San Marino Chamber Choir 2011 Performance Tour- updated itinerary

Welcome to the Incantato blog for the 2011 San Marino High School Performance Tour to Italy! This is the updated itinerary and still somewhat of a work in progress. Some details are subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

DAY 1 Saturday, April 2
Overnight flight to Rome

DAY 2 Sunday, April 3
Benvenuti to Italy
Clear customs and immigration during your layover in London and proceed to your next gate for your connection to Rome. Your luggage will be checked through. Upon arriving in Rome, collect your luggage, meet your Incantato Tour Manager, board the coach, and head to a splendid welcome dinner followed by tranquil first night on Italian soil at the Hotel Cetus in Cetara.

DAY 3 Monday, April 4
Pompeii & Ercolano
See the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Ercolano, then take the scenic Amalfi Coast drive to Maiori. A Mayor's welcome reception and special dinner awaits you tonight. Next two nights are at the Hotel Sole Splendid.

DAY 4 Tuesday, April 5
School Exchange, Clinic & Concert
Meet fellow students at a local Italian high school, then work with Maiori based composer Giuseppe diBianco on an original composition just for SMCC. At 5:00 PM a concert follows at Chiesa di San Francesco.

DAY 5 Wednesday, April 6
Capri & Naples
Experience the beautiful and dramatic coastline as you take a boat to Capri for a relaxing half-day visit. Continue to Naples, birthplace of Pizza and home to the most amazing catacombs you may ever see. Then get ready for a performance at the stunning Castel Nuovo. Overnight at the Ramada Plaza Naples.

DAY 6 Thursday, April 7
Via Montecassino to Umbria
After a morning recital at the Naples Conservatory, bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast as you travel north. Stop for a guided tour and recital at the Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino then continue to Umbria for a special dinner and overnight at the Hotel Pergola.

DAY 7 Friday, April 8
La Dolce Vita in Umbria
The gorgeous state of Umbria and the hilltop town of Labro welcome you as you tour the Art Monastery, followed by a pizza-making workshop and a highlight performance at Teatro di Rieti at 9:00PM.

DAY 8 Saturday, April 9
Vatican Visit & High Mass
Explore the Vatican Museums and St. Peter‘s Basilica with your local guide, then prepare to be the featured guest choir for a special High Mass at the magnificent cathedral.

DAY 9 Sunday, April 10
Rome in depth
Experience a guided visit of Ancient Rome with entrance to the Coliseum and Roman Forum. Likely add-on concert and reception in Frascati area. The group will stay at the Hotel Capannelle for the remainder of the tour.

DAY 10 Monday, April 11
Rome at leisure & Farewell
There is lots to see and do in Rome, and you will have plenty of opportunities for shopping. In the late afternoon however, we take you on a scenic drive to the Frascati and Castelli Romani countryside for a special farewell party.

DAY 11 Tuesday, April 12
Rome Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home to the US. After check-in, your Tour Manager waves good-bye.

About Travel Insurance - Make sure are protected

Incantato Tours strongly recommends getting travel insurance for your upcoming journey. Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip. Last but not least, there is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage, etc.
Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online, and you can do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.



In the meantime, have a look at the most comprehensive coverage option The Protect Assist Gold below.

Protect Assist (Gold) -

Comprehensive Travel Protection for the World Traveler

Trip Cancellation JUST ADDED! - Trip Cancellation due to employment loss or layoff if employed with the same employer 1 year or longer Trip Interruption and Travel Delay Emergency Medical and Emergency Medical Transportation Baggage and Travel Document Protection Baggage Delay and Lost Baggage Tracking NEW - Cancel For Any Reason option now available NEW - Cancel For Work Reasons option now available NEW - Children age 17 and under covered at no additional cost IMPROVED -Trip Cancellation limit increased to $100,000 (from $15,000), IMPROVED - Trip Interruption coverage increased to 150% of Trip Cost IMPROVED - Travel Delay required hours reduced to 5 hours (from 12) ProtectAssist special features: Best coverage for Weather Related Cancellations Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver* Default/Bankruptcy Protection* $50,000 Flight Accident Insurance* 24-Hour "LiveTravel" Travel Agency Emergency Cash Transfers Identity Theft Restoration

Comprehensive non-insurance travel services* automatically included with plan!With the ProtectAssist plan, every customer also has access to these valuable travel services when they travel:· Arrangements for last-minute flight changes· Hotel finder and reservations· Rental car reservations· Emergency medical assistance· BagTrak® -- lost baggage tracking· Pre-trip health and safety advisories· Live e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends· Cash transfers· Airport transportation· Golf course reservations· Event ticketing· Floral services· Identity Theft restoration
Business Assistant* (available when Optional Cancel for Work Reasons coverage is purchased)

*Non-Insurance services are provided by AIG Travel Assist.

Eligibility
Citizenship: All Nationalities
Residency: United States
New York, Oregon, and Washington residence please call to purchase
Some rider options are not available and other restrictions may apply
Destination: Worldwide
Ages: All Ages
Max Trip Length: 365 Days

San Marino Chamber Choir 2011 Performance Tour flight schedules

Those of you who chose the air-land package will be flying the friendly skies on the long-hauls with two of the world’s premier airlines, British Airways and Swiss Air, on the 2011 San Marino Chamber Choir performance tour. For more information on your on-board experience, please visit the British Airways and Swiss Air websites. The Incantato Tours team wishes you a safe and relaxing flight.

GROUP 1
Departure for Europe:
Saturday, April 2, 2011
BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA282, leave LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 5:35PM
Arrive in LONDON-HEATHROW (LHR) at 11:45AM on Sunday, April 3, 2011
BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA556, leave LONDON-HEATHROW (LHR) at 2:15PM
Arrive in ROME (FCO) at 5:45PM

Return to USA:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA551, leave ROME (FCO) at 8:20AM
Arrive in LONDON-HEATHROW (LHR) at 10:00AM
BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA283, leave LONDON-HEATHROW (LHR) at 12:00PM
Arrive in LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 3:05PM

GROUP 2
Departure for Europe:
Saturday, April 2, 2011
SWISS flight LX41, leave LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 7:25PM
Arrive in ZURICH (ZRH) at 3:45PM on Sunday, April 3, 2011
SWISS flight LX1732, leave ZURICH (ZRH) at 5:30PM
Arrive in ROME (FCO) at 7:00PM

Return to USA:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
SWISS flight LX1727, leave ROME (FCO) at 9:35AM
Arrive in ZURICH (ZRH) at 11:20AM
SWISS flight LX40, leave ZURICH (ZRH) at 1:10PM
Arrive in LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 4:40PM

Travel Tip: What to pack?

Dear members of the San Marino Chamber Choir, parents and guests,
As your departure for your 2011 performance tour comes closer and closer, Incantato Tours provides you with different travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your trip.

For most people, packing for a trip is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents).
Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)
* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Travel Tip: Money matters

Dear travelers, Money is a delicate subject. The best way to use your money during your upcoming trip is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a little fee for restroom use. Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 20 Dollar per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. The guide is there to help you make the right choices.

Travel Tip: High voltage

Dear travelers,
To charge your digital cameras, laptops, etc. in Europe during your Incantato performance tour, you will need an adapter. The U.S. plug (2 or 3 prong here in the U.S.) will not fit in a European socket. In most cases the European socket takes a plug with 2 round prongs.
The adapters allow an U.S. plug to plug in to the back of the adapter and the front of the adapter plugs into the European socket. You'll find adapters at stores like Radio Shack, Walmart or online at amazon.com.

Travel Tip: Use of cell phones

Incantato Tours discourage their travelers to bring their phones to Europe on a performance tour because of the high costs for calls ($1/minute or more), text messages (50 cents and up) and data charges for online services. Therefore Incantato Tours will supply a free local cell phone for the tour director to use with free incoming calls and allowance for emergency outgoing ones.
If you would like to have more information on this subject, please check the "international section" of the website of your provider:

For T-Mobile:
WorldClass international service

For Verizon:
http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Roaming/index.html

For Sprint:
http://shop.sprint.com/en/services/worldwide/worldwide.shtml

For AT&T:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/international-roaming.jsp

Travel Tip: Frequently asked questions

What should everyone carry at all times, real passport or a photo copy?
Ideally, your passport should be on your person at all times. Please be “street-smart” and don’t wave it around for all to see. Photocopies of the passport should be packed in your suitcase, available in your e-mail and Incantato should have a copy as well.

Is the tap water safe to drink?
The tab water is potable in many areas, although we would recommend to buy bottled water.

Do you have recommendations or suggestions on the type of power adapter needed and what wattage?
Electricity in Europe comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and radio shack etc.

What is the average meal cost? How much money should you bring?
As long as you are wise about your choices, meals can easily be 15 Euro or less. You don’t have to go to sit down restaurants to get decent food. But when you do want to sit down, you should check the menu outside to see if they have a "menu special" - you can get an entrée, dessert and a drink for a set price.

What the size limit and number of items is for carry-on?
You may have 1 carry-on bag - it must be able to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We recommend a backpack.

What are the airline carry-on container regulations?
No containers holding more that 3ozs of liquid is allowed in the carry-on luggage. They also must be in a plastic zip-lock bag.

What has the best exchange rate, using a debit card to pull money out or exchanging US currency?
By far the best way is to use your debit card. Most banks only charge around $2 per withdraw and they also take care of the exchange rate for you. You do need a 4 digit pin and also let your bank know that you are travelling abroad. DO NOT BRING TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES!

What is the approximate exchange rate right now?
It’s about $1.35 to 1 EUR (February 2011).

What happens if someone gets injured while in tour? Medical care and cost wise? Do they need a medical consent form for treatment?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. You find a link to our recommended partner on this blog.

Welcome to Italy!

Italy is located partly on the European Continent and partly on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe and on the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy shares its northern, Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula, and Campione d'Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland. The territory of Italy covers 301,338 km² and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. With 60.2 million inhabitants, it is the sixth most populous country in Europe, and the twenty-third most populous in the world.

The land known as Italy today has been the cradle of European cultures and peoples, such as the Etruscans and the Romans. Italy's capital, Rome, was for centuries the political center of Western civilization, as the capital of the Roman Empire. After its decline, Italy would endure numerous invasions by foreign peoples, from Germanic tribes such as the Lombards and Ostrogoths, to the Normans and later, the Byzantines, among others. Centuries later, Italy would become the birthplace of the Renaissance, an immensely fruitful intellectual movement that would prove to be integral in shaping the subsequent course of European thought.

Through much of its post-Roman history, Italy was fragmented into numerous kingdoms and city-states (such as the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the Duchy of Milan), but was unified in 1861, a tumultuous period in history known as the "Risorgimento". In the late 19th century, through World War I, and to World War II, Italy possessed a colonial empire, which extended its rule to Libya, Eritrea, Italian Somaliland, Ethiopia, Albania, Rhodes, the Dodecanese and a concession in Tianjin, China.

Modern Italy is a democratic republic and the world's eighteenth most developed country, with the eighth or tenth highest quality of life index rating in the world. It is a founding member of what is now the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Italy is also a member of the G8 and G20. It is a member state of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, the Council of Europe, and the Western European Union as well. The country's European political, social and economic influence make it a major regional power, alongside the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia, and Italy has been classified in a study, measuring hard power, as being the eleventh greatest worldwide national power. The country has a high public education level, high labor force, is a globalized nation, and also has 2009's sixth best international reputation. Italy also has the world's nineteenth highest life expectancy, and the world's second best health care system. It is the world's fifth most visited country, with over 43.7 million international arrivals, and boasts a long tradition and several achievements in the arts, science and technology, including the world's highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to date.

Your performance tour travel route through Italy

Incantato Restaurant: Agriturismo Iacchelli

During their 2011 Incantato performance tour, the San Marino travelers will stop for lunch at Agriturismo Iacchelli. The traditional Italian farm offers accommodation and a restaurant serving local cuisine with pizza from a wood oven and other homemade dishes – from products growing directly on the farm grounds! If you would like to take some local fruits or vegetables with you as a snack, then visit the market that combines Italian tradition with modern production standards. For more information, please have a look at the their website (in Italian) or facebook page.

Incantato Impressions: Charming Frascati and Castelli Romani

Welcome to Maiori!

Maiori is a town and community on the Amalfi coast in the province of Salerno (Campania, Italy). It has been a popular tourist resort since Roman times, with the longest unbroken stretch of beach on the Amalfi coastline. The origins of the town are unclear but the original name of the town was Reghinna Maior, in contrast to the neighbouring town, Minori, Reghinna Minor. All places along the coast were formed by alternating conquerors - such as the Etruscans or the Romans. Between 830 and 840, the places of the coast united to form a confederation of Amalfi States. In this Amalfi Sea Republic, the places between Lettere and Tramonti and between Cetara and Positano, along with the island of Capri, were united; and their inhabitants were all called Amalfitaner. At that time, each city retained its own name and administrative autonomy, but had a specific role in this federation. Later it became part of the Principality of Salerno, and then of the Kingdom of Naples, of which it followed the history until the 19th century.

Incantato Impressions: Amalfi Coast

San Marino Chamber Choir sings at Monte Cassino Abbey on Thursday, April 7 at 3:00 PM

In addition to touring the facility, the San Marino Chamber Choir from San Marino High School in Los Angeles, California, will also perform a recital at the Monte Cassino Abbey on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 3:00 PM.

Monte Cassino is a rocky mountain approximately 80 miles southeast of Rome. Saint Benedict of Nursia established his first monastery here, the source and foundation of the Benedictine Order, in 529. The monastery stands as one of the few territorial abbeys remaining within the Catholic Church.

According the Gregory the Great’s biography of Saint Benedict, the monastery was constructed on an older pagan sight, a temple of Apollo that originally crowned the hill. The biography claims that Benedict’s first act was to smash the sculpture of Apollo and destroy the pagan altar. He then reused the temple, dedicating it to Saint Martin, and built a new chapel which he dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Once established at Monte Cassino, Benedict never left. There he penned the Benedictine Rule which ultimately became the founding principle of western monasticism. Monte Cassino became the model for future Benedictine developments throughout the world.

Unfortunately the Abbey has fallen target to numerous military insurgencies throughout the years, including the infamous 1944 Battle of Monte Cassino. On February 15, 1944, the Abbey was almost completely destroyed by Allied air-raids after being mistakenly identified as a German stronghold. In fact, the Abbey was being used as a refuge for women and children attempting to shield themselves from the war. The Abbey was rebuilt after the war, financed by the Italian State, and was reconsecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

The San Marino Chamber Choir visits the Music Conservatory of Naples on Thursday, April 7, 10:00 AM

On Thursday, April 7 the San Marino Chamber Choir visits the Music Conservatory of Naples and recites. The conservatory and adjacent church are today part of the old San Pietro a Majella monastic complex, built at the end of the 13th century and dedicated to the monk Pietro da Morone, who became Pope Celestine V in 1294. The conservatory houses an impressive library of manuscripts pertaining to the lives and musical production of composers who lived and worked in Naples, among whom are Alessandro Scarlatti, Pergolesi, Domenico Cimarosa, Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. The historical museum has a display of rare antique musical instruments.

Home away from home: Hotel Cetus, Cetara

The San Marino Chamber Choir will stay at the Hotel Cetus on the night of April 3, 2011, as they visit the stunning Amalfi Coast. The Hotel Cetus commands a striking view, perched atop a hill overlooking the bay on the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is less than one mile from the quaint fishing village of Cetara. The elegant furnishings and refined atmosphere are inspired by the local tradition of ceramic art. The Hotel Cetus houses 37 guest rooms, all with beautiful sea-front views. Each room offers air conditioning, private bathrooms, and direct telephone lines. The hotel property also boasts a private beach with American snack bar. The on-site spa has just been recently remodeled and offers a variety of services from facials to massages.

The Hotel Cetus received high reviews from recent travelers who commended the incredibly helpful staff and greatly appreciated the safety and security they felt during their stay. Additional reviews praise the gorgeous views from the clean and comfortable guest rooms.

Home away from home: Hotel Sole Splendid, Maiori

The San Marino Chamber Choir will stay at the Hotel Sole Splendid in Maiori on April 4 and 5. 

Located along the Amalfi Sea and surrounded by citrus groves, Hotel Sole Splendid sits among Maiori’s most popular attractions. The six-floor hotel offers a restaurant and fitness room. Standard guest rooms are equipped with telephone, satellite television, heating and air conditioning, a covered balcony overlooking the sea, and an en suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

Recent guest enjoyed the comfortable family-owned environment of the Sole Splendid as well as its convenient location near Maiori’s local sights and shops. 

Home away from home: Ramada Naples

 The San Marino Chamber Choir will stay at the Ramada Naples on the night of April 6, 2011.

Located within the beautifully renovated former Palazzo dell-Auto building, the Ramada Naples is strategically located between the business area and historical center of Naples. The hotel’s 152 guest rooms offer satellite television, air conditioning, and personal safe, wireless internet access, and ensuite bathroom with hairdryer. Recent guest reviews award the Ramada Naples high ratings for cleanliness, comfort, and quality service.

Home away from home: La Pergola, Magliano Sabina

The San Marino Chamber Choir Tour will stay at La Pergola in Magliano Sabina on the nights of April 7 and 8, 2011.

One of Incantato's trademarks is to take our groups slightly of the beaten path for a day or two during their performance tours for a full immersion into the country they are visting. When the San Marino Chamber Choir Tour stops for two nights in Umbria en-route from Tuscany to Rome, they will stay at the countryside hotel "La Pergola" near the charming hilltop towns of Orvieto and Calvi dell'Umbria. Standard guest rooms come equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathrooms with shower/tub combination. Recent reviews complimented La Pergola on their helpful service and comfortable accommodations.

Home away from home: Hotel Capannelle, Rome

The San Marino Chamber Choir will stay at Rome's Hotel Capannelle from April 9 through 12, 2011.

The Hotel Capannelle Roma sits approximately 5.5 miles from the center of Rome and a 25 minute drive from Vatican City. From the hotel, guests can view the ancient “Villa dei Quintili” and the Roman Aqueducts. The hotel offers continental breakfast each morning, and the on-site Marco Polo Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, serving a range of regional and international dinners in an informal atmosphere. The Hotel Capannelle’s 252 guest rooms come equipped with air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, blackout curtains, desk, safe, satellite television, wireless internet connection, and an en suite bathroom with shower/tub combination and hairdryer. Recent reviews compliment the hotel’s cleanliness and comfort as well as their helpful staff. 

Visit the Art Monastery

The Art Monastery Project, founded in 2007, is a community of artists dedicated to fostering creativity through commitment to a disciplined, contemplative, and sustainable monastic lifestyle.

Established by American, San Francisco-based artists Betsy McCall and Christopher Fülling, the project works to transform an historic Italian monastery into an international arts production center. The project investigates what the Art Monks refer to as “social sculpture,” developing a diverse variety of visual and performance art in a manner which focuses just as much on the creative process as the final product.

In striving to meld historical tradition with contemporary culture, the Art Monastery presents on-site exhibitions and performances as well as collaborations with the surrounding communities. However, work created within the monastery premieres locally before ever touring internationally.

Previously located in the small Italian town of Calvi dell’Umbria, the Art Monastery relocated to the hilltop town of Labro, approximately seventy minutes north east of Rome. The San Antonio monastery, a former 17^th century Franciscan abbey, now serves as the official home of the Art Monastery Project. The site holds a state-of-the-art 150 seat theater for performances and exhibits. Hotel Colle di Costa and Ristorante Ulisse are also located within the structure.

A radical contemporary experiment in “social sculpture,” the Art Monastery is “ready to indulge visitors without hesitation…”

In addition to Labro, the Art Monastery hosts chapters in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Reno, Bloomington, Chicago, Buffalo, and New York City.

Incantato Impressions: Culinary Italy

Facts about Vatican City

Vatican City, officially the State of the Vatican City, is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the capital city of Italy. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares, and a population of just over 800.
Vatican City is a city-state that came into existence in 1929. It is distinct from the Holy See, which dates back to early Christianity and is the main Episcopal see of 1.147 billion Latin and Eastern Catholic adherents around the globe. Ordinances of Vatican City are published in Italian; official documents of the Holy See are issued mainly in Latin. The two entities even have distinct passports: the Holy See, not being a country, only issues diplomatic and service passports; the state of Vatican City issues normal passports. In both cases the passports issued are very few.
Vatican City is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state, ruled by the bishop of Rome - the Pope. The highest state functionaries are all Catholic clergymen of various nationalities. It is the sovereign territory of the Holy See (Sancta Sedes) and the location of the Pope's residence, referred to as the Apostolic Palace. The Popes have resided in the area that in 1929 became Vatican City since the return from Avignon in 1377.

Incantato presents the San Marino Chamber Choir at Saint Peter's Basilica (Vatican) on Saturday, April 9 at 5:00 PM

The San Marino Chamber Choir will sing High Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City at 5:00PM on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is the symbolic "Mother church" of the Catholic Church and is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".
In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession. Tradition and some historical evidence hold that Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes have been interred at St Peter's since the Early Christian period. There has been a church on this site since the 4th century. Construction of the present basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed on November 18, 1626.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage, for its liturgical functions and for its historical associations. It is associated with the papacy, with the Counter-reformation and with numerous artists, most significantly Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564), an Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer. Michelangelo took over a building site at which four piers, enormous beyond any constructed since the days of Ancient Rome, were rising behind the remaining nave of the old basilica. He also inherited the numerous schemes designed and redesigned by some of the greatest architectural and engineering brains of the 16th century.
Incidentally there are over 100 tombs within St. Peter's Basilica, many located in the Vatican grotto, beneath the Basilica. These include 91 popes, St. Ignatius of Antioch, Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, and the composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Exiled Catholic British royalty James Francis Edward Stuart and his two sons, Charles Edward Stuart and Henry Benedict Stuart, are buried here, having been granted asylum by Pope Clement XI. The most recent interment was Pope John Paul II, on April 8, 2005.

Tour the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

 

The Vatican Museums are indisputably one of the finest collections of art in the world. Over the centuries, Papal patrons have commissioned renowned works such as the magnificent frescoes of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, and those by Raphael in his stanze. The museums also host some of the most important sculptures from the ancient world, such as the Laocoon and the Apollo Belvedere. Incantato Tours is thrilled to offer the Providence College Choir and friends the opportunity to see these works as they were originally viewed and contemplated by the Popes who created the Museums.

Incantato's visit to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel will be led by a specialized docent/expert

guide and is just open to members of your tour. We also provide headsets to everyone for a truly individual experience. This is an exceptional opportunity for an intimate visit and lecture on the Vatican and its impressive art collection without the press and chaos of the crowds. 

Please note that not all galleries will be accessible to us during this after hours visit. The Pinacoteca and Egyptian collections are not available for viewing after closing hours. The opportunity to view the Belvedere Courtyard is also dependent on the route the Vatican guards allow us to take. We normally spend a significant amount of time (35-40 minutes) inside the Sistine Chapel and divide the rest of our time between the Gallery of Maps, Tapestry Gallery, and Raphael Rooms, including other collections as time and security permits.

Incantato Destination: Monte Porzio Catone, Italy

Monte Porzio Catone is a municipality of the Province of Rome in the Italian Region of Latium and lies approximately twenty kilometers southeast of Rome in the Alban Hills. In addition to the Church of Saint Gregory the Great, erected in 1666 by Carlo Rainaldi for the Borghese family, some of the town’s main attractions include the Astronomical Rome Observatory, the Museum of Wine, the City Museum, and the Iseo Alari Community School of Music.

The Astronomical Rome Observatory was built in 1939 and is located two kilometers from the city center. The structure rises from the remains of “Matilda’s Villa,” a first century Roman Villa. Originally built for the purpose of preserving the equipment of the National Observatory in Rome, the rationalist-style Astronomical Rome Observatory now promotes astronomic and scientific studies through educational initiatives and exchanges with schools and universities.

Opened in 2000, the Museum of Wine not only provides visitors with wine tastings, but also takes guests through the process of creating wine. A tour of the museum teaches visitors, through the use of photos and demonstrations, the intricate steps of the wine production process. The museum even houses its own exclusive wine cellar.

The Monte Porzio City Museum is housed within a recently restored seventeenth century cathedral within the heart of the city. The museum illustrates the multi-thousand-year history of the city through such exhibitions as archeological findings, medieval papal pottery, and seventeenth century art.

The Iseo Ilari Community School of Music was founded by the Monte Porzio Catone City Administration in 1999. Through not only classes, but also performances and workshops, the school succeeds in encouraging social interaction and acceptance through the dissemination of music and cultural arts. The school, a recognized institution of the Italian Association of Schools of Music, currently offers studies in Classical Tradition and Music Performance.

For more information on Monte Porzio Catone, Italy, please visit: http://www.comune.monteporziocatone.rm.it/

Incantato Impressions: Rome

City Facts about Rome

• Rome's early history is shrouded in legend. According to Roman tradition, the city was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus on 21 April 753 BC.
• Due to this centrality on many levels, the city has been nicknamed "Caput Mundi" (Latin for "Capital of the World") and "The Eternal City".
• Its rich artistic heritage and vast amount of ancient, notably architectural and archaeological sites, contribute to the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Rome is the third-most-visited tourist destination in the European Union.
• The city is also an important worldwide hub of the cinematic and filming industry, home to the important and large Cinecittà Studios, which saw the filming of several internationally acclaimed movies as well as television programmes.
• The Rome metropolitan area has a GDP of €109.4 billion (US$ 149.14), and according to a 2008 study, the city is the world's 35th richest city by purchasing power.
• The city hosted the 1960 Olympic Games and is also an official candidate for the 2020 Olympic Games.
• Rome is an important centre for music, and it has an intense musical scene, including several prestigious music conservatories and theatres. It hosts the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (founded in 1585), for which new concert halls have been built in the new Parco della Musica, one of the largest musical venues in the world.
• A Jewish influence in the Italian dishes can be seen, as Jews have lived in Rome since the 1st century BCE. Examples of these include "Saltimbocca alla Romana" - a veal cutlet, Roman-style; topped with raw ham and sage and simmered with white wine and butter - and "Carciofi alla giudia" - artichokes fried in olive oil, typical of Roman Jewish cooking.

Four Chords San Marino Chamber Choir Barbershop Quartet

Four Chords - Amazing Grace.

San Marino Chamber Choir - Cuenca, Spain - 04-05-2010

San Marino Chamber Choir - Quartet Singers 2009-2010, Barcelona, Spain

San Marino Chamber Choir Quartet Singers, Cuenca, Spain - 04-05-2010

San Marino Chamber Choir - Barcelona, Spain, 04-11-2010

APERTURA DEL 24º ENCUENTRO CORAL INTERNACIONAL "CIUDAD DE TORREVIEJA" 8/...

RECEPCION OFICIAL 24º ENCUENTRO CORAL INTERNACIONAL DE TORREVIEJA

Andrew the Pianist

We choir students and Cheung are so blessed to have such a talented piano player like Andrew. When Andrew performed this entire piece at Palau, I was standing several feet away from him and was in complete awe. I found myself with my mouth gaped open and had to immediately shut it to look "professional" onstage :)

Here is Andrew just practicing the piece hours before he performed it in front of a large audience in the Petit Palau. Unbelievable.

Photos of Spain

Photos Continued.

Photos of Spain

Photos Continued.

Photos of Spain

Just a few photos of Spain; although the trip is over, the memories definitely are not. This entire trip has caused me to go into post-Spain depression. Everything back home seems more dull when I can't spend every moment with those 40+ other friends and chaperones. I remember this feeling last year when I went to Peru, but I can say for sure that this year's trip hit me harder, I missed it the moment I got onto the plane and began the 13 hour ride back home. Just writing this post makes me more depressed because it reminds me that I'm back at home and not having ridiculous amounts of fun in Spain anymore. Love you guys, SMCC 09-10!

Share your favorite pictures and memories on SMCC Tour Blog

As you know Incantato awards students with scholar ships for blogging while on tour with our organization: Natalia and Andy will soon get their travel pocket money checks in the mail, but we will also reward those of you who feel like sharing special moments, pictures or videos here on your 2010 San Marino Spain Tour blog. So email us to info@incantatotours.com if you would like to be added as a tour blogger and we look forward to your posts.

San Marino Group is on its way home

The SMCC family left Barcelona on Monday morning and is expected to arrive in LAX in the evening. We wish everyone a safe and comfortable return and look forward to seeing everyone again soon. It was an honor to work with and for such a wonderful organization.

SMCC finale finale performance on the streets of Barcelona

The ultimate performance for the San Marino Chamber singers took place in the little square in front of the farewelll pintxos restaurant and was for the staff and other guests who surely loved the singers from California.

SMCC Palau Concert Impressions