2026 Amati & Stradivari Players Italy Tour: Fee Details, Payment and Document Submission Schedule

1. Fee & Tour Arrangement Overview

Cremona International Music Academy Fees:

Application Fee and Program Fee – Processed via the VAM account

  • Total: CAD 2,901.50 (after applying $800 VAM scholarship)

Other Fees – To be Paid Directly on the Cremona International Music Academy Website:

  • Airport transportation
  • Sightseeing and educational tours
  • Accommodation
  • Competition application fee (optional)

Round-Trip Flight Arrangements

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to proceed with group flight arrangements with Air Canada. Families are kindly asked to purchase flight tickets for the participants independently. Mr. E and Niki Hung, Programs Coordinator, will be traveling with the group to Italy to ensure that all participants are safely accompanied and supported throughout the journey.

To travel together with the group, please use the flight information below when booking the tickets:

Flight Details:
Outbound – July 11: Vancouver (YVR) → Milan (MXP)

  • AC 306 (YVR → YUL) 11:30–19:24
  • AC 894 (YUL → MXP) 20:45–10:20 (+1 day)

Return – July 29: Milan (MXP) → Vancouver (YVR)

  • AC 895 (MXP → YUL) 12:20–15:05
  • AC 311 (YUL → YVR) 17:30–19:50

Group Travel & Instrumental Insurance

As we do not have a sufficient number of participants interested in purchasing group insurance to qualify for a group travel policy, we kindly ask each participant to obtain individual travel insurance, which is required for the Italy Tour.

Instrument insurance is strongly recommended, though not mandatory. Please note that all travelers are responsible for any loss or damage to their personal belongings and instruments during the tour.

2. Payment & Documentation Schedule

By April 9 – 1st Payment on VAM Website:

  • First payment of the Cremona International Music Academy Fee (application fee and program fee)(non-refundable): CAD 1,695

By April 15 – Submit Forms & Passport Copies via Cremona International Music Academy Website:
(Link to Application Form & Submission Details)

By April 26 – 2nd Payment on VAM Website:

  • Second payment of the Cremona International Music Academy Fee (program fee): CAD 1,206.50 (bursary applied in this payment, if applicable)

By May 1 – Submit Additional Fees and Documents on Cremona International Music Academy Website: Payment Submission HERE

  • Student Accommodation fee (please see Section 4 for details)
  • General Accommodation (for family/ family members) (if applicable)
  • Sightseeing fee: USD 105
  • Airport transportation fee: USD 65 x 2
  • Competition application and fees (if applicable)
  • Medical History and Release Form, plus copies of Medical Insurance and Instrument Insurance

3. Instrument Guidelines for Flight

Link to detailed information:
Air Canada Special Items & Music Instrument Guidelines

Violins & Violas:

String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins and violas) can be carried on board – even if their dimensions slightly exceed Air Canada’s carry-on size requirements – as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at time of boarding, or you have purchased a seat to accommodate them.

Cellos:

  • Option 1: Purchase extra checked baggage ($100)
  • Option 2: Purchase a seat for the cello – you will receive a 50% discount on any published fare (including the lowest available fare) to accommodate the cello in the same cabin you are travelling in. Please see ‘Music’ section for more information: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/special-items.html#/

4. Accommodations & Meals

Accommodation Details HERE

  • Students will stay in the Student Hotel; breakfasts and lunches are provided.
  • Recommended daily allowance for dinners, snacks, and incidentals: 15–20 euros/day.
  • Students over 18, or younger students accompanied by adults, may stay at the Academy Hotel without a meal plan (general accommodation).

For participants traveling with their families, there are several options:

    1. Families may stay together in the Academy Hotel
    2. Students may stay in the Student Hotel with other participants, while parents stay in the Academy Hotel.
    3. Families may make their own accommodation arrangements independently.

5. Airport Transportation

Our group will travel to and from Cremona from Milan Malpensa Airport together.

6. Sightseeing & Educational Tours

  • USD 105 per person (includes museum entrances)
  • Mandatory for unaccompanied minors (under 18)

7. Competition for Strings (optional)

8. Consent Letter for Participants Traveling Without Family Members

Participants under 18 who will be traveling without a parent or guardian are required to have a consent letter for travel outside Canada prepared by their parents or legal guardians. The participant must carry this letter with them for the entire journey.

For detailed information and guidance on preparing the letter, please visit: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter