Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Mater Dei HS 2011 Italy Performance Tour - Updated Itinerary for the Choir & Entourage Group

Welcome to the Incantato blog for the 2011 Mater Dei HS Performance Tour and Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy. This is the updated itinerary and still somewhat of a work in progress. Some details are subject to change as this journey becomes more and more your tour and to enhance the overall experience. Enjoy!

DAY 1 Thursday, March 24
Overnight flight to Rome

DAY 2 Friday, March 25
Benvenuti to Italy
Upon arrival, travel to the Amalfi Coast where you will enjoy a traditional Italian welcome dinner. The Choir & Chaperone Group overnights until Tuesday, March 29 at the Hotel Reginna Palace which is exclusively booked for Mater Dei High School. The Entourage & Visual Arts Tour will stay the Hotel Sole Splendid.

DAY 3 Saturday, March 26
Pompeii & Ercolano
Continue to excavation sites of Pompeii and Ercolano where an expert guide will introduce you to this amazing UNESCO world heritage site, then return to Maiori for your first tour concert at Santa Maria a Mare at 7 pm.

DAY 4 Sunday, March 27
Scenic Amalfi Coast & Concert
Start off the day with High Mass at San Francesco Church at 11 am, featuring the Mater Dei High School Choirs and Handbell ensemble. Then experience the beautiful countryside today as you head to Capri and Amalfi for a highlight concert at the magnificent Duomo.

DAY 5 Monday, March 28
Exchange & Coastal Farewell Dinner
Visit a local high school in Maiori today and get in touch with the students, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure prior to your coastal farewell dinner at Torre Normanna, a 12th century Norman Tower converted into a gourmet restaurant.

DAY 6 Tuesday, March 29
Via Montecassino to Rome
Bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast as you travel north. Stop for a guided tour & recital at the Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino perched high upon a hill. Continue to Umbria for dinner and a relaxing evening. Both the Choir and Entourage groups will stay at the Hotel Capannelle in Rome on March 29 and 30.

DAY 7 Wednesday, March 30
Papal Audience and leisure time in Rome
According to Vatican Officials, Pope Benedict XVI will be holding a general audience on this Wednesday and you will have the opportunity to attend and briefly sing at the event. Explore Rome at leisure this afternoon.

DAY 8 Thursday, March 31
La Dolce Vita in Umbria & Concert
Today you‘ll experience the many flavors of the region, learn how olive oil is made, visit a cheese farm, and have the opportunity to participate in a cooking demonstration. After a hands-on pizza making workshop, the group will perform at Il Teatro Comunale in Todi. The Choir & Chaperons group will stay tonight through the remainder of the tour at Rome's H10 Hotel Roma Citta. The Entourage & Visual Arts Tour will be staying at the Hotel Pulitzer.

DAY 9 Friday, April 1
Eternal Rome Tour & Concert
The Eternal City of Rome is just a short drive away, and you will begin the day there with a tour of its ancient highlights: the Colosseo and the Foro Romano, followed by some free time prior to the final formal concert. The choir will perform Haydn's Paukenmesse with full orchestra this evening at the Basilica de Santi Giovanni e Paolo al Celio.

DAY 10 Saturday, April 2
High Mass & Private Vatican Visit with Recital in the Sistine Chapel
Explore the Roman Squares (Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona), followed by free time in the Vatican area. In the afternoon, Mater Dei is the featured guest choir for a special Saturday High Mass at the magnificent Cathedral of St. Peter, followed by an after-hours private visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with a recital in the Sistine Chapel. A fantastic farewell feast with local specialties and music concludes the day.

DAY 11 Sunday, April 3
Rome Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home to the US. After check-in, your Tour Manager waves good-bye and you will bid farewell to beautiful Italy.

*Please note that all communication regarding this tour should be directed to the school, not to Incantato Tours. Please contact Ms. Lauren McCaul at lmccaul@materdei.org with any questions or concerns you may have about the 2011 Mater Dei High School performance tour to Italy.

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