New additions to your Incantato Tour Blog!

Dear Frost Chorale Travelers,
We have added some new, important, and exciting information to your Incantato Performance Tour 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 tour itinerary
• Flight schedules
• Travel insurance information
• Map of tour route
• Travel Tip: What to pack
• Travel Tip: Money matters
• Travel Tip: High voltage
  

Confirmed performance venues:

• Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona
• Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas, Valencia
• San Esteban, Valencia
• San Pedro, Cuenca
• Santo Tome, Toledo

Hotel Accommodations:

• NH Numancia, Barcelona
  
• Hotel NH Las Artes, Valencia
• Parador de Cuenca, Cuenca
• Cigarral el Bosque, Toledo
• NH Parque Avenidas, Madrid
  

Frost Chorale 2011 Performance Tour to Spain - updated itinerary

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

DAY 1 Sunday, May 15, 2011

Overnight flight to Barcelona

Those of you who chose the air-land package will be traveling with Iberia Airlines from Miami to Barcelona.

DAY 2 Monday, May 16

Bienvenidos to Espanya

Meet your Incantato Tour Manager and driver at the airport. Enjoy an orientation tour of Barcelona’s highlights, followed by free time, a traditional tapas welcome dinner at the waterfront with beautiful views and great local specialties, and first overnight on Spanish soil.

DAY 3 Tuesday, May 17

Barcelona in-depth

See the major sights with your local guide, such as La Pedrera and La Sagrada Familia. Then prepare for your first concert this evening at Santa Maria del Mar.

DAY 4 Wednesday, May 18

Scenic Route to Modern Valencia & Concert

Bid farewell to Barcelona late this morning. You’ll experience a rapid change in scenery as you take the coastal highway to the artistic city of Valencia. Then prepare for your evening concert at Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas.

DAY 5 Thursday, May 19

Valencia in-depth

Known as the city of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is also haven for musicians. After a special paella lunch, embark on a guided tour. Get together and rehearsal at Conservatorio Profesional de Musica de Valencia, exchange with local singers.

DAY 6 Friday, May 20

Ancient Cuenca & Concert

There is lots to see and do today as you explore the historical hilltop town of Cuenca in the La Mancha province. The Frost Chorale presents a special concert tonight at the octagonal Church of San Pedro, followed by an official reception.

DAY 7 Saturday, May 21

Toledo in-depth & Concert

You are in for a treat today. Nearby Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage as one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire and place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Moorish cultures. Enjoy a guided tour and plenty of free time for exploring. Concert this evening at Santo Tome.

DAY 8 Sunday, May 22

To Madrid

Enjoy an orientation tour of Madrid’s highlights, followed by free time to enjoy the city at your leisure with visits to such attractions as the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. A fun farewell dinner party concludes your final day in Spain.

DAY 9 Monday, May 23

Return flight to Miami

After breakfast, transfer to the airport as you wave goodbye to beautiful Spain. Return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights

• See and experience both major cities and off-the-beaten path gems of Spain

• Up to four professionally organized and promoted formal concerts, plus mass participation and recitals in magnificent venues just for your choir

• Plenty of opportunities for immersion into the local culture, exchanges with local singers

• Educational and entertaining sightseeing

• Quality hotels in convenient locations, great food, free time for individual explorations

Performance Venues
• Santa Maria del Mar — BARCELONA
• Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas — VALENCIA
• San Pedro, Auditori — CUENCA

• Catedral, Santo Tomé — TOLEDO

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 director.

Accommodation, Tour Meals, & Transportation

Incantato‘s Hospitality Managers take pride in working only with pre-inspected hotels that fit your budget and selected restaurants frequented by locals. To keep overall cost low, we selected quality 3 & 4 star hotels in the vicinity of the cities, but are also qualified to propose upgraded or centrally located hotels. We included daily buffet breakfasts at the hotel plus one lunch and four dinners featuring typical dishes served in charming places. Your Incantato Tour Manager is with the group 24/7 to coordinate scheduled activities and offer advice during free-time. Transportation is via modern, air-conditioned motor coach from start to finish.

Enjoy the tour blog? Then become a follower!

Dear Singers, Family and Friends of the University of Miami Frost Chorale, 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 Dr. Josh Habermann.

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

Travel Tip: What to pack?

Dear members of the University of Miami Frost Chorale,
As your departure for your 2011 performance tour comes closer and closer, Incantato Tours provides you with different travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your trip.

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."

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).
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.

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 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.

Travel Tip: Money matters

Dear travelers, Money is a delicate subject. The best way to use your money during your upcoming trip 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 little fee for restroom use. 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 20 Dollar 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 Tip: High voltage

Dear travelers,
To charge your digital cameras, laptops, etc. in Europe during your Incantato performance tour, you will need an adapter. The U.S. plug (2 or 3 prong here in the U.S.) will not fit in a European socket. In most cases the European socket takes a plug with 2 round prongs.
The adapters allow an U.S. plug to plug in to the back of the adapter and the front of the adapter plugs into the European socket. You'll find adapters at stores like Radio Shack, Walmart or online at amazon.com.

Welcome to Spain!

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a member state of the European Union 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. Furthermore, the town of Llívia is a Spanish exclave situated inside French territory. With an area of 504,030 km², it is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France.
Because of its location, the territory of Spain was subject to many external influences since prehistoric times and through to its dawn as a country. Conversely, it 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 first language. Spain is a democracy organised in the form of a parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy. It is a developed country with the ninth or tenth largest economy in the world, and very high living standards, including the seventeenth-highest quality of life index rating in the world. It is a member of the United Nations, European Union, NATO, OECD, and WTO.

Frost Chorale 2011 Performance Tour travel route through Spain

Home away from home: Hotel NH Numancia, Barcelona

On the nights of May 16 and 17, 2011 the University of Miami Frost Chorale will stay at the Hotel NH Numancia in Barcelona. The NH Numancia is a comfortable and modern hotel with 208 rooms. One of the hotel's most attractive features is the Nhube restaurant, which was created by the renowned chef Ferrán Adrià. The hotel is located in the financial heart of Barcelona and close to the trade fair and the city center. The rooms are equipped with a television, air conditioning and a wireless internet connection (fees might apply).

Home away from home: Hotel NH Las Artes, Valencia

The University of Miami Frost Chorale will stay at the Hotel NH Las Artes in Valencia on the nights of May 18 and 19, 2011. The Hotel NH Las Artes is located next door to the City of Arts and Sciences Museum, across the street from the El Saler shopping center, and within five kilometers of the beach. The hotel houses 174 guest rooms, a restaurant specializing in Valencian cuisine, and a spa which includes an indoor swimming pool, solarium, and sauna. Standard room amenities include television, balcony, air conditioning, iron and ironing board, safe, en suite bathroom, and hairdryer. Recent guest praise the hotel’s comfortable accommodations and helpful service. Guests also favor the hotel’s prime location, especially due to its easy access to the Museum and nearby Opera House.

Home away from home: Hotel Cigarral el Bosque, Toledo

On the night of May 21, 2011 the University of Miami Frost Chorale will stay at the four star Hotel Cigarral el Bosque in Toledo. The hotel is located in the Cigarrales area of Toledo, just a short bus ride away from the historic center of the town. The property is housed in a building constructed in 2004. It offers a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a Michelin-recommended restaurant. The rooms are equipped with satellite TV, safe, air conditioning and heating. Do not miss: The hotel occupies one of the oldest country houses in the region!

Home away from home: Hotel NH Parque Avenidas, Madrid

The last home away from home for the Frost Chorale during their Incantato performance tour 2011 will be the NH Parque de las Avenidas in Madrid on May 22. The four star hotel is located in Madrid's chic Salamanca district near the Las Ventas bullring and offers a swimming pool, a garden, and tennis courts. In the hotel lobby there is free Wi-Fi for your convenience. The 198 rooms are all standard size, with white walls and light wooden furniture. They feature air conditioning, toiletry kit, hairdryer and more.

City Facts about Barcelona

• Barcelona is the capital and the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain.
• The city is twinned with Boston, USA.
• In 2007 Barcelona's City Council started the Bicing service, a bicycle service understood as a public transport. Once the user has their user card, they can take a bicycle from any of the 100 stations spread around the city, use it, and then leave it at another station.
• The Port Vell area houses Europe's largest aquarium, containing 8,000 fish and 11 sharks contained in 22 basins filled with 6 million litres of sea water.
• Barcelona has a long sporting tradition and hosted the successful 1992 Summer Olympics as well as several matches during the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
• Barcelona has many venues for live music and theatre, including the world-renowned Gran Teatre del Liceu opera theatre, the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, the Teatre Lliure and the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall. Barcelona also is home to the Barcelona and Catalonia National Symphonic Orchestra, the largest symphonic orchestra in Catalonia.
• Snowfalls and night frosts occur almost every year. Snowfalls seldom cause any disruption to traffic. Nonetheless, the city has experienced its share of heavy snowfalls, as for example at Christmas 1962, when a true blizzard affected the city.

Culinary Spain

Touring Spain, the University of Miami Frost Choral will taste some of the local specialities. Here are descriptions for some of the foods and drinks:

Horchata
Horchata or orxata is the name of several kinds of traditional beverage, made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley, or tigernuts (chufas). The name comes from Valencian orxata, probably from ordiata, made from ordi (barley). The French and English 'orgeat', the Italian 'orzata', and the Surinamese Dutch orgeade have the same origin, though the beverages themselves have diverged, and are generally no longer made from barley. Various folk etymologies exist – one legend links the origins of the name to James I of Aragon, who after being given the drink for the first time by a local in Alboraia, was said to have exclaimed "Això és or, xata!" ("That's gold, darling!"). In Spain, it usually refers to orxata de xufa (horchata de chufa), made from tigernuts, water, and sugar. Originally from Valencia, the idea of making horchata from tigernuts comes from the period of Muslim presence in Valencia (from the 8th to 13th century). It has a regulating council to ensure the quality of the product and the villages where it can come from, with the Denomination of Origin. The village of Alboraia is well known for the quality of its horchata. It is served ice cold as a natural refreshment in the summer. Tigernut horchata is also used in place of milk by the lactose intolerant. The horchata is traditionally served with fartons, a finger shaped pastry.

Merienda
Merienda is a light meal, usually taken in the afternoon or for brunch - it fills in the meal gap between lunch at noon and dinner, or between breakfast and lunch. It can be anything from a piece of French-style bread with a piece of chocolate on top, to bread with chorizo, ham or salami. Simplicity is typically key as the meal is not meant to spoil one's appetite for the proper dinner.

Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia (English: Water of Valencia) is a cocktail made from a base of cava or champagne (wine), orange juice, vodka and gin - the travelers of the Frost Chorale will indeed be served the alcohol free version of it. In general, it is served in pitchers of various sizes and is drunk in a broad cocktail glass. It was made for the first time in 1959 by Constante Gil in the bar Café Madrid de Valencia in the city of Valencia. According to the writer María Ángeles Arazo in her book "Valencia Noche" the bar was frequented at that time by a group of Basque travellers that used to order "Agua de Bilbao", referring to the bar's best cava. Tired of always ordering the same thing, they challenged the owner to offer them something new and he suggested that they try the "Agua de Valencia". They agreed to try what Gil made, and liking it, they continued to drink it in later visits. For a decade the drink was known only to a small group of clients and it wasn't until the 1970s that it started to become known in the wider Valencian nightlife. Since then, it has grown to be a very popular drink.

Incantato Impressions: Barcelona

Enjoy a traditional tapas dinner!

The word tapas, from the Latin word “tapar” meaning “to cover,” refers to a variety of appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine. They may be served cold, such as olives and cheese, or hot, such as potatoes or fried squid. In select Spanish bars as well as some regions of North America and the United Kingdom, tapas has evolved into a well-rounded and often sophisticated cuisine. Many tapas patrons choose order a variety of tapas in order to create an entire meal.

The serving of tapas is designed with the intention of encouraging conversation, since people are less focused on intricately eating a full course meal set before them at a table. In some countries, it is even customary for diners to stand and mingle while enjoying tapas.

According to Spanish legend, the tapas tradition began when King Alfonso X of Castile treated an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. Following the successful restoration of his health, the king ordered the local taverns to cease serving wine to customers unless accompanied by a small snack or “tapa.”

According to Irma S. Rombauer’s The Joy of Cooking, tapas were originally slices of bread or meat served to sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover the drinkers’ glassed betwixt sips. At the time, this was a practical measure to deter fruit flies from landing in or hovering over the sweet beverage. The meat of choice was usually ham or chorizo, salty products chosen by crafty bartenders to induce thirst and therefore increase alcohol sales. In this sense, the tapas eventually became just as important as the sherry.

Modern tapas have evolved throughout Spanish history to incorporate ingredients and influences of many different cultures. Popular tapas today include, but are definitely not limited to, olives, meatballs, chorizo, calamares (rings of battered squid), empanadas (turnovers filled with meat and vegetables), prawns, stuffed mussels, a variety of potato presentations, peppers, scallops, and a multitude of meats including spicy beef and slow-cooked pork. 

Photo courtesy of "The Culture of Tapas."