Wells Cathedral Choir’s Music Tour to Tuscany

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Wells Cathedral Choir’s Music Tour to Tuscany

Last updated: Jun 26th, 2026

Recently, Wells Cathedral Choir travelled to Tuscany for a fantastic youth concert tour. Over the course of six days, the group explored the stunning landmarks of the region, such as the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, and performed in decadent venues.

Below, Party Leader Mrs. Melanie Lawlor reflects on what was truly an unforgettable experience.

What was included in the choir’s itinerary?

Excursions and sightseeing in Florence, including Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Florence Cathedral & Baptistery.
Visit to Pisa, featuring the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, and free time to explore the city.
Choir performances in venues including Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti (Florence), San Paolino Basilica (Lucca), and Chiesa di Sant’ Agostino (San Gimignano).
Mass participation at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Montecatini Terme

What were the stand-out moments?

Italy offered the choir so much more than the opportunity to perform. The combination of breathtaking scenery, cultural discovery, and shared musical experiences helped create a week that was memorable for everyone involved.

When asked whether there was a moment that captured exactly why the tour was worthwhile, Melanie said:

There were so many moments of joy on the tour it would be hard to pick just one. The children (and adults!) were completely in awe of the countryside and architecture everywhere we went. The beautiful surroundings and Italian sunshine made everyone so happy, and the children had such a great time bonding with each other away from the normal choir rehearsals and school lessons. We were so impressed by the level of kindness and care the children showed each other, and how their sense of fun and excitement spread through the adults looking after them.

For us, a big part of the tour was for it to be a bonding experience, and it really gave us that.

The Choir seemed to grow musically, too. Each performance was wonderful, but they did seem to get better throughout the week – to the point that the last concert had people (including within our group) moved to tears at the beauty of the music, the strength of bond the tour had given us, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by joy and happiness.

Melanie Lawlor, Wells Cathedral Choir

Why recommend Tuscany to other choir groups?

A concert tour to Tuscany is simply not to be missed, and Wells Cathedral Choir’s adventure shows exactly why.

Whether it’s trekking through story-book towns, singing harmonies in a sacred venue, or interacting with the cheerful locals, this Italian region is ideal for concert groups looking to travel abroad.

Tuscany is the most incredible destination for a choir tour. You have beautiful scenery, incredible architecture, amazing history, stunning churches, lovely people, and wonderful food. Just the journey to a venue is an experience, and as well as the great churches there are so many wonderful touristy things to see and do. I don’t think you could find a better option!

Melanie Lawlor

Why choose to travel with Rayburn Tours?

For choirs, planning a trip abroad can be time-consuming and stressful, but the support from Rayburn Tours took away this worry. With the logistics organised by our award-winning team, Wells Cathedral Choir could simply focus on enjoying their Italian adventure!

Rayburn were fantastic throughout the process. They were always just at the other end of an e-mail or the phone, and they made everything so easy. If we had any questions or suggestions they were dealt with quickly, and all the staff are so friendly. Whenever Rayburn needed any information from me, or needed to send information to me, it was always explained so clearly and with clear deadlines.

The app was great as it meant I had access to loads of information on my phone, including the boarding passes and tickets for attractions if I lost my printed copies!

Melanie Lawlor, Wells Cathedral Choir

Feeling inspired to enquire?

Start planning your own Italian concert tour today! From 24/7-on tour support to tailored itineraries that meet your group’s needs, our award-winning, dedicated team is here to help.

Get in touch now!