Tuscany Handbell Experience

A collaborative handbell experience in the heart of Tuscany

Our tour guests on an old Vespa with a side car, laughing and holding their arms up like they are having a blast. At the Piaggio Museum.

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A church interior from the viewpoint of a handbell ringer, with handbells on a table in the foreground and an elegant organ in the distance.

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Ladies preparing food at an outdoor table in Tuscany.

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Feel the rhythm of Italy in the heart of Tuscany! The Tuscany Handbell Experience invites musicians to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and soul of Lucca. Over eight unforgettable days, make music, build connections, and explore the cultural and culinary treasures of Tuscany. With inspiring rehearsals, meaningful performances, and time to experience the region’s beauty, this journey blends music, history, and hospitality into an extraordinary experience.

LUCCA

Ring in Italy!

Tour Dates and Pricing

Lucca

2026 Jun 6 - 14

8 days

from $3,195

Tour Details

Resonate Tours invites handbell musicians to an unforgettable musical and cultural journey based in the charming city of Lucca, Italy. This carefully designed experience offers the perfect balance of music-making, community, and exploration, all set against the backdrop of Tuscany’s stunning landscapes.

With Lucca as our home base, we’ll dive into rehearsals and performances, sharing the joy of handbell ringing with both fellow musicians and local audiences. Beyond the music, we’ll explore medieval streets, vibrant piazzas, and the rolling Tuscan countryside, discovering the essence of Italy through its food, history, and timeless traditions.

From the cobblestone alleys of Lucca to the coastal beauty of Viareggio, each day offers a new way to experience the magic of Tuscany. Whether you’re ringing in a historic town, savoring freshly made pasta and local wines, or simply soaking in the charm of this incredible region, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep connection to the music and culture of Italy.

Let the music, history, and hospitality of Tuscany create a handbell experience like no other!

Tour Highlights

Make music daily with a welcoming group of handbell musicians.
Share your passion for ringing in memorable performances with local audiences.
Settle into Lucca for the entire trip—unpack once and feel at home.
Savor unforgettable Tuscan cuisine, from fresh pasta to regional specialties.
Explore medieval streets, hidden alleys, and lively piazzas in Lucca.
Venture beyond the city, discovering Tuscany’s landscapes and historic towns.
Enjoy handpicked wines that pair perfectly with Italy’s legendary meals.
Forge lifelong friendships, creating harmony both in music and in community.

Tips for Travelers

Companions welcome! Non-ringers can enjoy free time exploring or join group activities.
Bring comfortable walking shoes—cobblestone streets and daily explorations await.
Italy embraces a relaxed pace—expect leisurely meals and time to soak in the experience.
Brush up on a few Italian phrases—locals appreciate the effort!
Music and travel create deep connections—you’ll leave with new friendships and unforgettable memories.

Meet Your Hosts

William Kyle

William Bryan Kyle, a ringer and director for over 30 years, has served as Music Director of the San Francisco community ensembles Bay Bells and Bell Appeal, and as Assistant Music Director at Foothills Congregational Church, Los Altos. He has contributed to the larger handbell community as Chair and Events Director of Handbell Musicians of America Area 12 and as the first Executive Director of Handbell Ventures. He is a founding member of Velocity Handbell Ensemble.

William is currently Dean of the Zephyr Point Music Conference held at Lake Tahoe every summer and the Music Director of Campanae Mundi, an impromptu handbell ensemble that convenes in Italy each year.

When not making music, William is the Co-Founder and CEO of hydra Brands, which specializes in aromatherapy bath and shower products, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.

Resonate Tours

Alex Hay and William Kyle next to each other in summer clothes, looking at the camera.

William Kyle and Alex Hay founded Resonate Tours based on their shared passion for music and travel.

William connected with music singing in choir and "graduated" to handbells becoming an integral part of the local, national and international handbell community. He founded Handbell Ventures, was Music Director of Bay Bells, rang with Velocity Handbell Ensemble, and has published original compositions and arrangements for handbells and chorus. He served as Assistant Music Director at Foothills Congregational Church, Los Altos for 13 years.

Alex has played violin with community orchestras across the United States, including the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia, the San Francisco Civic Symphony and the Lexington Community Orchestra. As a handbell musician, he rang with pop-cover handbell band Bell Appeal, known for creativity in music programming and audience engagement.

A life of living in various cities in multiple countries has led William and Alex to reside in Lisbon, Portugal, a 21st-century intersection of world cultures.

What's Included

Our tours offer the perfect mix of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace. Some days are busier than others, but most include at least one group activity and a shared meal to bring everyone together.

Price Includes

8 nights in a 4-star hotel in the historic city of Lucca.
Daily rehearsals and musical experiences with fellow handbell musicians.
Curated cultural experiences and activities in Lucca and the surrounding region.
Daily European breakfast to start each day right.
A delicious lunch or dinner each day, featuring local flavors.
Seamless transportation for all group activities.
All entrance fees covered—just relax and enjoy the experience.

Not Included

Airfare to/from Italy
Transfers to/from the hotel

Available Extras (additional cost)

Single room upgrade for extra comfort and privacy ($950).
Additional nights in Lucca to extend your stay and explore at your own pace.
Airport transfers for a seamless arrival and departure experience.

Other Information

Price shown is US Dollars.
Group size: Limited to 10-16 travelers, ensuring a close-knit and engaging experience.
Music provided—sheet music will be sent to you 2-3 months in advance of the tour.
Expect moderate walking, including cobblestone streets and occasional stairs.
Weather: Tuscany in May offers mild temperatures—perfect for exploring!

Typical Itinerary

This itinerary gives you a great snapshot of what’s in store, but a few details might shuffle as we lock in bookings. If your tour ends up a day longer or shorter, we’ll tweak things to keep the adventure seamless. Whatever changes come, you can count on the same level of amazing experiences and unforgettable vibes!

SAT

Porta San Gervasio from the outside, the medieval eastern gate to Lucca.

Be Our Guest!

welcome & rehearse

Welcome to Lucca! At 3:00 pm, we’ll gather for a Welcome Reception, meet fellow ringers, and get an overview of the week ahead. Then, we’ll head to our rehearsal space for a first read, letting the music take shape. As the evening unfolds, we’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Tuscany’s incredible flavors. Afterward, take a leisurely evening stroll through Lucca’s charming streets or unwind with new friends.

SUN

A walking tour in action, with Paula leading a group on the walls of Lucca.

Walking on Sunshine

rehearse & explore

Sunday is a full day of music and discovery. We’ll begin with a morning rehearsal, then take a break to grab lunch on your own and soak in Lucca’s lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, a historical walking tour will reveal the city’s rich past and its role in Tuscan history. Afterward, we’ll hold sectionals to refine our music before coming together for a delicious group dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll continue immersing yourself in the flavors and culture of Italy.

MON

Chef Gianlucca teaching pasta-making surrounded by students at the Italian Cuisine cooking school.

Someone's in the Kitchen...

rehearse & explore

Today, we dive deep into our music with intensive group rehearsals. Between sessions, enjoy lunch on your own—perhaps a bite of schiacciata—and take time to relax or browse Lucca’s charming shops. In the late afternoon, we’ll swap bells for aprons at the International Academy of Italian Cuisine, where Chef Gianluca will guide us in preparing a classic Tuscan feast. After cooking together, we’ll sit down to enjoy our delicious creations, experiencing firsthand why Italian cuisine is loved around the world.

TUE

The Guinigi Tower in Lucca, seen from the perspective of a narrow alley with the tower poking through at the end.

Free Bird

rehearse & relax

The morning is dedicated to focused rehearsal time, followed by a delicious group lunch to continue our culinary exploration. The afternoon is yours—relax, explore Lucca, or visit a recommended cultural site. For those looking for extra adventure, optional activities like an e-bike tour through the countryside or an Italian language lesson can be arranged. Opera lovers might enjoy the nightly Puccini concert, a Lucca tradition. Dinner is on your own, so take the opportunity to discover a new favorite local restaurant!

WED

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, seem from below a shadowed arch, with a brilliant blue sky.

Last Train Home

rehearse & explore

After a morning rehearsal and lunch on your own, we’ll gather at the Lucca Train Station for an afternoon adventure to Pisa. Our visit begins with a stop at Keith Haring’s iconic Tuttomondo mural, a vibrant piece of modern art in the heart of the city. From there, we’ll embark on a gelato crawl, visiting three unique gelaterias to sample and compare flavors. Indulge in Italy’s favorite sweet treat as we explore Pisa’s charming streets!

THU

The handbell ringers on a pier with the ocean and clouds in the background.

Pebbles and Marbles

explore & relax

The majestic white marble of Carrara awaits! After lunch on your own, we’ll visit a quarry to see and touch the world-famous stone that Michelangelo used for his masterpiece, David. Then, we’ll head to Viareggio, where a leisurely stroll along the seaside boardwalk offers the perfect chance to soak in the coastal charm. As the day winds down, we’ll prepare for our first concert, sharing the music we’ve been crafting together in this unforgettable setting.

FRI

Green vineyards and cypress trees at the Colle di Bordocheo winery

If You Had a Vineyard

explore & perform

This morning, we’ll walk through vineyards and olive groves at Colle di Bordocheo, where we’ll meet Fausto Borella, Maestro d’Olio, for a crash course in olive oil tasting—learning what makes a truly great oil. Lunch features a wine pairing in the tasting room, offering breathtaking views of the Serchio Valley. In the afternoon, our coach takes us to Gavinana, a charming hilltop town, where we’ll perform a much-anticipated concert for the local community. Back in Lucca, a late-night gelato might be the perfect way to end the day!

SAT

A closeup of small handbells in action at a Lucca handbell concert, with ringers dressed in black and teal in the background.

Better Together

relax & perform

Savor your last full day in Lucca—climb one more tower, take one last stroll along the city walls, or wander the streets just for the joy of getting lost! In the evening, we’ll gather for a classic Italian Apericena, a light early dinner, before preparing for our collaborative concert with Canticum Novum, a local gospel choir. After an unforgettable night of music, we’ll celebrate together at a late-night pizzeria, toasting to a week of incredible performances, new friendships, and lasting memories.

SUN

Two handbell ringers sitting together, toasting with champagne in flutes.

Just Can't Get Enough

relax

After one last breakfast in Lucca, we’ll gather our things and say our goodbyes. Our team will ensure everyone reaches their airport or train station smoothly. With final words of gratitude and memories to last a lifetime, we’ll bid farewell to our Tuscan home—but not goodbye. Instead, we say, Alla prossima! Until we meet again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the itinerary for the trip? How close is the typical itinerary to what we'll actually do?

The tour page includes a link to a typical itinerary. This itinerary will be pretty close to the experience of the actual tour (often, it's based on the actual itinerary of a prior similar tour). Of course, since the tours are months away, it's possible some of the details will need to be adjusted or reordered since not all of the activities can be booked so far in advance. So, the typical itinerary should give you a very good idea of what kind of experience you can expect, but we cannot guarantee that all of the individual experiences will be as listed or occur on the indicated day. We strive to ensure that if we adjust the itinerary, everything will still be of the same character and quality.

I don't have a roommate, is it possible to share a room with someone else on the tour?

We typically have travelers looking to share rooms. Once we have all of the registrations in, we can suggest roommates and put you in touch so you can be sure that you'll enjoy your time together. We understand it's a challenge spending so much time with someone you haven't met before!