Rome - If you are seeking an extraordinary holiday away from the rat race, then a monastery in the Italian Tuscany region might be something for you where you can take singing lessons from Gregorian monks and nuns at the same time.

The tour, offered by specialist operator musica viva, will give participants a basic teaching in the origins of Gregorian music that dates back to Pope Gregor (A. D. 600). Elementary choir experience and some knowledge in reading music notes are useful.

Courses are held in Romanesque churches, abbeys and other religious sites in the Tuscany region which are renowned for their special acoustics that resonate with the choir music.

Instruction takes place in English and German. The visitors stay overnight in idyllically-situated Tuscany country homes offering local foods.

More information available at: www. musikferien. de (dpa)