The director for this trip is Wandalyn Boley. She has taught, directed, and traveled with many groups in Prince William County (Virginia) Schools for 46 years. She has taken her groups to Italy to sing at The Vatican and several cathedrals. Her choral groups have traveled to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall; The Ryman Auditorium, in Nashville, Tennessee; and other cities across the country. In the Virginia area, they were invited to perform at The White House and the Washington National Football Stadium.
Wanda is well known for her excellence in choral music performance. Her choral groups’ many trophies are displayed in her school’s Music Wing, named after her when she retired. She was featured in the Music Educators National Conference Journal with a featured article titled “Creating a Choral Sound.” She was listed as a high achiever when her school was named Time Magazine’s “School of the Year.”
This choir will perform concerts and tour in Florence, Pisa, Venice, and Rome. The full itinerary is below.
Here are the requirements:
- Send a note of interest, with your name, email, and city of residence to info@biotrekadventuretravels.com.
- You will receive a link to an audition piece.
- Record yourself singing the audition piece (a phone is fine), and send the recording to our email.
- Sign the Biotrek contact and make your first payment.
Here is the current itinerary. Please keep in mind, there may be some adjustments as we coordinate with the venues. The group will perform at a minimum of four venues.
This will be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Day 1 – Thursday, May 2 – Arrive in Rome and Transfer to Venice
After clearing arrival formalities, your English-speaking Tour Guide will meet you in the arrivals hall. Our guide will accompany us throughout the tour.
We will take a high speed train from Rome to Venice.
Once we have arrived in Venice, we will take a private taxi boat transfer from the train station to our hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 2 – Friday, May 3 – Venice
Breakfast at the hotel. We begin the day with a rehearsal.
This afternoon, enjoy a 4-hour guided tour of the highlights of Venice. Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace included
Overnight in Venice. (B)
Day 3 – Saturday, May 4 – Venice
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we will sing during Mass at St Mark’s Basilica. After mass, we will enjoy a relaxing gondola ride through the canals by an expert gondolier (without music). Afternoon and evening on your own.
OPTIONAL Tour: Murano and Burano Islands (not included in tour price)
Boat ride to Murano and Burano island
Murano is a series of islands linked by bridges to the Venetian Lagoon. It lies about 1 mile north of Venice. It is famous for its glass making, particularly lampworking. Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon. It is situated at the northern end of the Lagoon and is known for its lacework and brightly coloured homes.
We will visit a glass factory with a glass-making demonstration.
Overnight in Venice. (B)
Day 4, Sun 5 May – Venice to Florence
After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel by private boat taxi to the Venice train station where we will take a high speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel in the center of Florence’s historic district.
You are free to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Possible performance this evening
Overnight in Florence. (B)
Day 5, Mon 6 May – Florence
After breakfast in the hotel, Tour to Lari & Pisa. In Lari, we will visit and tour a pasta factory. Here you will enjoy a 2-course lunch in a typical restaurant with your choice of different types of Pasta (drinks extra). Possible performance in Lari.
After lunch, we will travel to Pisa for a private guided tour.
Return to our hotel in Florence and have dinner at your leisure.
Overnight in Florence. (B, L)
Day 6, Tue 7 May – Florence
After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore Florence on a private walking tour. Admission to the Duomo Complex and the Galleria dell’Accademia is included.
Overnight in Florence. (B)
Day 7, Wed 8 May – Florence
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we explore the countryside of Tuscany and sample the delicious cuisine of this unique region of Italy. We will participate in a cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse in Lucca.
2h-licensed English-speaking guide for Lucca tour
Overnight in Florence. (B, L)
Day 8, Thu 9 May – Florence – Rome
After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Rome via high speed rail. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel which is only a 5-minute walk from the Vatican.
After settling in, we will have a private guided tour of Rome with a focus on the ancient sites. Admission to the Coliseum, Palatine Hill and Imperial Forums Included.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Rome. (B)
Day 9, Fri 10 May – Rome
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sing during a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica. Private guided tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica.
In the evening, say farewell with a 3-course meal at a local restaurant.
OPTIONAL: Classic Rome tour by night (not included in tour price)
Private coach hire for classic Rome by night
3-hour private walking tour in Rome by night with English speaking licensed guide
Overnight in Rome. (B, D)
Day 10, Sat 11 May – Depart Rome
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and return to the US.