Providence College tour gets international coverage

Dear members and friends of Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds

Your performances are getting announced through internet as well as by other mass media. Click on the links to see the full story.

Napoli announces Providence College concert 

Concerto "Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds" a Napoli Maggio 18 alle 19:30

Incantato Tour & Concert in collaborazione con Associazione "Via Nova" presenta Providence College Choir and Synphonic Wind - Coro e Orchestradi Fiati da Rhode Island USA con la Partecipazione di:"Coro delle Mamme di Sisina" (Progetto Oasi Onlus) Un progetto di Gianni Lamagna

Mercoledi 18 Maggio 2011, ore 19,30
Chiesa di S.Agostino degli Scalzi via S.Agostino degli Scalzi,6

"La passione e la fede: sacra e musica profana per toccare il cuore e nutrire l'anima", presentato dal Providence College Choir and Symphonic Winds, of Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Il Coro è sotto la direzione del Dr. T.J. Harper e Accompagnato dal M° Sherry Humes Dane. La Symphonic Winds Orchestra è guidata dal Dr Bill Jennifer.



L’ensemble corale del Providence College Choir include il Providence College Chapel Choir e tutti e tre gli ensembles del Dipartimento di Musica Corale tra cui I Cantori, il coro più prestigioso del college. Il Providence College Choir si è esibito per il pubblico di tutto il New England e nel mondo. Performances recenti includono Russia, Austria, Ungheria, Repubblica Ceca e Francia. Il coro ha condiviso le sue doti musicali in molte occasioni, con numerosi artisti celebri, rendendoli ambasciatori culturali per Providence College, la città di Providence, nello Stato di Rhode Island e gli Stati Uniti. Ogni primavera, il coro conclude la sua stagione con la sua annuale Spring Choral Masterworks Concert. La Providence College Choir rappresenta con orgoglio una istituzione artistica cattolico liberale che diretto sotto l'egida dei frati domenicani accolgie circa cinque mila iscritti. Dalla sua istituzione nel 1917, il Collegio ha assunto una posizione di rilievo nazionale tra le istituzioni educative.
La Providence College Symphonic Wind esegue concerti musica importante per fiati e percussioni comprese le opere dei grandi compositori inglesi e americani del periodo moderno, nonché trascrizioni orchestrali di brani del passato. Sotto la direzione del Dr. Jennifer Bill, il Providence College Symphonic Wind ha avuto una enorme crescita artistica e continua a fornire il College, la città di Providence, Rhode Island e tutto il New England con spettacoli musicali di altissima qualità.

Incantato Tours presents the Providence College Choir at Montecassino Abbey on Wednesday, May 18 at 10:00 AM

The Providence College Choir, their family and friends of Providence, Rhode Island will tour the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, where the choir will also perform a brief recital.

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.

Sightseeing-Highlight: Pompeii

Pompeii is a ruined and partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the commune of Pompeii. Along with Herculaneum, its sister city, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in 79 AD. The volcano collapsed higher roof-lines and buried Pompeii under 20 m (66 ft) of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1,600 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1592. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year.

Providence College 2011 Italy Tour Performance Overview

PC students, family and friends arrived safely in Italy

Just a quick note that the PC travelers have arrived safely in Italy.

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