Welcome to TourDCwithUS
BOULDER ITALY 2025
WELCOME
Get ready for an unforgettable 11-day journey with the Boulder High School Orchestra through Northern Italy, Austria, and Croatia. From Cremona’s rich violin-making tradition to Brunico’s alpine charm, this tour blends music, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Students will perform in beautiful European piazzas, collaborate with local conductors, and explore historic cities like Verona, Innsbruck, and Venice. With time to relax on the beaches of Slovenia and Croatia and enjoy opera under Venetian skies, this is more than a tour—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of music, culture, and connection.
Parent meeting
PDF Presentation - April 2025
Parent meeting
Power Point Presentation - April 2025
_JPEG.jpeg)
.jpg)
ALL TOURS INCLUDE:
24/7 Tour Director from VaFeltre Tours
Local Guides as listed on Itinerary
Hotel Lodging
All Breakfasts as listed MotorCoach and Professional Driver throughout the tour (11 Days)
10 Dinners
Entrances as listed on Itinerary
Instrument Rental for Performances
(8 Cellos and 4 Bases)
1 Guest Conductor for Clinic
Airfare
🎻 Boulder High School Orchestra Trip 2025
Discover & Perform in Northern Italy, Austria & Croatia
📅 May 27 – June 6, 2025
✈️ Flight Info
May 26: AA2943 DEN → PHL | 1:42 PM – 7:29 PM
May 26: AA298 PHL → MXP | 9:30 PM – 11:20 AM (+1)
June 6: AA131 VCE → DFW | 1:40 PM – 6:50 PM
June 6: AA577 DFW → DEN | 9:08 PM – 10:18 PM
🚌 Transportation by Dibiasi Bus Charters
🎻 Tour Director: Dante Z.C. (+39 331 471 6969)
📍 Day 1 – Tuesday, May 27 – Arrival in Italy & Cremona
🎻 Cremona – The city where music is born, home to master violin makers like Stradivari.
Its elegant piazzas and rich musical heritage make it the perfect welcome to Italy.
✈️ Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (11:20 AM)
🚌 Transfer to Cremona
🍕 Lunch stop en route
🏨 Check-in: Hotel Impero
🕓 Free time to explore
🍽️ Dinner: Ristorante Pizzeria Duomo
🌐 Hotel Impero Website | Dinner Menu
🎻 Day 2 – Wednesday, May 28 – Cremona: The Heart of Strings
🥐 Breakfast at hotel
👣 Guided walking tour of Cremona’s historic center
🎻 Visit a violin maker’s workshop
🏛️ Explore the Violin Museum – a world-class tribute to string instruments
🕛 Lunch on your own & free time
🎼 Workshop with local conductor
🎶 Evening performance in Piazza del Duomo
🍽️ Group dinner & return to hotel
🧵 The Museo del Violino displays masterpieces by Stradivari, Amati & Guarneri – true musical treasures.
🏰 Day 3 – Thursday, May 29 – Verona & Brunico
🏛️ Verona – Shakespeare’s romantic city, where Roman ruins and medieval streets enchant every visitor.
See Juliet’s balcony, the Roman Arena, and soak up its timeless beauty.
🏔️ Brunico – Nestled in the Dolomites, Brunico blends medieval charm with stunning Alpine landscapes.
Its vibrant old town and mountain views make it a magical retreat.
🥐 Breakfast & check-out
🚌 Transfer to Verona for guided city tour
🏛️ Visit Arena di Verona, stroll the old town
🛍️ Free time for shopping & exploring
🍽️ Lunch on your own
🚌 Transfer to Brunico
🏨 Check-in: Hotel Corso
🌆 Free time in the historic center
🍽️ Group dinner & return to hotel
⛰️ Day 4 – Friday, May 30 – Discovering the Dolomites
🏞️ The Dolomites – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where jagged peaks meet peaceful valleys.
This mountain paradise is ideal for hiking, exploring, and soaking up fresh alpine air.
🥐 Breakfast at hotel
🚌 Morning excursion into the Dolomites (TBA activity)
🏔️ Return to Brunico
🎶 Possible performance (TBA)
🍽️ Group dinner & evening at leisure
Day 5 – Saturday, May 31 – Day Trip to Innsbruck
🏰 Innsbruck – The capital of Tyrol, known for its baroque buildings, mountain views, and Olympic legacy.
Explore the colorful old town, Imperial Palace, and alpine culture.
🥐 Breakfast
🚌 Day trip to Innsbruck
👣 Guided walking tour
🛍️ Free time to explore
🚌 Return to Brunico
🍽️ Group dinner
🏨 Overnight in Brunico
🌊 Day 6 – Sunday, June 1 – Slovenia Beach Stop & Croatia
🏖️ Portorož, Slovenia – A sunny seaside town perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying beach life.
With safe waters, restaurants, and rentals, it’s a great coastal stop.
🇭🇷 Poreč, Croatia – A lively resort town with Roman history, cobblestone streets, and gorgeous Adriatic views.
Its ancient charm and beachy vibe make it a favorite coastal escape.
🥐 Breakfast & check-out
🚌 Transfer via Slovenia with beach stop in Portorož
🍽️ Lunch & afternoon at the beach
🚌 Continue to Poreč
🏨 Check-in: Valamar Parentino Hotel
🍽️ Dinner at hotel
🌐 Hotel Website
🚤 Day 7 – Monday, June 2 – Adriatic Boat Tour
🌊 Sail the sparkling coast of Istria and discover charming seaside villages and hidden coves.
This is the perfect way to experience Croatia from the water.
🥐 Breakfast
⛵ Boat tour from Poreč harbor
🏖️ Afternoon beach time
🍽️ Dinner at hotel
☀️ Day 8 – Tuesday, June 3 – La Dolce Vita
🏝️ A full day to relax and enjoy the sweet life: beach, pool, shopping, and exploring Poreč.
Recharge before the final stretch of your adventure.
🥐 Breakfast
☀️ Free day at resort, pool, beach, or Poreč historic center
🍽️ Dinner at hotel
🎭 Day 9 – Wednesday, June 4 – Venice
🛶 Venice – A dreamy city of canals, bridges, gondolas, and grand palaces.
Get lost in its maze of beauty, romance, and rich history.
🎶 I Musici Veneziani – Experience Vivaldi’s music performed in full 18th-century costume in a stunning Baroque venue.
🥐 Breakfast & check-out
🚌 Transfer to Venice
🧳 Drop off bags at hotel
🍽️ Group dinner
🎻 Evening concert with I Musici Veneziani
🛶 Day 10 – Thursday, June 5 – Venice Magic
🎭 Musica a Palazzo – An intimate, immersive opera experience inside a historic Venetian palace.
Each act unfolds in a different salon, surrounding you with music and atmosphere.
🥐 Breakfast
👣 Guided walking tour of Venice
🍝 Lunch & free time
🍽️ Group dinner
🎶 Opera night: Musica a Palazzo
✈️ Day 11 – Friday, June 6 – Arrivederci Italia
💼 Depart with your heart full of music, memories, and Mediterranean magic.
Italy, Austria, and Croatia will be waiting to welcome you back someday.
🥐 Breakfast
🚌 Transfer to airport
✈️ Fly home
Meet your Tour Director:
Dante Zambrano Cassella
Tour Director & Guide | English, Spanish & Italian
With over 20 years of experience leading tours across Europe, South America, and the United States, Dante brings passion, knowledge, and warmth to every journey. Originally from Northern Italy, Dante has lived and raised his family in Italy, South America, and the U.S., giving him a unique global perspective and deep cultural insight.
He specializes in educational and cultural tours, with a particular love for guiding groups throughout Italy. Known for his attention to detail and caring nature, Dante ensures every traveler feels supported and engaged.
📞 Reach him anytime at:
U.S. Cell: +1 703 209 0669 (also on WhatsApp)
Italy Cell: +39 331 471 6969
🎒 Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Boulder HS Orchestra Tour 2025
📦 What should I pack?
Passport (valid for at least 6 months after travel dates) – don’t leave home without it!
Performance attire – full orchestra uniform/outfit (check with your director)
Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be exploring on foot a lot!
Casual clothes for sightseeing, dinner, and travel
Light jacket or sweater – evenings in the mountains (Brunico, Innsbruck) can be cool
Swimsuit, flip-flops, beach towel – for beach days in Slovenia & Croatia 🏖️
Refillable water bottle
European plug adapter (Type C or F) – most electronics will need a converter
💶 What about money? Should I bring Euros?
It’s best to withdraw Euros from ATMs once you arrive in Italy – it’s safer and gives you the best exchange rate
U.S. dollars are not accepted anywhere on this tour
Most shops and restaurants take credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard), but cash is helpful in smaller towns and markets
Let your bank know you’re traveling to Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia to avoid card blocks
💳 How much spending money should I bring?
Plan for lunches, souvenirs, snacks, and optional treats—around €20–30 per day is a safe estimate. Many meals are included in the tour.
📞 Important emergency contacts
Tour Director (Dante Z.C.): +39 331 471 6969
Hotel front desks: listed in the itinerary document
U.S. Embassy in Rome (Italy): +39 06 46741
Emergency in Europe (Police/Medical/Fire): 112 (works in all EU countries)
✈️ What about airport customs and immigration?
Upon arrival in Italy, you’ll go through passport control and customs (standard procedure, typically quick)
When re-entering the U.S., you'll go through U.S. Customs in Dallas
Don’t bring any fruits, meats, or plants back home—they’ll be confiscated
🌐 Will there be Wi-Fi?
Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but connections can vary in strength
Consider activating international data with your cell provider or using Airplane Mode + Wi-Fi
🧼 Are towels and toiletries provided?
Yes! Hotels provide linens, towels, and basic toiletries (shampoo, soap), but you might want to bring your preferred brands or extras like conditioner.
🪪 Do I need a visa?
No visa required for U.S. citizens traveling to Italy, Austria, Slovenia, or Croatia for less than 90 days.
🧳 How much luggage can I bring?
One checked suitcase (under 50 lbs)
One carry-on bag and personal item (like a backpack or instrument case)
Don’t overpack—you’ll be moving around a lot!
🧍🏽♂️ Will we be safe while traveling?
Yes! Safety is our top priority. Students are always accompanied by adult chaperones and a professional tour director (Dante), and we only stay in vetted hotels and visit secure locations. Students are given curfews, check-in times, and safety guidelines at every destination.
🎻 What about my instrument?
Instruments will be safely transported with you and kept in secure hotel storage when not in use.
Larger instruments like cellos and basses will be arranged locally when needed or transported in protective cases.
Be sure to label your case clearly with your name and school.
🕐 What’s the time difference?
You’ll be 8 hours ahead of Boulder (Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia are on Central European Time).
So if it’s 10:00 AM in Boulder, it’s 6:00 PM on tour!
🏥 What if I get sick or hurt?
We are always near clinics and hospitals in every city.
Tour staff and chaperones will assist immediately, and Dante will coordinate with local services.
Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications in your carry-on (not checked luggage).
📱 Can I use my phone?
Most U.S. providers (like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) offer international plans—check with yours before leaving.
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels for free.
Students should keep phones on airplane mode with Wi-Fi, unless their data plan allows for travel use.
💡 How much free time do we have?
Each city includes scheduled free time for shopping, relaxing, or exploring.
Students must stay in pairs or groups and follow chaperone guidelines during these periods.
🍝 What kind of food will we eat?
You’ll enjoy delicious local meals—pizza in Cremona, Tyrolean dishes in Brunico, fresh seafood in Croatia, and classic Venetian fare. Vegetarian options are available, and we do our best to accommodate dietary needs—please let your tour director know in advance.
💧Can I drink the tap water?
Yes! Tap water is safe and clean in all the countries we're visiting.
Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated, especially during walking tours and performances.
🛍️ Can I shop? What are good souvenirs?
Absolutely! Europe is full of beautiful markets and artisan shops.
Great souvenirs include locally made violins or miniatures (Cremona), chocolate from Innsbruck, handcrafted ceramics, or Venetian masks.