Sing and sightsee on the journey of a lifetime to this beautiful country with over 5,000 years of history. Take in Greece's incredible natural landscapes, unique culture, and fascinating history from Athens to the Meteora Monasteries.
Your adventure begins in Athens, walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations as you tour the Acropolis and venture to the nearby islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina.
Continue on to Delphi, the 'omphalos' of the earth. Explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians.
Share your music with Greek people, singing at concerts with local high schools, a worship service for a local congregation, for appreciative community members, and informally as you explore.
PROPOSED TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 | Friday, February 14
FLY TO GREECE
Your performance tour of Greece starts with an overnight flight from North America to Athens. Refer to your MCI tour handbook for tips on making the journey smooth and comfortable.
DAY 2 | Saturday, February 15
WELCOME TO GREECE!
Your Music Contact International tour manager will be waiting to greet you in the arrivals area.
Together, board your private motor coach and let your journey through history begin. Travel back in time through a city with a history of more than 5,000 years. Walk along the streets where Pericles, Plato and the Apostle Paul laid the foundations for Western Civilization and enjoy the perfect blend of ancient worlds and modern times in vibrant Athens, capital of Greece.
Begin exploring highlights of Athens on a locally guided tour from the comfort of your coach and stop for photos and selfies. See landmarks including the Parliament House, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National Library, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.
Celebrate the kickoff of your performance tour of Greece with a welcome dinner of Greek fare at your hotel.
Later, settle in for a good night's rest at the hotel.
DAY 3 | Sunday, February 16
SIGHTSEEING & SINGING IN ATHENS | WORSHIP SERVICE*
Each day of your tour begins with a delicious breakfast in your hotel. After breakfast, head to a church in the Athens area, where your choir will join a local congregation and sing the music for this morning's worship service.
Enjoy time for lunch with your chaperones before joining your guide for more sightseeing.
Visit the famous marble-capped Acropolis, the sacred rock of Athens which was the citadel and sanctuary of the city in antiquity. Venture to the Parthenon and the Erechteion temples, perfect spots to gather to take impressive group photos. Evening activity
This evening, get a taste for authentic Greek life and food at the Zafiro Experience. Join this lively celebration of Greek culture asprofessional dancers in traditional costumes perform energetic ethnic dances and even smash plates before you dine on delicious Greek food. Feast onbreads, meats, cheeses, salads and sweets from a country known for exceptionally delicious food influenced by Middle Eastern, Italian and Balkan cultures!
DAY 4 | Monday, February 17
SIGHTSEEING & SINGING | FRIENDSHIP CONCERT*
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a local high school where you will perform a friendship concert with the students. Take time to make friends and learn the local culture with the students.
In the afternoon, enjoy time for lunch and shopping with your chaperones in lively Plaka surrounding the Acropolis. Plaka is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Athens, Greece. It is one of the most iconic and well-preserved areas of the city, known for its charming streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Tonight, you will perform a concert at a local church in Athens. Afterwards, enjoy dinner in small chaperoned groups.
DAY 5 | Tuesday, February 18
CRUISE THE ISLANDS
Get an early morning start for a full day cruise to the beautiful islands off the coast of Athens. First stop is Hydra, a fashionable artists' colony, retreat and film location. Next, sail onto Poros marked by delightful scenery with pine-wooded hills where the first naval arsenal of independent Greece was established. The last port of call is Aegina, an attractive resort destination with options for guided excursions to the Temple of Aphaia one of the finest and best preserved Greek temples or to a beautiful hilltop Monastery.
A buffet lunch is served on the ship, and afterwards, The Lassiter High School Choir will be invited to perform* for other guests on board!
After the concert, enjoy dinner served to the choir at a local restaurant.
DAY 6 | Wednesday, February 19
SIGHTSEEING & SINGING IN DELPHI
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room this morning. Afterwards, gather your things and check out of the hotel. Board your waiting motor coach to transfer to Delphi.Resting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi boasts an amazing natural landscape that highlights the historical significance of this ancient town. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi was once the religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world.
Upon arrival in Delphi, enjoy lunch on your own in town.
In the afternoon, visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with a local guide, three exquisite landmarks that have been preserved to honor Delphi’s rich history.
Continue to your hotel and check in.
This evening, enjoy dinner together with your choir at the hotel restaurant.
DAY 7 | Thursday, February 20
SIGHTSEEING IN ITEA | COOKING CLASS*
After breakfast, board the bus bound for cooking school where you will learn how to make a few local delicacies while preparing your own homemade lunch.
After lunch, head to the nearby coastal town of Itea. Itea is situated on the northern shores of the Gulf of Corinth and is known for its scenic beauty, with the Parnassus mountain range serving as a picturesque backdrop. In small groups, explore the lovely waterfront promenade, cafes, and restaurants while taking in the views of the Gulf of Corinth.
Tonight, a farewell dinner will be arranged offering you another opportunity to savor the local flavors and recount the many highlights of your tour!
DAY 8 | Friday, February 21
FLY HOME
Your performance tour of Greece ends with a flight from Athens back to North America. Heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged at the airport, and your group is sent off with a fond, "Thank you for connecting our world through your music. Until we meet again!"
*All performance opportunities and venues proposed in this itinerary are pending final confirmation and availability at time of booking. Your group's final program will be determined by confirmed times and locations for concerts, workshops, entrances and other activities. Although your ensemble's exact itinerary will vary to accommodate performance schedules, the same type of singing experiences, activities and caliber of venue will be included in your final concert tour program.
Your Tour INCLUDES:
FLIGHTS - professionally managed with group airfare
Round trip flights from Atlanta to Athens
Our flight team handles custom flight requests and upgrades.
ACCOMMODATIONS - thoughtfully selected to match group needs
6 nights in a 4* hotel as follows:
4 nights in Athens
2 nights in Delphi
MEALS - varied, flavorful, and highlighting local cuisine
Breakfast daily at your hotel
5 dinners including:
Welcome dinner at hotel in Athens
Zafiro experience in Athens including buffet dinner
Dinner in Athens at local restaurant
Dinner at hotel in Delphi
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
2 lunches including:
Greek Island Cruise
Cooking Class
Additional meals can be arranged upon request.
PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS, and EXCHANGES that are customized, unique, and inspiring
Music is the heart of this tour and the suggestions made here reflect the type of performances, venues, musical exchanges, and experiences we will arrange for your ensemble. Impromptu singing on tour is encouraged!
5 performance & singing opportunities*:
Sing at a Sunday worship service in a church in or around Athens
Friendship concert in or around Athens at a local school
Perform a concert at a church in Athens
Sing informally on boat cruise to Hydra, Poros & Aegina
*These arrangements are pending confirmation. Confirming concerts is a process, which requires registration of your ensemble for this tour along with your current biography, sound samples, photos, and repertoire. In some cases, additional separate applications must also be submitted. Organizers, venues, and hosts need to then approve each proposed concert. Music Contact International manages this process and is excited to share updates as performances confirm.
ACTIVITIES + TOURS + ENTRANCES - handpicked for your travelers
Experience fabulous sightseeing with our entertaining and informative guides:
Guided visit to the Acropolis, Parthenon & Erechteion
Full day boat cruise to Hydra, Poros and Aegina
Guided visit to Sanctuary of Apollo, Athenian Treasury and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Visit to resort village of Itea
Half day cooking class with lunch
TOUR MANAGER to handle on-the-road logistics
A full-time tour manager to accompany your group every step of the way from arrival through departure. Our beloved tour managers assist with:
Greeting and gathering the group upon arrival
Expediting hotel check-ins and check-outs
Liaising with reception desks, coach drivers, and guides
Facilitating concerts and rehearsals
Directing on-site entrances and activities, handling tickets and vouchers
Keeping each day well-paced
Sharing cultural content and interpreting local customs
Sending everyone home with fond memories & hopes to travel together again soon!
TRANSPORTATION in a private, modern, climate-controlled motor coach with a professional driver - MAXIMUM 42 seats PER COACH
For all services specified in your itinerary.
INSURANCE that covers our commitment to you
Music Contact International, Inc. holds $5,000,000.00 of Travel Agent and Tour Operator Professional Liability Insurance.
GRATUITIES:
Tips for all tour managers, local guides, coach drivers are included in the package prices
TOUR ENHANCEMENT MATERIALS to help plan, promote, and prepare for your tour
A custom Traveler’s Resource Site (TRS): We build this site specifically for your tour as a resource for travelers to engage in from the start. The TRS is where travelers view the itinerary and watch it develop. There are maps, pictures, packing lists, recommendations for destination-based books and movies, collections of FAQs, and helpful travel links. We’ll build your site when your group is registered for this tour!
A customized Tour Handbook with hourly itinerary, packing tips and lists, practical “Things to Know”, destination background, and other fun content. This printed booklet is provided for each traveler about a month before departure.
A luggage tag, passport/document holder, and outlet adapter for each traveler is also included.
MUSIC CONTACT INTERNATIONAL SERVICES go beyond logistics
A unique opportunity to make lifelong friends through music and pilgrimage! When we bring groups together, friendships develop that frequently extend to years of heartfelt reunions on tours we plan around the world.
You are in good hands! We’ve got 30+ years’ experience arranging custom cultural and special interest tours, performance tours and festivals for choirs, bands, and orchestras.
Our MCI team is the best in the business! We are musicians, teachers, event planners, parents, performers, volunteers, travelers, linguists, athletes, and more, from many countries, sharing our expertise at producing great tour experiences.
We are right there with you! Often, a person who works on your tour, escorts it. This means your tour manager’s expectations for a great program and activities are as high as yours!
Details are our specialty! Group leaders appreciate our well-organized, user-friendly systems and tools for handling group logistics, payments, and diverse traveler needs.
You’ll love our flexibility! Do some of your travelers need individual flights? Adjoining rooms? Gluten-free meals? We are always glad to help.
No matter where you live, consider us local! We will travel to meet your group, present the tour, and help you promote and plan for it. We also Zoom, Skype, and video chat.
CONVENIENT ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM -tour accounting has never been easier!
MCI has a secure, password-protected, online payment site where tour members register and pay for their tour in increments. Reminders and statements are sent electronically.
Your designated leader is emailed a weekly report on group finances and has access to a portal to view payments at any time. We have a system for handling scholarships and monies from fundraisers as well. If for any reason you prefer to collect payments from your travelers and send us a group payment, that’s fine too!
TOUR PACKAGE PRICESyou can rely on
ESTIMATED PRICE FOR LAND PACKAGE:
$2,826.00 per person in double occupancy, based on a minimum of 30 paying travelers
$2,666.00 per person in double occupancy, based on a minimum of 35 paying travelers
ESTIMATED PRICE FOR AIR PACKAGE:
$1,400.00 airfare per person
ESTIMATED PRICES FOR LAND AND AIR PACKAGE:
$4,221.00 per person in double occupancy, based on a minimum of 30 paying travelers
$4,061.00 per person in double occupancy, based on a minimum of 35 paying travelers
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
$421.00 per person supplement for single occupancy
Your tour includes everything above. Here’s what’s not included:
Passport, official ID, visa or other required travel documents | Immunizations |Fees for extra, oversize or overweight baggage | Luggage handling at airports and hotels | Musical instruments including rental of piano and keyboard | Transportation of oversized instruments | Rehearsal/meeting room | Meals, entrance fees, and coach transfers not mentioned above | Drinks with meals unless specified | Gratuities for hotel staff | Travel insurance
Please let us know if you would like any of these items added to your tour.
TRAVEL PROTECTION is recommended!
Music Contact International recommends purchasing a travel protection plan through Travel Insured. This link is also available online via your Traveler's Resource Site. Please review coverage options very carefully and contact Travel Insured Inc. directly with any insurance-related questions.
Traveler's Resource Site
Visit your Traveler's Resource site for your itinerary, travel tips, destination info and more!
Link to payment site where you can register & make monthly payments
Contact our helpdesk with any issues with the payment system or your account
Traveler's Resources & Frequently Asked Question
Travel Tips
We know that collecting the funds for a performance tour can be a challenge for individual travelers as well as for group leaders. Over the years we have seen ensembles have great success through fundraising to help support their travel costs and we want to share some of the ideas they have used.
Understanding that each community and ensemble has different potential for fundraising, it is helpful to have a variety of ideas to choose from that may help you find the right match for your situation.
LUGGAGE:
We recommend that you travel with one suitcase with wheels that you can easily maneuver and one compact bag, backpack or purse. Limiting your luggage to one piece makes it easier for you to handle getting in and out of buses and hotels.
Please refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov or your individual airline's website for up-to-date packing restrictions. Note that certain items are not allowed in your carry-on bag, such as bottles full of water or large tubes of toothpaste. For a comprehensive list of these items, refer to your airline’s website.
We recommend that you carry all of your valuables including your medication, jewelry, money, passport, eyeglasses, contact lenses, camera, computer, and chargers onto the plane with you to reduce the chance of their being lost. We also recommend carrying your toothbrush and a change of shirt and underclothes, in case your suitcase is delayed.
AIRLINE ALLOWANCES:
The airline allows ONE checked bag not to exceed 62" total (length + width + height). Again, check the airline website for latest updates. Checked baggage fees may apply.
WEIGHT LIMIT: Not to exceed 50 lbs per bag. Some airlines charge for each checked bag, and all airlines charge for additional bags. Again, check your airline's website for details. Checked baggage fees may apply.
ONE CARRY ON: The airline allows one carry-on bag or other small bag, which fits in the space under your seat. The airline will strictly enforce the one carry-on bag rule. You may also bring aboard one personal item such as a purse or laptop. Please keep in mind that all carry-on bags are subject to search.
3-1-1 LIQUIDS RULE:
You are permitted by the TSA to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Check the TSA website for further details.
WHAT TO BRING:
Passport
COVID-19 vaccination confirmation
Tour handbook
Flight e-ticket record, located inside your MCI neck wallet
Concert attire and shoes
Music for concerts, if applicable
Instruments and other concert props, if applicable
Credit and debit cards with PIN numbers
Cash in small denominations in home or local currency (best used only as back up to credit and debit cards with PINs)
Secure purse or wallet for your valuables, ideally with a zipper
Pen or pencil for note taking and journal writing
Phone and/or camera with extra memory card
Chargers for electronics and phone
MCI electrical adapter (we will send this to your Group Leader prior to travel)
Personal toiletries
Medications in original bottles
Reading material, music, headphones
Eye shades, ear plugs, inflatable pillow
Weather-appropriate touring clothes (please no bare shoulders or short shorts at churches and holy sites)
Shawl to cover shoulders/legs and to keep you warm
Comfortable, weather-resistant walking shoes or sneakers
Bathing suit
Sunglasses & sunscreen
A light weatherproof jacket or raincoat
Collapsible umbrella, just in case!
Eye glasses, contact lenses and lens solution
Wash cloth
Hand wipes or liquid sanitizer
Band aids and tissues
Refillable water bottle (a clear bottle is ideal, as some attractions to do not allow visitors to bring opaque bottles)
Snacks
PACKING MEDICATION:
Individuals who must carry medications in large supplies (such as insulin for diabetics) are advised to carry a memo on physician’s letterhead stating the following: full name of the drug, condition for which it was prescribed, dosage per day, quantity of drug necessary for the period of time traveling and a section stating that it is required for the well-being of the individual. It is also suggested that all medications be carried in their original containers with the pharmacist’s label attached.
It may be required to show such documentation when passing through customs. Please refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov or your individual airline's website for official instructions on transporting medications.
PACKING TIPS:
When preparing for a trip, remember that packing light can really make your tour experience more enjoyable. Here are a few packing tips of our own that we find helpful when preparing for a trip:
Luggage – It is best to travel with wheeled luggage or bags that can comfortably be strapped over one or both shoulders to make it easier for you to maneuver or carry. We recommend walking around with your luggage at home to test whether or not it is manageable to move with before your trip. It is also advisable to bring a small day bag to use as your carry-on so that you can comfortably carry items around with you while on tour.
Pack light! – Before departing for your trip, make a list and go through each individual object that you are considering to decide whether or not it is crucial to have with you. The less you bring, the less you will need to roll or carry when you arrive in airports and hotels and get on and off the bus. Plan your attire for each day of your tour so you can maximize on the mix and match options. A pair of black pants for example can be worn for a few days with different tops. One blazer can serve for many different outfits.
Organization – When packing your luggage, remember that you will want your clothing and other items to be easily accessible. Rolling clothing, rather than folding and stacking it, helps to conserve room in your suitcase and will help ensure that that outfits are easily reached. When folding items that wrinkle easily such as dress shirts, try laying a t-shirt or other non-wrinkle item on it and folding that into the shirt; this will help to keep deep creases from forming. Most hotels will have an iron in your room that you can also use to make sure your clothes look nice.
Footwear – We recommend bringing as few pairs of shoes as possible on your tour since they take up a lot of space and can be heavy. You should be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable, have been broken in and have proper walking support since you will be spending a fair amount of time on your feet.
CALLING:
To call Portugal from the USA: Dial 011 + 351 (country code Portugal) + phone number.
To call USA from Portugal: Dial 00 + 1 (country code) + area code + phone number.
When dialing on a cell phone, you may simply press and hold 0 + the (country code) + city code + phone number. This eliminates the need to dial 011. The same holds true if dialing from a foreign country back to North America. This eliminates the need to dial 00 before the phone number.
Note: It may be necessary to dial additional digits for operator-assisted or non-direct calls.
CELL PHONES:
Cell phone service is widely available internationally, but while it can be convenient, calling, texting and emailing with your cell phone can be very expensive, so be sure to check with your cell provider before traveling.
Unless you have an international plan in place prior to traveling, go to your phone's settings and turn off the cellular data to avoid any unforeseen fees.
Should you decide to travel with your personal phone while abroad, contact your cellular carrier in advance to check the following:
Ask your cellular carrier whether or not your phone will work where you will be traveling.
Check the international service plans available with your carrier as rates for voice calls, texting and data vary by carrier and by the amount of data you plan to use while "roaming" (using cellular data and not WiFi).
Ask how much it will cost per minute to make calls home and how much it will cost to send and receive a text message. This will help you determine if you should sign up for a global plan (best if you anticipate using a lot of data), or a pay-as-you-go plan if you do not anticipate using your device much outside of WiFi zones.
We suggest that you ask what the overage fees are for voice, data and texting in the event that you use more than the amount your plan covers. Consult your phone company for specifics on overage fees.
*If you do set up an international plan, be sure to cancel it as soon as you return home.
If you want the convenience of a cell phone but don't want to bring your own, you may decide to rent one in advance of your trip. Just type "rent a phone for international travel" in a search engine and choose from the many options that will best suit your needs.
You might also elect to purchase a pre-paid calling card. These can be purchased at local convenience shops, post offices and newspaper stands in a variety of amounts. They offer dialing instructions in English. As you use your card, the charges for the call are deducted. Please be sure to check the instructions and rates for the phone you are calling from.
HOTEL ROOM PHONES:
The phone in your hotel room is a great way to communicate from room to room and for receiving wake up calls. We do not, however, recommend using your room phone to make calls outside of the hotel as many hotels charge high service fees.
WI-FI:
The most effective way to contact friends and family back home is by using Wi-Fi either at your hotel or at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Please check with the front desk for any fees associated with using Wi-Fi at the hotel.
Apps such as Skype, Viber and FaceTime allow you to make both voice and video calls for free. The quality of the calls will depend upon the strength of the Wi-Fi signal.
For Apple users, iMessage allows you to text other Apple users for free over Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world. However, data roaming fees will apply if you contact a non-Apple user. To avoid this, go to settings / messages and turn off the "send as SMS" option.
ALWAYS REACHABLE:
Regardless of how you choose to communicate with friends and family back home, you may always be reached at your hotel. Hotel phone numbers are listed in your handbook. The person trying to reach you need only call the hotel and ask for you by name. The hotel will forward the call to your room or pass on a message if you are out.
In case of emergency, your family can also contact Music Contact International and our staff will contact you through your tour manager. To reach Music Contact International call: 1-802-862-2200 or 1-800-624-0166
CARDS:
We recommend using ATM/debit cards to get cash abroad. They ensure that you get the best exchange rate and do not limit you to banking hours. Be sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling abroad. With the increase in identity theft, banks and credit card companies are constantly monitoring for any suspicious activity on your account, including overseas purchases, which could result in a declined transaction if they are not notified prior to your departure.
When you notify your credit card company that you will be traveling in advance of your trip, also inquire whether a service charge, currency conversion fee, or international transaction fee will be applied for using the card abroad. These fees are generally lower than any exchange fees you would pay for exchanging cash or traveler's checks.
We do not recommend using credit cards to withdraw cash abroad as the cash advance fees are usually quite high.
You will also be able to use a credit card for purchases in most places of business, though there are some locations (including some department stores) that only accept European bank cards. Many stores, cafes, and restaurants have a minimum charge (usually 10 Euro) for credit card use.
Please note that many countries around the world are adopting a system of chip-and-PIN credit/debit cards which means that some machines will not accept swipe-and-sign credit cards (especially many toll booths and ticket kiosks). Because of this, it is always recommended to have spare cash on you while traveling abroad so that you can exchange at a bank or the hotel front desk if necessary.
CASH:
You may also find it convenient to carry a small supply of cash for miscellaneous expenses; inquire at your local bank a few weeks before departure as to whether they can provide a small amount of the foreign currency to you for the destinations you will visit. Shops in international airports will usually accept U.S. or Canadian dollars.
The exchange rate as of November 2022 is: $1.00 = 0.96 € (Euro)
In Portugal, the unit of currency is the Euro. The banknotes come in different colors, sizes are in denominations of: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 1 and 2 Euros and then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Every Euro coin carries a common European design on one side and each member state has its own design for the reverse side. No matter which motif is on the coins they can be used anywhere where the Euro is the official currency. A visitor in France will be able to buy a hot dog in Berlin using a Euro coin carrying the imprint of the King of Spain.
The above rate is only temporary and can be updated by referring to the Foreign Exchange table in your newspaper or through a number of currency exchange websites.
You may carry an unlimited amount of American or Canadian funds during your trip. However, you may not depart from a foreign country with more money than you brought into that country.
GRATUITY:
We recommend designating one person in the group to be in charge of tipping for the group. Tips should preferably be offered in cash, in either USD or local currency.
PASSPORT:
You will need to make three photocopies of your passport. Please give one copy to your Group Leader four months before your trip so it can be forwarded to us at Music Contact International, leave the second at home with a friend or family member who will be reachable while you're abroad, and keep the third with you while you are traveling.
Passport copies are collected to ensure that the ticketing information provided to airlines accurately matches your passport information. If there are any discrepancies between information on your boarding pass and information on your passport, you may be liable for additional fees at check-in or you may be refused entry through security and onto your flight.
Having passport copies in-house also allows us to assist you if your passport gets lost or damaged while on tour. With your passport copy, we can support you in the event that you need to obtain a new passport while abroad.
Passport copies are due four months prior to your departure date, so please take care of this important step at your earliest convenience.
Check your expiration date! Your passport must be valid for six months after your planned return date. This requirement has become quite stringently enforced in recent years. It is of utmost importance that you examine your passport and check its expiration date well in advance of your departure.
Applying for and obtaining a new passport without paying additional expediting fees requires ample lead time. Please be sure to check your passport at your earliest convenience.
VISA:
For individuals holding an American passport, no visa is required. It is important that, if you have a passport from a different country, you verify whether or not a visa will be required for entry into Portugal.
Should you require a visa to visit your destination, please be sure to take care of this well in advance of your departure; these proceedings can often take long periods of time to process and sometimes have fees associated with attaining the visa. Making sure you have met all these requirements will ensure that you don't run the risk of hindering your travel plans.
The United States Customs Office allows you to bring home up to $800 worth of goods (retail value) without paying customs duty, if:
articles are for personal use or gifts
articles accompany you
you have not claimed an exemption within the preceding 30 days
You may include in this duty-free exemption:
100 cigars or 200 cigarettes (1 carton)
one liter (33.8 ounces) wine, beer or liquor, if 21 years of age or over
You may choose to mail purchases to your home residence, but it will be necessary to pay the applicable customs duty on the merchandise upon your return to the country. Gifts worth up to $100 may be sent, free of duty and tax, to friends and relatives in the U.S. as long as the same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts the same day.
Gifts for more than one person may be shipped in the same package (called a consolidated package) if they are individually wrapped and labeled with each recipient’s name. The package must be marked “unsolicited gifts and consolidated package” with the total value and nature of each gift and the name of the recipient.
If any single gift is over $100, duty will be charged on the entire package. These gifts will not reduce your duty-free allowance. Articles accompanying you in excess of your $800 duty-free exemption will be assessed at graduated rates of duty based on the fair retail value in the country of acquisition. These articles must be for personal use or for use as gifts and not for sale.
When returning to the USA you will receive a customs card on the flight which needs to be completed before you cross through immigration. It is best to fill it out while on the plane to save time at immigration. If you are bringing over $800 in purchases back with you, all items must be declared on this card. If you have spent less than $800, you do not need to list the items, you just need to indicate the total amount you spent on items you are bringing back into the country.
Any weather can be great for touring! It is a good idea to know in advance what the weather will be so you can plan accordingly. About a week before your departure, you can begin to see reliable forecasts for the cities and regions you will visit. Check those forecasts online or in an international newspaper and plan for the specific weather you are likely to encounter.
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." -Anthony J. D'Angelo
Lisbon, Portugal
Together with your handbooks and airline tickets, you have received an adapter plug from Music Contact International. This adapter will allow you to use a European electrical outlet with your U.S. equipment; the round contacts will fit in a European outlet and the spade contacts of a US style appliance will fit into the other end.
Almost all European countries use 220 volt outlets, while in the Americas 110 volt is standard. Almost all battery chargers for video cameras, iPods, digital cameras, laptop computers and other personal electronic devices can take a range of voltage from 100V – 240V and will automatically reduce the output voltage to the level required for the device. Please check the label on your charger to verify this information.
Please note: if your electric appliance (e.g. a hair dryer, curling iron, hair straightener etc.) is not designed to accept multiple voltages, you will need a voltage converter. Voltage converters are available in specialty electronics stores. You should never plug a 110V-only appliance into a 220V outlet. It will destroy your appliance and could cause a fire.
SHOPPING:
Many stores are closed on Sundays and holidays. Please note that some religious holidays have an extra day (i.e. Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday). If you need to buy something on a holiday or a Sunday, you will find shops open in train stations or around tourist attractions.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS:
Typically, public bathrooms and bathrooms in restaurants or cafes will either require a coin to open the door or you may see a request to leave a tip for the person who maintains the bathrooms. For this reason, it is advisable to always have coins handy. The good news is that public bathrooms tend to be very tidy as they are cleaned quite often
SEATS:
Group flight reservations do not accommodate specific seat assignment requests. Music Contact International cannot accept seating requests from travelers. Your group’s seats will be allocated by the airline. These seats will be located within the economy section of the aircraft and there is no guarantee that spouses, family members, or friends will be seated together.
We are aware that certain airlines are now offering pre-assigned seating for individuals for an additional fee. However, Music Contact International cannot address such requests. Even seat assignments paid for in advance are not guaranteed by the airline; aircraft and seat configuration may change, and airlines may reallocate seating at their discretion.
To best accommodate your seating wishes, we suggest that you arrive at the airport early, check in at least three hours prior to your flight, and speak directly with the agent at the check-in counter. You may need to change seats once airborne with members of your group to sit next to your family members.
SPECIAL MEALS:
Travelers with dietary restrictions or food allergies should let their group leader know as soon as possible. Most airlines can provide suitable alternative meals if the request is made with sufficient lead time. If you are a vegetarian, please indicate whether you would like a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (may include dairy products), or Vegetarian Vegan Meal (no dairy products.)
If you are planning on traveling with instruments or other equipment, please send us the dimensions (length x width x height) and weight of each item in its hard cover case. Also please indicate if the item will be checked-in or carried-on the plane, and note the traveler responsible for that item. Instruments can only be checked-in if they are in a hard cover case.
Please send us the list as soon as possible; the sooner the airline receives your list, the more cooperative they will be. Airlines require that we send this list at least 45 days in advance of your departure in order for them to give us an estimate of any extra baggage fees that may be incurred. After that, we cannot guarantee that the airline will be able to quote fees prior to departure.
Although the airline will provide estimated baggage fees for instruments, these costs can only be confirmed at check-in.
Health & Wellness Travel Tips
We know that collecting the funds for a performance tour can be a challenge for individual travelers as well as for group leaders. Over the years we have seen ensembles have great success through fundraising to help support their travel costs and we want to share some of the ideas they have used.
Understanding that each community and ensemble has different potential for fundraising, it is helpful to have a variety of ideas to choose from that may help you find the right match for your situation.
Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to discover a new place, to see sights and to get a feeling for the local atmosphere. Your tour is sure to include ample walking. Many cities restrict motor coaches from their city centers in order to preserve the atmosphere and to reduce wear and tear.
Therefore, many interesting sites are only reachable on foot. Motor coaches are sometimes asked to park in designated areas, often a 10 – 20 minute walk from the site being visited. Therefore, walking becomes necessary to get to the heart of the city.
If you aren’t accustomed to being on your feet, we suggest that you prepare for your travels by increasing your level of activity during the months before departure. Even a few walks a week will help to make exploration on foot more enjoyable during your tour.
Check online for inspiring websites or phone apps you can use to help you get excited to walk. Try wearing a pedometer and see if you can increase your number of steps each week; shoot for a goal such as 10,000 steps a day before you leave. No better excuse to get moving than a wonderful trip on the horizon!
We also recommend that you pack comfortable walking shoes. Aching feet can be a painful distraction, so plan to wear shoes you can comfortably walk in for lengths at a time. If you buy new shoes for the trip it’s a good idea to wear them before you travel so that they are comfortable while on tour.
Travelers with limited mobility can ensure their comfort, as well. If you have mobility limitations, please let your director know in advance. Please complete our limited mobility form so we can anticipate your needs. If you will need a wheelchair, plan to bring one along for use during the tour. Make sure you have made arrangements with a fellow traveler who is willing and able to assist you with pushing your wheelchair and helping you board the motor coach.
One of the most enjoyable ways to learn about a new culture is through experiencing the local cuisine. However, we understand that for travelers with dietary restrictions or food allergies, this element of travel can be a challenge. At Music Contact International, we will do everything we can to help make your dining experiences as stress-free as possible.
Travelers with dietary restrictions or food allergies should let their group leader know as soon as possible so that the necessary information can be included on the group’s rooming and flight lists.
For meals arranged for the group, Music Contact International will advise restaurants of dietary restrictions of which we have been informed in advance of travel. In addition, we suggest that you inform your tour manager of your dietary restrictions upon arrival so they can be sure that you get the necessary modified meal each time.
Travelers with food allergies are advised to be diligent about talking to the restaurant staff at each establishment where they eat, either on their own or at organized group meals. Music Contact International will of course inform the restaurants in advance, and your tour manager will be on-site to request any needed modifications, but the final responsibility is with the traveler to make sure they are only served food they can safely eat.
All travelers should consider bringing along some snack foods that they can easily carry in their day packs. This will help to keep energy levels high and ensure that you will always have food on hand that you know you can safely consume.
Here are some great ways to keep your body loose during a long flight!
Neck Rolls: Relieve Upper Body Tension
Keeping your spine straight and your shoulders rolled back, place your hands on your upper thighs and roll your head back as you inhale. As you exhale, slowly rotate your head forward. Repeat five times in one direction and five times in the other direction.
Spine Flex: Release Blockages in Spinal Column
Slide to the edge of your seat and align your feet with your hips. Place your hands on your thighs and, while you inhale, roll your shoulders back, arch your chest up and out and lift your chin. On your exhale, roll your spine forward and look down. Follow this flow for 10-20 breaths.
Leg & Hip Stretch: Flex and Relieve Knee Pressure
With your legs together, press your left foot firmly into the floor, bend your right knee and bring your right thigh into your chest. While maintaining a straight back, tilt your knee to the outside slightly, place your left palm onto the sole of your foot & lightly press down on the right knee with your right hand for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10-20 times on each leg.
There are many more beneficial poses like these to try out, but hopefully, you and your group find these to be a nice, mindful way to prepare yourself for your upcoming adventures!
With some basic preparation, your in-flight experience can be a wonderful opportunity to unwind both before and after your tour. We recommend taking the following easy steps:
Board your flight dressed in light layers
Stow a small carry-on bag under your seat to ensure easy access to your essentials while in the air
Pack the following items to use on board:
an empty, reusable water bottle – fill it up once you’ve cleared airport security and stay hydrated throughout the flight
healthy, light snacks
a lightweight scarf or shawl – use it as a blanket or extra layer
a travel pillow
socks
tissues
chewing gum – help ease the changing pressure by chewing as you adjust altitudes
hand lotion
a toothbrush and toothpaste – freshen up mid-flight or before you land
books and magazines
podcasts or a movie – download these ahead of time
headphones (noise-cancelling, if you have them)
chargers and a backup battery – land at your destination with fully charged devices
Here are some simple measures you can take to avoid exhaustion before your trip!
Adjust Your Schedule Prior to your Trip
If traveling west, go to bed and wake up later than usual before your trip
If traveling east, go to bed and wake up earlier than usual before your trip
Light Exposure
If traveling west, avoid early morning light and seek out late afternoon light
If traveling east, seek morning light and avoid late afternoon light
Rest & Good Health
Eat a light, healthy meal before your flight
Maintain hydration
Sleep Tight!
Upon arrival, get a good night’s rest; you will thank yourself throughout the rest of your tour!