Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds performance venue for Monday, May 23 at 11:00 A.M.: Saint Fra.ncis Basilica, Assisi

Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds, of Providence, Rhode Island, will participate in High Mass in the Chapel of Saint Catherine within Saint Francis Basilica on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM. The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, better known as the St. Francis Basilica, is the mother church of the Roman Order of Friars Minor, or the Franciscan Order. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, a Catholic deacon, preacher, and founder of the Franciscan Order. The Catholic Church also recognizes St. Francis as the patron saint of animals, the environment, and one of the two patron saints of Italy along with St. Catherine of Siena. Serving as the final resting place of St. Francis, the Basilica remains one of Italy’s most important destinations of Christian pilgrimage. Founded in 1228, St. Francis Basilica is built into a hillside and comprises two separate churches known as the upper and lower basilicas and the crypt of the interred saint. The interior of the upper church exemplifies early Gothic architecture, and both churches flaunt intricate frescoes by late medieval painters from the Roman and Tuscan schools. Along with the accompanying friary, the basilica is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and valuable landmark in the Assisi community.

Providence College group flight schedule

Those of you who chose the air-land package will be flying the friendly skies on the long-hauls with one of the world's premier airlines, British Airways, on the 2011 Providence College Performance Tour to Italy.

Departure to Europe:

Monday, May 16, 2011

BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA214, leave BOSTON BOS at 10:00PM

Arrive at LONDON-HEATHROW LHR at 9:15AM on Tuesday, May 17, 2011

BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA560, leave LONDON-HEATHROW LHR at 12:45PM

Arrive in ROME FCO at 4:15PM

Return to USA:

Thursday, May 26, 2011

BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA549, leave ROME FCO at 1:35PM

Arrive at LONDON-HEATHROW LHR at 3:15PM

BRITISH AIRWAYS flight BA215, leave LONDON-HEATHROW LHR at 5:10PM

Arrive in BOSTON BOS at 7:15PM

Providence College 2011 Performance Tour itinerary

Dear travelers of the Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds, This is the updated itinerary. Details are subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

DAY 1 Monday, May 16, 2011

Overnight flight to Rome
The travelers leave Boston on British Airways flight BA214 at 10:00 PM.

DAY 2 Tuesday, May 17

Benvenuti to Italy

After a stopover in London, the travelers arrive in Rome at 4:15 PM. Your Incantato tour manager welcomes you at the airport. Board the coach and head towards Castrocielo for a welcome dinner at your Hotel Liolà and first overnight.

DAY 3 Wednesday, May 18

Via Montecassino to Naples

Visit the beautiful Abbey of Montecassino and perform a recital. Continue on to explore the ancient sites of Pompeii and Ercolano before heading to Naples. Overnight stay at the Ramada Naples.

DAY 4 Thursday, May 19

Naples in-depth

See Naples with a local guide, then continue to Maiori and explore the area on your free afternoon. Overnight stay at the Hotel Sole Splendid or Reginna Palace.

DAY 5 Friday, May 20

Amalfi & Maiori Concerts

Visit Amalfi then return to Maiori for a special dinner and a concert at Chiesa di San Francesco. Maiori and its citizens have been frequently featured in feature films by Rosselini and they have a deep appreciation for choral music.

DAY 6 Saturday, May 21

To Rome

The capital of Italy is just a few hours drive away. Start your time in the Eternal city with a guided tour of the Coliseum and Roman Forum and end the day with free time for shopping and relaxing. Overnight stay at Casa Domitilla.

DAY 7 Sunday, May 22

Vatican Visit & High Mass at St. Peter's Basilica

Explore the Vatican Museums and St. Peter‘s Basilica, then prepare to be the featured guest performers for a special High Mass at the magnificent cathedral and for a recital at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

DAY 8 Monday, May 23

Umbria, Tuscany excursion & Mass

Head to nearby Umbria to visit Assisi, then continue to Siena. You will sing in the Basilica of St. Francis, followed by a rustic farmhouse dinner. Overnight stay at Hotel Montaperti.

DAY 9 Tuesday, May 24

Florence Visit & Mass in Rome

Explore the capital city of Tuscany with a local guide and see its many highlights, including the Accademia Museum, followed by free time in Florence. In the late afternoon return to Rome to prepare for your high mass performance at Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Overnight stay at Villa Vecchia.

DAY 10 Wednesday, May 25

Papal Audience & Concert

Participate in the Papal Audience, then enjoy some free time before you prepare for your finale performance at Basilica Sant' Agnese in Agone, followed by a fantastic farewell feast with Roman specialties and music to conclude the day.

DAY 11 Thursday, May 26

Flight to USA

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. British Airways flight BA549 leaves Rome at 1:35 PM. After a stopover in London the travelers arrive in Boston at 7:15 PM. Return home with memories for a lifetime.

New additions to your Incantato Tour Blog!

Dear Providence travelers,
We have added some new, important, and exciting information to your Incantato Performance Tour Blog. Please click the links below to learn more about your upcoming journey. Be sure to check back regularly for further updates and browse the rest of the blog for fun destination information.

Travel information:

• Tour itinerary - updated
  
• Flight schedules
• Insurance information
• Map of tour route
• Travel Tips: What to pack?
• Travel Tips: Money matters
• Travel Tips: High voltage
• Travel Tips: Use of cell phones
• Travel Tips: Frequently asked questions
  

Performance Venues:

• Basilica Sant’Agnese in Agone, Rome
• Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
• Chiesa di San Francesco, Maiori
• St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
• Villa Mondragone, Monte Porzio Catone
• Montecassino Abbey
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
• Saint Francis Basilica, Assisi
  

Accommodations:

• Hotel Liola, Castrocielo
  
• Hotel Ramada, Naples
• Hotel Sole Splendid or Reginna Palace, Maiori
• Hotel Casa Domitilla, Rome
• Hotel Montaperti, Siena
• Hotel Villa Vecchia, Frascati

Tuscan wine - dolce vita with Incantato Tours

Tuscany's winemaking industry counts on one of the most noble and ancient traditions that predates the universally known Chianti wine that often springs to mind when this region is discussed.

Long before the first Etruscans made their appearance, wild vines grew in abundance all over the sunny rolling hills of Tuscany. The Etruscans are believed to have domesticated and bred the forbearers of such grapes as the Sangiovese and the Lambrusco from those early feral grapes. No matter where or how the first vines originated, grapes and the much sought after wines they were made into have been celebrated in local literature throughout all historic times of the region, and even farther back to the paintings and pottery decorations of those original ancient Etruscans.
The hilly soil and the weather conditions of Tuscany are ideal for grape growing and, with the passing centuries, the numerous types of grapes grown gave rise to some rare and much loved varieties. Nowadays, the most grown variety is the noble Sangiovese, which is often combined with small amounts of locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and other grapes into wonderful blends such as the Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano, Carmignano and, of course, the signature Tuscan wines, the Chianti and Chianti Classico, which probably are the best known Italian wines in the world. Other grapes grown here are the Mammolo, Malvasia, Colorino, Raspirosso, Gamay, Grand Noir, Barbera, Moscatello, Aleatico and Vernaccia, among others.
Tuscany accounts for over thirty DOC and half a dozen of DOCG wines. In addition to the great, well-known and appreciated reds, the local production includes a few distinguishable whites, the most notable among them being, without doubt, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Other delicious whites include the Bianco d'Elba, from the Elba Island, Bianco di Bolgheri, Vermentino, Bianco di Pitigliano and Bianco di Val di Nievole. (Bianco in Italian means, "white").
Last but not least, we can't forget the famous Vin Santo, or “Holy Wine”, a dessert delicacy usually made from Trebbiano grapes that have been left to dry in an airy place until the start of Holy Week before being made into wine.



http://www.winecountry.it/regions/tuscany/

Travel Insurance - Please make sure you 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 restorationBusiness 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

Home away from home: Villa Vecchia, Frascati on May 24 and 25

The Providence College travelers will spend the nights of May 24 and 25 at the Villa Vecchia Hotel in Frascati. The hotel is surrounded by a park which features a swimming pool and a terrace with views of the city and the Roman Castles. All 92 rooms in this four star hotel offer air conditioning, satellite television, direct line telephone, wireless internet connection, electronic safe for valuables, and hair dryers.

Home away from home: Montaperti Hotel, Siena on May 23

During their time in Tuscany, the Providence College travelers will stay at Siena’s Montaperti Hotel (May 23). The Montaperti Hotel rests on a hill overlooking the city of Siena. With the city of Palio to the west and Crete to the east, the view from the Montaperti Hotel is considered one of Italy's most beautiful panoramas. Guests are invited to relax in the hotel's panoramic fitness room, steam bath, or sauna, or enjoy a dip in the private swimming pool. All standard guest rooms come equipped with wireless internet connection, hairdryer, air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, and electric safe. In recent reviews, guests praise the hotel's modern and calm atmosphere, the spacious and comfortable guest rooms, and stunning views.

Home away from home: Hotel Casa Domitilla, Rome on May 21 and 22

During their 2011 Incantato performance tour to Italy the Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds spend their nights in Rome, May 21 and 22, at the Hotel Casa Domitilla. It was founded by the Congregation of the Brothers of Mercy of Mary Help of Trier and is located near the Appian Way. Guest rooms are equipped with satellite television, wireless internet access, hair dryers, and air conditioning. The Hotel Casa Domitilla also offers 24-hour access to their private chapel, as well as a tranquil flower garden. The hotel’s restaurant offers both international and traditional Italian cuisine. In recent reviews, guests praised the hotel's impeccably clean guest rooms, quiet and welcoming atmosphere as well as friendly and reliable staff.

Homes away from Home: Reginna Palace Hotel and Hotel Sole Splendid in Maiori on May 19 and 20

When the travelers of the Providence College visit Maiori (May 19 and 20), one part of the group stays at Reginna Palace Hotel and the other part stays at Hotel Sole Splendid.

The four star Reginna Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Maiori, close to the beach, with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. The hotel offers 67 rooms, 2 lifts,  a restaurant and 2 bars. A large typical Mediterranean garden with tropical vegetation and a sea water pool awaits the guests outside. Amenities featured in guestrooms include air conditioning, minibars, televisions and refrigerators. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, bidets and hair dryers. Renovation of all guestrooms was completed in April 2008.

The four star Hotel Sole Splendid is surrounded by citrus groves and set in Maiori, close to the sea . It features a restaurant and also offers a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café. Hotel Sole Splendid offers 49 guestrooms in a 5-story property, equipped with minibars, air conditioning, televisions and hair dryers. All guestrooms also offer balconies.

Home away from home: Ramada Naples on May 18

On May 18, the Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds will stay at the Hotel Ramada in Naples. Located within the beautifully renovated former Palazzo dell-Auto building, the Ramada Naples is 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: Hotel Liolà, Castrocielo on May 17

The first home away from home for the Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds during their 2011 Incantato Tour will be the four star Hotel Liolà in Castrocielo on May 17. Chosen for its ideal location, right by Montecassino Abbey and only about 90 minutes away from FCO airport, the hotel offers 40 large and comfortable rooms; it boasts a widely known restaurant à la carte where the group will also have their welcome dinner. A special feature is that this hotel offers free high-speed internet connection, some bathrooms even have jacuzzi tubs. The front desk staff is at the group's disposal 24/7.