Welcome to Rome

By invitation of the Associazione Musical dei Castelli Romani

The Castelli Romani region, nestled on the hillsides above Rome, has been a summer refuge for the Citizens of Rome for millenium. Even the Popes have spent their summers here for over 400 years enjoying the gorgeous crater-formed lakes and beautiful landscape just outside bustling, downtown Rome.

Sing together with local Italian choirs as well as choirs from around the world. During four exciting days of choral music and cultural exchange, the Festival of Peace facilitates a deeper sense of respect and understanding between cultures through the common language of music. Ready to get started? Contact us today!

"In this historical moment, so scarred by wars and hatred, small gestures are seeds of peace and brotherhood."

-Pope Francis, Welcome to Rome

Day 1: FLY TO ITALY

Your Festival of Peace experience starts with an overnight flight from North America to Rome, Italy.

Day 2: ARRIVE IN ITALY | OPENING EVENT

Gather first impressions of Rome on a locally guided panoramic tour and walk in the city. View the ancient Forum, the massive Colosseum, the majestic St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and other highlights!

Later, check in to your hotel in Castelli Romani, the region southeast of Rome featuring scenic hilltop towns, vineyards, lakes, and castles where popes traditionally set up summer residence.

A welcome dinner of Italian fare will be served this evening prior to the Festival of Peace opening event. Enjoy meeting, mingling, and singing songs from your repertoire at this friendly festival get-together.

Day 3: SIGHTSETTING IN CASTELLI ROMANI | FRIENDSHIP CONCERT

After breakfast, enjoy guided sightseeing in the lovely Castelli Romani district. Visit the scenic town of Castel Gandolfo, known as the "Pope's City," as it houses the pope's summer residence. Then proceed to Nemi, a charming medieval village renowned for delicious strawberries, where there will be time for lunch and shopping.

Today offers a wonderful afternoon of festival friendship performances in the local communities. Perform a concert with an ensemble from Castelli Romani and experience a spectacular afternoon of singing, sharing music and culture with new Italian friends. Following your performance, a group dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 4: ROME AND THE VATICAN | CONCERT SERIES

This morning, transfer to Rome for some free time to explore. Discover the wonders of Rome, such as the ancient Pantheon, popular Spanish Steps, and iconic Trevi Fountain.

Optionally, groups can request pre-arranged visits to enjoy the day: tour the splendid Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Alternatively, you may request to sing for Holy Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.* Music Contact International can assist in the application process necessary for singing at the Vatican. Another option could be to visit the interior of the famed Colosseum and tour the Roman Forum (additional supplement applies to any additional visits; pending availability at the time of booking).

Reconvene tonight to enjoy another thrilling musical opportunity as the festival concert series takes place in a historic church in Rome! Ensembles will take turns performing to delight their public audience.

Day 5: CHURCH IN CASTELLI ROMANI | CLOSING CONCERT

Experience genuine Italian hospitality at a local church where your choir will be invited to sing and worship with a welcoming congregation.

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the town around your hotel in the Castle District. Alternatively, you may wish to spend your free afternoon exploring Rome! (additional bus costs apply)

This evening, perform final selections at the Festival of Peace closing concert, held in a Castelli Romani theater. A band from Italy will add to the entertainment, and festivities conclude with a farewell dinner party.

Day 6: FLY HOME OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Ask us about additional days of touring in Italy and when it's time to go, we'll send you off with musical memories to last a lifetime!