Lake Garda is a truly spectacular destination; small riverside venues combine with quaint and secluded town squares to create a friendly atmosphere where concerts from all groups are warmly received.

Spectacular

The Saffron Walden County High School experienced all that this spectacular area has to offer when they took an incredible group of 96 people on a 7 day tour in the beautiful Italian sunshine.

After a coach journey of excited anticipation, the group arrived at their hotel, but with 3 performance venues and an itinerary packed with excursions to follow, there was no time to waste and after taking advantage of the hotel pool facilities, the group began their experience with a traditional Italian evening meal.

Action

The first full day saw the group heading to Gardaland. The action packed theme park with its thrilling roller coasters and water rides was perfect for clearing the cobwebs from the day before.

After a fun filled day and pizza at Ristorante Valentino, the whole group prepared for their evening performance — all 96 of them!

Pride

We at Rayburn Tours pride ourselves on being able to offer fantastic concert tours, however, climate conditions remain beyond our control and unfortunately English weather caught up with the group.

Their first performance, scheduled to take place at the outdoor, lakeside venue Piazza Carducci, Sirmione, was unfortunately cancelled when a heavy storm hit the area.

We had a fantastic tour to Lake Garda… another fantastic trip courtesy of Rayburn ToursSaffron Walden High School

Beautiful

Spirits only temporarily dampened, but then the group battled on and looked forward to their excursions the next day. Swimming, shopping and a round of Crazy Golf for over 90 players saw the morning away before a trip to Cascata di Varone, the beautiful waterfall that can be observed both from above and below.

A quick change and the group departed for their second performance venue, Cerchio Aperto. Situated in the centre of Garda and inaccessible by bus, the 88 performers carried their instruments the short distance to a great reception.

Fantastic location

Luckily the rain held off and concert band, orchestra and jazz band performed one after another with the audience enthusing over the young performers.

As one performer said: "It was a very personal concert in a fantastic location and everyone enjoyed playing the pieces."

Early start

The next morning commenced with an early start and a boat trip to the lakeside town of Limone. Time was spent wisely, sightseeing and shopping, before catching the cable cars at Malcesine and ascending towards the summit of Monte Baldo to witness spectacular views of Lake Garda, the mountains and Malcesine.

Emotional

The group’s final performance was at Casa della Musica, Calavino. For the Year 13’s, this was a particularly emotional performance as it would be their last concert on their last ever Band Tour.

Locals gathered for a repeat of the previous evenings performance and were not disappointed by the entertainment.

s one band member recalled: "Over 100 people turned up. Nice village, spectacular scenery, a taste of the ‘real’ Italy!"

A short lie-in and last swim in the pool saw the end to a hugely successful and enjoyable tour.

Heading home

Heading homewards, the group reminisced on their experience and discussed potential destinations for Band Tour 2011, not being put off by the weather the group have no qualms about heading back to Italy, this time, it’s the Italian Rivera! Stay tuned for their next tour instalment later this year.

It was all summed up: "We had a fantastic tour to Lake Garda… another fantastic trip courtesy of Rayburn Tours."