Metauro Valley, Marche: 27th - 31st July 2011

On the back of two excellent concerts in Llanelian and our first appearance at the Conwy Classical Music Festival, we set off on our third tour of Italy. Awaiting us was a packed schedule of concerts, some amazing venues and fabulous people. Each of our three programmes were different and showcased the choir's versatility and range. It also illustrated just how much material we could learn. Included in the tour was a concert which formed part of the Musica&Musica 2011 festival.

On our arrival at Rimini - surprisingly fresh considering the 3am start - we were extremely happy to be greeted by co-choir member, Fausto Galli and the familiar face of Prince, the same coach driver from three years previously who took us through the dramatic Marche countryside of mid-eastern Italy on the way to Mercatello sul Metauro, a beautiful Medieval town set on the Metauro river and our base for the tour.

With the exception of five Amici members who stayed in Mercatello sul Metauro itself, we were all deposited at the Country House of Le Querce del Metauro, a charming accommodation complex made up of several apartments in gorgeous grounds, including a generously sized swimming pool, and overlooking stunning views of the Metuaro valley. Waiting to greet us at Le Querce were Laura Guerra from tour organisers, Aria Italiana, and Guerrino Parri, artistic director of Musica&Musica; who introduced us to our host, Luigi, and made us feel extremely welcome.

As we sat down for lunch in the main dining room, the rain started and continued for rest of the day. However, we didn't let this deter us and we made use of our free evening by taking advantage of the free transport into Mercatello for some exploring and a very tasty and reasonably priced evening meal.