About

IT ALL STARTED WHEN… A Cantata Singer and a pilot walked into an airport!

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.

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)

IF YOU WANT WEST END (LONDON) SHOW TICKETS - Today Tix (https://www.todaytix.com/?location=london) or directly with the theater box office of the show you’re hoping to see.

ADDITIONAL TOUR INFORMATION - Sapphire Tours and Travel will be providing additional group and individual tour information in the fall. Watch here for more information!

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.

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.

• 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

Prepared Especially For:

Cantata Singers of the Southern Finger Lakes

CREATION Choir Tour to London

June 8 – 15, 2026 Full package includes:

Round Trip Airfare from Rochester or Syracuse to London

Coach Transportation to/from the Airport and hotel in London with Airport Meet and Greet on arrival (for those taking the group air only)

6 Nights Accommodations in Central London including Breakfast

Sightseeing Dinner Cruise on the River Thames

Performance of “CREATION” by composer Dan Forrest at Rochester Cathedral

Includes Two Half-Day Rehearsals for Performers at the National Musicians’ Church

Celebration Dinner after the Concert – Corn Exchange Rochester

Transportation to and from hotel London and Rochester Cathedral

(all Friends and Family packages include a Concert Ticket and Celebration Dinner)

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

For additional travel services contact Please contact Paula Zackeru for more information: Email: paula@sapphiretours.com

Travel Insurance is highly recommended and will be offered to each participant.

Tentative Itinerary

Monday, June 8, 2026

Evening Depart on a flight from the US to London Heathrow.

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.

Thursday June 11, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel.

Time TBD Rehearsals for “CREATION” — Location: The National Musicians Church —Exact times will be determined at a later date. Non-Performers will have Free time during the rehearsals.

7:00pm – 10:00pm Enjoy a spectacular Dinner and Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames. You will enjoy a 4-course gourmet dinner, light entertainment, a cash bar and the beautiful London Skyline at night.

Friday, June 12, 2026

Morning Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel.

Time TBD Rehearsals for “CREATION” — Location: The National Musicians Church — Exact times will be determined at a later date. 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.

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).

*All timings for proposed events are subject to change.