Tuscany
This beautiful region of Italy, where spectacular scenery complements its stunning architecture and rich, artistic culture, is an alluring destination for any choir. Known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence offers your choir the chance to observe Michelangelo’s ‘David’ or visit the Uffizi Gallery. Discover the superb walled town of Siena, the charm of Pisa or the history of Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini. The breathtaking Tuscan landscapes, complete with pastoral olive groves and winding medieval streets, invite you to step back and leave the real world behind. You will find yourself indulging in the area’s café culture, spending evenings on torch-lit piazzas, simply enjoying watching the world go by.
Where to Sing
Tuscany offers an impressive selection of marvellous churches and cathedrals in which we can organise concerts or the opportunity to perform in mass.
Sant’Agostino, San Gimignano
We have a close and long-standing relationship with this church, which ensures a wonderful experience for our groups. Concerts here are well attended and choirs have always received a very warm welcome.
St Mark’s Anglican Church, Florence
This Florentine church maintains a regular series of concerts and accepts all repertoires from sacred to light recitals. We have regularly recommended this church to choral societies who wish to perform a lighter programme.
Gambrinus, Montecatini
This beautiful town square is perfect for choirs with secular, light performances. The popularity of the venue with both tourists and locals alike ensures fantastic concerts with a warm and receptive audience.
What to Do
Uffizi Gallery
World renowned, Florence’s most famous gallery houses Italy’s greatest collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by the Italian Masters such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci.
The Pitti Palace, Accademia, Galleria, Palatine Gallery and Bargello
These are among the numerous museums and art galleries in Florence that contain many of the world’s greatest works of art, including Michelangelo’s ‘David’.
The Ponte Vecchio
This unique medieval bridge houses the oldest watchmakers and jewellery shops in Florence.
Pisa
Possibly one of the most famous Italian sights is the Campo dei Miracoli (The Field of Miracles). A day trip here can include visits to the Cathedral, the Baptistry and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which can now be climbed.
San Gimignano
This small walled hill town is famous for its medieval architecture. Whilst many of the towers in other regions of Tuscany have been brought down through war or urban renewal, the town of San Gimignano is littered with a number of 13th century examples built by rival families.
Siena and Lucca
Both of these beautiful towns are steeped in history. Surrounded by impressive architecture and intriguing sights, these destinations offer a fantastic retreat for your choir. Puccini fans should not miss the opportunity to visit the house of his birth in Lucca.
Prices from £490*
Where to Stay
Hotel Byron
Located in the centre of the town and near the historical thermal establishments, the Hotel Byron offers all modern comforts following the old hotel tradition. A swimming pool and fitness suite, solarium and Finnish sauna are available at the nearby Royal Palace Hotel which is part of the same chain.
*Price based on 45 paying passengers travelling in July by air, on a bed and breakfast basis at the Hotel Byron for 5 days 4 nights. The tour price also includes the services of a courier and three concerts. Priced on the 19.03.10.
