Ciao Italia!
This is your hub for all official information regarding the JQC Italy Tour 2023. Please check here regularly for any updates as we work together to realise this dream!
Latest News
We had an information session on 28 January. Listen to the session here, and view the PowerPoint here.
Deposits have been received! We have 35 people (31 singing members) signed up for Italy 2023!
Funding has been allocated to 9 choir members. Thank you to everyone who raised funds during the 30/60/300 campaign!
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Fly Johannesburg to Rome
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Arrive in Rome, travel to Hotel
Free day
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Link up with the Roma Rainbow Choir.
Morning: Free time
Afternoon: Soundcheck
Evening: Choir Performances
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Morning: City tour
Afternoon: Flash mob
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Transfer to Bologna, travel to hotel.
10:00 – 12:00: Choir Rehearsals in the theaters
14:00-18:30: Choir Performances | In theatres and museums
19:00: Lifestyle | VV Village opening with food and beverage courts (DumBO)
21:00: Big Event | Festival opening ceremony (DumBO, outdoor stage)
22:30: Nightlife | Lounge Garden
23:30: Nightlife | Disco FeVVer!
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10:00 – 12:00: Choir Rehearsals in the theaters
14:00-18:30: Choir Performances | In theatres and museums
19:00: Lifestyle | VV Village opening with food and beverage courts (DumBO)
20:00: Choir Performances | In DumBO’s spaces
22:30: Nightlife | Lounge Garden
23:30: Nightlife | Disco FeVVer!
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10:00 – 12:00: Choir Rehearsals in the theaters
14:00-18:30: Choir Performances | In theatres and museums
19:00: Lifestyle | VV Village and Choir Performances (DumBO)
21:00: Big Event | Piazza Maggiore’s Great Gala
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10:00-18:30: Choir Performances | VV and the city (in different areas of the city)
14:00-18:30: Choir Performances | In theatres and museums
19:00: Lifestyle | VV Village opening with food and beverage courts (DumBO)
20:00: Lifestyle | Choir Performances (DumBO)
22:00: Big Event | Festival closing ceremony
23:30: Nightlife | Disco FeVVer!
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10:00-14:00: Choir Performances | VV and the city (in different areas of the city)
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Group 1
Flys from Bologna to Johannesburg.
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Group 2
Flys from Bologna to Johannesburg.
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If you hold a South African passport, you need an Italian Schengen Tourism Visa - Multiple Entry. Please see our link above for the documents you need to apply. You can apply for your visa from 6 months before travelling.
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The flight portion of your deposit is refundable, provided that you cancel before 11 April 2023.
All other payments you make up to 11 April 2023 are refundable too. Travel insurance is still important for your visa application and in case you have to cancel the trip (for a reason accepted by your travel agent) after 11 April 2023.
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Your passport needs to be valid until the 30 December 2023 to apply for a visa, and have two blank pages next to each other (not back to back).
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Italy uses the Euro, so we advise keeping an eye on the ZAR:EUR exchange rate.
We recommend budgeting roughly EU30 per day for food, site seeing and additional travel. Prices are going up in Europe so having a little more available will allow you greater flexibility.
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The safest approach to money would be to use your credit card, debit card, or a travel card issued by your bank. These are protected with PIN numbers . We would recommend carrying a little cash, such as EU20 in case you need it in an emergency. You can draw this money from an ATM.
Be sure to tell your bank that you will be travelling so that they can activate your cards for international travel.
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Most modern phones now accept eSims. We recommend checking online if your model accepts eSims. Then, before leaving for Italy use Airalo.com to buy an eSim for Italy and install it in your phone. It’s well priced and important as you’ll always have access to WhatsApp and Google Maps. https://www.airalo.com/italy-esim
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If you need to cancel your attendance, please reach out to your section rep as soon as possible. Cancelations before 12 March 2023 are possible, but various small penalties may apply. After 12 March, the penalties may be more substantial.
Payments
The trip cost fluctuates with the EU exchange rate, these are estimates:
±R31 000 per person if sharing accommodation (e.g. with another member or partner)
±R36 000 per person for a single room
This fee needs to be transferred into the following JQC bank account (this is a different account to the one used for member dues):
Johannesburg Queer Chorus, FNB, 63023685720, Cheque Account
25 November: Pay your deposit to secure your spot: R3550 (if sharing) and R4350 (if single).
25 February: 50% - Please check your personalised spreadsheet for this value.
25 April: Remainder - Please check your personalised spreadsheet for this value.
The tour price includes accommodation, train transfers and flights. The tour does not include breakfast, lunches, dinners, snacks, water, your own transport, and your entry to tourist sites.