At least three movies, dinner and lots of snacks - Safe travels SMCC!!!

We wish all the travelers of the San Marino Chamber Choir 2011 Italy Performance Tour a save journey as they embark on two different airlines from Los Angeles to Rome.  British Airways and Swiss are the transportation partners for the group flights. As the students, chaperones, their families and friends cross the ocean overnight from the US to Europe, plenty of movies will be played and the board restaurants will be serving dinner, snacks and breakfast. We wish all of you a very safe and relaxing journey and arriverderci a Roma - we see you soon in Rome. Your Incantato Tours Team - Antonio, Massimo, Stefania, Virgil, Sandra and Judy to name just a few of us ; )

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.

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