Incantato Welcomes You to Spain!

¡Damas y caballeros, bienvenidas y bienvenidos a España!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protecting Yourself and Your Investment: Travel Insurance

Dear SBC Choirs Travelers, 

It is mandatory for all tour participants to obtain travel insurance to protect your investment in case you have to cancel for a medical situation, loss of luggage or various other reasons.

Our recommended insurance option is described below along with an online link to Travel Guard. We highly recommend this company based on a long and excellent relationship. 

TravelGuard has a variety of policies including a family plan. In order for us to keep track of travel insurance for your group, please sign up through these links connected with Incantato Tours. Click here to get a Travel Guard Insurance quote.

Incantato Tours strongly recommends getting Travel Guard travel insurance for your upcoming journey as they have been a very reliable partner and provide excellent services, but we also know that you may have a different preferred supplier or are already covered under another policy. Again, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is mandatory for all Incantato Tours travelers. 

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.There is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage etc.

Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online and can you 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 and Dismemberment coverage will be added 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

Remember the Incantato Facebook Page

Dear Friends and Family of the St. Bon's College travelers, 
We hope you are all as excited about the upcoming Performance Tour as we are. If you wish to stay updated with pictures and information regarding the tour, be sure to check out the Incantato Concert Tours Facebook page, as well as the European River Cruises Facebook page during the tour, as lots of pictures and updates about the concerts will regularly be posted throughout. 
Enjoy!

Confirmed Venue: Church of St. Anne, Budapest

The St. Bonaventure's College Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble will be performing in the Church of St. Anne in Budapest on Sunday, April 7th at 4 pm. Located on the Buda side of Hungary's capital city, the Roman catholic church dominates Batthyany Square. Built between 1740 and 1762, the two-towered Church of St. Anne, or Szent Anna templom in Hungarian, is a fine example of Italian Baroque architecture based on the designs of Matthias Nepauer and the Hamon brothers. It is also one of Budapest's most notable baroque buildings. 
On the top of the main gate, there are symbolic figures of faith, hope and love greeting visitors. Above them the coat of arms of Buda is displayed, and in the upper niche statues of St. Anne and Mary guard the entrance. While the frescoes adorning the interior are from the 20th century, the altar and other paintings date back to the 18th century.

Travel Tip: What to pack and Luggage Regulations

Dear travelers of  the St. Bonaventure's College Wind Ensemble and Chamber Choir, with Friends and Family,
As your departure for your 2013 performance tour draws closer and closer, Incantato Tours would like to provide you with some travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your journey:

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."
The major factor is that you should bring only 1 suitcase, no heavier than 50 pounds!

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 or shawl is a good solution in this case. And shorts or skirts 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 (maximum 50 pounds) and a small carry-on such as a bagpack. Here a sample packing list (just a suggestion!):

* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* Gloves, scarf, hat.. if you tend to feel chilly
* 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 (or three)
* 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 at all times)
* 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: Transportation Security Administration 3-1-1 on Air Travel 
* 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.

Confirmed Venue: Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

Photos courtesy of Schönbrunn Facebook page

The St. Bonaventure's College Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble is scheduled to perform in front of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna on Tuesday, April 9, as part of the Vienna Tourist Board Voices of the World initiative.
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.

Confirmed Venue: Melk Abbey, Austria

On Friday, April 5 the St. Bonaventure's College Chamber Choir will be the featured guest choir during a private mass in the Melk Abbey church at 10 am. 
Among the world's most famous monastic sites, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk was originally a palace built between 1702 and 1736. It is located on the banks of the Danube River and adjoining the Wachau Valley, Austria. 
The Abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau, as well as the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty. A highlight within the Baroque abbey complex is the church, which was built around 1702 and featuring striking frescoes. 

Esztergom - learn about the beautiful basilica

The Basilica of Esztergom, being the cathedral of the Primate of Hungary, is the first in rank, and also the largest among the churches in the country. The church in the place of the present Basilica was founded by King St. Stephen during the first decade of our statehood.
At a time when the king himself had been staying in Esztergom, it was consecrated in honor of St. Adalbert, and was called „beautiful church". It had been completely destroyed during the time of the wars with the Turks. Only one of its side-chapels escaped destruction.

The construction of the present basilica was started by Prince-Primate Sándor Rudnay, according to plans by Pál Kühnel and János Packh, in classicist style. The laying of the foundation-stone took place in 1822. The construction had taken almost 50 years, because of long intervals due to the vacancy of the archbishops seat, and because of the 1848 War of Independence. Changes had been made by József Hild in the original plans. Finally the basilica was consecrated on August 31, 1856 by Prince-Primate János Scitovszky during the mass composed for the occasion by Ferenc Liszt.
The altar paintings are the work of the Venetian master Michelangelo Grigoletti. The frescoes were painted by a master from Munich Ludwig von Moralt. The statues were carved by the Italian sculptors Pietro Bonani and Pietro della Vedova, and by the Austrian Johann Meixner. Three Hungarian sculptors also worked for the basilica: the statue of St. Stephen the martyr is the work of István Ferenczy, the large statue of János Simor is that of Alajos Strobl.
The statues made by György Kiss can be seen at the side altars. The crypt of the basilica is the burial place of the Hungarian primates beginning from Ambrus Károly (1809). Auxiliar bishops and most of the members of the Basilicas chapter also have been buried here. The tomb-stones of some famous medieval primates like Dénes Széchy or János Vitéz can also be seen in the crypt.

A wonderful panorama of the Highlands (north-west) and of the Pilis Mountains (south-east) can be enjoyed from the cupola.

First Itinerary for the St. Bon's Danube Cruise

Day 1, Wednesday, April 3
Overnight group flights to Europe
Day 2, Thursday, April 4
Willkommen in Deutschland - Board cruise
Upon arrival in Germany, you will meet your Incantato Tour Manager at the airport and transfer to Passau, an ancient Roman town known for its rich Catholic heritage. Take a walking tour, then board your floating hotel for the next 7 nights, the beautiful MS Amadeus Royal, which has been exclusively chartered by Incantato Tours for this unique journey hosted by St. Bonaventure's College for members of the band and choirs, as well as their family and friends. Make yourself comfortable prior to attending a welcome reception and dinner. The Amadeus Royal is a floating European Grand Hotel and has been categorized as a five star boutique river cruise. This luxurious ship will be your home until the morning of April 11. The SBC Band has the opporutunity to play a sail-away salute to Passau from the sundeck as the ship leaves the port in the evening.
Day 3, Friday, April 5
Melk Abbey Sightseeing & Performances - Scenic route to Hungary
A stunning panorama awaits you in Austria as you awak to the scenery of the Danube Valley - made a UNESCO World Heritage site for a myriad of reasons. Visit the stunning Melk Abbey with an expert guide and hear the SBC Choir sing in the beautiful cathedral. A band concert is an excellent option and an exchange with students from the Abbey has been requested. The remainder of the day is spent aboard as you journey into Hungary. Lunch and dinner feature local specialties and traditional entertainment from the area. 
Day 4, Saturday, April 6
Esztergom Mass - Budapest by night band concert
You will awake to even more stunning scenery, this time in Hungary and explore the ancient city of Esztergom, once the capital city. A special Mass is to be organized just for the SBC group at the Esztergom Cathedral featuring both ensembles. Thereafter, the ship travels on to the new capital city of Budapest for sightseeing. The late afternoon and evening is at leisure for shopping and exploing. To end the day, you will have the opportunity to view the city lights as the cruise makes its night time voyage past all the major sites on the Danube.
Day 5, Sunday, April 7
Sunday Mass at the Cathedral - Musical Budapest - Concert
The SBC group has the opporunity to attend/participate in a Sunday Mass at St. Isztvan Cathedral during the morning. You will then see more of Budapest's musical side prior to a special SBC concert at a prime venue such as the Kodaly Music School - possibly joined by Hungarian students. The ship will set sail again in the evening en route to Slovakia and Bratislava.
Day 6, Monday, April 8
Bratislava in-depth - Likely Embassy Concert
Your group will awake in yet another country, Slovakia, as you crusie until the afternoon to the charming capital city of Bratislava. A concert at of for the Canadian Embassy is being planned before the Amadeus concintues on to Vienna. Arrival is scheduled in the evening so parents and guests can enjoy a night on their own and explore the town.
Day 7, Tuesday, April 9
Musical Vienna - Concert or Mass
Guten Morgen in Austria! "Musik macht schlau", music educates, is the theme for today's wal, as you follow in the footsteps of Mozart and Beethoven through historical Vienna, the Austrian capital city. A true highlight, you have the opportunity for a performance potential at Karslkirche (band and choir). Last but not least, there will be plenty of free time for exploring and shopping prior to boarding your ship again for a late departure towards the Wachau Valley once again.
Day 8, Wednesday, April 10
Castles & Cathedrals - Farewell Concert
While the ship docks in Krems, Incantato has planned a journey to Duernstein just for our musical groups. The baby blue church steeply of Duernstein's Stiftskirche is one of the Danube landmarks. Your ensembles will be performing in this stunning baroque church followed by plenty of free time to explore the town. A school visit is also planned. Why not climb up to the fortress where Richard Lionheart was once imprisoned? A special farewell gala dinner and party awaits you all back aboard. 
Day 9, Thursday, April 11
Disembarkation in Passau - Travel to Munich for return flights or extra night
It's time to say Auf Wiedersehen to the MS Amadeus after breakfast - but don't be too sad! You will have the week's memories to look back on fondly! 

Discover Duernstein, Austria, with Incantato Tours

Dürnstein is a small town on the Danube river in the Krems-Land district, in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region.  The town gained its name from the medieval castle which overlooked it. The castle was called "Duerrstein" or "Dürrstein", from the German duerr/dürr meaning "dry" and Stein, "stone". The castle was dry because it was situated on a rocky hill, high above the damp conditions of the Danube at the base of the hill, and it was built of stone. Dürnstein was first mentioned in 1192. The ruins of the castle fortress, 159 meters above the town, are inextricably linked to the Crusades. Here Leopold V, the Babenberg duke ruling the country at that time, held Richard the Lionheart of England prisoner in 1193. It seems that Richard had insulted the powerful Austrian duke in Palestine during the Crusades to capture the Holy Land. The story is that when Richard was attempting to get back home, his boat foundered on the rocks of the Adriatic and he tried to sneak through Austria disguised as a peasant. The English monarch was arrested and imprisoned by Leopold.
For quite some time, nobody knew exactly where in Austria Richard was incarcerated, but his loyal minstrel companion, Blondel, had a clever idea. He went from castle to castle, playing his lute and singing Richard's favorite songs. The tactic paid off, the legend says, for at Dürnstein Richard heard Blondel's singing and sang the lyrics in reply. The discovery forced Leopold to transfer Richard to a castle in the Rhineland Palatinate, but by then everybody knew where he was. So Leopold set a high ransom on the king's head, which was eventually met, and Richard was set free.
The castle was virtually demolished by the Swedes in 1645, but you can visit the ruins if you don't mind a vigorous climb (allow an hour).  
The fifteenth century Dürnstein Abbey (Stift Dürnstein) was initially an Augustinian monastery and was reconstructed when the baroque style came to Austria. It was established in 1410 by Canons Regular from Třeboň and from 1710 rebuilt in a Baroque style according to plans by Joseph Munggenast, Jakob Prandtauer and Matthias Steinl.The blue tower of this church is one of the best baroque examples in the entire country and a notable landmark in the Danube Valley. There is also a splendid church portal. Kremser Schmidt, the noted baroque painter, did some of the altar paintings.  The monastery was dissolved by order of Emperor Joseph II in 1788 and had been given to the Herzogenburg Priory. 

Travel Insurance: making sure you protect 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.
Click on the logo below for the direct link to purchase travel insurance online, and you can do so with your credit card 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