Bratislava

YPAS conquers Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital of the Slovak Republic and, with a population of about 429,000, also the country's largest city. Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia on both banks of the Danube River. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries, Bratislava and Vienna are the two European national capitals which is one of the closest to one another, at less than 60 kilometres (37 mi) apart. Bratislava is the political, cultural, and economic centre of Slovakia. It is the seat of the Slovak president, the parliament, and the executive branch of the government. It is home to several universities, museums, theatres, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions. Many of Slovakia's large businesses and financial institutions are also headquartered there. The history of the city, long known by the German name Preßburg, has been strongly influenced by people of different nations and religions, namely by Austrians, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Slovaks, and Jews. The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg Monarchy territories, from 1536 to 1783 and has been home to many Slovak, Hungarian, and German historical figures. To learn more about this city, please visit the official website.

Exciting exchange in Bratislava on Tuesday, April 5: YPAS and the Evangelic Lutheran Lyceum

On Tuesday, April 5, there is a special event on the itinerary for the YPAS travelers: an exchange and recital with the Evangelic Lutheran Lyceum (Evanjelické lyceum) in Bratislava, Slovakia. The school was instituted in 1606 shortly after the establishment of the first Lutheran congregation in Bratislava. It was modeled on the German secondary school and flourished until 1672, when Hapsburg Emperor Leopold authorized the takeover of the school by the Jesuits as part of the Counter-Reformation. The school reopened again in 1681 and grew in prominence as well as enrollment into the early 20th century. In 1923 the school was taken over by the new national government of Czechoslovakia and transformed into the State German Secondary School. In 1944, even this form of the school was abolished and the school remained closed until September 1991, when it was re-established by the Slovak Lutheran Church in cooperation with the national Office of Education. Speakers at the opening service on 2 September, 1991 included General Bishop Uhorskai of the Slovak Lutheran Church as well as Alexander Dubchek, President of the Czechoslovak National Assembly. Today’s Evangelical Lyceum consists of two units with a total enrollment of around 840 students. For more information (in Slovak) and pictures, please see the official website of the Evangelic Lutheran Lyceum.

Just a quick update that the YPAS group arrived safely in Budapest and aboard

The singers of the Louisville Youth Performing Arts School under the direction of Dr. S. Timothy Glasscock, their family and friends landed safely in Budapest and checked into their floating hotel on Sunday evening. Gipsy Music and a first full dinner awaited the travelers from KY and a full day of sightseeing is ahead of them on Monday.

Wishing you safe travels to Europe

Dear Travelers from YPAS - we sure hope you all read up on your Hungarian, Slovak, Czech, Austrian and German as you are about to embark on a very special journey with the singers under the direction of Dr. S. Tim Glasscock. We wish you safe travels and Ellen, Marti, Ted and eventually also Sandra from the Incantato Tour Team look forward to seeing you all in Europe. You tourmanager Karolina is waiting for you at the airport in Budapest and will arrange the transfer to your floating hotel - the MS Amalyra. Auf Wiedersehen!

Travel Insurance - Please make sure you are protected

Incantato Tours 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 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 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

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

Incantato Hotel: Olšanka in Prague (April 10)

After spending the nights on the ship, the travelers of the Youth Performing Arts School Touring Concert Choir will stay at Hotel Olšanka in Prague on April 10. The Congress & Sport Hotel (3 stars) is situated just a few minutes away from the historical centre of Prague. It offers 253 guest rooms, various restaurants, bars, a wellness and fitness centre. And: a shopping mall (Palace Flora) is not far away.

Incantato Restaurant: Michal in Prague - Farewell Dinner on Sunday, April 10

On Sunday, April 10 the YPAS travelers spend their last night in Europe and will enjoy a special farewell dinner in Prague: at Restaurant Michal. The restaurant is situated in one of the oldest parts of historical Prague on the right bank of the River Vltava, only a few steps away from the stone arches of Charles Bridge. The building in which the fully air-conditioned restaurant is situated was reconstructed in Art Nouveau style in the second half of the 19th century, but from its interior it is clear that its roots go back as far as the Early Gothic period. Their typical menu includes both typical Czech dishes and international cuisine.

New additions to your Incantato Tour Blog!

Dear YPAS travelers,
We have added some new, important, and exciting information to your Incantato Performance Tour Blog. Please click 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
• Insurance information
• Map of tour route
• Travel Tips: What to pack?
• Travel Tips: Money matters
• Travel Tips: High voltage
• Travel Tips: Use of cell phones
• Travel Tips: Frequently asked questions
  

Confirmed performance venues:

• Church of Holy Corps, Cesky Krumlov
• Stephansdom, Vienna (for info about the organ, please click here)
  
• Dürnstein Monastery
• Schweiklberg Abbey, Vilshofen
• Exchange/recital in Bratislava
  

Accommodations:

• MS Amalyra

Enjoy the YPAS Tour blog? Then become a follower and never miss an update

Dear Singers, Family and Friends of the Youth Performing Arts School Touring Concert Choir, 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. S. Timothy Glasscock.

YPAS 2011 Performance Cruise Itinerary

DAY 1 Saturday, April 2, 2011
Overnight flight to Budapest
The travelers start their journey with leaving Cincinnati at 7:10 PM with Delta Airlines. After a stop-over in Atlanta, the KLM flight KL622 leaves Atlanta at 10:25 PM.

DAY 2 Sunday, April 3
Welcome to Central Europe

Arrival in Amsterdam at 12:50PM. Clear Customs and Immigration and proceed to your next departure gate; your luggage is checked through. KLM flight KL1977 leaves Amsterdam at 2:35 PM. Arrival in Budapest at 4:35 PM. Meet your tour manager and enjoy a orientation tour en-route to the MS Amalyra. Welcome dinner aboard the ship with traditional Hungarian fare and Gypsy music.

DAY 3 Monday, April 4
Budapest Sightseeing
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Budapest today including the National Opera House, Matyas Templom, Heroes’ Square, and Buda Castle Hill. Some time at leisure this afternoon before your evening departure from Budapest towards Slovakia - see the city by night!

DAY 4 Tuesday, April 5
Bratislava - City Tour & Exchange
Stop in the capital city of Bratislava. Exchange with local students and perform a recital at the Evangelical Bilingual Lyceum. Lunch aboard the ship as you continue on to Vienna. Optional "Vienna by Night" tour this evening.

DAY 5 Wednesday, April 6
Vienna Sightseeing - Highlight Concert (Mozart Requiem)
"Willkommen in Wien." Tour the city‘s highlights including visits to Schubert‘s Birthplace and the Mozart Museum. Rehearsal this afternoon before performing the Mozart Requiem at the Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral) this evening. Depart for Dürnstein and Melk.

DAY 6 Thursday, April 7
Dürnstein & Melk - Monastery Concert
Visit the picturesque town of Dürnstein where you will present a highlight concert at the beautiful Dürnstein Monastery this morning. Taste some of the local products and tour additional sites of the Wachau Valley this afternoon with a tour and possible recital at Melk Abbey. Dinner aboard the ship as you depart for Linz.

DAY 7 Friday, April 8
Visit Linz and optional excursion to Cesky Krumlov
Prior to saying "Auf Wiedersehen Austria", visit Linz - the 2009 European Capital of Culture and home to Bruckner and Mozart - then cross the border to the Czech Republic and South Bohemia where you have the option to experience Cesky Krumlov‘s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perform a special joint concert this evening with the Cesky Krumlov Pipers. Continue on to Germany.

DAY 8 Saturday, April 9
Passau & Vilshofen
Visit the historical university town of Passau where three rivers meet for a guided tour. It is a typical Bavarian city with the charm of people still dressed in traditional outfits. Then the journey continues to Vilshofen where you present to a concert at Schweiklberg Abbey at 7:00PM followed by an exchange with local German students. Farewell dinner aboard the ship.

DAY 9 Sunday, April 10
Scenic Drive to Prague
Embark from the ship after breakfast and head to the heart of the Czech Republic to visit its capital city with a local guide. Your tour includes the Royal Castle District and Saint Charles' Bridge. Afternoon at leisure followed by a fun farewell dinner.

DAY 10 Monday, April 11
Departure or Prague Extension
Leave Europe on Delta Airlines flight DL211 at 11:55 AM. Arrival in New York at 3:05 PM. Delta Airlines flight DL2013 leaves New York at 5:10 PM. Arrival in Cincinnati at 7:41 PM.

Are you aboard the YPAS 2011 Performance Cruise Tour down the Danube?

Dearest Singers, Musicians, Parents, Family and Friends of the YPAS Choirs & Orchestra.

We are so excited to share the news about the upcoming YPAS Performance Cruise with you all and hope that we get anough aboard to fully charter the wonderful 4 star superior MS AMALYRA from AmaWaterways to take you all from Budapest via Slovakia and Austria to Germany and Prague from April 2 to 11.

You will be for eight nights on the ship with full board (meaning all meals and most beverages are covered and I can tell you the food is amazing) and one night + dinner/breakfast in a nice hotel in Prague. There will be amazing concert opportunities for the singers and hopefully many of the orchestra players can join the touring ensemble as well to present a major work like the Mozart Requiem in original venues this music was composed for such as the Baroque Abbey Church of Goettweig.

If you have not yet received a registration form, please email us to info@incantatotours.com and put YPAS Cruise in the subject line. It is our goal to keep the final tour cost well under $3500 and in this case, the more join (up to 156 have space aboard), the better the rate will get. So spread the word about this special opportunity as the cruise rate we negotiated for YPAS is well under the regular rate so maybe grandma and grandpa always wanted to go on a European river cruise and now they can do so and even see and hear the kids perform. Non-performers pay a $150 surcharge to help off-set scholarships and chaperone costs.
Feel free to email us with questions and keep checking the blog for updates.
The prime cabins which usually cost a lot more, but in this case everyone pays the same, are assigned on a first come, first get basis which already means one Dad and his daughter get the first pick as we just received their registration forms in the mail yesterday. But don't worry, even the first level cabins are nice and comfortable, they just do not feature the panoramic windows of the other two levels.

Auf Wiedersehen, Sandra from all of us at Incantato

P.S. I hope you enjoy the pictures from my personal taste of the AMA Cruise experience feature on this blog. Click here for pictures and a video of the AMAWaterways Cruise experience and just imagine that all the guests you see are people that you know from YPAS or their family and friends.

Travel Tip: Frequently asked questions

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 Incantato should have a copy as well.

Is the tap water safe to drink?
The tab water is potable in many areas, although we would recommend to buy bottled water.

Do you have recommendations or suggestions on the type of power adapter needed and what wattage?
Electricity in Europe comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and radio shack etc.

What is the average meal cost? How much money should you bring?
As long as you are wise about your choices, meals can easily be 15 Euro or less. You don’t have to go to sit down restaurants to get decent food. But when you do want to sit down, you should check the menu outside to see if they have a "menu special" - you can get an entrée, dessert and a drink for a set price.

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 carry-on container regulations?
No containers holding more that 3ozs of liquid is allowed in the carry-on 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 $1.35 to 1 EUR (February 2011).

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.

Travel Tip: Use of cell phones

Incantato Tours discourage their travelers to bring their phones to Europe on a performance tour because of the high costs for calls ($1/minute or more), text messages (50 cents and up) and data charges for online services. Therefore Incantato Tours will supply a free local cell phone for the tour director to use with free incoming calls and allowance for emergency outgoing ones.
If you would like to have more information on this subject, please check the "international section" of the website of your provider:

For T-Mobile:
WorldClass international service

For Verizon:
http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Roaming/index.html

For Sprint:
http://shop.sprint.com/en/services/worldwide/worldwide.shtml

For AT&T:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/international-roaming.jsp

Travel Tip: What to pack?

Dear members of the Youth Performing Arts School Touring Concert Choir, parents and guests,
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.

Danube River Cruise - Destinations

Budapest (Hungary)

Bratislava (Slovak Republic)
Wien (Austria)
Dürnstein (Austria)

Melk (Austria)
Linz (Austria)

Passau (Germany)

Vilshofen (Germany)

Your Home on the River: MS Amalyra

Built in 2009, 360 feet long and 38 feet wide - that could be your home on the Danube river during your performance tour 2011 from Budapest to Vilshofen. The MS Amalyra was designed and built in Holland by Europe's best ship builders and under the watchful eyes of Europe's top Caterers. There are 2 lounges located on the Upper Deck from which you can enjoy panoramic river views, the Panorama Lounge which accommodates up to 150 passengers, and the smaller Adagio Lounge in the Aft of the ship, which can also be reserved for group meetings. A wellness area is located in the aft area of the Violin Deck. This generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon. Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The onboard culinary staff offers menus comprised of soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Start your day with a breakfast buffet and choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. In the evening, be the guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties.

Your tour travel route through Central Europe