It might be the smallest sovereign state in the world, but Vatican City in Italy is home to famous works of art, stunning Renaissance architecture and one of the most recognizable and influential religious figures in the world. Stand under the Sistine Chapel’s exquisite ceiling, attend the Pope’s general audience on Wednesday, or enjoy the works of Palestrina in concert to understand the Vatican’s historical, religious, and musical importance. Listen to a performance by the Sistine Chapel Choir, or perform there yourself as part of a powerful concert tour.

Classical Movements has been planning tours to Italy since 1995 and it remains one of our most popular countries. With Italian speakers and musicians on staff, successful tours have been planned for the Yale Institute of Sacred Music with the Juilliard School, Morgan State University Choir, University of Kentucky Women’s Choir, Children’s Chorus of Washington, Smith College, Yale Glee Club, Yale Symphony Orchestra, Lexington Singers, Pacific Boychoir and Choral Arts Society of Washington among many others.

Sights & Sounds

  • St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Vatican obelisk
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Vatican Museums
  • Works of Renaissance Masters Michelangelo & Raphael
  • Apostolic Palace
  • Castel Sant’Angelo

Testimonials

Press

“The warm reception from the French people restored energy and health, as did the raucously enthusiastic audiences, packed houses, rave reviews, radio broadcasts, and extended ovations…”

-Peabody News | Sept, 1996

“The Wednesday flight from Barcelona to Lisbon had the most stringent bag restrictions yet, with hefty fines for those deemed too heavy. But the loaded-down musicians were allowed to board unimpeded. ‘Neeta worked her magic,’ murmured one.”

-Philadelphia Inquirer, David Patrick Stearns | Feb. 6, 2009

“The musical director and conductor of the Yale Glee Club said the group chose the destination ‘because of the wonderful friendships they discovered in Turkey.’ The Turkish word ‘dost’ (friends for life) is the reason we are performing in Istanbul,’ said Jeff Douma.”

-Hürriyet Daily News, Hatice Utkan | August 5, 2010

“We were met by friendly and caring guides who spoke excellent English and were sophisticated in matters relating to history, architecture and the way of life in Russia, both at the times of the czars and of the Soviet Union. A folkloric performance was of outstanding artistic quality.”

-International Travel News | Aug, 1998

“Deputy Chief of US Mission Kent Logsdon thanked Classical Movements for organizing such an amazing concert tour and praised YAC (Yale Alumni Chorus) musicians for their great charity activities and Vakhtang Kahidze for his wonderful orchestra.”

-Georgia Messenger, Salome Modebadze | June 28, 2011

“Yale Glee Club’s first trip to Spain in more than 50 years earlier this month ‘was fantastic,’ says maestro Jeffrey Douma. ‘We had a great time. We gave concerts in Barcelona and Madrid and in two smaller towns.’”

-New Haven Register, Joe Amarente | March 26, 2015

“Blue Heart Tours, the only U.S. operator that visits security-restricted Russian space centers, is planning a package around the first stay by American astronauts on Mir, the world’s only permanent space station…travelers will have the opportunity to meet the astronauts and watch their space shuttle launch from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.”

-Travel Weekly | Oct. 10, 1994

“Neeta Helms, president of Classical Movements explains: ‘We are very aware that parents of the children pay a lot to give their children this [travel and music] experience. For them it’s a trip of a lifetime, and we want to deliver a high-quality music product.’”

-Opus Osm, Mary Matz | July 18, 2011