Monday, November 12, 2012

Incantato Favorites: Assisi

There are many reasons why Assisi is one of Incantato's favorite destinations in Italy.
A fairly small city of 30,000 inhabitants, Assisi sits perched on a hilltop surround by the stunning Umbrian landscape. When visiting, you feel like you have stepped back in time, finding yourself in what seems like a village from the Middle Ages with its old gates and main street, the Via de San Francesco. You can also visit the two 14th century forts Rocca Maggiore and Rocca Minore (large and small fort) and enjoy the gorgeous views. However, the most important sight is the Basilica of Saint Francis, named a UNESCO world heritage site. There are also many traces of Roman times around the city, including remains of the city walls or the Piazza del Comune, the main square of Assisi. Here you can find the Temple of Minerva. With six Corinthian columns, it was erected in the 1st Century BC. The square is also a nice meeting point where almost all streets converge. In the streets surrounding the main square there are many shops offering small handicrafts and local specialties. You can also just sit down and relax, knowing that beneath your feet lies an ancient Roman Forum where people used to meet 2,000 years ago.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

First Itinerary for the PVPHS Italy tour

Day 1, Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Overnight flight to Italy


Day 2, Thursday, June 13
, 2013
Benvenuti in bella Italia

Upon arrival in Rome, meet your Incanato Tour manager and bus driver. Transfer to Montecassino for a traditional italian welcome dinner. Check into hotel for overnight.

Day 3, Friday, June 14
, 2013
Montecassino & Naples
Spend the morning visiting the beautiful Montecassino Abbey. Perched on a mountain top, this working monastery was founded by Saint Benedict in 529, making it one of Europe’s oldest monasteries. After a recital in this historic venue, transfer to Naples for dinner and overnight.


Day 4, Saturday, June 15
, 2013
Capri Excursion - First concert
The island of Capri is one of the highlights when visiting the Naples area. Enjoy an excursion as you take a boat to the marina Grande, Capri’s main harbor. After exploring the enchanting and picturesque island made of limestone rock, return to Naples conclude the day with a concert.


Day 5, Sunday, June 16
, 2013
Highlight performance at the Vatican
Enjoy the scenic route to Rome in the morning for a possible mass participation for the choir at St. Peter’s Basilica. Incantato also included a tour of the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel followed by some free time. Dinner and overnight in Rome.


Day 6, Monday, June 17
, 2013
Rome sightseeing & Exchange
Enjoy a sightseeing tour in the morning as you discover the ancient sides of Rome, including an entrance to the Coliseum and Roman Forum. Optional exchange meet with Roman students at a local school followed by a possible joint concert.  


Day 7, Tuesday, June 18
, 2013
Charming Perugia
Bid farewell to Rome as you transfer to the lively medieval walled hill town of Perugia, also known as the Green Heart of Italy. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon tour of the city with its people-filled squares and modern shops. Conclude the day with a concert and dinner. Check into hotel for overnight.


Day 8, Wednesday, June 19
, 2013
Assisi Excursion & Performance(s)
The birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi is a medieval city built on a hill. Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Assisi, which boasts sights such as the Basilica of San Francesco, named a UNESCO world heritage site. Optional mass here, return to Perugia for concert/overnight.


Day 9 - 10, Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21
, 2013
Rieti in-depth - Highlight Concert

Next and final stop is Rieti, in the heart of Italy and one of Incantato Tours‘ favorite small Italian towns. Meet with students from a local school for an exchange, then prepare for one of the trip’s highlights as you will present a special joint concert in the magnificent Teatro di Rieti.

Day 11, Saturday, June 22
, 2013
Return flight home

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey back to the US.