phone: 1-800-331-8579 · fax: (763) 295-6029 www.musicfestivals.com · gmf@musicfestivals.com · P.O. Box 1165, Monticello, MN

James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes

December 28, 2014 – January 4, 2015 Proposed Itinerary – 8 Day Tour Day One – Sunday, December 28, 2014 Depart U.S.A.

Depart Depart the U.S. today to participate in the event of a lifetime, the Rome New Year’s Parade in Vatican City. We will book as many passengers as possible on flights out of Washington Dulles International Airport, but another airport such as New York (JFK) or Philadelphia will likely need to be utilized due to the size of the group.

Day Two – Monday, December 29, 2014 Arrive Rome – Florence

Arrival Arrive today in Rome, Italy. Meet your two Gateway Tour Managers and your English-speaking European guides (one per coach), who will be with you for your entire tour to handle travel and performance arrangements.

Tuscany After departing the airport, travel north to the beautiful region of Tuscany. Arrive in

Florence and check into your hotel, located on the outskirts of Florence or a nearby town. We will endeavor to accommodate the group in two hotels. You will have a welcome dinner at your hotel(s).

Meals Dinner Overnight Florence area (Sample hotels: Nilhotel or Novotel Airport) Day Three – Tuesday, December 30, 2014 Florence

Florence You will have the entire day at leisure in Florence. Florence’s many highlights include the Cathedral with its immense dome, Giotto’s Belltower, and the Baptistery’s “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Be sure to see Ponte Vecchio as well, the iconic bridge over the Arno River. Florence is known for its leather goods and fine jewelry, and its outdoor markets offer plenty of chances to hone your bargaining skills. You might also choose to visit one of Florence’s famous museums such as the Uffizi, Bargello or Accademia (entrances not included).

Meals Continental breakfast Overnight Florence area    

   

 

phone: 1-800-331-8579 · fax: (763) 295-6029 www.musicfestivals.com · gmf@musicfestivals.com · P.O. Box 1165, Monticello, MN

Day Four – Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Florence – Siena – Rome

Siena Visit Siena en route to Rome today. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps. At its heart is the Piazza del Campo – an enormous, shell-shaped piazza famous for its annual horse-race called the Palio. You will have free time to explore the city.

Rome Continue on to the “Eternal City” of Rome, the capital city of Italy and home to more than

2.7 million residents. Today it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world – its incalculable number of archaeological and artistic treasures, charming traditions, beautiful geography, and magnificent villas attract between 7 and 10 million tourists every year. Rome had a major impact in music history and continues to be an important musical center to this day. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

New Year’s Eve Gather for a New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration. Meals Continental breakfast; New Year’s Eve dinner and dance Overnight Rome (Sample hotel: Ergife Palace Hotel) Day Five – Thursday, January 1, 2015 Rome Rome New Year’s Parade

This morning, participate in the Rome New Year’s Parade – a European-style parade in conjunction with the World Day of Peace. Your band will assemble outside Castel Sant’Angelo, located on the Tiber River. Process along Via della Conciliazione to St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands of people from all over the world gather to hear the New Year’s Blessing by the Pope. After the blessing, you will have a stationary performance in the square before marching back to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Lunch Lunch is provided today at a restaurant near the parade route. This will likely be at two

different restaurants due to the size of the group. Free Afternoon The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Rome. We recommend exploring “Baroque

Rome.” While the Renaissance left its mark in Rome, it was the florid and fanciful creations of the 17th century High Baroque period that defined the modern appearance of the Eternal City. Stunning examples include the Piazza Navona – featuring Bernini’s Fountain of the Moor, Fountain of Neptune and Fountain of the Four Rivers – and the Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin over your shoulder will ensure your eventual return to Rome. The Spanish Steps is the former site of the Spanish Embassy and an 18th century meeting place for artists, models and poets. Another magnificent site is the Pantheon, a stunningly preserved domed building dating from 125 AD.

Meals Continental breakfast; lunch Overnight Rome

   

 

phone: 1-800-331-8579 · fax: (763) 295-6029 www.musicfestivals.com · gmf@musicfestivals.com · P.O. Box 1165, Monticello, MN

Day Six – Friday, January 2, 2015 Rome

Vatican Tour Today’s tour brings you to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you will have the great opportunity to admire Michelangelo’s restored masterpiece painted on the ceiling. Local guides will take you through the museum while focusing on the highlights. Finish the tour in magnificent St. Peter’s Square. You will also visit St. Peter’s Basilica today. (It may be necessary for some of the group to have their Ancient Rome tour today and tour the Vatican tomorrow.)

Free Afternoon The remainder of the day is set aside for sightseeing and shopping in small groups. Meals Continental breakfast Overnight Rome Day Seven – Saturday, January 3, 2015 Rome

Ancient Rome Tour A Roman city guide will bring you to the famed Coliseum and through the ancient Roman Forum (entrances included). With the ability to seat 50,000 spectators, the Coliseum was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles. It is considered one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture and engineering. The nearby Roman Forum contains the ruins of what was once the political, social and economic center of the Roman Empire.

Free Afternoon The remainder of the day is set aside for sightseeing and shopping in small groups. Meals Continental breakfast; dinner Overnight Rome Day Eight – Sunday, January 4, 2015 Depart Rome – Arrive U.S.A. Departure Transfer to the airport for your return flights to the United States. You will arrive in the U.S.

later today. Meals Continental breakfast