Welcome to Tuscany

Each year in June, the International Choral Festival in Tuscany, 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 performances by local choirs.

As part of the festival, choirs perform three concerts: First 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 remarkable Tettuccio Spa. Guests enjoy a traditional four-course Tuscan dinner. The evening culminates with a group sing under the stars in the spa’s open courtyard.

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Day 1: Fly to Italy

Your Tuscany International Choral Festival experience starts with a flight from North America to Italy.

Day 2: Welcome to 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 set 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.

Day 3: Tuscany 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 enjoy listening to choral presentations from around the world!

The afternoon is for exploring the quaint marketplaces and cafés. While there, ride the funicular up to Montecatini Alto, the ancient hilltop part of town with spectacular views of the city below.

This evening, dinner is at your leisure. 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.

Day 4: 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, churches filled with masterpieces, and the much-photographed Ponte Vecchio bridge laden with gold sellers.

Afterward, enjoy time in Florence to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit a magnificent museum or shop in the craft markets for leather goods, pottery, jewelry, and scarves. Alternatively, a concert can be arranged in Florence, before returning to Montecatini Terme to prepare for this evening’s activities (additional supplement applies).

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!

Day 5: 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 started 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!

Day 6: Fly home or extend your stay

Ask us about additional days of touring Italy! When it’s time to go, we’ll send you off with happy musical memories to last a lifetime!