Off the beaten track in Italy!

Off the beaten tourist trail, Tuscany’s neighbour, Umbria, is an unspoilt region and a real Italian treasure perfect for any youth music group looking for a typically Italian destination for their tour! The Blue Coat School set off on their recent Youth Music Tour accompanied by their Rayburn Tours Courier Julia Scanlan in July – here Julia gives us an insight into their Italian adventure…

Saturday 14^th July

Upon arriving at Fiumicino in the evening, we were delighted to board our transfer coach and get to the hotel where we sat down to enjoy our first Italian meal straight away. Keys were distributed and the group excitedly scurried away to their rooms to settle in to their new surroundings.

Sunday 15^th July

After breakfast we boarded our coach and set off for Lake Trasimeno. It was a lovely da, but with the temperature at almost 35 degrees, the hike up to the old town from the coach parking was quite a challenge. The more relaxing boat trip proved a great way to see the stunning lake, especially in this beautiful weather.

After soaking up the vistas of the lake we headed to Isola Maggiore. Once there, I took everyone for a walk around the island – as it is quite a small island this is the perfect way to explore all that it has to offer. We ate our picnics in the little square by the harbour on benches in the shade. There was a café there as well which was very convenient so nobody had to go far to be watered – I think we ate them out of ice creams!

In the evening we did a concert in the cathedral at Montepulciano. The concert went very well and we were provided with everything we needed. The appreciative audience were simply the icing on the cake and a great way to end a fabulous day.

Monday 16^th July

Today was a welcomed day to relax, after all what’s a trip to Italy without a day lounging by the hotel pool right? And this is exactly what they did – well most people! One of the adults amoung the group wanted to offer wine tasting, after all what’s a trip to Italy without some wine tasting? So, I accompanied them on the public service bus and they enjoyed an afternoon tasting local honey, oils, cheeses and, of course, wine”

Tuesday 17^th July

The party leader, Jeremy, and I decided that a whole day in Assisi would be much too long for the small ones so we left the hotel at 12 arriving at Assisi at 14.00. After time spent exploring the area, we prepared for our next concert of the tour at the Upper Basilica of San Francesco. Once again the concert was a great success.

Wednesday 18^th July

After breakfast we set off for Orvieto. It was great to explore the city with the highlight being the discovery of the underground city – a labyrinth of caves and tunnels that lie beneath the surface. The evening concert in Citta della Pieve went very well as we were welcomed by an appreciative and friendly audience.

Thursday 19^th July

We spent the afternoon at the Tavernelle water park, not that I am complaining about glorious weather of course, but it was a little too hot to spend all day there. The group really enjoyed themselves though!

Friday 20^th July

On our final day in Italy we made our way to the airport via the country’s capital city, Rome. It was a hot and humid day in the city with temperatures rising to over 39 degrees. After a brief visit to the world famous Coliseum we hit the road and headed for the airport. “Goodbye Italy, thanks for hosting a wonderful music tour!”