About

SPECIAL NOTE (US CDC TRAVEL ADVISORY)

The US Centers for Disease Control has the United Kingdom as one of 32 countries with a “level 2” travel advisory for Polio. Here are the facts:

The UK National Health Service has a full report here, the bottom line is that there has been no known transmission of Polio since 1984. If, after reading the UK NHS report you’d like to consider a Polio Booster (an adult, one-time booster), contact Autumn VanCuren at the Arnot Occupational Medicine office for further information. The booster costs $44.

TICKETS! Everyone registered for the trip already has a ticket for the concert. However, if you have friends or family who are not traveling with us but do want to attend the concert, the tickets are now on sale. The link below should be used to purchase tickets.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creation-tickets-1982183752964?aff=oddtdtcreator

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For any questions regarding any aspect of the London opportunity, please reach out to Will by email (will.w@cantatasingers.com), phone or text (607-738-8393) PLEASE ONLY CONTACT PAULA at SAPPHIRE TRAVEL FOR ADDITIONAL TRAVEL SERVICES. She will begin booking individual tours starting in October.

REFUND INFORMATION

All payments will be made to CANTATA SINGERS SFX. Sapphire Travel will be billing Cantata Singers SFX, your deposits will be paid through that account. If you need to withdraw from the trip at any time we will refund as much of what you’ve paid as possible from the Cantata Singers SFX account. Sapphire Travel has a strict no refund policy. You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance, which you can purchase here (http://www.travelinsured.com/agency?agency=53387)

Travel Information:

We will charter transportation between the Horseheads/Elmira area and JFK airport. 10:30 am is the likely departure time from Horseheads (specific location TBA) on Monday June 8th.The chartered transportation will meet us on our return to JFK once we all get through passport and customs on Monday, June 15th or 6:30 pm, whichever is later. Expect to return home around midnight on June 15th. Thanks to our dedicated fund-raisers, there will be NO additional cost for the charter bus to/from NYC.

Group Flight Information:

June 8, 2026:  Virgin Flight 010 Departs JFK at 7:00pm and arrives London Heathrow at7:15am on June 9, 2026

June 15, 2026:  Virgin Flight 045 Departs London Heathrow at 12:55pm and arrives JFK at 4:05pm.

We will be met by a chartered bus at Heathrow after we get through customs for the ride to the hotel. If you are part of the group airfare, you are also automatically registered and prepaid for the bus. If you purchased your own tickets and wish to use the bus, there is a $35 one-way fare that must be paid through Paula Zackeru in advance.

hotel

We are staying at the Riu Hotel Victoria London in the heart of the city. When we arrive, we will check in, one at a time and, if your room is ready you’ll be able to go right to your room. You will need your passport and a credit card to cover incidental expenses to check in. If your room is not ready, the hotel will store your luggage for you until you can get in the room.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended!

click this link http://travelinsured.com/agency?agency=53387&p=pzackeru or purchase own from any other source

Passports and Electronic Travel Authorization

• Please be sure your passport is up to date and does not expire within 6 months of your travel date. It is recommended that you leave a copy of your passport home and bring a copy with you, in addition to your physical passport.

NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE A COPY (PHOTO OR SCAN) OF YOUR PASSPORT TO UPLOAD FOR THE HOTEL BY LATE FEBRUARY

• It is your responsibility to apply for the UK ETA prior to your visit. You can do so by downloading the UK ETA App on your smart phone or tablet or applying on line at https://www.gov.uk/eta

CAUTION 1: do not use any other links or services to apply for the UK ETA. If you do you will likely pay 10X more than the actual cost.

CAUTION 2: take great care when filling out the information for the UK ETA. A mistake can not be undone and will prevent you from traveling.

For WEST END (LONDON) SHOW TICKETS

Click here to get to Today Tix (https://www.todaytix.com/?location=london) or purchase your tickets directly with the theater box office of the show you’re hoping to see.

ADDITIONAL TOUR INFORMATION

To book individual and small group tours in london use this link - https://www.viator.com/London/d737-ttd?pid=P00013448&uid=U00013894&mcid=58086&currency=USD

Concert Attire

ALL BLACK, Including Shoes. More specifically, plan to wear black long sleeved shirts and long trousers, with optional black jacket for those who wish, or long black dress/skirt with long sleeves for the top. Men: bring a black tie just in case they are required.

NOTE: Best practice is to pack your concert attire in your carry-on so you’ll have it even if your luggage takes a different flight…

Rochester Cathedral “Dress Code”

Rochester Cathedral has no strict dress code, but asks visitors to wear clothes appropriate for a place of worship, meaning modest attire that covers shoulders and knees, avoiding overly revealing outfits or offensive graphics, and removing hats. It's best to dress respectfully, similar to how you would for a wedding or job interview, keeping it smart-casual, with bare shoulders and short shorts generally discouraged for everyone. 

Recommended Attire

    •    Cover shoulders and knees: This is the most important guideline for both men and women.
    •    Tops: Shirts, t-shirts (without offensive prints) are fine; avoid tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
    •    Bottoms: Trousers, jeans, skirts, or dresses that reach at least to the knees are suitable.
    •    Footwear: Sensible shoes are recommended; flip-flops are generally discouraged.
    •    Hats: Men should remove hats (baseball caps, etc.) inside the cathedral. 

What to Avoid

    •    Short shorts, miniskirts, and overly revealing tops (halter tops, bare midriffs).
    •    Clothing with offensive images or text.
    •    Excessively ripped jeans. 

Tips for Visiting

    •    Carry a wrap: A scarf or pashmina is useful to cover shoulders if you're wearing sleeveless items.
    •    Be respectful: Remember it's a place of worship; dressing with consideration for others is key. 

Travel safely…

The travel purse recommended by Betsy can be found at this link

Jan. 19 Zoom meeting recording

Can be found at the bottom of this page. My deepest apologies for not remembering to start the recording at the beginning. All the information covered in those missing 25 minutes are available on this page.

CRITICAL INFORMATION FROM THE CONCERT PRODUCTION COMPANY AND OUR TRAVEL AGENCY

LONDON TRAVEL & PACKING INFORMATION

Packing

• Each traveler will be permitted one checked bag (no more than 62 linear inches and 50 lbs), one carry-on (a backpack or other soft luggage is recommended) and one personal item. *For those not taking group air, please check with your carrier

• UK weather can be very unpredictable. For summer months, it is best to bring a lightweight jacket, comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket. Dressing in Layers is recommended. Pack your Concert Attire, Music and Solid Black Music Folder. Concert Attire is ALL BLACK, Including Shoes. More specifically, plan to wear black long sleeved shirts and long trousers, with optional black jacket for those who wish, or long black dress/skirt with long sleeves for the top.

• The hotel is equipped with hair dryer, soap, shampoo and conditioner. Iron and Ironing Boards are on loan from the hotel Please refrain from packing curling irons, flat irons and travel irons as the current is very strong and not easily adaptable, even with an electric converter. This is hazardous and can cause a fire. If you do plan on bringing any of these items it is imperative the you purchase an Electrical Converter with a Transformer to accommodate these items. Interesting Fact: Most hotels do not provide Wash Cloths! If you are a person who uses a Wash Cloth, feel free to pack a few because you will most likely not find them in your hotel.

• Please be sure to pack all of your prescribed and OTC meds as well as Vitamins. There are plenty of Pharmacies to pick up anything that you might have left behind, however if you are accustomed to a favorite brand of OTC meds or Personal Products, you might not find them in London.

• The type of electric converter that you need to purchase is specific for US to UK and is a Type G. These can be purchased from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart or Target.

• Ladies: Please be sure that you pack a purse that has a zip closure for safety reasons. City streets can be very crowded and pick-pocketers are attracted to open bags.

• In addition to your original passport, please bring a copy of your passport with you and keep another copy at home in a safe place.

• Sapphire Tours & Travel will be providing every traveler with a Market bag and a luggage tag. Please attach the luggage tag to your checked bag and pack the Market Bag with you. London is very “green” and shopping bags are not normally provided without paying a fee. The bag fold up into the size of a credit card for ease of carrying in your purse, backpack or pocket.

• It is recommended that you bring a refillable water bottle with you to save on the plastic usage. You can fill your water bottle up with water from the hotel bar or restaurant each day.

Cell Phone Usage

• Please check with your cell phone carrier regarding your options for Cell Phone Usage in the UK.

• The hotel will have free Wi-Fi to connect your device while you are in the hotel. I recommend using WhatsApp while in the UK. You can download this app for free to your cell phone. It is a Wi-Fi Based app that is widely used for communicating with international destinations.

• If you do not want to be charged for using your WiFi, please be sure to have your cell phone turned on to Airplane Mode while you are in the UK

• Google Maps and Apple Maps will work off-line.

Getting Around London

• Public Transportation is highly recommended when traveling around London. The Victoria Station Tube and Bus Station is located across the street from your hotel.

• For real time travel advice, please use Google Maps to plan your journeys. This applies to Bus, Tube, and Walking.

• Uber and Taxis are readily available to use in London.

• Using the tube is very easy. The Tube Stations are equipped with ample signage to point you in the right direction. Here is a quick tutorial on navigating the London Tube System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHeo9yy0fg

• Please be sure to allow ample time when planning your journey, especially when strict arrival/start times are noted. Traffic can be quite brutal during rush hour and it is better to be early than late.

• There are a lot of stairs and a lot of walking in London. Please be sure you have mapped out your journeys and are aware of the conditions before heading out.

Cash vs. Credit Card

• Credit Cards are the preferred method of payment in the UK. Please check with your bank and credit card company to determine which card offers you the best value. American Express as well as any Travel Rewards Credit Cards do not charge International Transaction Fees. Please confirm with your credit card company before traveling.

• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is less accepted in Restaurants and Shops.

• The local currency used in the UK is the British Pound. Although you can obtain currency in London with your ATM card, it is advisable to bring a small amount of British Pounds with you from the US. The ATM will charge you a fee and it won’t necessarily be the best rate. Most large banks can obtain the currency for you within 1 week. Currency will be needed for tipping drivers and tour guides.

Cantata Singers of the Southern Finger Lakes

CREATION Choir Tour to London

June 8 – 15, 2026 Full package includes:

All packages are available without airfare for $1,100 less

Deposit schedule: $500 per person due by June 25

$1,000 per person due by September 15

$1,000 per person due in mid-late December

Balance due March 15, 2026

Itinerary (as of 11/18/25)

Monday, June 8, 2026

Late morning/early afternoon departure from Horseheads on charter bus for an evening departure on a flight from the US to London Heathrow.

Or meet us at JFK, terminal 4, for Virgin Flight 010 Departs JFK at 7:00pm and arrives London Heathrow at7:15am on June 9, 2026

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Morning Welcome to London! Meet your tour guide in the Arrivals Hall and then board your coach to your London Hotel. After a brief orientation, you will check into your hotel rooms (check in time is 3:00pm). The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore London. Sapphire Tours & Travel is available to assist with sightseeing and West End Show options.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Morning - Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel. The day is free for you to plan activities as you wish, Sapphire Tours & Travel is available to assist you with Sightseeing options.

A CHANGE IN SCHEDULE: 7:00pm – 10:00pm Enjoy a spectacular Dinner and Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames from Westminster Pier. You will enjoy a 4-course gourmet dinner, light entertainment, a cash bar and the beautiful London Skyline at night. Transportation to Westminster Pier on your own via London Tube. NOW ON Wednesday instead of Thursday

Thursday June 11, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel.

SINGERS — 9 AM to 3 PM - Rehearsals for “CREATION” — Location: The National Musicians Church. Transportation to rehearsal on your own via London Tube.

Non-Performers will have Free time during the rehearsals.

Friday, June 12, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel.

SINGERS — 9 AM to 3 PM - Rehearsals for “CREATION” — Location: The National Musicians Church. Transportation to rehearsal on your own via London Tube.

Non-Performers will have free time during the rehearsals.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel.

Today must be kept free for all performers until further notice. Coach transportation for Performers and Non-Performers will be provided from your hotel in London to Rochester Cathedral. Dress rehearsal time TBA.

A separate, later bus will likely be provided for non-singers to get to Rochester for the performance.

5:00pm Concert Performance of “CREATION” at Rochester Cathedral

8:00pm Celebration Dinner hosted by VOX Anima London Location: Corn Exchange (within walking distance to the Cathedral) Transportation back to your hotel after the dinner is provided

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel. Today is free to plan as you wish.

Monday, June 15, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel (if time permits), Transportation from your hotel to London Heathrow airport is provided (for group airfare only).

June 15, 2026:  Virgin Flight 045 Departs London Heathrow at 12:55pm and arrives JFK at 4:05pm.

Return to Horseheads via charter bus, estimated time of arrival sometime after 10 pm.

*All timings for proposed events are subject to change.

For additional travel services or travel related questions, contact Paula Zackeru for more information paula@sapphiretours.com

With apologies for not remembering to record the first 25 minutes of the Jan 19 meeting, here is the last 31 minutes. All information covered is available on this webpage. If you have more questions email will.w@cantatasingers.com