Welcome to a World of Extraordinary Journeys

From singing at St. Peter’s Basilica for Pope Leo XlV to performing at world renowned churches and venues in Florence and Venice, you will not want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity for you and your Choir group.

Sing Abroad

Sing sacred music in breathtaking European cathedrals.

Travel Together

Thoughtful itineraries designed around your choir.

Faithful Moments

Make memories that resonate long after returning home.

Catholic Choirs Tours

Celebrity and Sports Trips, a leader in Professional Sports trips is pleased to introduce a new division dedicated to creating unforgettable travel experiences for Catholic church choirs.

Join us on exclusive pilgrimages to Italy, where your choir will not only visit the most spiritually significant places in Catholicism — but also sing for the Pope and perform in iconic churches in Florence and Venice.

This is not just a tour. It’s a chance to inspire, to praise, and to be part of something profoundly sacred.

Led by world-renowned Catholic singers, bishops, and cardinals, these tours offer the perfect harmony of music, ministry, and memory.

Your Choir. The Vatican. A New Era of Possibility.

Pope Leo XIV has just been elected, becoming the first American pope in history. This historic moment is inspiring choirs across the country to reconnect with the Vatican through sacred music and meaningful travel. After decades of bringing ensembles to Rome, we understand how powerful this experience can be, and there has never been a more meaningful time to go.

Visit the Vatican Gardens, a peaceful and rarely seen part of Vatican City that is closed to the public. This unique setting offers a rare chance for quiet reflection and a deeper connection to the spirit of your journey. Now is the perfect time to start planning a tour your choir will never forget.

SPOTLIGHT TRIP

2027 Choir Pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi

Embark on the 2027 Choir Pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi, a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Italy that blends faith, music, and culture. Perform in sacred venues including the Lower Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and St. Peter’s Basilica, with a special opportunity to sing under the direction of renowned composer Mariano Garau. From the canals of Venice to the spiritual heart of Rome, this pilgrimage offers an unforgettable experience of devotion, artistry, and connection.

Meet Our Brand Ambassadors

Mark Haas – Director Of Music

Mark Haas is a composer and speaker dedicated to promoting sacred music within the Catholic tradition. His liturgical works have been sung in more than 600 parishes across 10 countries and have been featured at significant moments in the life of the Church, including episcopal ordinations and church dedications. In 2025, he led the Ave Maria Parish Choir to Washington, DC, where they were invited to sing at the White House as part of the First Lady’s Open House Holiday Series, a rare honor recognizing excellence in sacred choral music.

In 2016, his original choral work Prayer of St. Francis was sung during Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, linking his music to one of the most beloved saints and pilgrimage sites in the world. He currently serves as Director of Music at Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Renae, and their seven children, continuing his mission of fostering beauty, reverence, and transcendence through sacred music.

Jeff Fox

Jeff has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University, an MBA from the University of Geneva and a recent Masters in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary & College. Jeff is eager to assist your choir members in taking the performance trip of a lifetime. Jeff Fox now lives in Ave Maria Florida but has lived in Italy and Germany for 15 of the last 17 years. He has worked both as a Religious Education Coordinator as well as a Parish Coordinator for US Military Communities overseas where he both attended and led pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, Rome, Assisi and Medjugorje.

Alex Alarie

Alex Alarie is a Michigan-based musician and former band director with experience in piano, Catholic ministries, and academic music settings. He collaborates with his vocalist wife, Morgan, and together they manage their parish’s music ministry, working with other singers and instrumentalists to prepare and coordinate music for sacred events. Alongside church-related duties, Alex has worked in both business-to-business and homeowner sales, which has strengthened his skills in organization, communication, and building relationships. He values clarity and dependability in his work, and he approaches projects with a balance of practicality and creativity.

Ford Chambliss

“My name is Ford Chambliss, and I have been in the pilgrimage business for a year. I am from Mobile, AL and attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul Minnesota while also attending St. John Vianney College Seminary. I studied abroad in Rome and that is where I found my passion for pilgrimages. I earned my bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas.

I was also a NET Missionary and served in St. Joseph, MI. I then went back to school and earned my bachelor’s in Communications from the University of South Alabama. I now live in Mobile, AL with my wife and 7 month old son. I am excited to help bring choirs from churches and schools on a once in a lifetime adventure.”

Matthew Smaldone

Matthew Smaldone is a Los Angeles-based film director, producer, writer, and actor. Growing up in Golden, Colorado, and earning his bachelor’s degree at DeSales University in Pennsylvania and St. Mary’s College in London, England, before moving to California, Matthew has traveled the globe and cultivated a deep appreciation for adventure in the pursuit of beauty. As an artist, he uses these experiences to create memorable artistic works that leave a lasting impression on his audiences. Similarly, as an ambassador for Catholic Choir Tours, he aims to provide memorable experiences for choirs. He has contributed to top Catholic podcasts such as “Saints Alive” and “The Merry Beggars” as a writer and consultant, and has produced two feature films as a writer, director, and producer.

Why Catholic Choir Tours?

With Catholic Choir Tours, performing before a packed concert hall in historic cities can be more than a dream; we not only take you to inspiring venues, we also provide all the behind-the-scenes support you need to make performance magic happen.
We guarantee audiences at all performances, and we take care of the details so you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Spiritual and Cultural Enrichment

Every tour is designed to be more than just a performance trip — it’s a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage. From singing at sacred sites to exploring rich historical landmarks, your journey will deepen both faith and artistic expression.

Renowned Concert Venues

Our concert venues are hand-picked for your ensemble. The stage layout is pre-planned, concert assistance is provided and you’ll have an audience, guaranteed!

Commitment to Music Ed

Catholic Choir Tours is committed to supporting music educators and programs at home. Our Music Ed Resource Center offers a variety of educational materials for music teachers.

Quality Travel Bookings

Centrally-located hotels, restaurants featuring the local cuisine, the best tour managers in the business, access to top sightseeing excursions and more!

Traveler Experiences

“A once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey!”

“Performing for the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Basilica brought tears to our eyes. Catholic Choir Tours created the perfect harmony between faith, music, and culture. Every stop—Rome, Montecatini, Venice—felt like a divine gift.”

Sarah T

Choir Director, Texas

“Flawlessly organized and deeply meaningful.” “From the moment we landed, everything was seamless. Beautiful hotels, breathtaking basilicas, and the opportunity to sing in places we only dreamed of. Our hearts are forever touched by this experience.”

Rev. Michael R.

Parish Leader, California

“Our choir bonded like never before.”

“We didn’t just tour Italy—we worshipped, sang, and celebrated together. Catholic Choir Tours made sure every detail was taken care of so we could focus on what mattered: our music and our mission.”

Linda M.

Soprano, Pennsylvania

“Beyond a tour—it was a pilgrimage.”

“Walking in the footsteps of saints, performing in grand cathedrals, and sharing our voices with the world was beyond what we imagined. This wasn’t just a tour. It was sacred.”

Fr. Thomas K

Choir Chaplain, Illinois

“Music, fellowship, and unforgettable moments.”

“Our final performance in Venice was magical. We ended the week with full hearts and voices lifted in gratitude. Catholic Choir Tours gave our choir the gift of a lifetime.”

Emily B.

Alto, Georgia

“Italy became our choir’s second home.”

“Singing under ancient domes, sharing laughter over gelato, praying together in historic chapels… every moment was rich with meaning. Thank you for crafting an experience that touched our souls.”