School music tours to Veneto

Venice is easily explored on foot

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region, and once commanded a vast maritime empire. It rose to great prominence under the rule of its Doges when the arts flourished. Their legacy can be seen at every turn in this extraordinary city of canals, bridges and alleys. Venice is easily explored on foot, but perhaps the most exciting introduction is to take to the water on a vaporetto (“water bus”) down the Grand Canal or across the lagoon from Punta Sabbione. The main shopping is in the Mercerie, linking two focal points of the city, the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. Here the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and the campanile never fail to impress.

Bands will love the lively squares of Lido di Jesolo, where concerts take place from 9pm most nights in summer. Similar resorts along the coast offer comparable venues, while the historic inland towns of Treviso, Vicenza and Bassano del Grappa also present regular outdoor appearances by visiting groups. Choirs and orchestras will be thrilled to perform in one of Venice’s glorious churches such as Il Redentore and Saint George’s Church. For choirs seeking an exciting Mass performance, the Basilica di Sant'Antonio offers an impressive chapel, large, welcoming congregations, and a momentous atmosphere.

Read one music leader's fabulous experience of a three-country music tour that started in Veneto here.