Thursday, September 23, 2010: Evansville Diocesan Choir sings at Saint Mark's Basilica

Incantato Tours proudly presents the first Italy Performance Tour venue for the Diocesan Tour Choir from Evansville, Indiana: the Basilica di San Marco in Venice welcomes the singers on Thursday, September 23 at 6:45 pm.

The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, more commonly known as Saint Mark’s Basilica, is a cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice in northern Italy. Located on the Piazza San Marco, Saint Mark’s Basilica is the city’s most famous church and a prime example of Byzantine architecture. Since 1807, the church has served as the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. The building earned its nickname, “Church of Gold,” for its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.

The exterior of the basilica consists of three registers: lower, upper, and domes. Five rounded arch portals enveloped by polychrome marble columns create the lower register, which opens into the narthex through bronze-fashioned doors. Romanesque art adorns the rounded ceiling above the central door. The lateral portals feature mosaics preserved from the thirteenth century that tell the stories of Saint Mark’s relics. Statues of Theological and Cardinal Virtues, four Warrior Saints, and Saint Mark watch over the city from the top arches of the upper register. Greek horses face the square from the center of the balcony.

Upon entering, the building’s narthex prepares visitors’ eyes for the suffused atmosphere of the gilded interior. Similarly, the mosaic depictions of Old Testament stories represented on the narthex ceiling prepares worshipers for the New Testament Gospel received within the basilica. Bright mosaics containing gold, bronze, and a variety of brilliant stones decorate the 8000 square meter upper interior of the basilica. The most ancient works boast both Byzantine and Gothic influences. Moving from east to west within the church walls, visitors can contemplate the history of Salvation through the chronological art of the domes.

The spacious interior of the building, with its multiple choir lofts, inspired the development of Venetian polychoral compositional style often utilized by Saint Mark’s appointed maestros.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Tuesday, September 22, 2010: Benvenuti to Italy!

The Diocese of Evansville’s Pilgrimage Tour commenced today as the travelers landed safely in Venice at around 9 o’clock this morning. Upon arrival, the group met the tour manager’s assistant before crossing the Freedom Bridge from Venice to the beautiful town of Mestre for free time to explore and stretch their legs.

Following a light lunch at Mestre’s restaurant Corte Sconta, the group transferred to the Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese to meet their official Incantato Tour Manager, check into their rooms and relax before their very first European performance.

The Diocese of Evansville Choir will sing and participate in High Mass at 5:30 this evening at the Church Santa Maria Goretti. This exciting first full day concludes with a special welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant before a comfortable overnight stay.

Welcome aboard Delta!

The Diocese of Evansville's Pilgrimage to Italy is about to take off on one of the world's premier airlines: Delta
While we recommend that you do get some sleep on the transatlantic overnight flight, you are in for several treats such as two warm meals plus two or more recent movies. For more information on the on-board experience, visit Delta's website. The Incantato Tour team wishes you a safe and relaxing flight. See you soon in Italy!

We proudly present: Your Incantato Tour Poster in English

 

We proudly present: your Incantato Tour Poster

 

The Diocese of Evansville Incantato 10 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
Group Flight to Venice

Day 2: Wednesday, September 22nd
Benvenuti to Italy
Meet your tour manager's assistant, Elisabetta Mustillo, at the airport before transferring to Mestre for free time and exploration. Enjoy lunch at restaurant Corte Sconta before checking into your Incantato Tour Hotel: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese. Freshen up and relax.
Meet your Tour Manager, Barbara Holl, before transferring back to Mestre for leisure, exploration, and your first performance. Sing mass at Church Santa Maria Goretti, followed by welcome dinner back at the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: Thursday, September 23rd
Venice In-Depth - High Mass
Start your day with a boat ride to Venice and a guided city tour visiting Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Cathedral, where your choir will sing for High Mass.
Dinner in Venice at Restaurant Trovatore before returning to the hotel.

Day 4: Friday, September 24th
Via Padua to Tuscany
Continue to visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony where you will sing High Mass and meet with Franciscan Friars. Continue to Tuscany for a wine tasting with light lunch at Castello di Lispida.
Overnight stay in Florence at Starhotel Tuscany.

Day 5: Saturday, September 25th
Florence Visits - High Mass
See the many highlights of Florence. Sing and celebrate High Mass at Duomo or at Santa Croce. You will also see Santa Maria del Fiore & the Accademia Museum.
Free time, lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 6: Sunday, September 26th
Under the Tuscan Sun
Embark on a leisurely excursion to Siena and pay your respects to Saint Catherine at her shrine, then visit the city and Duomo . Free time to enjoy the beautiful countryside, shop, etc. Sing and celebrate High Mass at Santa Croce Church in Florence.

Day 7: Monday, September 27th
to Rome via Assisi
After breakfast, continue south to the Eternal City. Stop in magnificent Assisi, visit the San Francesco Basilica, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Capella Del Transito, and Basilica of St. Clare. Sing and celebrate High Mass at San Francesco Basilica. Enjoy lunch at Buca di San Francesco before a guided city tour. Continue to Rome, see the magical squares including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Enjoy a pizza dinner at Ristorante Casareccio before your overnight stay at the Casa Domitilla Hotel.

Day 8: Tuesday, September 28th
Rome In-Depth
Optional morning visit to the catacombs. Visit the Eternal City with a local guide; starting with the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Free time for lunch in the area. Then see the Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum. The choir sings for High Mass at St. Peter's Basilica followed by private tour of the Vatican with recital at the Sistine Chapel.

Day 9: Wednesday, September 29th
Papal Audience and Farewell
Participate and sing in the Papal Audience. Take a guided tour of ancient Rome including Capitoline Hill, Tarpeian Rock, Roman Forum, and Coliseum. Transfer to Sant'Agnese in Agone for farewell concert followed by farewell dinner at Nautilus Restaurant, featuring local specialties and piano music. Return for overnight at Casa Domitilla.

Day 10: Thursday, September 30th
Rome Departure
Return with memories to last a lifetime!


Every Incantato Pilgrimage is custom-designed to take in the sights that are most meaningful to your group. This itinerary is a continuous work in progress.

Farewell Dinner: Nautilus Restaurant Rome

Nautilus restaurant is located in the heart of Rome, just a few steps from the stunning Trevi Fountain and Spanish Square, thus making it a hit with tourists. The establishment is elegantly furnished and spaciously designed to accommodate large parties. The multi-lingual, professionally trained staff is greatly looking forward to hosting The Diocese of Evansville’s special farewell dinner.

Enjoy a variety of classic Italian fare and Nautilus’ own unique Sicilian recipes. The restaurant’s reliability and unique twist on genuine Italian cuisine earned high acclaim in Italy’s La Republica newspaper and from touring representatives of the Japanese Credit Bureau.

As the old saying goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In this case, eat as the Romans eat. Nautilus fans suggest enjoying a simple starter of mixed bittersweet vegetables (aubergine, tomato, celery, capers, black olives), followed perhaps by pasta with mussels and clams, and finish with homemade tiramisu. Delivered daily, the fish is delicious, too. In online reviews, one customer raved about the restaurant’s crispy flatbread pizza. Although it is not a typical menu item, the chef will gladly make it especially for you.

The atmosphere at Nautilus is invariably casual, in an elegantly Roman kind of way. Its series of romantic high arches lit by cream wall lamps is instantly appealing. Enjoy the serenade of piano music and a glass of the specialty house wine as you celebrate your journey and bid farewell to this magical city.