Register for

CANTIAMO 2025 Italy 🇮🇹 + San Marino SMHS Choirs

View Profile
Italy 9 DAYS from $4,540 Air-Cruise for Singers (AI)

Your 2025 Italy Tour is Commissioned Just for SMHS Choirs: Music Comes First at Incantato Concert Tours

Perform in Europe’s most magical venues, with EVERY ASPECT OF THE JOURNEY tailored to  THE SMHS CHoirs & YOUR 2025 Tour destinations: Italy + San Marino.

We professionally manage every performance, including marketing and PR, to ensure local audiences know you’re coming — and can’t wait to enjoy your music.

We’ll also ensure your performers feel warmly welcomed, safe, and at ease everywhere they go.
Since we started in 2007, we’ve planned hundreds of concert tours, so you can rest assured that we’ve got your back every step of the way.

At Incantato Concert Tours, we understand that who you travel with matters. That's why we craft each tour to perfectly suit your performance group right down to the personalized professional marketing -- featuring your musicians!

Performances are at the heart of your Incantato Concert Tour.

You’ll share your musical gifts in the captivating spaces Italy is most known for, from chapels and cathedrals to theaters, castles, and private palazzi.

We partner with renowned choral festivals, organizations, and prestigious venues throughout Europe and always plan your trip around performances, never the other way around.

As soon as Mr. Jamieson knows who's coming on the 2025 Italy tour, we can finalize the venues for the 2025 SMHS Italy + San Marino Performance Tour.

 

Add-on +US$4,540

Air-Cruise LH Concert Tour 4/3 to 4/10, 2025 STUDENT/CHAPERONE ONLY (shared/main deck)

Register by 21 Oct 2024

The pricing of the Air-Cruise Concert Tour is based on a minimum/maximum of 100 travelers and the following exchange rate $1.10 = 1 Euro.

Pricing is per person in a shared cabin/room for two people -- two twins or one double bed. 

This is the pricing for a full river cruise charter on the MS Michelangelo with custom excursions and up to three formal performances. 

The pricing includes economy class group airfare on Lufthansa/Air Dolomiti from LAX via Frankfurt (Germany) to Venice and back via Munich.
The departure day is Thursday, April 3, 2025, and the return date is Thursday, April 10, 2025. 
Flight costs are subject to change until ticketing, fuel surcharges, and taxes increase or decrease. This is beyond our control. 

Group flights are economy class, with one checked bag already included, but no preferred seats.
Group flights are non-changeable. Group flights cannot be upgraded.

Add-on +US$4,540

Air-Cruise ITA Concert Tour 4/3 to 4/10, 2025 STUDENT/CHAPERONE ONLY (shared/main deck)

Register by 21 Oct 2024

The pricing of the Air-Cruise Concert Tour is based on a minimum/maximum of 100 travelers and the following exchange rate $1.10 = 1 Euro.

Pricing is per person in a shared cabin/room for two people -- two twins or one double bed. 

This is the pricing for a full river cruise charter on the MS Michelangelo with custom excursions and up to three formal performances. 

The pricing includes economy class group airfare on ITA Airways from LAX via FCO to Venice and back.
The departure day is Thursday, April 3, 2025, and the return date is Thursday, April 10, 2025. 
Flight costs are subject to change until ticketing, fuel surcharges, and taxes increase or decrease. This is beyond our control. 

Group flights are economy class, with one checked bag already included but no preferred seats.
Group flights are non-changeable. Group flights cannot be upgraded.

Add-on +US$3,340

Cruise-Only Concert Tour 4/4 to 4/10, 2025 (shared cabin, main deck) STUDENT/CHAPERONE RATE

Register by 21 Oct 2024

The student/chaperone pricing of the Cruise-Only Concert Tour is based on a minimum/maximum of 100 travelers across all options and the following exchange rate $1.10 = 1 Euro.

Pricing is per person in a shared lower deck cabin for two people -- twin or double bed. 

This is the pricing for a full river cruise charter on the MS Michelangelo for SMHS, with custom excursions and up to three formal performances for the choirs. 

The pricing does not include airfare to/from Venice, Italy, and no ground transportation is included for embarkation/disembarkation. The cruise starts on Friday, April 4, 2025, in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova and ends on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova.

The final cruise schedule is TBD by CroisiEurope and, while unlikely, is subject to change based on factors beyond our control (mainly weather). 

Add-on +US$3,490

Cruise-Only Concert Tour 4/4 to 4/10, 2025 (shared cabin, main deck) NON-PERFORMER/GUEST

Register by 21 Oct 2024

The non-performer pricing of the Cantiamo Cruise-Only Concert Tour is based on a minimum/maximum of 100 travelers across all options and the following exchange rate $1.10 = 1 Euro.

Pricing is per person in a shared cabin lower deck cabin for two people -- twin or double bed. 

This is the pricing for a full river cruise charter on the MS Michelangelo for SMHS, with custom excursions and up to three formal performances for the choirs. 

The pricing does not include airfare to/from Venice, Italy, and no ground transportation is included for embarkation/disembarkation. The cruise starts on Friday, April 4, 2025, in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova and ends on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova.

The final cruise schedule is TBD by CroisiEurope and, while unlikely, is subject to change based on factors beyond our control (mainly weather). 

Add-on +US$3,640

Cruise-Only Concert Tour 4/4 to 4/10, 2025 (Shared cabin, UPPER Deck) NON-PERFORMER/GUEST

Register by 21 Oct 2024

The non-performer pricing of the Cantiamo Cruise-Only Concert Tour is based on a minimum/maximum of 100 travelers across all options and the following exchange rate $1.10 = 1 Euro.

Pricing is per person in a shared upper deck cabin for two people -- twin or double bed. 

This is the pricing for a full river cruise charter on the MS Michelangelo for SMHS, with custom excursions and up to three formal performances for the choirs. 

The pricing does not include airfare to/from Venice, Italy, and no ground transportation is included for embarkation/disembarkation. The cruise starts on Friday, April 4, 2025, in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova and ends on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova.

The final cruise schedule is TBD by CroisiEurope and, while unlikely, is subject to change based on factors beyond our control (mainly weather). 

Add-on +US$3,790

Cruise-Only Concert Tour 4/4 to 4/10, 2025 (Shared cabin, UPPER Deck) NON-PERFORMER/GUEST - late reg reduced

Register by 26 Oct 2024

The non-performer pricing of the Cantiamo Cruise-Only Concert Tour is based on a minimum/maximum of 100 travelers across all options and the following exchange rate $1.10 = 1 Euro.

Pricing is per person in a shared upper deck cabin for two people -- twin or double bed. 

This is the pricing for a full river cruise charter on the MS Michelangelo for SMHS, with custom excursions and up to three formal performances for the choirs. 

The pricing does not include airfare to/from Venice, Italy, and no ground transportation is included for embarkation/disembarkation. The cruise starts on Friday, April 4, 2025, in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova and ends on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in either Venice or Mantua/Mantova.

The final cruise schedule is TBD by CroisiEurope and, while unlikely, is subject to change based on factors beyond our control (mainly weather). 

Add-on +US$800

Optional Add-on: Extra Fee for Single Cabin Use (Upper Deck)

Register by 26 Oct 2024
The single cabin supplement applies to any traveler not sharing with another traveler.
This means the $800 is in addition to the cost of the upper deck cabin. Must choose Upper Deck Option as well.
Students seeking to stay alone in a cabin need written permission from Mr. Jamieson.
Add-on +US$150

Optional Upgrade for Students/Chaperones: Main Deck to Upper Deck Cabin ($150 per person)

Register by 21 Oct 2024

While students/chaperones can only select the main cabin package, there's now an upper deck package for adult travelers and families joining the cruise.
Student/Chaperone travelers/may request to stay on the upper deck if space is available after registration closes.
The supplement for the upper deck cabin is $150 per person. 

Please note that the upgrade fee is per person, so both students/chaperones pay the supplement if staying on the upper deck -- unless a single supplement has been selected.

Add-on +US$300

4/13/25 Rome Extended Return ITA Airways Flights ✈️ (Confirmed for 27 now)

Register by 23 Oct 2024

As a reminder, the lowest-priced student + chaperone Air-Cruise packages (limited to 76 travelers) include connecting flights with ITA Airways or Lufthansa. 
These two flights are the main group flights, and they will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. 
In addition, if more than 15 travelers are interested, we can also offer one additional group flight to Family & Friends travelers (leaving LAX on Thursday, April 3, 2025 flying into Venice via Rome and returning April 13, 2025 from Rome) with ITA Airways .
The extended return ITA flights is priced at $300 more the main group flights. No hotel, transportation or any other services are included for the extra days in Italy.
We're happy to help with these arrangements, but cost varies based on each family's choices. 
This is just an extended return airfare supplement. Please note that performers cannot select this option unless traveling with parent/guardian.

Overview of the 2025 CANTIAMO San Marino HS Choirs Italy 🇮🇹 + San Marino 🇸🇲 River Cruise Tour

The Veneto and Po region of Italy will be the main destination of your 2025 CANTIAMO River Cruise + Concert Tour -- plus a full-day excursion to San Marino. 
You'll be cruising on the Canale Bianco, a picturesque waterway in Northern Italy that flows through the Veneto region. This canal runs from Mantua to the Adriatic Sea and passes by charming towns and villages rich in history, culture, and local flavors.

Highlights Along the Canale Bianco:

  1. Mantua (Mantova):

    • History & Landmarks: Known as one of the jewels of the Italian Renaissance, Mantua is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its stunning architecture, including the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea. The city’s rich artistic heritage is closely tied to the Gonzaga family, who ruled Mantua for centuries.
    • Local Specialties: In spring, Mantua's culinary scene is a delight with dishes like risotto alla pilota, a simple yet flavorful risotto with pork, and tortelli di zucca, a pasta stuffed with sweet pumpkin.
  2. Mazzorbo:

    • History & Landmarks: Mazzorbo is a small, serene island in the Venetian Lagoon, known for its vineyards and orchards. It’s connected to the more famous island of Burano by a wooden bridge, offering a peaceful contrast to the more touristy areas. The Church of Santa Caterina, with its distinctive bell tower, is a key landmark.
    • Local Specialties: Springtime on the island brings fresh vegetables to the table, including artichokes, often served in simple, flavorful dishes.
       
  3. Chioggia:

    • History & Landmarks: Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is a charming fishing town with colorful houses, narrow canals, and bustling markets. Landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the picturesque Vigo Bridge.
    • Local Specialties: Chioggia is famous for its seafood, especially moeche (soft-shell crabs), which are served in spring, fried or in pasta. The town is also known for its radicchio, often used in salads or risottos.

Regional Specialties in Spring:

  • Asparagus: Found in dishes across the region, asparagus is celebrated in various forms, particularly in risottos.
  • Artichokes: A staple in spring cuisine, artichokes are prepared in numerous ways, from simple boiled dishes to more elaborate preparations.
  • Radicchio: This bitter leafy vegetable is often used in salads and risottos, providing a fresh, crunchy contrast to other ingredients.
  • Seafood: The proximity to the Adriatic Sea means that fresh seafood is a highlight, with soft-shell crabs, squid, and various fish being particularly popular in springtime dishes.

A river cruise along the Canale Bianco offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary exploration. Each stop provides a unique glimpse into the rich heritage and flavors of this lesser-known part of Italy.

San Marino Visit, Exchange and Highlight Concert

Location : San Marino

The so-called Serenissima Republic of San Marino covers 61.19 km² and has 33,745 inhabitants.

Getting to the heart of the historic center by cable car is a must-experience.

A special concert is being planned with and for the country officials, likely in collaboration with one of the local high schools. 

 

 

 

Itinerary Preview & Group Travel on the MS Michelangelo versus Full Charter Explained

Dear SMHS Choir Families, we can't wait to welcome your students -- and maybe you? -- aboard the CANTIAMO Italy 🇮🇹 + San Marino 🇸🇲 Concert Cruise under the leadership of Mr. Derek Jamieson.

The itinerary you see here is the pre-set journey for your dates -- cruising from Mantova to Venice if the SMHS Choirs join the ship as a group and share the boat with other travelers (mainly senior citizens from across Europe and the UK). If SMHS joins as a group, a minimum of 60 travelers and a maximum of 80 travelers is required for the pricing displayed.

The main difference between being just a group on the MS Michelangelo versus exclusively chartering this Italian river cruise experience is that on a full charter, all aspects of the journey can be fully customized to the needs and requests of the SMHS Choirs: from the schedule to the ports and last, but not least, what's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Benefits of a total charter aside from the obvious that it would be just SMHS students and families on the ship are:

  • Full control over the itinerary (we stay as long or as little in each place as we would like/need for the performances, school exchanges, and sightseeing). This allows for more flexibility when it comes to performances, exchanges and also free time in each place for exploring and immersion into local cultures. 
  • All meals can be flexible and adjusted to your schedule. This applies to breakfast, lunch, dinner, freshly baked cookies, and other pastries served during the day and night. However, don't worry; even if SMHS joins as a group, your hungry teenagers always get seconds or thirds at meals.
  • All meals and drinks (water, juices, soft drinks, etc.) are included whether SMHS joins as a group or on a full charter, but the menus are set unless it is a charter. Traditionally, all meals are served in multi-courses; on a charter, buffet-style meals as well as specialty dinners can be requested. On a regular cruise, the Italian chef will dish up an international menu, French-inspired. However, if/once you're taking over, it can/shall be all Italian -- still regionally and seasonally inspired. 
  • On a full charter, there's more space for the kids to meet, rehearse, and make meaningful connections -- without 'bothering' other guests. 
  • On a full charter, more parents, even extended family, like grandparents or younger siblings, can also join and share this one-of-a-kind experience
  • Either way, on this experience, you'll be getting close to magical places, from well-known Venice where the ship is docked between St. Mark's and the Biennale Gardens, but also Mazzorbo/Burano and then relatively hidden gems like Chioggia or Mantova. 

Sight-Sleeping with Inside Europe: The MS Michelangelo

Whenever possible, we propose that our travelers don’t just sightsee but sight-sleep on their European experiences. What sets Inside Europe apart are signature features like our Sight-Sleeping Collection. A sight-sleeping stay is like the icing on the cake: a unique stay to look forward to for many reasons.

Sight-sleeping means that our travelers become part of the destination they are visiting with us from the moment they check in – they experience incredible views, breakfast spreads with local specialties, and great restaurants on-site or steps away. Our sight-sleeping hotels are not just a place to sleep – they are hand-selected and become homes away from home. Whether it is a design hotel in a vibrant neighborhood, a beautifully modernized palace in the center of town, a charming villa in the countryside, or a castle perched high upon the hills. Sight-Sleeping allows you to feel a part of history and the local culture while you experience charming touches and make unique connections.

The MS Michelangelo is the perfect example for sight-sleeping.

 

The MS Michelangelo by CroisiEurope is a boutique river cruise ship designed to provide an intimate and luxurious experience as you journey through the heart of Northern Italy. With its prime locations centered around the enchanting city of Venice and the serene Canale Bianco, the MS Michelangelo offers guests an unforgettable exploration of Italy’s cultural and natural beauty.

Ship Layout and Amenities

Upon stepping aboard the MS Michelangelo, you'll immediately feel the inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a memorable voyage. The ship’s layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort, convenience, and enjoyment.

  • Sun Deck: The Sun Deck is the perfect place to relax and take in the picturesque views that unfold along your journey. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a lounger or sipping a refreshing cocktail in the shade, the Sun Deck offers unobstructed panoramic views of the tranquil Canale Bianco and the captivating Venetian Lagoon.

  • Panoramic Lounge: The panoramic lounge is an elegantly designed space, ideal for socializing or simply unwinding with a good book. The large windows provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes, making it an excellent spot to watch the world go by as you cruise through some of Italy's most scenic waterways.

  • Dining Room: Dining aboard the MS Michelangelo is a true culinary delight. The dining room, elegantly set with white linens and fine tableware, is where guests can enjoy a variety of gourmet meals prepared by the ship's talented chefs. The menu features regional specialties, including fresh seafood from the Venetian Lagoon, homemade pasta dishes, and rich desserts, all complemented by a selection of fine Italian wines.

Cabin Descriptions

The MS Michelangelo features 78 well-appointed cabins, each designed to offer a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.

  • Standard Cabins: Located on the lower deck, these cabins offer twin beds that can be converted into a double bed, depending on your preference. Each cabin is equipped with en-suite facilities, a flat-screen TV, a safe, and ample storage space. The large windows allow natural light to flood in, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Upper Deck Cabins: These cabins are similar in layout to the standard cabins but offer the added benefit of larger windows for even better views. With en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and all the necessary amenities, these cabins provide a comfortable and serene environment for rest and relaxation.

  • Comfort and Style: All cabins on the MS Michelangelo are designed with comfort in mind. Soft, neutral tones, plush bedding, and thoughtful touches such as reading lights and convenient storage options ensure that your stay aboard is as enjoyable as the destinations you'll visit.

Exceptional Staff and Service

One of the highlights of cruising on the MS Michelangelo is the exceptional service provided by the ship's crew. From the moment you board, the staff are there to cater to your every need, ensuring that your journey is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

  • Personalized Service: The crew on the MS Michelangelo is known for their friendly and attentive service. Whether it's recommending the perfect wine to accompany your dinner or providing insights into the day's excursions, the staff is dedicated to making your experience unforgettable.

  • Knowledgeable Guides: Onboard, you’ll also find knowledgeable guides who offer enriching talks and lead excursions to the various destinations along the way. Their insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the regions you visit add depth to your experience, making each stop on your itinerary even more meaningful.

  • Hospitality: The hospitality on the MS Michelangelo is truly top-notch. The ship's small size allows for a more personalized approach, with the staff quickly getting to know your preferences and ensuring that your needs are met at every turn.

Prime Locations: Venice and the Canale Bianco

The MS Michelangelo’s itineraries are centered around two of Italy’s most captivating destinations: Venice and the Canale Bianco.

  • Venice: Venice, with its maze of canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, is the crown jewel of the itinerary. You'll have ample time to explore this iconic city, from the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica to the quiet charm of its lesser-known neighborhoods. Evening strolls along the canals, gondola rides, and visits to hidden artisan shops make for an immersive Venetian experience.

  • Canale Bianco: As you leave the hustle and bustle of Venice behind, the ship glides along the Canale Bianco, a serene and less-traveled waterway that offers a glimpse into the traditional Venetian countryside. The journey takes you through charming towns like Porto Viro and Mazzorbo, where you can experience the authentic side of Italy. The Canale Bianco is a peaceful retreat, providing a perfect contrast to the vibrant energy of Venice.

The MS Michelangelo by CroisiEurope is more than just a river cruise—it’s an opportunity to explore Italy’s hidden treasures from the comfort of a beautifully appointed ship. Whether you're soaking in the sun on the deck, enjoying a gourmet meal, or simply relaxing in your cabin, this cruise promises an unforgettable journey through some of Italy’s most enchanting landscapes.