Next stop for the travelers from JSerra Catholic High: Assisi

Assisi is a town and comune of Italy in province of Perugia, in the Umbria region and on the western flank of Monte Subasio. It was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Clares. Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows of the 19th century was also born in Assisi.
The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (St. Francis) is a World Heritage Site. The Franciscan monastery, il Sacro Convento, and the lower and upper church of St Francis were begun immediately after his canonization in 1228, and completed in 1253. The lower church has frescos by renowned late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; in the upper church are frescos of scenes in the life of St. Francis previously ascribed to Giotto and now thought to be by artists of the circle of Pietro Cavallini of Rome.

JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir performs at Duomo di Siena on Monday, April 4 at 10 AM

On Monday, April 4 at 10 AM the JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir from San Juan Capistrano, California, will sing Mass at the Duomo di Siena as part of the group's 2011 Italy Performance Tour and Pilgrimage lead by Father Vincent and choir director Mr. Andrew Alvarez.
The Cathedral of Siena (Italian: Duomo di Siena), dedicated from its earliest days as a Roman Catholic Marian church and now to Santa Maria Assunta (Most Holy Mary of Assumption), is a medieval church in Siena, central Italy. The cathedral itself was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263 on the site of an earlier structure. It has the form of a Latin cross with a slightly projecting transept, a dome and a bell tower. The dome rises from an octagonal base with supporting columns. The lantern atop the dome was added by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The nave is separated from the two aisles by semicircular arches. The exterior and interior are constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with addition of red marble on the façade. Black and white are the symbolic colors of Siena, etiologically linked to black and white horses of the legendary city's founders, Senius and Aschius.

Impressions from Mass and Concert in Florence at the Church of San Lorenzo

A special visitor joins the JSerra Catholic HS Chamber Choir in Siena this morning

What a wonderful surprise for the students currently touring Italy with the Chamber Choir, their family and friends. Frank Talarico, JSerra Catholic High School President and CEO will be joining the group this morning at the Duomo di Siena. The singers under the direction of Mr. Andrew Alvarez are the featured guest choir for Mass at the stunning cathedral on Monday, April 4 at 10 am.

JSerra in Tuscany

Tuscany is a region in Central Italy. It has an area of 22,990 square kilometres (8,880 sq mi) and a population of about 3.6 million inhabitants. The regional capital is Florence.
Tuscany is known for its beautiful landscapes, its rich artistic legacy and vast influence on high culture. Tuscany is widely regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and has been home to some of the most influential people in history, such as Petrarch, Dante, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Amerigo Vespucci and Puccini. Due to this, the region has several museums, most of which (such as the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace) are found in Florence, but others in towns and smaller villages. Tuscany has a unique culinary tradition, and is famous for its wines (most famous of which are Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino). Six Tuscan localities have been designated World Heritage Sites: the historical center of Florence (1982), the historical center of Siena (1995), the square of the Cathedral of Pisa (1987), the historical center of San Gimignano (1990), the historical center of Pienza (1996) and the Val d'Orcia (2004). Furthermore, Tuscany has over 120 protected nature reserves. This makes Tuscany and its capital city Florence very popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of tourists every year. Florence itself receives an average of 10 million tourists a year by placing the city as one of the most visited in the world.

JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir sings twice at San Lorenzo Church in Florence on Sunday, April 3

Only a day after landing in Italy, the JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir will be singing today and not just once, but twice. First, the singers under the direction of Mr. Andrew Alvarez will be the featured guest choir for Mass at the stunning church of San Lorenzo in Florence (starting at 6 pm) and then present along with the La Canada High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers a feature concert at 7 pm on Sunday, April 3, 2011.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo stands as one of Florence, Italy’s largest churches, situated in the center of the city’s main market district. It is one of several churches claiming to be Florence’s oldest, having been consecrated in the year 393. The Basilica di San Lorenzo served as the city’s cathedral for 300 years until the Bishop’s official seat was moved to Santa Reparata.

In 1419 parishioner Giovanni di Bicci de Medici offered to finance a new church to replace the Romanesque building. Filippo Brunelleschi, the leading Renaissance architect of the first half of the fifteenth century, was commissioned to design the new structure, although the new building did not reach completion until after the architect’s death. The church is part of a larger monastic complex that boasts numerous additional important architectural works including the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo and the New Sacristy based on Michelangelo’s original designs. The sanctuary’s left aisle displays a large fresco by Bronzino depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, and the marble choir loft was designed by Donatello, as were the two bronze pulpits.

JSerra Catholic High School Choir and Family arrived safely in Italy

Just a quick note that the singers under the direction of Mr. Andrew Alvarez, their family and friends, arrived safely in Florence on Saturday, April 2. Incantato Tourmanager Barbara welcomed the group at the airport. She reported: "All are well and even all the luggage made it." Isn#t that great news?

Three Movies, two Meals and lots of Snacks

We wish all the travelers of the JSerra Catholic High School 2011 Italy Performance Tour a save journey as they embark on Swiss Air from Los Angeles via Zurich to Florence. Swiss (now owned by Lufthansa) is the transportation partner for the group flights. As the students, chaperones, their families and friends cross the ocean overnight from the US to Europe, plenty of movies will be played and the board restaurants will be serving dinner, snacks and breakfast. We wish all of you a very safe and relaxing journey and arriverderci a Firenze - we see you soon in Florence. Your Incantato Tours Team - Barbara (on tour) - Ellen, Marti, Sandra and Ted to name just a few of us ; )

Why less is more when it comes to luggage - detailed information on checked bags and carry

Dear Participants of the 2011 JSerra Catholic High School Italy Performance Tour,
please remember that when traveling in such a large group and on a coach full of fellow travelers, luggage space is limited. As explained during the presentations, we recommend that you bring only what is really necessary, namely 1 checked bag per person.
Here are the checked bag dimensions for Swiss and the weight limit for that one checked suitcase is 44 pounds. Swiss: the permitted size, which is the total of the height, width and length, may not exceed 62.2 inches (158 cm)
In addition, due to limited space on the bus, Incantato Tours allows one small carry-on, ideally a backpack, plus a personal item (small purse, camera bag, laptop bag). Carry-on weight limit from the airlines is 17 pounds (8 kilos) which we advise not to max out again as space on the bus is very limited. Your carry-on items may not be accommodated in the luggage compartment of the coaches, but have to be fit into the overhead compartments on the bus, the seat in front of the travelers or people's laps. We thank you for your understanding and compliance with the above instructions for tour luggage. With such a large group traveling together, we advise again to keep both checked and carry-on luggage to an absolute minimum as that will make everyone's journey easier.

Travel Tips: Know the Weather

In a few days, you'll be on the other side of the world, checking into a hotel in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy. Hard to imagine, isn't it? Facing the unknown is part of what makes travel so exciting. But that doesn't necessarily apply to weather. In the case of climate, it can actually be helpful to have some idea of what to expect where you're going, if only so you can decide which outfits you want to pack closest to the top of your bag.

The good news for you JSerra students is that the weather in the part of Italy you'll be touring isn't that different from San Juan Capistrano. Both areas are considered Mediterranean climates, which means mild, wet winters and dry, warm, sunny summers. You'll notice a lot of the trees, shrubs, flowers, and even the way the clouds hang in the sky look familiar.

The main difference, though, is that the climate where you're headed is slightly more extreme than where you're coming from: a little hotter in the summer and a little colder in the winter. This time of year, Italy will be a tad colder than you're used to - according to forecasts, maybe as much as 10 degrees chillier than San Juan Capistrano. So make sure you pack a light jacket or windbreaker or keep an extra hoodie handy, especially to account for seaside breezes in Amalfi and potential rainfall in Rome. Because there's nothing more annoying than being distracted from a beautiful view by your goose-bumpy arms.

(Bonus tip: Italians use Celsius to measure temperature rather than Fahrenheit. You can use this site to make conversions. Or, for a general sense of the difference, keep in mind that 20 Celsius is about room temperature, 0 is freezing, and 10 is cold enough to need a sweater and a jacket.)

New additions to your Incantato Tour Blog!

Dear JSerra travelers,
We have added new important and exciting information to your blog. Please click on 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:

• Updated itinerary
• Flight schedules
• Map of tour route
• Travel Tip: What to pack
• Travel Tip: Money matters
• Travel Tip: High voltage
  

Confirmed performance venues:

• San Lorenzo, Florence
• Duomo di Siena
  
• Saint Francis Basilica, Assisi
• Art Monastery, Labro
• Papal Audience, Vatican City
• Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
• Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, Rome

Hotel accommodations:

• Hotel Leonardo da Vinci, Florence
• Hotels Pergola and Sabina, Magliano Sabina
• Casa Domitilla, Rome

Restaurants:

• Ristró Roma San Pietro, Rome
• Agriturismo Iacchelli

Enjoy the JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir tour blog? Then become a follower and never miss an update

Dear Members, Family and Friends of the JSerra Catholic High School Chamber Choir, we sure hope you enjoy the blog and recommend that you become a follower by clicking on the respective option in the right side bar of this webpage. As a follower, you will never miss an update and once the group heads over to Europe there should be lots of news coming your way. You can also leave comments which are like virtual greetings. Our tour team will pass those messages to the travelers on tour whenever possible. Everyone at Incantato Tours wishes you well as you prepare for this exciting journey under the leadership of Mr. Andrew M. Alvarez.

Highlights of Bella Italia - Updated Itinerary

Welcome to the Incantato blog for the 2011 JSerra HS Performance Tour to Italy! This is the updated itinerary and still a work in progress. Details are still subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

DAY 1 Friday, April 1, 2011
Overnight flight to Italy
SWISS flight LX41 leaves LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 7:25PM.

DAY 2 Saturday, April 2
Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Arrive in ZURICH (ZRH) at 3:45PM. Clear customs and immigration. Your luggage will be checked through. SWISS flight LX1680 leaves ZURICH (ZRH) at 5:45PM and arrives in FLORENCE (FLR) at 7:00PM.
Benvenuti in Bella Italy. After meeting your tour manager, Barbara Holl, transfer to your Florence hotel and enjoy a traditional Italian welcome dinner. The group will be staying in Hotel Leonardo da Vinci on the nights of April 2 and 3.

DAY 3 Sunday, April 3
Florence Visit - Mass & Concert
After breakfast this morning, enjoy a guided city tour including entrance to the Accademia Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure for exploring and shopping followed by mass participation at San Lorenzo Church and a joint concert with the La Canada High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. Stop for ice cream on the way back to the hotel after dinner on your own.


DAY 4 Monday, April 4
Siena & Assisi High Mass
Visit Siena, where the choir will be the featured guests for mass at the Duomo. Then transfer to the hilltop town of Assisi and sing for a special High Mass at Saint Francis Basilica, led by Father Vincent. Transfer to Magliano Sabina for dinner at Hotel La Pergola and overnight. The travelers will stay at either Hotel Pergola or Hotel Sabina for the nights of April 4 and 5.

DAY 5 Tuesday, April 5

Orvieto Excursion or optional trip to Art Monastery & Concert
Depending on today's program, don't forget to pack your concert attire before leaving the hotel this morning. Transfer to Orvieto today for a guided city tour, including the magnificent Duomo. The group may also opt to travel to Labro this morning to visit the Art Monastery for a private tour, pizza-making workshop, lunch, and master classes before continuing to nearby Calvi dell'Umbria for a concert at the Parish Church. The concert is then followed by a special mayor's reception and an exchange with local youth.

DAY 6 Wednesday, April 6
To Rome - Papal Audience & Concert
Travel South to the Eternal city of Rome and attend the general Papal Audience followed by lunch on your own at Piazza Navonna and an afternoon at leisure. The group has the option to attend the La Canada High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers concert this evening in Rome. The JSerra High School Chamber Choir will stay at the Hotel Casa Domitilla Roma from April 6 through 11.

DAY 7 Thursday, April 7
Rome in-depth
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of “Ancient Rome” featuring the Coliseum, Roman Forum, and Domitilla Catacombs. Free time for lunch followed by exclusive JSerra activities with Father Vincent. Dinner in a local restaurant near Piazza Popolo.

DAY 8 Friday, April 8
Vatican City & High Mass
Meet your local guide this morning for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The afternoon is at leisure to grab lunch on your own and tour the Vatican with Father Vincent before preparing for mass participation. Sing High Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican at 5:00PM. Dinner this evening in a local restaurant.

DAY 9 Saturday, April 9
Sight-seeing & High Mass
Enjoy a day at leisure for sightseeing with Father Vincent. Incantato Tours suggests stopping in the nearby town of Castelgandolfo, where the Pope's summer residence is located. Lunch together with the San Marino Chamber Choir at Agriturismo Iachelli. Sing and participate in Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica at 6:00PM. Dinner on your own.

DAY 10 Sunday, April 10
La Dolce Vita Romana
Visit former JSerra teacher Mr. Andrew Young this morning at the Pontifical North American College in Rome where you will participate in Sunday Mass and enjoy brunch. The early afternoon is at leisure to explore and grab lunch before likely transferring to the Frascati Region for a special mayor's reception and highlight concert with the San Marino Chamber Choir. A farewell dinner with Roman specialties and live music concludes the tour.

DAY 11 Monday, April 11
Flight to USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Los Angeles.
SWISS flight LX1727 leaves ROME (FCO) at 9:35AM and arrives in ZURICH (ZRH) at 11:20AM. SWISS flight LX40 leaves ZURICH (ZRH) at 1:10PM. Arrive in LOS ANGELES (LAX) at 4:40PM.

JSerra Catholic High School 2011 Italy Performance Tour- 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, Swiss International Air Lines, on the 2011 JSerra Catholic High School Performance Tour to Italy. For more information on your on-board experience, please visit the Swiss Air website. The Incantato Tours team wishes you a safe and relaxing flight.

Departure to Europe:

Friday, April 1, 2011

SWISS flight LX41, leave LOS ANGELES LAX at 7:25PM

Arrive in ZURICH ZRH at 3:45PM on Saturday, April 2, 2011

SWISS flight LX1680, leave ZURICH ZRH at 5:45PM

Arrive in FLORENCE FLR at 7:00PM

Return to USA:

Monday, April 11, 2011

SWISS flight LX1727, leave ROME FCO at 9:35AM

Arrive in ZURICH ZRH at 11:20AM

SWISS flight LX40, leave ZURICH ZRH at 1:10PM

Arrive in LOS ANGELES LAX at 4:40PM

Travel Insurance

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 * 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