Travel Tip: Money Matters

Dear SMCC travelers, family and friends,

We all know money is a delicate subject. The best way to use your money during your upcoming Spain & Portugal Performance Tour 2014 with Incantato Concert Tours is to have a debit or credit card. Paying with these cards allows you to minimize cash needs and also 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. 
Please keep in mind that most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water in restaurants/ bars and a little fee for restroom use (usually 0,50 EUR). 

We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 20 US-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 abroad have menus outside, so you can check their price range before you enter it.
• Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and also 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.
• Hop around for souvenirs. Many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last but 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.

Last but 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 abroad and answer all the questions you may have.

News from Madrid, presented by Incantato Tours

In the past, Madrid has often been considered the stately, classical cousin to the cooler, hipper Barcelona. However, the ambiance of Spain's capital is changing and it is evolving into a trendy destination in its own right.

One of the main contributors to this transformation has been the emerging and contemporary art exhibitions and there has also been a spike in shopping venues opened with international visitors in mind. 
One of the events to watch is the fourth annual Apertura contemporary art exhibition, presented by the ARTE Madrid Association of Art Galleries. The festival features simultaneous activities at museums and some 50 galleries city-wide.  

There will also be the first ever Summa, a fair hosted by the Matadero Madrid cultural center, that will showcase everything from emerging art and photography to gastronomy. The Matadero center itself is also a happening venue, with year-round events and exhibitions. Located in the previously less touristed Arganzueal district, the center has revitalized that part of the city. 
If shopping is more of interest to you than art, be sure to watch out for the Las Rozas Village. It is a large complex that acts not only as a tourist draw, but is also set to help revive the country's down economy. Close to Gran Via is also TriBail, featuring young designers, appealing shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques. 

An addition to the thriving shopping and art scene, the San Anton Market has also been a valuable addition to what Madrid has to offer. Situated in the popular neighborhood of Chueco, which is a hub of welcoming restaurants, this modern, refurbished market offers visitors typical season Spanish products in a three-story building. The building originally dates back to the 19th century, but it was modernized in 2002 and finally opened in 2011. San Anton is not a market in the traditional sense, but a combination between market, show cooking and restaurant. 

On the first floor, vendors present stands of food from hamburgers to a selection of more than 60 types of bread, vegetables and fruit. On the second floor, there is a tasting area, as well as the opportunity to purchase Spanish and international cuisine to go. A restaurant is located on the third floor where typical products form the market below are cooked. It also features a terrace lounge with a view.

For more news from Travel Weekly, please click here. 

Incantato Update: Lisbon

Lisbon was voted top city destination in Europe!

Portugal’s cosmopolitan and intriguing capital has been named Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2013 at the World Travel Awards, considered to be the “Oscars” of tourism.

This win is the third time Lisbon has been recognized as Europe’s Leading City Break Destination over the last five years. Known for its year-round pleasant climate, rich culture and beaches located just 20 minutes from the city center, Lisbon also has a price-quality ratio unrivaled anywhere else in Europe.

For the full article from eTNGlobal Travel Industry News, please click here. 

Upcoming SMCC 2014 tour - Flight information

Departure for Europe

Friday, March 28, 2014:
Lufthansa flight LH457 leaves Los Angeles (LAX) for Frankfurt (FRA), Germany, at 04:10 pm local time, arrival in Europe is on Saturday, March 29 at 11:00 am pm local time. The group then connects from Frankfurt (FRA) at 01:10 PM pm with Lufthansa flight LH1114 to Madrid (MAD), Spain, with an arrival time of 03:45 pm.


Return to the US

Sunday, April 6, 2014:
Lufthansa flight LH1793 departs Lisbon (LIS), Portugal, at 06:15 am local time for Munich (MUC), Germany, to arrive at 10:15 am. The group then connects from Munich (MUC) at 11:55 am with Lufthansa flight LH452 to Los Angeles (LAX) with an arrival time of 03:15 pm local.

Upcoming SMCC 2014 tour - Spanish cuisine

The Spanish food tradition has varied ancestry, though most Spanish dishes have rather humble origins and are the result of ingredients put together by farmers or shepherd families - many times using leftovers, or at the very least products from their own farms and orchards.
Mountains run through Spain in several directions, acting as natural barriers to communication and making transportation difficult until the last half of the 20th century. This is one of the reasons why cooking differs so much from region to region. Many times the only common ingredients are olive oil and garlic, the two basic ingredients of Spanish food!
Many dishes are prepared today using the same cooking methods and ingredients as they were two or three hundred years ago. Other dishes sprung up from European and American influences and were adapted to the Spanish taste. One thing is for sure, food in Spain is fresh, abundant and full of taste and the Spanish love their food dearly.

Unquestionably pork is par excellence the most favorite Spanish meat:
the Spanish like to make use of all of the ingredients they can and often include a number of different meats in the same dish.
Of course there are many other meats served in Spanish tables including lamb, beef and chicken. But Spaniards are not exclusively carnivorous, there are many vegetarian stews and other dishes that are enjoyed from North to South, from East to West. Vegetables are grown throughout the country, and the varied climates and terrains in Spain mean that a variety of different vegetables are grown. As a result, the vegetable dishes in Spain tend to also vary from place to place.

But what makes Spanish food so popular? The answer is simple it is the quality and variety of the ingredients used. For instance, it was the Romans that imported rice to Spain, giving way to the creation of the Valencian paella and many other rice dishes. Since then, these dishes have come to form part of the typical dishes of Spain and are a definite must for any travelers who are planning on visiting Spain and doing a bit of gastronomic tourism.

There is also a great variety of seafood, including fish and crustaceans from the coast areas, which are used in the preparation of many delicious dishes. The fish industry in Spain is extremely important and forms part of the livelihood of many of the population. Furthermore, Spain is a country that is blessed with such a large and varied coastline, including the Bay of Biscay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This gives rise to a whole manner of different species of fish and seafood being available for Spanish chefs. Therefore the range of Spanish seafood dishes is endless!

When it comes to sweet things, Spain has a very rich dessert tradition. On one hand it was also influenced by the Moors, and on the other many of them are centuries old creations from nun convents.
If you have a sweet tooth we recommend you to sample some of the many deserts Spain has to offer for a example Churros, Spain’s answer to a donut, a crunchy, deep-fried sweet snack that resembles the horns of the churro sheep. It is mostly served with hot chocolate to dip it in.

¡Buen provecho!


Source: http://www.spanish-food.org

Upcoming SMCC 2014 tour - Portuguese cuisine

Food plays an important role in Portuguese culture. Traditional Portuguese dishes are often made from simple ingredients, based on regional products with an emphasis on fish.
The former colonies in Africa, India and the Far East have influenced Portuguese cuisine making it very different from the nearby Mediterranean countries. Many herbs and spices such as pepper, saffron, ginger and coriander were introduced into Europe by the Portuguese, as were coffee, pineapples, potatoes and rice amongst other ingredients.

Breakfast (Portuguese: pequeno-almoço) consists mainly of milk, coffee, bread rolls or toast, butter and jam. Lunch (Portuguese: almoço) is the main meal of the day and can be a leisurely affair, while dinner (Portuguese: jantar) is usually served late in the evening.

Portuguese recipes are characterized by their use of a wide variety of spices, for example, piri piri (a spicy chilli pepper), vanilla, cinnamon and saffron. Southern Portuguese cuisine has Arab and Moorish influences and an old tradition of almond and fig sweets.

Many of Portugal's dishes are fish-based due to the country's situation on the Atlantic. The most famous fish dish is salted cod, bacalhau, which it is said can be cooked in 365 different ways. Each region has its own bacalhau speciality, for example bacalhau à Gomes de Sã from Porto (salted cod, potatoes and onions topped with eggs and onions) or bacalhau à bras from Estremadura (salt cod, potato, onion and scrambled eggs).
Other popular fish include sardines, especially grilled (sardinhas assadas), sea bass, octopus, squid (often stuffed), anchovies and swordfish. Shellfish such as mussels, prawns, oysters, lobsters, crabs and clams are also very popular.

One of the most popular meats in Portugal is pork, which can be cooked in a variety of ways. Roast suckling pig (leitão assado) is a delicacy of Central Portugal. Another popular pork dish is the carne de porco à Alentajana, which consists of pork marinated in wine and is garnished with clams.
A common meat dish is the cozido à Portuguesa, a sort of hotpot of beef, sausages, potatoes, vegetables and rice. Grilled skewers of beef with garlic (espetada) are often served, as is aromatic grilled chicken (frango grelhado), seasoned with piri piri, garlic and olive oil. Feijoada, a meat stew with kidney or butter beans, is a dish popular throughout Portugal.

Soup is served at most meals. Seasonal vegetables, fish and meat are used to make a variety of soups. One of the most famous Portuguese soups from Minho is the caldo verde, which consists of a mashed potato base, green Galician cabbage, olive oil and black pudding (tora) or slices of sausage, such as chouriço and salpicão. Bread soups (açordas) where shellfish and vegetables are added to thick slices of bread are found in all regions.
In the south, gaspacho, a soup of tomatoes, cucumber, onions, garlic, chillies and vinegar, is popular. Caldeirada is a fish soup made of water, tomatoes, onions and garlic and other ingredients that traditionally will depend on the fisherman's catch.

Many of the desserts in Portugal are rich egg-based specialities, often seasoned with spices such as cinnamon and vanilla. A popular dessert is the arroz doce, a rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon. The Portuguese have a variety of cakes and other delicacies that can be found in a pasteleria or confeitaria.
Northern delicacies are rich, very sugary and often flavored with cinnamon, whereas in the south the sweetmeats reflect the local harvest of figs and almonds.
Throughout Portugal variations of the pão de Ló can found; this rich sponge cake can be flavored with lemon, port wine, cinnamon or orange juice.

Bom apetite!


Source: http://portugal.angloinfo.com

Upcoming SMCC 2014 tour - Welcome to Spain!

¡Damas y caballeros, bienvenidas y bienvenidos a España!

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a member state of the European Union since 1986 and is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.

Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar; to the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the northwest and west by the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, that border Morocco.

With an area of 505,955 km², Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France and is amongst the fifty largest countries in the world. Since January 1, 2010, Spain has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Because of its location, the territory of Spain was subject to many external influences, often simultaneously, since prehistoric times and through the dawn of Spain as a country. Conversely, the country itself has been an important source of influence to other regions, chiefly during the Modern Era, when it became a global empire that has left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today, making it the world's second most spoken language by native speakers. Spain is a democracy organized in the form of a parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy.

The Spanish population stands at over 47 million, with an average density of just 93.4 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The life expectancy in Spain is one of the highest in the world (approximately 82,1 years). Life expectancy for Spanish women, at 85 years, is also one of the highest in the European Union. Around 15% of the Spanish population is under 16 years old, while approximately 15% are over 65. Nevertheless, Spain's population is still quite young in comparison to that of other European countries.

Since Spain has still a monarchy the members of the Spanish royal family enjoy the affection and respect of the Spanish people. The royal family is made up of H.M. the King Juan Carlos, H.M. the Queen Sofía, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Felipe and Letizia, and their daughters, Leonor and Sofía.

Spain, is one of the warmest countries in Europe and has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. Here you can enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. It is no surprise, then, that this is also one of the warmest parts of Europe.
When talking of weather, special mention should be made of the Canary Islands. Their special location, facing the coast of Africa, gives them a benign climate with mild temperatures with only small temperature differences between day and night, whatever the season.

The currency in Spain is the Euro, as in other European Union countries. The Euro is divided into 100 cents.
• There are eight different coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 Euro.
• And seven different bank notes, for the following amounts: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro.

Flag photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Upcoming SMCC 2014 tour - Fun and interesting facts about Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon is full of beauty and charm. However, don't scrape the surface thinking it's just like any other place in the world. Lisbon has a list of interesting secrets as you see below:

1. In Lisbon, the streets are pretty much all black and white. People say the reason for this centers around the patron Saint of Lisbon; Saint Vincent. It's said that the black represents the attire worn by Saint Vincent whereas the white represents the white outfit of the Christian Crusaders who vanquished the Moors.
2. The main river basin of the Tagus Estuary in Lisbon stretches up to 14 km (8.7 m) across and is said to be large enough to contain all the warships in the world.
3. Beneath the streets of Lisbon's downtown shopping area lies a hidden Roman Underworld with chambers, rooms, bridges and corridors. The entrance to this fascinating world is marked by a block of metal at the top of Rua da Conceicao which is only open to the public two days a year due to the dangerous conditions lurking below.
4. Lisbon was practically destroyed on 1st November 1755 as a massive earthquake tipping the scales at 8.9 took the lives of 40,000 people and could be felt as far away as Scotland and Norway.
5. Visit on of Lisbon's favorite attractions; the Torre de Belem. The tower's first purpose was to safeguard the harbor but from the late 16th century up till the 19th, the tower served as a prison. Today however, it serves as a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and it provides a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
6. Lisbon is also known as "the town of seven hills" which are compromised of the seven hills: Castelo, Graca, Monte, Penha de Franca, S.Pedro de Alcantara, Santa Catarina and Estrela.
7. Instead of hiking, why not take a one of a kind the Ascensor de Santa Justa (street elevator). This is another beloved landmark which takes passengers 45 meters (147f) from the Baxia elevator to the Chiado district.
8. A very large statue of Cristo Rei (Christ the King) stands on the left bank of the river. This statue was erected to commemorate Portugal's survival of World War II without its direct involvement.
9. Ironically, The Alfama, which is the oldest section of Lisbon, was spared by the 1755 earthquake and is one of the places to visit if you want to see that Lisbon is full of history.
10. The Santa Engrácia church is in the Guinness Book of Records. Why? It has had the longest construction time of all churches in the world - it started in the 17th century and in 1966 was the last dome completed.
11. Lisbon’s Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. The world record for the largest dining table was set when some 15,000 people were served lunch on the bridge as part of the inauguration celebrations.
12. The Lisbon Half Marathon, held every year in March, is one of the most attended events of its kind in the world.
13. Lisbon is home to the Stadium of Light, one of Europe's biggest and famous soccer venues in which the main sporting team Benfica play their home game at.
14. Speaking about Benfica - the football club is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest number of fans (an estimated total of 14 million worldwide and over 170,000 registered paying supporters).
15. The first passenger streetcars were built and introduced in the U.S. in the 19th Century (New York and New Orleans). The rails are called “carris” in Portuguese and this is the name given to Lisbon’s public transport company that operates the trams today. Due to their origins, Lisbon’s trams were originally called “americanos” and the first operational route was inaugurated on 17th November, 1873.

Upcoming SMCC 2014 tour - Introducing Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon, (Portuguese: Lisboa) the capital and largest city of Portugal, is the twelfth most populated urban area in the European Union.

It is the westernmost capital city in Europe, lying on the western Iberian Peninsula along the Atlantic Ocean and Tagus River, less than 200 miles northwest of Cape Spartel, Africa.
Like Istanbul, Amman, Rome, San Francisco and Bergen, Lisbon is built on seven hills

Lisbon is recognized as an alpha city due to its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.
It is also the world’s 25th most livable city, according to the lifestyle magazine Monocle, and the sixth most visited city in Southern Europe with more than two million tourists annually.
As with the rest of Portugal, Portuguese is the main language in Lisbon. However, most younger people know enough English for basic communication and it is possible to get by speaking only English. Spanish is widely understood, though few are fluent in it, and many locals will respond more readily to English than to Spanish. Nevertheless, any attempt to speak Portuguese is always appreciated, and even simple things like basic greetings will often draw smiles and encouragement from locals.

Lisbon reigns as one of the world’s oldest cities. Unlike most capital cities, Lisbon’s status as the capital of Portugal has never been confirmed or granted officially - neither by statute nor written form.
Its position as the capital has formed through constitutional convention, making its position as de facto capital a part of the Constitution of Portugal.

The city boasts two registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belem Tower constructed during the maritime exploration, and the Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery. It was honored in 1994 as the European Capital of Culture.

The Portuguese capital enjoys subtropical-Mediterranean climate. Among all of Europe’s metropolises, Lisbon experiences the warmest winters with average temperatures of 59 degrees from December through February. Snow and frost are very rare.
The typical summer season lasts approximately six months, from May through October, however November, March and April often also experience temperatures upwards of 68 degrees. Rain occurs mainly in winter, the summer is very dry.
Lisbon is very close to the Atlantic ocean and that brings windy and fast-changing weather, so you'd better bring an extra pair of underwear or an umbrella with you, at least in winter, spring and autumn.

While in Lisbon, why not explore the city by riding the famous street cars or enjoy watching people strolling by at one of the beautiful plazas?

Home away from home: Volley Hotel, Istanbul

While staying in Istanbul the travelers from the San Marino Chamber Choir will be experiencing traditional Turkish hospitality at the superior four star Volley Hotel in a district called Üsküdar Altunizade, also known as the pearl of the Asian side of Istanbul.
The Volley Hotel Istanbul is considered a special class hotel as it provides many amenities of a five star property. 

Mr. Howard Cheung had the opportunity to personally select this hotel for the 2012 SMCC Incantato Tour. Hotel Volley is in a residential area, but only a short drive away from great shopping, the shoreline and many typical restaurants. Unlike most of Istanbul's tourist hotels, the Volley is a hotel for mainly Turkish guests and thus the group from San Marino, California will be in an authentic ambiance while traveling abroad. One of the highlights during the stay will be the extensive breakfast buffet with lots of local specialties, but also American staples like cereal and eggs.

Volley Hotel has its own restaurant and café, 60 fully equipped modern and spacious guest rooms, which received very high reviews, and also has a spa facility with a traditional Turkish bath, as well as outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. 

For a 360 degree tour of this fine hotel, click here.

Incantato Tours proudly presents the San Marino Chamber Choir at Teatro di Rieti on Friday, April 8 at 9 PM

The San Marino Chamber Choir will perform at Teatro di Rieti on Friday, April 8 at 9:00 PM. The current structure of the theatre dates back to December of 1883 but was not officially inaugurated until September 20, 1893, featuring productions of Goethe’s Faust and Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. The theater, named for the Roman Emperor Vespasian, required ten years of construction under the direction of Milanese architect Achille Sfondrini. The theater underwent complete restoration from 2005 through 2009. A grand re-opening celebration commenced on January 10, 2009 featuring conductor Marcello Rota, and soloists Karina Grigoryan, Jessica Pratt, Anna Gorayacheva, and Roman Burdenko. The Secretary to the Prime Minister as well as Senator Franco Marini were in attendance. The restoration efforts totaled more than 3.3 million Euro. The reopening of the theater also fostered the formation of the Flavius Vespasian Foundation, aiming to promote international artistry and music. The Rieti Theatre also annually hosts the Rieti Dance Festival, the International Competition for the New Opera Voices of Mattia Battistini, and the National Competition for Young Actors. The theatre is well known for its excellent acoustics, a characteristic that earned the structure the very first National Award for the Acoustics. In referring to the acoustics, Professor Bruno Cagli, president of the National Academy of Saint Cecilia, once called the theatre “the world’s best in that respect”. For more information, please click here.

San Marino Chamber Choir presents exclusive highlight concert at Sala dei Baroni inside Castel Nuovo in Naples on Wednesday, April 6 at 8 PM

What an amazing performance venue for the San Marino Chamber Choir 2011 Performance Tour as part of their 2011 Italy Incantato Performance Tour. On Wednesday, April 6, at 8 pm, the singers from San Marino California under the direction of Howard Cheung present a highlight concert at Sala dei Baroni inside Castel Nuovo (commonly known as Maschio Angioino), a very old and beautiful castle in the city of Naples. This imposing castle, surrounded by deep moats, was built in 1282 by Pierre de Chaulnes and Pierre d'Angincourt, the architects of Charles I of Anjou. It was modeled on the castle at Angers. A remarkable triumphal arc embellishes the entrances on the town side. This masterpiece bearing sculptures to the glory of the House of Aragon, was built to designs by Francesco Laurana in 1467. Access to the Sala dei Baroni is via the staircase in the inner courtyard (at the far end on the left).
This special concert is supported by the City of Naples and several local partners.

Official invitation to the San Marino Chamber Choir from the City of Naples to perform at Castel Nuovo

Great honor for the San Marino Chamber Choir: The City of Naples has sent an official invitation to the singers for their performance at Sala dei Baroni inside Castel Nuovo (commonly known as Maschio Angioino), an old and beautiful castle in the city of Naples. The concert takes place on Wednesday, April 6 at 8 PM.

San Marino Chamber Choir and JSerra Chamber Choir performance venue for Saturday, April 9 at 7:45 PM: SS Nomi Gesu e Maria al Corso

Incantato Tours proudly presents the San Marino Chamber Choir and JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir in concert at SS Nomi Gesu e Maria al Corso in Rome at in Maiori at 7:45PM on Saturday, April 9, 2011.


SS Nomi Gesu e Maria al Corso, or the Church of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, is a 16th century church in the central Via del Corso , in the Campo Marzio. It is known for its sumptuous baroque interior, vaulted ceiling, paintings by Giacinto Brandi, and an austere facade meant to invoke the plight of the beggar. The church is home to the cardinals title "Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Via Lata," established by Pope Paul VI, June 7, 1967.

The church features one nave, whose ceiling is decorated with a painting of the Glorification of the Virgin with the Four Evangelists by Giacinto Brandi, and three chapels on each side.

On the left are chapels dedicated to St. Thomas of Villanova, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of Divine Help, as well as memorials to members of the Bolognetti family. On the right are chapels dedicated to the Crucifixion, St. Nicholalas of Tolentino, and Saint Anne. (The memorial to Mario Bolognetti on this side is said to be one of the most characteristic examples of baroque funeral sculpture.)

Why less is more when it comes to luggage - detailed information on checked bags and carry

Dear Participants of the 2011San Marino Italy Performance Tour,
please remember that when traveling in such a large group and on a coach full of fellow travelers, luggage space is limited. As explained during the presentations, we recommend that you bring only what is really necessary, namely 1 checked bag per person.
Here are the checked bag dimensions for Swiss and British Airways, the weight limit for that one checked suitcase is 44 pounds: the permitted size, which is the total of the height, width and length, may not exceed 62.2 inches (158 cm)
In addition, due to limited space on the bus, Incantato Tours allows one small carry-on, ideally a backpack, plus a personal item (small purse, camera bag, laptop bag). Carry-on weight limit from the airlines is 17  pounds (8 kilos) which we advise not to max out again as space on the bus is very limited. Your carry-on items may not be accommodated in the luggage compartment of the coaches, but have to be fit into the overhead compartments on the bus, the seat in front of the travelers or people's laps. We thank you for your understanding and compliance with the above instructions for tour luggage.  With such a large group traveling together, we advise again to keep both checked and carry-on luggage to an absolute minimum as that will make everyone's journey easier.

Catholic TV - Papal Programming

On the website www.catholictv.com, you can have a look behind the curtain of the Vatican. CatholicTV is a Catholic television network based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It is distributed on cable systems in eight U.S. states and via the internet. CatholicTV broadcasts programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational programming, entertainment, and children's programs. It also presents coverage of special events at the Vatican and of papal journeys. The current president of CatholicTV is Father Robert Reed.

New additions to your Incantato Tour Blog!

Dear San Marino Chamber Choir and Friends,
We have added some new, important, and exciting information to your Incantato Performance Tour Blog. Please click on the links below to learn more about your upcoming journey, and be sure to check back regularly for further updates.

Travel information:

• Updated tour itinerary
• Flight schedules
• Map of tour route
• Travel insurance
  
• Travel Tip: What to pack
• Travel Tip: Money matters
• Travel Tip: High voltage
• Travel Tip: Use of cell phones
• Travel Tip: Frequently asked questions
  

Confirmed performance venues:

• Chiesa di San Francesco, Maiori
  
• Monte Cassino Abbey
• Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
• Teatro di Rieti, Rieti
• Sala dei Baroni inside Castel Nuovo, Naples
• Naples Conservatory
  

Hotel accommodations:

• Hotel Cetus, Cetara
• Sole Splendid, Maiori
• Ramada Naples
• La Pergola, Magliano Sabina
• Hotel Capannelle, Rome

Enjoy the San Marino Chamber Choir tour blog? Then become a follower and never miss an update

Dear Members, Family and Friends of the San Marino Chamber Choir, we sure hope you enjoy the blog and recommend that you become a follower by clicking on the respective option in the right side bar of this webpage. As a follower, you will never miss an update and once the group heads over to Europe there should be lots of news coming your way. You can also leave comments which are like virtual greetings. Our tour team will pass those messages to the travelers on tour whenever possible. Everyone at Incantato Tours wishes you well as you prepare for this exciting journey under the leadership of Mr. Howard Cheung.

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.

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