Travel Tips: Money matters

Dear Travelers, Money is a delicate subject. The exchange rate at the moment is better than it was a few months ago. Currently it's around 1 Euro = $ 1,31. The best way to use your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a fee for restroom use (between 30 to 70 Euro cent). Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 15 to 20 Euro per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. The guide is there to help you make the right choices.

Travel Tips: What to pack?

For most people, packing 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."

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 is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy.
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 and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else.
A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)
* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* 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
* 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)
* 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.http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounzes. 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.

Sightseeing-Highlight: Blarney Castle near Cork

Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork and the River Martin. The Occidental College Glee Club will visit the castle on Sunday, May 23rd. The building originally dates from before AD 1200, when a wooden structure was built on the site. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone fortification. It was destroyed in 1446, but subsequently rebuilt by Cormac MacCarthy - then King of Munster. The castle was besieged during the Irish Confederate Wars and was seized in 1646 by Parliamentarian forces under Lord Broghill. However after the restoration the castle was restored to Donough MacCarty, who was made 1st Earl of Clancarty. During the Williamite War in Ireland in the 1690s, the then 4th Earl of Clancarty was captured and his lands (including Blarney Castle) were confiscated by the Williamites. The castle was sold and changed hands a number of times before being purchased by Sir James St. John Jefferyes. Members of the Jefferyes family would later build a mansion near the keep. This house was destroyed by fire however, and in 1874 a replacement baronial mansion - known as Blarney House - was built overlooking the nearby lake.
The castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many legends as to the origin of the stone, but some say that it was the Lia Fáil - a magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations which have been given fanciful names, such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. Blarney House, also open to the public, is a Scottish baronial-style mansion that was built on the grounds in 1874. (The pictures are from the official website of Blarney Castle)

Sightseeing-Highlight: The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a trail in County Kerry, south-western Ireland. The route covers the 179 km (111 miles) circular road, starting from Killarney, heading around the Iveragh Peninsula and passing through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin. Popular points include Muckross House (near Killarney), Staigue stone fort and Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell. Just south of Killarney, Ross Castle, Lough Leane, and Ladies View (a panoramic viewpoint), all located within Killarney National Park, are major attractions located along the Ring. The picture is from the official website of the trail.

City Facts about Killarney

A beautiful landscape will welcome the Occidental College Glee Club when the singers stop over in Killarney during their 2010 Ireland Performance Tour with Incantato.

Killarney (from the Irish: "Cill Airne" meaning "church of sloes") is a town in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. The town is located north of the MacGillicuddy Reeks, on the northeastern shore of the Lough Lein/Leane which are part of Killarney National Park. The town and its surrounding region are home to St. Mary's Cathedral, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall and Gap of Dunloe. Killarney was awarded the "Best Kept Town" award for 2007 in a cross-border competition jointly organised by the Department of the Environment and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council. Owing to its natural heritage, history and proximity to the Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Michael island and its location on the Ring of Kerry, Killarney is a popular tourist destination.
"There's only the one Killarney" is a song that was recorded by Irish tenor, Patrich O'Hagan. The song was written by Irish songwriter, Dick Farrelly, who wrote the words & music. Killarney appears in another song, titled, "How Can you buy Killarney", written by Kennedy, Steels, Grant and Morrison, the song was recorded by Joseph Locke among others.

City Facts about Cork

The Occidental College Glee Club will enjoy some great time in the Irish city of Cork with Incantato Tours. Let's have a closer look at this destination:

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,143, while the addition of the suburban areas contained the county brings the total to 190,384. Cork has a reputation for rebelliousness dating back to the town's support of the English Pretender Perkin Warbeck in 1491 following the Wars of the Roses. As a result, County Cork has earned the nickname of "the Rebel County", while Corkonians often refer to the city as the "real capital of Ireland", and themselves as the "Rebels". The city is built on the River Lee which divides into two channels at the western end of the city. The city centre is located on the island created by the channels. At the eastern end of the city centre they converge; and the Lee flows around Lough Mahon to Cork Harbour, one of the world's largest natural harbours. The city is a major Irish seaport; there are quays and docks along the banks of the Lee on the city's east side.
Music, theatre, dance, film and poetry all play a prominent role in Cork city life. The Cork School of Music and the Crawford College of Art and Design provide a constant throughput of new blood, as do the active theatre components of many courses at University College Cork (UCC). Highlights include: Corcadorca Theatre Company, of which Cillian Murphy was a troupe member prior to Hollywood fame; Cork Film Festival, a major supporter of the art of the short film; The Institute for Choreography and Dance, a national contemporary dance resource; the Triskel Arts Centre; Cork Jazz Festival; the Cork Academy of Dramatic Art (CADA).

Your Home away from Home: Carlton Hotel Galway City

When the Occidental College Glee Club stops in Galway, the singers, their family and friends arestaying at the Carlton Hotel Galway City.



The 3-Star Carlton Hotel Galway City is located 5 minutes from Galway City Centre. Galway is well known for it's great shopping and good food with plenty to see and do, including a great nightlife of dancing, concerts, funfairs, festivals and much more. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and free high speed internet access in bedrooms. You can have dinner at Rueben's Restaurant or grab a snack at Bar Solo. The rooms are equipped with a laptop size safe, a hairdryer and a Tea/Coffee Station.

The pictures are from the official hotel website.

Occidental College Glee Club meet the Galway Gospel Choir and a Norway Choir in Galway on Thursday, May 20 at 7.30 PM

Incantato Tours has arranged a very special event for the Occidental College Glee Club: They will join forces with the Galway Gospel Choir and a Norway Choir for a highlight exchange concert in Galway on Thursday, May 20 at 7.30 PM.
The venue is the beautiful Galway Franciscans Abbey. 'The Abbey' was founded in 1296. In 1781 the church was rebuilt and around 1836 the present building was opened.
Here is a picture of the Galway Gospel Choir, which you will meet in Galway:

The above picture is from the offical website of the Galway Gospel Choir.

Incantato Insider Ireland: "The Church" Restaurant in Dublin

A must-stop when visiting Dublin, the capital city of Ireland is the former place of workship, now stunning restaurant fittingly named "The Church".

Updated Flight Itinerary with Air Lingus

Hello all! We would like to update you on the flight itinerary for your trip to Ireland on Air Lingus. Notice the changes in flight times.

Travel to Ireland
Tuesday May 18th
American Airlines flight AA 54 from LAX (Los Angeles) to ORD (Chicago) depart at 9:40 am and arrive at 3:35 pm.
Air Lingus flight EI 124 from ORD (Chicago) to DUB (Dublin) depart at 6:15 pm and land 7:50 am next day on Wednesday May 19th.
Air Lingus flight EI 133 from DUB (Dublin) to SNN (Shannon) depart at 10:15 am and arrive at 11:00 am.

Return to the US
Thursday May 27th
Air Lingus flight EI 125 from DUB (Dublin) to ORD (Chicago) depart at 12:50 pm and arrive at 3:10 pm
Clear immigrations and customs, recheck your bags. Continue on American Airlines flight AA 607 from ORD (Chicago) to LAX (Los Angeles) depart at 8:20 pm and land at 10:45 pm.

Incantato Concert Venues: St. Nicholas Church in Galway

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship at the heart of Galway's life. A tour through the Church will allow you to glimpse the part of its rich history. You will see signs of the iconoclasm of the soldiers of Oliver Cromwell. But by contrast, should you visit during one of the many acts of worship you will see and hear the present day richness of the liturgy where sound and colour fill the delightful medieval building. Perhaps such present day liturgies are not that far removed from the sights, sounds and perfumes that graced St Nicholas centuries ago.

Have a look at the church's website for more information.

Thanks for a first great meeting - Some additional info on Ireland and tourism related websites

Dear singers of the Occidental Glee Club, I really enjoyed meeting you and hope you are even more excited about your upcoming Incantato performance tour to Ireland in May.

Over the next few weeks, we will finalize the itinerary, finish confirming hotels and especially the venues in accordance with your director Mrs. Desiree LaVertu. Sightseeing is one of the most flexible elements within the tour and final decisions on what you will see where as a group will not be made for a few months. So please keep posting your findings and suggestions on the blog where we will eventually take polls as to what will be included for all.
We encourage you to visit the official Tourism Website of Ireland which offers amazing resources and lots of wonderful features. Two of our team members belong to and graduated from the Shamrock Club, the Irish Tourism Boards continuing ed program and they will share some of their personal favorites with you on this blog too. Last not least, there is the grandmaster of travel guides, Frommers.

You will be staying at our all time favorite hotel in Cork: The Imperial

Dear Travelers,
the first hotel confirmations are coming in and we sure hope you will be as pleased as we are with the selections.
Have a look at the following site for your Cork accommodation and don't forget to check out the spa.
Imperial Hotel Cork

Travel Insurance

Incantato Tours strongly recommend 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 not least, 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.

Occidental College Glee ClubPerformance Tour 2010 - First Itinerary

Intriguing Ireland
Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney,The Ring of Kerry,Cork and Dublin
also featuring: stops and overnights in smaller villages for a true immersion into local cultures

This is the Occidental College Glee Club's first performance tour itinerary, some details are subject to change to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

Highlights
• A series of up to four professionally organized and promoted formal concerts in magnificent venues just for your choir and/or exchange concerts
• Educational and entertaining sightseeing
• Plenty of opportunities for immersion intothe local culture
• Exchange with local musicians
• Entrances to many sights, including the Guiness Storehouse (tasting not obligatory)
• Nice hotels in good locations

Your Concert-Venues
• St. Nicholas Church, University —GALWAY
• Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey
• Muckross House, Cathedral, Danny Man Pub —KILLARNEY
• St. Augustine, University —CORK
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch, St. Bartholomew —DUBLIN
The above listed venues have been carefully selected by Incantato‘s Concert Managers and will be requested for your choir and travel dates. Final confirmation is based on submission of repertoire and recording as well as final approval by the local music directors.


Accommodation and Meals
Incantato‘s Hospitality Managers take pride in working only with pre-inspected hotels that fit your budget and selected restaurants frequented by locals. We encourage you to stay and eat in typical, ideally locally owned properties for a true immersion into the local cultures. Irish breakfasts are included daily and four special dinners.

Itinerary

DAY 1 Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Overnight flight to IRELAND

DAY 2 Wednesday, May 19
Failté to Dublin
Your Incantato Tourmanager welcomes you to Ireland after an overnight flight to Dublin and you will take the bus to the West Coast. En-route to Galway you’ll stop in a picturesque town for tea and scones. After check-in, explore Galway, a lively university town, prior to your welcome dinner with typical specialties.

DAY 3 Thursday, May 20
Parks, Abbey & Concert
After an optional exchange with students at Galway University, start your excursion of Connemara National Park. It‘s highlight is the beautiful Kylemore Abbey where a home-made tea and scones await you prior to the choir‘s concert at the Gothic Church. An alternative performance can be scheduled in Galway.

DAY 4 Friday, May 21
Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Visit the breath-taking Cliffs en route to Killarney.
Today will be a day of scenic routes including
stops in some of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Upon arrival in Killarney, home of a myriad of music pubs, enjoy a free evening,or take an optional carriage ride to Muckross House and Gardens.

DAY 5 Saturday, May 22
“The Ring of Kerry” - Concert
This excursion is a must. The captivating mountain
and coastal scenery is dotted with slate-roofed fishing villages. The “Ring” encircles the Iveragh Peninsula, which features Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy Reeks, providing excellent views at Dingle Bay to the North and the estuary of the Kenmare River to the South. From Tralee, enjoy fine views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Dingle Peninsula. Alternatively, you can also chose to go on a full day excursion to Dingle. Upon return, concert opportunity in Killarney.

DAY 6 Sunday, May 23
Blarney Castle & Cork
Visit ancient Blarney castle and have opportunity
to kiss the stone which is said to impart the gift of eloquence. Continue to beautiful Cork for a relaxing remainder of the day and another performance opportunity.

DAY 7 Monday, May 24
Cork at leisure
There is lots to see and do in and around Cork - especially guide and coach at the group’s disposal. Another university visit is also an option
or just taking it easy by visiting museums, explore local shops etc.

DAY 8 Tuesday, May 25
to Dublin - Sightseeing
Complete your Ireland Circle by heading to the capital city. Visit Georgian Dublin, then see the Castle and Trinity College with the famous Book of Kells. Evening at leisure or next concert opportunity.

DAY 9 Wednesday, May 26
Dublin at leisure - Farewell
Do as you please today with coach and tour manager at the group#s disposal. You may decide to stay in town or visit Dublin Bay. In the evening, meet for a fun farewell in the lively Temple Bar district.

DAY 10 Thursday, May 27
Return Flight home