WWC is touring Ireland in the summer of 2010 under the direction of Don Paul Richardson. The Washington D.C. based women's chorus is performing in Galway, at Kylmore Abbey, in Killarney, Cork and twice in Dublin between June 20 and June 30.
Most of us buy souvenirs for our loved ones back home wherever we travel, but sometimes we have a hard time finding the perfect gift. In Dublin, they have a one-stop shop that can pretty much take care of even the most difficult person on your list! Carroll's is a Irish gift shop that can be found all over Dublin. There is one on almost every major street, and they carry almost anything you can imagine. They even carry much of merchandise that is found at the Guiness factory, so if you do not make it there for a visit and a pint, then you can always bring back something for that Guiness drinker you know, just by visiting Carrolls.
Take a look at just the amount of key chains alone they have!
Of course, if you are looking for something more traditional and hand-made, you can always visit the Irish Celtic Craftshop. They carry hand-carved ornaments, hand-made sweaters, drums dolls, etc. This store can be found right down the street from Christchurch and the Jurys Inn Christchurch hotel.
It is not too late to get coverage for the upcoming WWC Ireland Tour 2010 and with the current ash cloud situation in Europe, Incantato Tours more than ever strongly recommends getting travel insurance for your journey. Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling or interrupt your journey at any point, but with TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should anything beyond our control (such as a volcano erruption or weather related situation) affect the trip.
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
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
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
What should everyone carry at all times, real passport or a photo copy?
Ideally, your passport should be on your person at all times. Please be “street-smart” and don’t wave it around for all to see. Photocopies of the passport should be packed in your suitcase, available in your e-mail and also Incantato should have a copy as well.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
It is save to drink the water in Ireland. But in some cities it's not tasty because of the chlorine or hard water.
Do you have recommendations or suggestions on the type of power adapter needed and what wattage?
Electricity in Ireland is supplied at standard European voltage, 230V 50Hz, but the plugs used are not the same as continental Europe. Ireland uses IS401 (BS1363) plugs which are identical to those used in the United Kingdom. Visitors from the US using 110 volt supplies need to purchase voltage adaptors, or ensure that their equipment can be used on 230V 50Hz. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and radio shack etc.
What is the weight limit for check-in baggage?
1 suitcase weighing under 50lbs.
What the size limit and number of items is for carry on?
You may have 1 carry-on bag – it must be able to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We recommend a backpack.
What are the airline carryon container regulations?
No containers holding more that 3ozs of liquid or (100g for toothpaste) is allowed in the carryon luggage. They also must be in a plastic zip-lock bag.
What has the best exchange rate, using a debit card to pull money out or exchanging US currency?
By far the best way is to use your debit card. Most banks only charge around $2 per withdraw and they also take care of the exchange rate for you. You do need a 4 digit pin and also let your bank know that you are travelling abroad. DO NOT BRING TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES!
What is the approximate exchange rate right now?
It’s about $1.25 to 1 EUR.
What happens if someone gets injured while in tour?Medical care and cost wise?Do they need a medical consent form for treatment?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. You find a link to our recommended partner on this blog.
If needed, is there laundry service?
It’s really expensive to do laundry overseas as it is dry-cleaning only.
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 = $ 1,25. 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.
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.
Exaudi! Laudate! (1998) SSA & Piano, Bevery A. Patton
Hear me and praise. Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to people of good will. Alleluia!
Rose Trilogy (2003) SSA and piano, Eleanor Daley (b. 1955)
A Red, Red Rose, poem by Robert Burns
The White Rose, poem by John Boyle O’Reilly
Lost Rose, poem from Green Willow (anon.)
Three Anonymous Irish Love Songs (1996) (7 min) SSA and piano, arr. James Mulholland
I Will Walk With My Love
Hey Ho, the Morning Dew
Green Grows the Laurel
Gift to be Simple (folk tune) SSA, unaccompanied, arr. Bob Chilcott
When the WWC officially starts with the arrival in Galway, the singers, their family and friends are staying at the Carlton Hotel Galway City. Now there are fancier hotels in one of our favorite Irish cities, but we chose this one for you all for its excellent location close to everything happening! The Carlton Hotel Galway City is located 5 minutes from Galway City Centre. And as we already informed you, 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.
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.
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
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
"Our tour was so much more than a music festival. It was a complete cultural enrichment including great performance venues, hotels, restaurants, local tour guides, as well as connections with other choirs and instrumentalists. An added bonus for us was an introduction to an Italian composer who presently will be joining us in NC for 3 concerts featuring some of his choral music. So the cultural exchange continues. Bravo, Incantato!" Dr. Sue Klausmeyer, Chapel Hill Community Chorus, Chapel Hill, SC
"As a director I loved the personal touch Incantato was able to provide and the attention they gave to even the smallest details. Incantato worked with us to suit our tour of Central Europe to our ensemble’s needs and objectives. The result was a brilliant tour that featured amazing performance venues, excellent guides, and unique cultural experiences that the students and I will remember for a lifetime."
Dr. Graeme Langager - Director of Choral Activities, University of Arkansas
"Having recently returned from a successful tour of Ireland, I can say without a doubt that this was my finest tour experience. I have used several different tours companies in my years of performance tours, and none have matched the attention to detail, the thoughtful planning, excellent venues & marketing, meal & hotels, and overall management by Incantato Tours. Their pricing was excellent, and when the US currency dropped, they did not raise any of our cost. I would recommend this company to anyone planning a tour, whether they are a large professional ensemble, or a small church choir." Nathan J. Kreitzer - Director of Choral Activities Santa Barbara City College, CA
“When we travel to Europe again, it wil be with Incantato. I have been more than impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail. We sang in great and unforgettable venues, had excellent marketing and audiences. I highly recommend Incantato.“ Howard Cheung, San Marino Chamber Choir, CA
“I’ve worked with many other tour companies, but our Incantato Tour exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. The singers will remember their time in Italy the rest of their lives. To have had the opportunity to perform in those amazing cathedrals with large appreciative audiences was truly memorable.“ Judy Filibeck, Choir of the Sound, Seattle, WA
“From start to finish Incantato was tremendous in terms of the planning and execution of our tour. We found the staff professional yet personable, and without doubt we’ll travel with them in the future.” Philemon Theodorou, SCHS Vocal Arts, CA
“Incantato Tours has created the most musically satisfying tour we have ever taken. For the singers touring is about the music in the wonderful cathedrals and the exchanges with the local kids. A toast to Incantato for fulfilling your dream, and for making so many people so happy - now and in the future.“ Arlene Jacobs, SCS Touring Choir, Akron, OH
“Incantato Tours impresses me because their clients come first. Their advantage lies in the selection of venues, impressive itineraries and the ability to tend to details.” Dr. Gary L. Unruh, Professor Emeritus, CSU Fresno
Take a look at just the amount of key chains alone they have!
