Florence
-
Day trip to Lucca and Pisa – by bus
-
Visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli
-
Exploration of the historic walled city of Lucca
-
Guided visit to the Casa Natale di Giacomo Puccini in Lucca, birthplace of the celebrated opera composer. Introduction to Puccini's life, works, and enduring influence on Italian opera
Day 8 (Tuesday, May 25, 2027): Florence
Visits may include one or more of the following:
-
Museo degli Strumenti Musicali. One of Italy's finest collections of historical instruments, including rare Medici instruments, early pianos, violins, and woodwinds.
-
Palazzo Pitti. Home to the Medici court, where music flourished and lavish operas, intermedi, and court spectacles were performed.
-
Palazzo Corsini. Venue of the prestigious Amici della Musica di Firenze concert series, featuring internationally renowned classical musicians.
-
Basilica di Santa Croce. Resting place of Gioachino Rossini and a site associated with important sacred music performances.
-
Battistero di San Giovanni. Famous for its exceptional acoustics and centuries-old tradition of sacred chant.
-
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Home of the internationally acclaimed Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious opera festivals.
-
Palazzo Bardi. Associated with the historic Camerata Fiorentina, the intellectual circle credited with giving birth to opera around 1600.
Day 9 (Wednesday, May 26, 2027): Pescara
Day 10 (Thursday, May 27, 2027): Pescara
-
Guided tours of the Pescara and Chieti campuses of Università “G. d'Annunzio”
-
Masterclass led by university professors
-
Academic and intercultural exchange with Italian university students
-
Participation in joint classes fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaborative learning while learning about the Italian university system and student life
-
Guided visit of the historic village.
-
Q&A session with the Mayor on the town's history, culture, and local traditions.
-
Hands-on wine-making experience. Introduction to Abruzzo's winemaking traditions. Regional wine tasting.
Day 11 (Friday, May 28, 2027): Pescara
-
Scenic excursion through Gran Sasso National Park
-
Visit to the breathtaking Campo Imperatore, known as the "Little Tibet of Italy"
-
Exploration of Castelli, the village renowned worldwide for its centuries-old ceramic tradition.
-
Hands-on ceramics workshop led by local artisans. Introduction to the history and artistry of Abruzzo's celebrated maiolica production
-
Tasting of local specialties, including the iconic arrosticini and other traditional Abruzzese delicacies
Day 12 (Saturday, May 29, 2027): Pescara
-
Masterclass at the Conservatory, led by distinguished faculty and professional musicians
-
Masterclass focusing on Italian language, culture, and music. Exploration of Italian approaches to music education, performance, and scholarship
-
Interactive discussions with professors and students in an academic setting. Opportunities for questions, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange with Italian peers
Day 13 (Sunday, May 30, 2027): Naples
Day 14 (Monday, May 31, 2027): Naples
-
Exploration of the vibrant Quartieri Spagnoli
-
Guided visit to the Teatro di San Carlo, the world's oldest continuously operating opera house
-
Visit to the Conservatorio di San Pietro a Majella, home to an extraordinary music library, historic instruments, and centuries of Italian musical heritage
Day 15 (Tuesday, June 1, 2027): Naples
-
Exploration of the remarkably preserved archaeological sites of Ercolano and Pompeii, offering a unique glimpse into daily life in the ancient Roman world
-
Guided visit to the magnificent Reggia di Caserta, the largest royal palace in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its grand architecture, lavish interiors, and spectacular gardens
Day 16 (Wednesday, June 2, 2027): Naples
-
Guided tour to Paestum and Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, etc.)
Day 17 (Thursday, June 3, 2027): Naples
Day 18 (Friday, June 4, 2027): Travel day
-
Private transportation from the hotel to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
-
Flight back to Toronto from Rome. Bus from Toronto back to Ӱԭ. Bus from Toronto back to Ӱԭ. Should arrive on campus around 3-4 hours after arrival.