Happy Easter from Incantato Tours!

Incantato Concert Tours wishes everyone Happy Easter or "Frohe Ostern" how we would say it in Germany.

Here are some interesting worldwide Easter facts you may not know:

1. It is said that Australians are the largest consumers of Easter eggs in the world, but as the Easter bunny is known to have a bad history of destroying the vegetable crops, the eggs are strangely provided by the Easter Bilby (an endangered species in Australia).

2. Germans decorate their trees with colored Easter eggs, some even with 9,000 eggs on one tree as seen in Saalfeld, Germany. The egg is used a symbol for the ideas of rebirth and resurrection associated with Easter.

3. Greeks dye their Easter eggs all in one color: red (as a symbol for Jesus’ blood).

4. Parts of Switzerland, Austria and Germany have an old Easter tradition of decorating wells in order to celebrate the gift of water: life. They decorate the wells with beautifully painted eggs and spring flowers.

Incantato wishes MDHS Choirs safe travels!

Willkommen in Deutschland und Frohe Ostern!

Today the Mater Dei HS Choirs from Santa Ana, California, under the direction of Mr. Scott Melvin and Mr. Justin Miller is going to embark on their Enchanting Easter Performance Tour 2014 to visit countries such as Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Italy with Incantato Concert Tours.

The choir leaves today in two groups for their overnight flights to Munich, Germany. Their tour managers Stefania, Kelsey and Hildrun will welcome them at the airport tomorrow on Friday, April 18, 2014. Since it is a national holiday in Germany - Good Friday- they will enjoy a traditional Good Friday dinner after their arrival.

More pictures and updates about the choir and its Enchanting Easter Performance Tour 2014 can be found on their blog, but also on our Facebook page.

San Marino Chamber Choir Spain and Portugal Tour 2014 - Concert Overview

The San Marino High School Chamber Choir directed by Mrs. Tammi Alderman will be traveling to Spain and Portugal from Friday, March 28, 2014 to Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Incantato Concert Tours is honored to continue the tradition to bring this fine choir from San Marino, California, on its European performance tours year after year. Please also have a look at our Facebook page where we will be uploading photos of our travelers from SMCC.

Are you interested to see where the choir is going to perform on their tour? Then have a look at their concert overview below:

1. Sunday, March 30, 2014 - Featured Guest Choir for Mass
Where? Cathedral de la Almudena, Madrid (Spain)
When? 7:00 pm
http://www.catedraldelaalmudena.es/

2. Monday, March 31, 2014 - Recital 
Where? Cathedral de Leon, Leon (Spain)
When? 12:30 pm
http://www.catedraldeleon.org/

3. Monday, March 31, 2014 - Rehearsal
Where? Teatro Filarmonica, Oveido (Spain)
When? 6:30 pm
http://www.oviedocultural.es/index.php?activ=5

4. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 - Concert
Where? Joven Coro Fundación Príncipe de Asturias, Oviedo (Spain)
When? 8:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coros-de-la-Fundaci%C3%B3n-Pr%C3%ADncipe-de-Asturias/272291924258

5. Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - Featured Guest Choir for Mass
Where? Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, (Spain)
When? 7:30 pm
http://www.catedraldesantiago.es/

6. Thursday, April 3, 2014 - Concert
Where? Igreja do Sao Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), Porto (Portugal)
When? 7:00 pm

7. Saturday, April 5, 2014 - Concert
Where? Escola de Música do Conservatório Nacional
When? 3:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/escolademusicadoconservatorionacional

Incantato wishes Mayfield Senior School safe travels!

Benvenuti in Italia! The Mayfield Senior School under the direction of Ms. Denise Darnell is going to leave Los Angeles at 8:25 pm today for their overnight flight to Europe. Incantato Tours Italia tour manager Stefania is going to welcome the travelers in the eternal city of Rome. They will spend their first night away from home in Rieti, an Incantato favorite, at Hotel Cavour.

More pictures and updates about the choir and its 2014 Italy Arts Immersion Tour can be found on their blog, but also on our Facebook page.

Incantato proudly presents: the Orange County Youth Chorale 2014 Performance tour to Spain

The Orange County Youth Chorale, under the direction of Mr. Keith Hancock, will be presenting their 2014 Performance Tour. as well as enjoying choral exchanges, in many venues around Spain. Here you have a short summary:

Alegría Musical - Musical Joy:
A joyous collection of sacred and secular selections spanning 500 years of choral music from Spain and all over the world

Sunday, April 6, MADRID

Main Mass at the Royal Monastery of San Jerónimo el Real Church, at 1pm.

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Jerónimo el Real  belongs to the magnificent Royal Monastery of St Jerome, and was founded in Madrid in 1503 during the time of Queen Isabella I, and popularly known as "Los Jerónimos." 

San Jerónimo el Real, Madrid

Monday, April 7, LEÓN

Exchange and Concert with the Conservatorio Profesional de Música.

The students of the Elementary and Professional Conservatories of León will be meeting and attending our singers at 6pm. Surely they will be delighted.
Concert will be held at the Conservatory Auditorium, at 7 pm, open to all audiences.


Tuesday, April 8, OVIEDO

Exchange with Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio and Coro Universitario.

Both the Chamber Choir of the Conservatorio Profesional de Música and the University Choir, will be receiving us for the exchange at Oviedo Conservatory, followed by some relaxing time to get to know each other and share experiences.

University Paranymph, Oviedo

Wednesday, April 9, OVIEDO

Joint Concert with Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música and Coro Universitario, at University Paranymph, 7:30 pm.

As a great finale for their Exchange, the Joint Concert will be held at the beautiful University Paranymph, in the Historical Building of the University. The University of Oviedo, among the oldest in the country, started operating in 1608. The Paraninfo hosts a very important number of cultural activities, playing a central role in the life of the city during the whole year. 

Thursday, April 10, BURGOS

Recital at the Cathedral of Burgos, 1,30 pm.

Orange County Youth Chorale singers have been granted permission to present a special recital at the gothic masterpiece Cathedral of Burgos. Heart of the ancient Kingdom of Castilla, burial place of the famous Cid Campeador, and central knot for the Pilgimage to Saint James in Compostela, the cathedral is breathtaking.

Royal Palace, Olite

Thursday, April 10, OLITE

Exchange and Concert in the Royal Palace of Olite, 8 pm.

Upon arrival in Olite, the choir will be received in the Castle of Olite by the Choir of the city of Olite. After some exchange time,our singers will present a concert to the public.
Concert will take place at the very Palacio Real de Olite, at 8pm.


Friday, April 11, MONTSERRAT SANCTUARY

Ofrenda Coral a la Virgen de Montserrat, Montserrat Basilique, 3,30 pm.

The Orange County Youth Choral has been granted extraordinary permission to present the Choral Offering to the Black Virgin of Montserrat, at the main altar. Very beloved by all catalanes, the Sanctuary of Monsterrat is located on a stunning and peculiar mountain range.

Friday, April 11, BARCELONA

Concert at Centre Cultural Golferichs, 7 pm. 

As a finale highlight concert, the choir will be presenting their Choral Concert at the very renown Cant i Clàssica musical program of the Golferichs Main Concert Hall. A beautiful modernist venue for a great finale concert.

We are sure the singers, families and friends of Orange County Youth Choral will keep longlife memories of their performance tour!

Incantato's home away from home summary for the Orange County Youth Chorale

The Orange County Youth Chorale and their family and friends under the direction of Mr. Keith Hancock are going to embark to a 10-day performance tour to Spain. Starting on Friday, April 4, 2014 they will discover wonderful cities such as Madrid, Leon, Oviedo, Olite and Barcelona and perform in stunning venues such as San Jerónimo el Real in Madrid, a Roman Catholic church from the early 16th-century. They will return to California on Sunday, April 13, 2014 with memories that last a lifetime.

Have a look at their itinerary highlights below:

Day 1, Friday, April 4, 2014
Lufthansa flight LH453 leaves Los Angeles (LAX) for Munich (MUC), Germany, at 5:20 pm, arrival is at 1:40 pm the next day (Saturday, April 5, 2014).

Day 2, Saturday, April 5, 2014

The group connects from Munich (MUC), Germany at 2:55 pm with Lufthansa flight LH1804 to Madrid (MAD), Spain, with an arrival time of 5:35 pm local time.
¡Bienvenido a España! The group embarks on an orientation tour and enjoys Spain's capital city Madrid prior to check-in at their 4-star hotel Husa Paseo del Arte (see picture on the right) and a special welcome dinner.

Day 3, Sunday, April 6, 2014
They enjoy a half day sightseeing tour with their Tour Manager, coach and local guide around the city, including the Royal Palace prior to singing for Mass in the city‘s stunning cathedral named San Jerónimo el Real (see picture on the left).

Day 4, Monday, April 7, 2014
After leaving the capital city of Spain, the journey continues to Leon. This amazing town was founded by the Romans and is because of the Gothic cathedral and romantic monuments a must-see. A special highlight will be the exchange with the Conservatorio Profesional de Música. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Conde Luna.

Day 5, Tuesday, April 8, 2014
After spending the morning in Leon, OCYC continues further North to Asturias and the beautiful Costa Verde. Upon arrival, they meet fellow singers at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música in Oviedo and rehearse for a highlight performance the next day.  The Coro Universitario will join them for the exchange. Home away from home is the Hotel NH Principado, at the heart of the city.

Day 6, Wednesday, April 9, 2014
After seeing the old town‘s various monuments and traditional shops, the group prepares for a concert and exchange with Conservatorio Profesional de Música in Oviedo and Coro Universitario. The concert will be held at the historical and beautiful University Paranymph.

Day 7, Thursday, April 10, 2014
They enjoy the magnificent town of Burgos with its stunning cathedral (see picture on the left) and rich history. The Orange County Youth Chorale could be the featured guest choir for Mass at the Cathedral before continuing on to the medieval town of Olite. The home away from home is the 4-star Hotel Hola Tafalla (see picture of a room above on the right).

Day 8, Friday, April 11, 2014
The group visits the magnificent monastery of Montserrat perched high upon an unusual rock mountain, then continues to the vibrant city of Barcelona. This very afternoon OCYC prepares for their final highlight performance at Centre Cultural Golferichs.

Day 9, Saturday, April 12, 2014
The guided tour of Spain‘s second largest city will include many well-known highlights such as La Rambla, the Boqueria Market or La Sagrada Familia. A tapas dinner introduces them to the local cuisine of Catalonia.

Day 10, Sunday, April 13, 2014
There is so much to see and do in Barcelona therefore the group enjoy another day with their tour guide in this stunning city. The day will end wit a farewell dinner party featuring local specialties and Flamenco music. Home away from home in Barcelona is Ayre Hotel Caspe.

 Day 11, Monday, April 14, 2014
Lufthansa flight LH1817 departs Barcelona (BCN), Spain, at 7:55 am for Munich (MUC), Germany, to arrive at 9:55 am local time. The group then connects from Munich (MUC) at 12:15 pm with Lufthansa flight LH452 to Los Angeles (LAX), with an arrival time of 3:30 pm local time.
The group then connects from Munich (MUC) at 12:15 pm with Lufthansa flight LH452 to Los Angeles (LAX), with an arrival time of 3:30 pm local time.

Château de Chantilly - a beautiful gem in France

The Château de Chantilly is a historic château located in the town of Chantilly in France. The site comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 for Constable Anne de Montmorency, a comrade in arms of Francis I in Marignan, who plays a distinguished political role under Francis I and Henri II; and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s.
Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses also the Musée Condé. It has a painting collection with of over 800 masterpieces of French, Italian, Flemish, English paintings, which makes it the number one museum of ancient paintings (prior to 1850) in France after the Louvre Museum.

Since the medieval ages, the Chantilly Estate has belonged to the great Prince families of France such as the Orgemont, Condé or Orléans family.

During the Revolution the Chantilly Collections are seized as emigrant property and transported to the Louvre. The Chateau served as a prison. In 1799, the buildings are sold to demolition workers who demolish the Grand Chateau all the way down to the terrace.
After 1815, Prince Louis-Joseph, returning from emigration, decides to restore the apartments and obtains the restitution of portions of the collections held at the Louvre. He asks architect Victor Dubois to design the English Garden in 1817 and to fill the gap separating both chateau.

Did you know that Château de Chantilly also had a dairy factory which was built in 1754, within the park of the Château of Chantilly? Unfortunately the building and the factory no longer exist. Back in the days, when visiting the premises, the princes' guests were offered ice cream, fruits and all sorts of cream delicacies. The first mention of the now infamous Chantilly whipped cream appears June 18, 1784, in a text written by the Baroness of Oberkirch about a lunch at the Hameau.

Bienvenido a Madrid! Incantato Concert Tours welcomes the Occidental College Glee Club in Spain!

Incantato Concert Tours wants to wish the Occidental College Glee Club, our first touring choir this year, safe travels. They are leaving Los Angeles International Airport today and will arrive in Madrid, Spain tomorrow.
The choir travels to Spain, and Portugal visiting cities on the way such as Córdoba, Seville, Évora and Lisbon. One of the main highlights of their tour is the performance in the magnificent Palácio Foz in Lisbon and singing main mass at the Royal Monastery of San Jerónimo el Real Church, in Madrid.

Updates can be found on our facebook page, but also on their very own tour blog. Please feel free to check it out.

Happy New Year from Incantato Concert Tours to you!

Incantato Concert Tours wants to wish all of you a Happy New Year. What better way to start the new year than with this wonderful New Year's concert video of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra?

Happy Halloween from Incantato Concert Tours!

It is the time of the year where houses are decorated with vampires, bats, skeletons and scary craved pumpkins. It is also the time where a scary amount of candy is consumed and late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel showed us what can happen if parents prank their kids by telling them they ate all their Halloween candy.

Halloween which was originally introduced to the United States by Irish immigrants in the 19th century, began as a pagan festival honoring the dead. It is a big celebration in the United States and millions of children (and adults) look forward to dress up and enjoy the spooky days every year.

Since we are specialized in traveling to Europe, we thought we show you how and if Europeans celebrate it. US-Halloween customs have spread since the 1990s in continental Europe, starting in France the holiday has become increasingly popular in Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. Before 1990 the holiday was fairly unknown. Nowadays, on October 31 you will find people dressed up for Halloween parties and kids go with their parents for trick or treating in their neighborhood but it is definitely not as common and wide-spread as it is in the United States. Europeans have their own spooky celebrations such as Oíche Shamhna literally "Samhain Night" in Ireland. On Halloween night, adults and children dress up as creatures from the underworld and enjoy spectacular fireworks displays. In Romania, Halloween is celebrated around the myth of "Dracula" on October 31. The spirit of Dracula is believed to still live in the country and Romanians love to celebrate this special day.

The Incantato Concert Tours Team wishes you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and just for you and because it is a special day we revealed who we really are... SUPERHEROES :)

News presented by Incantato: the Switzerland App

Switzerland Tourism launches new free app

The Swiss Tourism Board has recently launched My Switzerland, an app that is designed to side-step the tourist traps and help you see the destination through a local’s eyes. The hands-on app will take you straight into the heart of the city and offers a multitude of expert advice, insider tips, as well as recommendations from 30 local contacts throughout the country and from all backgrounds. Whether you are a foodie, enjoy cultural activities or just want to go shopping, the My Switzerland app is designed to lead the way.

The app also customizes its recommendations according to your preferences and even mood, which you can choose. Or, just let the app inspire your daily activities with its random mode. You can also search by city, access interactive maps, and much more.

To read the full article, including a link to download the app, please click here.

Incantato Insider: Madrid

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's Exciting News: Have you tried our APP yet?

Incantato Tours is proud to present the Incantato App, now available for the Apple and Android systems. 

Based on our motto "Be a traveler, not a tourist", this App is designed to provide you with all the vital information prior to your journey to Europe.
Currently, the App presents all of the group tours traveling in 2014. 

Under each tour, you will find:

Tour Info
Included in this section are all the necessary documents, such as your flight information, registration form, tour information, as well as Incantato's Terms and Conditions.

Connect
Once other participants traveling with you have signed up, you are able to connect with them, exchange information, travel tips, etc or just find out who else is going on the journey with you!

Photos
In order to give you some first impressions of your destinations, this section includes pictures of the cities you will be traveling to, as well as of their most famous sights. There are also first previews of the hotels you will be staying at, as well as the venues you are performing in. Each group also always has their own picture album on our Facebook page, which is updated frequently, especially while you are on tour!

Itinerary
Here you find a break-down of your day-to-day activities, where you will be when and a first idea of what you might be doing on any given day. First confirmed performances are also included here.

Brochure 
In case you need another look at your tour brochure, which includes information such as tour pricing and other tour details, you can access it anywhere you go through this section of the App.

FAQ
Believe it or not, we receive a lot of similar questions. We have compiled the most common ones here so that you can gather information and the basics regarding your tour. Should you have more detailed or specific questions, always feel free to email us. 

In addition to the tour-specific information, there is also a general section, including information about us as a company, how to best contact us, as well as some information about our favorite destinations and personal highlights. 

So if you are traveling with Incantato Tours in the future, or if you are interested in more information about what we do, download our App today!

Click here for the App from the Apple iPhone Store
Click here for the Google Play Store for Android devices

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. 

Incantato Featured Destination: Austria

The Federal State of Austria, located in central Europe, is a very diverse country for its comparatively small size. Ruled by the Habsburg kings and emperors for almost seven centuries, the Austrian culture absorbed many Roman, Slav and Hungarian influences, thus creating a unique cultural blend. Even though around 95% of the population does speak German, there are a number of very pronounced local dialects that make Austrians difficult to understand even for native German speakers. Additionally, due to the various foreign influences, many things have different names in Austria than in other German-speaking countries such as Germany.
Aside from Austria's cultural and natural diversity, there is also a rich music tradition to be found. Austria was and is a world-renowned center for music, especially known for the period of Viennese Classicists. These include composers such as Joseph Haydn, who moved to Vienna in 1790 and was the court composer. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart also lived and worked in Vienna, as did Ludwig van Beethoven, although he was originally from Germany. Moreover, these composers' works later guided 19th-century composers such as Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss, Anton Bruckner, and Gustav Mahler. Vienna's central cemetery is also well worth a visit for any classical music-lover, as people buried here include Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss (father and son), Bruckner, Brahms, and Gluck.

Austria consists of nine provinces, the southern-most of which is Carinthia. Bordered by Slovenia and Italy in the south, Carinthia is known for the beauty of its landscape and pleasant climate due to its southern location. Also known as the lake district, the province boasts more than 200 warm swimming lakes pure enough to drink. Main towns include its capital, Klagenfurt, which was founded in the 12th century and is situated along the picturesque Woerther See, the warmest lake in the region. Additionally, international music festivals, architecture, painting, theatre and the Carinthian choirs all contribute in making this province a true cultural stage. One of the many musical festivals is known as the Carinthian Summer, which has been held every year since 1969. This festival for new music places an emphasis on the dialogue between composers, performers and audiences as a vital factor, and a central element of the festival is the performance of a church opera. Performances are held in various venues, one of which is the Ossiach Abbey. Built directly on the banks of Lake Ossiach, this abbey dates back to the 11th century and was furnished in the Baroque period.

Schönbrunn Palace as concert venue through Voices of the World, Vienna

Photos courtesy of Schönbrunn Facebook page

As Austria's City of Music, the capital city of Vienna is able to boast with composers such as Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and more, all of whom have worked here. In light of this rich musical history, the Vienna tourist board has launched a special initiative called Voices of the World for music groups from around the world. 
It is inviting choirs, bands, orchestras and other musical groups from all parts of the world to Vienna and is offering the opportunity to perform in at one of the city's most stunning and most popular sights: the baroque Schönbrunn Palace. Aside from the unique atmosphere, the groups will also be experiencing open-air performances as they perform in front of the Palace, at the foot of the sweeping staircase. 
Last year, over 100 musical groups from around the world were invited to particpate in this unique initiative. This year, two groups that are traveling with Incantato Concert Tours will also share in this special experience made possible in cooperation with Voices of the World. Both the St. Bonaventure's College Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble from Newfoundland, Canada, and the La Canada High School Choral Artists, from California, USA, are confirmed participants in the Voices of the World project. 

Travel Insurance: protecting yourself and your investment

Incantato Tours requires getting travel insurance for your upcoming journey.
Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with a company of your choice or with our preferred supplier and 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 * These additional benefits apply If you are purchasing within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit or payment, however, coverage may still be purchased at any time up to 24 hours prior to departure. Increase your coverage with these valuable additions to your Protect Assist Plan: Cancel For Any Reason – 50% reimbursement of nonrefundable expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to your departure. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Cancel For Work Reasons – Offers additional work-related reasons for cancellation or interruption. Also includes our exclusive “Business Assistant” services if you have work obligations during your travels. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Umbrella Package – Medical Expense limits are doubled and coverage is upgraded to primary. Emergency Medical Transportation limits are doubled and benefits upgraded to take you home or to the hospital of your choice. $25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage will be added. Car Rental Collision Coverage – $35,000 in primary coverage. Covers cost of repairs for covered collision damage to a rental car for which the car rental contract holds you responsible. Subject to $250 deductible. Optional coverages cannot be purchased separately. Must be purchased with base ProtectAssist plan.

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

UBC University Singers and their Incantato Barcelona adventure: Sunday 24th

A Sunday in Barcelona can be fulfilled in many different ways, and there is so many options that it can be confusing.. unless you are in great hands that show you, assist you and help you like Rosalía, our Incantato Tour Manager, who loves the UBC University Singers.

Picasso design at the Cathedral Square, Barcelona Incantato

Sunday morning started with a walking tour through the Gothic quarter of Barcelona: the imposing Cathedral and its cloister, San Jaume square and the Generalitat Palace, the medieval royal castle and of course the taste and uniqueness of a wonderfully preserved middle age quarter, with roman foundations, that host a variety of handicrafts, art, antiques, chocolates and pastry shops. All this to end up at Santa María del Pi Church, a 13th century jewel of the gothic arquitecture, with a wonderful rosewindow and very good acoustic, where UBC University Singers sang in the Main Holy Mass for an impressed public.

Santa María del Pi Church, Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

After this, the private motorcoach took the UBC Singers to the centrally located H10 Casanova Hotel, where they could get in normal clothes and get ready for many other options.

UBC University Singers: a wonderful smile!

After having visited already Montjuic, Park Güell, Borne and Gothic districts, Ramblas, Catalunya square, Passeig de Gracia, Sagrada Familia.. with local guide and Incantato Team, everyone was ready for the last afternoon in Barcelona.
Most of the group made it to the Picasso Museum, where they got free entrance. Others went for some food in local nice tapas spots, many went to the Barceloneta beach, or just did some good shopping at Ramblas and Borne districts.

The end of the day was happy and long: a dinner in the very famous "Segons Mercat", were Incantato has provided a wonderful tapas experience with local fresh products in a wide variety of warm tapas. There, the UBC University Singers, all looking great and dressed up, had a wonderful experience.

It was so moving also for Incantato Tour Manager Rosalía and their driver, to whom they performed some songs. There, the girls from UBC University Singers enyojed a "surprise" medley that the male section of the choir performed during dinner, which was prepared and kept in secret till the last moment.

The last day in Barcelona was another non-stop day, full of good moments, music and wonderful memories that will last forever.

For more pictures and updates, you can also check in our facebook by Incantato

UBC University Singers will make their way home tomorrow, and we will be missing them!

UBC University Singers concert in Barcelona: "Most moving performance ever in this venue"

"This is the most moving concert I have ever seen in the Paranimf"

This are the words of Mrs. Matias and Mrs. Pi i Noya, both belonging to the Protocols and Cultural Activities Department of the University of  Barcelona.

The University of Barcelona count among the oldest in Europe. Dating back to the 13th century, the University in reknown as a cultural hotspot in Barcelona, with a great selection of concerts and events.

Our concert yesterday took place in the Paranimf, the most important hall in the 18th century building, and also the most beautiful one.

The audience was very impressed and moved, and applauded enthusiastically and long time song after song, as the UBC University Singers and Dr. Graeme Langager reached a degree of emotion and musical expression that touched everybody's heart.

The end of the concert brought many tears to the audience as well as to the singers, and the UBC University Singers came down to greet the people in the banches, after a long long applause.

As we are having so many activities this morning, this report will continue in the next hours, as well as the news abou the wonderful dinner we had after. 

For pictures check in few hours these blog, or go now to our facebook!

From snowy Barcelona

Incantato and UBC University Singers

Full house in UBC University Singers and Orfeón Universitario de Valencia joint concert

Incantato proudly presented yesterday UBC University SIngers and Orfeón Universitario de Valencia Joint concert, at 8 pm in the beautiful San Esteban Church Auditorium, belonging to the Professional Conservatory of Valencia complex.

The audience reached 180 people,  over the full house seats capacity (150 seats), to enjoy and applaud the performance of the artists.

The UBC University Singers started with their 35 minutes concert, in which they reached a great quality, even after these days of travelling and fun.

After the UBC, the Orfeón Universitario de Valencia performed some works by Piazolla, with lyrics written by the Argentinian famour writer J.L. Borges.

The great finale was really warm, with both choirs together on stage, to perform two works they have prepared during the exchange: Fair in face, by the famous Canadian composer Willan, and Jacinto Chiclana, another Piazolla work.

At the end of the concert, the singers and members of the Orfeón Universitario de Valencia presented an orange scarf to Director Graeme Langager, as a sign of gratitude, as this is the very “distinctive” object they use in their performances and tours.  Maestro Langager gave a present to the Director of the Orfeón, Alvaro Bañó, as well.

After the concert the UBC University Singers were taken to a cocktail, in which Incantato gave some presents to the Orfeón and the Conservatorio of Valencia, as a remembering from this wonderful Exchange and Concert experience.

Incantato presents UBC University Singers in Valencia: Joint concert with the Orfeón Universitario de Valencia, Thursday 21 Feb, at 8pm

After a full-room success in Toledo, the UBC University Singers will be presenting their second concert in the Performance Tour to Spain in the very new Auditorium of the Conservatory of Valencia, on Thursday, Feb.21, at 8pm.

This will be a wonderful finale to the 2-days Exchange Program that the UBC University Singers and the Orfeón Universitario de Valencia are celebrating, including visits to the historical sites, Welcome Reception by the Conservatory, Official Reception at the University Vice-rectorate, Vocal Masterclass and rehearsal.

The joint concert program includes a wonderful selection of pieces by the UBC University Singers: Bach, Pärt, Lauridsen, Estévez, Guerrero and Hogan. The Orfeón Universitario de Valencia will perform 4 works by Piazolla and one by Haendel. And  they will close this very special concert together, with two wonderful pieces: Fair in face, (Willan) and Jacinto Chiclana (Piazolla).

The Orfeón Universitario de Valencia is very famous in Spain and internationally. It started on 1947, and has been awarded with the 1st price in all the editions of the University Choirs Contest in Spain, as well as in the International University Choirs Contest more than 10 times. They have toured over 15 different countries, and has received 5 different national honours for their labour in the culture and music.

References:
Orfeón Universitario de Valencia
The concert in the choral and choirs news in Valencia
The concert in the official page of the Valencia State Department
The concert event in the Orfeón facebook

The UBC University Singers present their first concert in the Transito Synagogue in Toledo

After being the featured guest choir for the morning Mass in the Toledo Cathedral, a Tapas lunch and a guided city tour, this eventful Tuesday culminated in the UBC University Singers' first concert of their 2013 performance tour through Spain. 
The venue for this performance was the Sefardi Museum in the Transito Synagogue in Toledo. The Main Praying Hall is very famous for the cultural events and performances, as the Toledo piano festival among others.

The concert has been on the radio and cultural newspapers, as well as on the local news, and it was promoted with a brief interview in the very popular Cope radio (3rd in audience ranking in Spain)

The concert was presented to an audience of 200 people, over the full capacity of the venue (180 seats), with some 20 people who enjoyed the concert standing. The concert lasted beautiful 90 minutes.

The audience was delighted with UBC University Singers, and there was a warm and welcoming atmosphere to which the performance of the Sephardic music group Fayna just could add more joy. This performance was a special gift by Incantato to both the Sefardí Museum and the UBC University Choir, as Sephardic music is a very unique cultural heritage that has been preserved during 15 centuries through the world by the Spanish Jewish communities.
The trio Fayna performed 3 different pieces accompanied with traditional instruments, with Angela Moreno (singer), Alexander Pérez (lavta y yayli tanbur) and Natalia Martín (lyre and Spanish tambourine).

Enhancing this special emphasis on Jewish heritage and community, and as a present to the director of the Synagogue, Dr. Graeme Langager presented four choral pieces by famous Jewish Canadian composer Sid Rabinovich. 

The concert concluded with an encore piece, as well as members of the audience standing up for a performance beautifully done. 
For more pictures from the UBC University Singers tour, be sure to check out the Incantato Concert Tours facebook page. 

UBC University Singers have arrived in Valencia