Hotels

The address and phone number of the hotel that the Ohio University Marching 110 and Wind Symphony will be staying in Ireland is listed below.

Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley

Fonthill Rd.

Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland

www.clariondublinliffeyvalley.com

+353 1 625 8000

The address and phone number of the hotel that the Ohio University Marching 110 and Wind Symphony will be staying in Italy is listed below.

Hotel Palazzo Carpegna

Via Aurelia

481-00165 Rome, Italy

www.palazzocarpegna.com/en

+39 06 660011

UPDATES

ATTENTION:

• The day that we arrive into Dublin, Ireland is May 6th.  Please take note that this will be a bank holiday and no banks will be open.  ATMs will be available, however the flow of patrons wanting to use them may be high due to this.  PLEASE do not rely on getting money out of an ATM on this day.  Please exchange prior to departure.  You may withdraw after the 6th, but it is best to have enough cash on you in the mean time.

• Adapters and Converters are absolutely necessary to charge phones, cameras, computers, and other devices.  Please be aware that Ireland and Italy DO NOT have the same outlet shape.  Keep in mind that one should purchase a UNIVERSAL outlet adapter.  To purchase a very common one that is used from amazon.com, click here.

• The OHIO-Affiliated travel form (7 pages) and the Health Form (2 pages) are also due.  If you have not completed these or turned them in, please do so ASAP.  Also, you must photocopy the first two pages of your passport and turn this in as well.  

• Excursion choices and payments are due SOON!  Please research the new options and fill out the google form here.  The new excursions are listed below:

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EXCURSION CHOICES IN IRELAND

Unfortunately, due to travel time and the uncertainty of weather, it was suggested by the tour agency in Ireland to not travel to the Cliffs of Moher.  I know many of you may have had your hearts set on going there, but they have come up with some great alternative choices for us to choose.  We need at least 30 people to sign up for a particular excursion for it to be offered.  After you read the choices, you’ll be able to log on to a Google Form and indicate which one you want to do.  The excursions in Ireland are extra charges.  Your choices are:

1) Waterford - Includes bus, tour guide for entire trip, guided Viking Walking Tour of Waterford, visit to Waterford Crystal and visit to Glendalough.

$70 per person.

2) Kilkenny and Cashel - Includes bus, tour guide for entire trip, admission to Kilkenny Castle, admission to Rock of Cashel

$80 per person

3) Belfast - Includes bus, tour guide for entire trip and admission to Titanic Experience plus free time. $65 per person

4) Guinness Brewery Tour – Includes travel to and from brewery, and admission.

$30 per person

5) Howth Golf Club - Josh has sent an email asking if anyone would like to golf at the Howth Golf Club.  If you want to do this, select “No Excursion” in the choices.  You will not have to prepay for this excursion, just pay as you go.  If interested, contact Josh Boyer at joshuaboyer@gmail.com

6) No Excursion. You will be on your own to explore Dublin the entire day.

EXCURSION CHOICES IN ITALY

There are no extra charges for the excursions in Italy.  However, only transportation is provided, and any admissions are not included.

1) Pompeii – Destroyed in 79 A.D. by nearby Mt. Vesuvius, the city of Pompeii was strikingly preserved by volcanic ash and rediscovered in 1748. The admission to the city is € 11,00

2) Florence (Firenze) – The Tuscan city that is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here you can see many famous works of art such as Michelangelo’s  David (in the Accademia Gallery, admission is € 6,50)  You can also visit the famous Uffizi Gallery, home to works of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Caravaggio and Rembrandt. Admission is € 6,50.

3) Tour of Tuscany – Enjoy a couple of hours visiting the hill town of San Gimignano. Afterwards, travel to Pisa to see one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

4) No excursion.  Day is free to explore Rome.

IRELAND

Below you will find some specifics about Ireland as a whole.  Also, the optional excursions are further explained and researched for your convenience.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Irish breakfast at hotel. Today you will have three options (additional costs apply for options #1 and #2).

• Option #1- You will enjoy a day trip to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 meters above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. Later we’ll arrive in Galway, known as the City of Tribes. You’ll have free time for lunch, shopping and dinner before we return to Dublin ($95 extra per person which includes admission to Cliffs of Moher and full-day bus transportation).

• Option #2- You can elect to visit the Guinness Storehouse Brewery this morning and spend the remainder of day with free time in Dublin ($30 extra per person which includes admission to Guinness Storehouse Brewery and bus transfer from hotel to attraction and drop-off in Dublin).

• Option #3 – Free day to spend in Dublin. 

• A load of craic! No, it is not what you think.  This is referred to as "fun", so it is natural to be taken aback at first, but you'll catch on!
• Famous symbols of Ireland will be visible and often found in all parts of the country.  Keep your eyes peeled!
• Harp - National symbol; also found on the Guinness logo
• the Celtic cross - possibly introduced by Saint Patrick, combining the symbol of Christianity with the sun.
• The shamrock - some believe it was Saint Patrick's tie from Roman Catholic church to nature in the 5th century.  Three leaves = Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
• Ireland is greatly famous for literature.  Many famous authors, poets, and playwrights were Irish. For example: Oscar Wilde, Emma Donohue, Bram Stoker - Dracula and James Joyce - Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake.  If you're big into literature, try checking out some popular bookstores.
• Look out! Drivers are on opposite side of road that we are used to. Look both ways, but look right first!

ITALY

Below you will find some specifics about Italy as a whole.  Also, optional excursions are further explained and researched for your convenience.

FRIDAY, MAY 10 Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Breakfast at hotel. Today you will have three sightseeing excursion options. These are available to you at no extra charges, with the exception of admissions. You will receive an email in April requesting your choice of excursion.

Option #1 – Pompeii. The city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania. Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was partially destroyed and buried under 13 to 20 ft. of ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii was lost for nearly 1700 years before its rediscovery in 1748. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year. Purchase dinner on own before returning to our hotel in Rome.

This excursion will be very informative with lots of history.  If you are interested in viewing the culture as a historical aspect, this choice is for you. 

 

Option #2 – Explore Tuscany. We’ll stop at San Gimignano, a famous Italian hill town in the heart of Tuscany. After some lunch and shopping, we’ll head north to the city of Pisa, where you will see and have the opportunity to ascend the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 This excursion will be packed with sight seeing and picture taking opportunities.  If you are interested in seeing the famous monuments of Italy and viewing culture in everyday life, this excursion is for you.

Option #3 – Florence. The capital city of Tuscany is the destination of this excursion. In this medieval city, you can visit the famous Uffizi Museum, see Michelangelo’s sculpture, David, and explore the Duomo - Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. 

This excursion will be very cultural from the aspect of art and religion. If you are interested in this and viewing culture community-based, this excursion is for you.  

ROMAN CATACOMBS

• Due to Christian practice, when a loved one would parish they would honor the deceased by burying them in these underground tunnels located outside the city as a way to avoid the Roman law that stated: the deceased must be cremated and the ashes placed in an above ground necropolis (cemetery or tomb).  The law forbade burials of all faiths inside the city limits.  Although 60 have been found throughout the country, it is believed that there are many more buried them beneath the streets that locals walk on everyday.  

• Italy is known for its high-end cars and their love to drive... FAST!.  Keep your eyes peeled for brands like Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Lancia, and of course the Fiat.

• Watch out! Other than cars, lots of people drive scooters and motorcycles as a way to conserve.  European countries are very watchful of their usage of electricity, heat, and water.

Ohio University Marching Band and Wind Symphony Ireland & Italy Performance Tour Itinerary

SUNDAY, MAY 5                Departure for Ireland 

We will depart on our trans-Atlantic flight to Dublin, Ireland this afternoon or evening. Upon arrival at your departure airport, we will immediately check-in for our flight. You will need your passport at this time and upon check-in, your luggage will be tagged and checked at the counter for loading onto the plane. You will not see your luggage again until you arrive in Ireland, so be certain to have everything in your carry-on bag that you will need for the flight. 

MONDAY, MAY 6                Arrival – Dublin
Our flights will arrive at Dublin Airport this morning. Upon arrival, collect your baggage and instruments and meet with your driver/guides who will escort you to the waiting motor coaches. We’ll visit O’Connell Street where you’ll have some time to browse, shop and purchase lunch, before we check-in to our hotel where we will stay for the next three nights. This evening we’ll enjoy a “Welcome to Ireland” dinner. (D)

TUESDAY, MAY 7               Dublin City Tour

• Irish breakfast at hotel. Dublin City Tour – tour of Ireland’s capital city with visit to Trinity College, which houses one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, the Book of Kells, a famous illuminated manuscript depicting the four gospels. A tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral will be included along with a visit to Christ Church Cathedral. You will again have time on O’Connell Street to purchase lunch and shop. You may wish to visit Kilkenny Shop, a very popular store and restaurant. 

The Ohio University Marching 110 will be featured in a special performance this afternoon. 
This evening we will schedule a special performance by the Ohio University Wind Symphony. Dinner will on your own this evening. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8    Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Irish breakfast at hotel. Today you will have three options (additional costs apply for options #1 and #2).

• Option #1- You will enjoy a day trip to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 meters above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. Later we’ll arrive in Galway, known as the City of Tribes. You’ll have free time for lunch, shopping and dinner before we return to Dublin ($95 extra per person which includes admission to Cliffs of Moher and full-day bus transportation).

• Option #2- You can elect to visit the Guinness Storehouse Brewery this morning and spend remainder of day with free time in Dublin ($30 extra per person which includes admission to Guinness Storehouse Brewery and bus transfer from hotel to attraction and drop-off in Dublin).

• Option #3 – Free day to spend in Dublin. 

THURSDAY, MAY 9                 Dublin to Rome
Check-out of hotel and transfer to Dublin International Airport for flight to Rome. Upon arrival at Rome International Airport, we’ll meet our English-speaking tour guides and enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Rome. Stop at the Spanish Steps, famous meeting place of Rome. We’ll see the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. See the Trevi Fountain on your way to Piazza Navonna where you’ll have time to purchase lunch. Later visit the Pantheon, ancient Roman temple of Christian Worship. Later we’ll transfer to our hotel and check-in. Dinner will be provided this evening. 

FRIDAY, MAY 10          Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Breakfast at hotel. Today you will have three sightseeing excursion options. These are available to you at no extra charges, with the exception of admissions. You will receive an email in April requesting your choice of excursion.

• Option #1 – Pompeii. The city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania. Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was partially destroyed and buried under 13 to 20 ft. of ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii was lost for nearly 1700 years before its rediscovery in 1748. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year. Purchase dinner on own before returning to our hotel in Rome.
• Option #2 – Explore Tuscany. We’ll stop at San Gimignano, a famous Italian hill town in the heart of Tuscany. After some lunch and shopping, we’ll head north to the city of Pisa, where you will see and have the opportunity to ascend the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Option #3 – Florence. The capital city of Tuscany is the destination of this excursion. In this medieval city, you can visit the famous Uffizi Museum, see Michelangelo’s sculpture, David, and explore the Duomo - Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. 

SATURDAY, MAY 11                Rome/Vatican
Breakfast at hotel. This morning we’ll have a a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with its breathtaking frescos by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms, which established Raphael's reputation in Rome.  See St. Peter's Square, the largest part of the Vatican City, the world's smallest city. 

This afternoon the Ohio University Marching 110 will present a special performance in front of the Roman Colosseum.
This evening the Ohio University Wind Symphony will be featured in a special performance in a local church.   

SUNDAY, MAY 12                    Rome
Breakfast at hotel followed by a free day to enjoy all that Rome offers. Lunch and dinner on your own.

MONDAY, MAY 13                   Departure
Check-out of hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight home to the USA. 

Souvenirs

Souvenirs are such a great way to remember the places you have visited. There are easy, simple, cheap things you can find, and there are items that are renowned as being Irish or Italian.  Travelers usually research the delicacies of those areas and seek out their favorites.  For example, here are some delicacies and classic memoirs of your travels and some tips for smart spending. 

• IRELAND
• AVERAGE COST
• Guinness glass from Brewery
• If you're of age to bring it back to the US, original Irish Whiskey 
• Neck scarf
• Ireland Flag
• Ireland is known for its crystal. This is not recommended because of risk of damage during travel
• Ireland is known for rag dolls
• CHEAP/FREE
• Postcards
• Sand/shells
• Coffee Mug
• "If you're lucky..." tokens
• Shot glasses
• Pictures are the cheapest and, frankly, the best souvenirs. 
• ITALY
• AVERAGE COST
• Italy is known for its leather
• If you're of age to bring it back to the US, Italian wines. 
• Neck scarf
• Italy flag
• Italy is known for cashmere 
• Italy is known for Murano glass (usually as jewelry)
• Italy is known for olives and olive oil
• CHEAP/FREE
• Postcards
• Sand/shells
• Coffee Mug
• Shot glasses
• Pictures are the cheapest and, frankly, the best souvenirs. 
• SMART SPENDING
• Local markets and shops will negotiate a price with you if they aren't very busy and you make yourself seem friendly.  Do not attempt on food, drinks, or commercial items.  
• Although we will be in Ireland 3 days and Italy 4 days, don't wait until the last minute to purchase those mementos that you were eyeing up at the corner shop.
• If you have a specific gift or treasure in mind, try to shop around a bit during free time to get the best price.  Chances are if it is a common item, shops will be competitive in price and will gladly take your business.  Period.

Remember to leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs.  If you don't have enough room, you must make sure it is eligible to go on your carry on or classify as your personal item.  The TSA provides this information online and can be found here. 

Also, please be aware of the things you are and are not allowed to bring back into our country.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a posted list and description of restrictions and prohibited items that may be found here.

Money

Rome is the #2 city in Europe known for petty theft and pick-pocketing.  Below are tips to help you save (and keep) the most money while experiencing the most and worrying the least.  

• DIVERSIFICATION
• Keep the money that you take with you in two different places.  Some people put a bill in their shoe and some coins in their pocket and a normal amount of money in their wallets.
• GUYS:  put your wallet in your front pocket or somewhere more visible to you.  My friend's wallet was stolen right out of his jeans because it was in his back pocket in broad daylight.  He felt something missing right away and accused the guy behind him. He admitted to doing it and gave it back. But 50% of the time, you won't recognize that its gone when someone ELSE is distracting you.  If you catch them doing it, don't get violent.  Violence-related crimes are not as prevalent as they are here.  They aren't looking to hurt you; just to get some extra cash.  
• You don't need all of your money with you at all times.  Take what you think you'll use on food, drinks, souvenirs, and possibly entrance fees to attractions during free time and leave the rest somewhere safe in the hotel.  
• Shops will try to rip you off with your change if you haven't been a respectful customer (especially in areas that do not speak your native language or speak really fast).
• TRAVELERS CHECKS
• These are very uncommon anymore and not widely accepted. This is not recommended.
• EXCHANGE
• Both Ireland and Italy use the Euro.  Exchange rates fluctuate constantly but as of right now, the EUR equals $1.30, or you will get €0.77 for $1.00 As you can see, the exchange rate is not excellent, therefore negotiating prices at more local shops and especially markets is doable.  Learning to negotiate prices like this is a great skill to have.  This will be a learning experience for you!
• LOCAL BANKS
• It is suggested that you exchange your money to EUR in the US only in the amount that is needed for travel, transportation, food, and other purchases made just after arriving.
• Exchanging here is convenient and relatively low-cost.
• Always check current exchange rates before going and exchanging.
• EXCHANGE AT HOTEL OR AIRPORT
• There are usually exchange banks in airports, however the exchange rate is usually very inflated.  Also, you can't always count on hotels to even have currency.  This is usually recommended a last resort if no ATM is available either.  

• CASH
• Always have it with you.  
• Coins are worth a lot more than our change.  If you lose a 2 EUR coin, that's a whole bottle of water.  Also, if you all you have are bills, places may not have proper change for you.  Coins are important, use them!  Very common for bars and small snack stands.
• It is your best bet to withdraw USD here (ATM charge free) and exchange, or withdraw there at any ATM, receive EUR, but pay a fee from our bank and that bank that owns that ATM.
• If you're withdrawing €200 that is not the same as $200.  Do the math before hand if you choose to withdraw in Ireland or Italy.  Take into consideration the fees, and the exchange rate.
• CALL BANKS AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES
• If you're planning to use plastic (which some of you may choose not to at all) call the number on the back of your card, tell them the countries that you will be visiting and the dates (May 5 - May 13).  Other wise, if they notice a charge from a different country, that is a red flag to them and they will freeze your card, and if used at an ATM it will be rejected, eaten, and chewed up.
• Bringing plastic is recommended.  At least one card for emergencies is a good idea.  Solely relying on cash is a very risky and dangerous choice.  You may say "I'm only there 8 days, what could happen?  I've gone 8 days here with just cash."  It is highly recommended by many professional world travelers and vacationers with the travel-bug to always have at least one card with you.
• COMMON CREDIT CARD COMPANIES
• Visa and MasterCard are the most common.  If you have a Discover card or American Express, their entrances into Europe have had a slow starts and are not common.  On the phone, ask if it is taken there and its acceptance in Ireland and Italy while updating your traveling information.  
• Beware with using them frequently, foreign transaction fees are either a certain percentage of your purchase or a flat rate - they vary from company to company. If you have to use it, use it sparingly, on one large purchase, or not at all (and of course emergencies).
• THE AMOUNT YOU RETURN WITH
• If you are looking to convert your EUR back into USD when you return, be sure that you have a substantial amount left.  Each place is different.  Very small amounts are non-excahngeable. Either spend as much as you have on you and come back with change left, or use it carefully and exchange once again.  
• Re-exchanging is not recommended but for those people not planning to return and use the euro again but have a lot of cash left, it is beneficial.  
• UNATTENDED ITEMS
• Just as you would anywhere, do not leave your jacket or purse anywhere unattended.  Do not leave it in a booth or at a table when you want to dance, go to the bathroom, get another drink.  In the smallest amount of time, someone could have been eyeing you with it and the moment you leave it, they move it.  A friend of mine had her entire purse stolen while she went to the bathroom and had to replace credit cars, a camera with pictures, a local phone, an iPhone, any many other valuables. Although its a hassle to hang on to it while you go everywhere, it is more of a hassle to replace everything.

Bring information or know how to contact your bank should something happen and you need assistance.