The Italian Campaign + Sicily

SPECIAL TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
4603 Main Street
Va n c o u ve r, B C
V5V 3R6 Canada
tel no.:1 (604) 291-1332
toll-free:1 (800) 665-0998
fax no.:1 (604) 291-1378
s t i @ s t i c a n a d a .com
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SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
The Italian Campaign
with sicily pre-tour option
Honouring Canada’s military history in an exploration of southern Italy
May 8/11 – 22, 2016 (12/15 days)
Rome – taormina – Leonforte – agira – catania
cassino – pontecorvo – melfa river – gari river
sant’angelo – ortona – moro river – gradara
san marino – rimini – villanova – bagnacavallo
cessena – ravenna – montecchio – tavullia
coriano ridge – venice
Sicily
optional Pre-tour Extension
Rome – taormina – Leonforte – agira – catania
May 8 – 13, 2016 (6 days)
Day 1
Sun, May 8
Departure from Canada for Italy.
This morning we visit the exceptional D-Day
landing museum in Catania. Then we fly back to
Rome later in the afternoon and drive to Cassino
and join our fellow travelers on the main Italian
Campaign tour.
Mon, May 9
photo: Markus Mark
photo: Carla Tavares
ARRIVAL IN Rome
After arrival we transfer to our hotel, check-in and
have dinner.
Day 3
Tue, May 10
Rome – catania – acireale
We start today in the heart of Rome at Piazza
Venezia, at its most famous war monument,
dedicated to the former king Vittorio Emanuele.
We will also see the iconic sites of the Eternal
City as we visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican,
and enjoy a panoramic tour to see the Colosseum,
Forum Romanum, Piazza Navona and other
famous monuments. There is time for lunch in
town. Later in the afternoon we transfer to the
airport for the flight to Sicily and settle into our
hotel along the stunning coast.
Day 4
Wed , May 11
CATANIA / ACIREALE
Today we visit the Canadian landing beaches of
July 10, 1943 at Costa dell’ Ambra near Pachino
in southeastern Sicily. We stop for lunch and then
head to the picturesque coastal town of Taormina,
with its celebrated Greek amphitheatre. Then we
return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 5
Thu, May 12
CATANIA / ACIREALE
We follow the inland route of the Canadians to
Leonforte and Agira where we will be visiting
the Agira Canadian War Cemetery. We return to
the hotel where travelers can enjoy the beach
atmosphere of the seaside resort town.
cemeteries we visit:
photo: Bart Hiddink
agira – cassino – moro river
gradara – cessena – ravenna
montecchio – coriano ridge
photo: Jikael
Fri, May 13
CATANIA / ACIREALE – rome – cassino
Day 2
1
Day 6
canada – Rome
if not joining the sicily tour:
Day 1
May 11, Wed
canada – rome
Departure from Canada for Italy.
Day 2
May 12, Thu
ARRIVal IN rome
After arrival in Rome check in and dine.
Day 3
May 13, Fri
ROME – CASSINO
We start today in the heart of Rome, at its
most famous war monument, dedicated
to the former king Vittorio Emanuele. We
will also see the iconic sites of the Eternal
City as we visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the
Vatican, and enjoy a panoramic tour to
see the Colosseum, Forum Romanum,
Piazza Navona and other famous
monuments. There is time for lunch in
town. Later in the afternoon we drive to
Cassino and join the travelers who have
started in Sicily.
Italian Campaign
Rome – cassino – pontecorvo – melfa river – gari river
Sant’Angelo – ortona – moro river – gradara – san marino
rimini – villanova – bagnacavallo – cessena – ravenna
montecchio – tavullia – coriano ridge – venice
May 11 – 22, 2016 (12 days)
Sat, May 14
cassino
This morning we tour the Adolf Hitler Line
with a stop at the Canadian memorial in
Pontecorvo. After lunch we visit the Melfa River
Crossing where Major Jack Mahony of the Royal
Westminster Regiment was awarded the Victoria
Cross, then tour some of the battlefields on the
advance to Rome.
Day 5/8
Sun, May 15
cassino
This morning we visit the Cassino Commonwealth
War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth
cemetery in Italy. then driving out toward Gaeta,
we will have some time for lunch along the
Mediterranean Sea. Returning in the afternoon,
we’ll visit the Gari River/ Liri Valley area and stop
at the Kingsmill plaque and monument which
commemorates the breaking of the Gustav Line
by Canadian tanks in May, 1944. We will then
take part in the international ceremony in Sant’
Angelo along the Gari River.
Day 6/9
Mon, May 16
cassino – ortona
We visit the historic abbey of Monte Cassino
overlooking the Liri Valley which was captured
by Allies in a Polish-led initiative May 17-18, 1944.
We also visit the Polish Cemetery near the Abbey.
After time for lunch in Cassino, we will head to
the Adriatic Coast to enjoy the later afternoon and
perhaps stroll the beach before dinner.
Day 7/10
Tue, May 17
ortona
Following a visit to Ortona’s Peace Museum our
local guide will conduct a walking tour of the
street-fighting areas, with visits to the beautiful
Church of San Tomaso, which houses the bones
of St. Thomas the Apostle. We will also stop at
the Church of Maria di Constantinopoli where
the Seaforths famously had Christmas dinner in
1943. We will have a brief ceremony at the Moro
River War Cemetery before returning to our hotel,
driving past Casa Berardi and Sterlin Castle.
Day 8/11
Wed, May 18
ortona – rimini
After breakfast we take off north to visit Gradara
Cemetery before we continue on up to the
mountain Republic of San Marino, the world’s
oldest Republic! We have time for lunch there
and then in the afternoon we travel to the nearby
Adriatic Coast and check in at Rimini.
Day 9/12
Thu, May 19
rimini
This morning we travel to Villanova where the
Canadians fought bloody battles to cross the
Lamone River and Naviglio Canal in November –
December, 1944. We will meet with the locals as
we visit sites in the Bagnacavallo area, and make
stops at the Cessena and Ravenna Cemeteries en
route.
Day 10/13
Fri, May 20
rimini
Today we visit the battlefields of the Gothic Line,
broken by the Canadians August – September,
1944. The tour begins with a visit to Montecchio
Cemetery and Hill 204 with a stop at Tavullia
before travelling to Coriano Ridge Commonwealth
Cemetery, and through San Martino as we learn
about the Battle of San Fortunato Ridge. We
return to the hotel with time to visit the beautiful
beaches of Rimini or to do some shopping.
Day 11/14
photo: Georges Jansoone
Day 4/7
Sat, May 21
rimini – venice
After breakfast we depart for Venice where we
take a water taxi into the city centre and enjoy
the fascinating area around Piazza San Marco
and the Basilica. Afterwards we check into the
hotel and enjoy our farewell dinner.
Day 12/15
Sun, May 22
venice – canada
This morning we transfer to the airport for our
flight home, where we arrive the same day.
2
included
■■ Air fare Canada – Rome, Venice – Canada
Air fare Rome – Catania – Rome (for Sicily
pre-tour)
■■ Private bus and guide throughout.
■■ Accommodation in comfortable superior
tourist-class hotels.
■■ Breakfast (B) and Dinner (D) every day.
■■ Special visits and commemorations,
sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary.
■■ Porterage & local taxes and service charges.
■■ City Tours with local experts.
not included
Accompanied
by Military H
istorian
Ken MacLeod
■■ Lunches.
■■ Travel Insurance.
■■ Departure taxes.
Please Note:
The commemorative activities and visits may
be subject to minor schedule adjustments as
they are set by local organizers.
■■ Gratuities for driver and guide.
■■ Drinks and items of a personal nature.
photo: Arpingstone
cost per person, based on double occupancy
12-day Italy Tour
CDN
from Vancouver
$3690
from Toronto
$3490
from Montreal/Ottawa
$3590
Calgary/Edmonton/etc.
$3790
Single Supplement
+$690
Land-Only Rate*
$2690
photo: Nazzarenoagostinelli
3
6-day Sicily Pre-Tour
$990
Pre-Tour single supplement
$290
photo: Arnoldius
*if you want to make your own flight
arrangements
photo: Arnoldius
Led by the Calgary Tanks who crossed the
Gari River, the Gustav Line in the Liri Valley
was pierced on May 12, 1944. By May 18,
the Polish Corps had taken the Abbey of
Monte Cassino, the anchor of the German
Gustav Line, enabling the British 8th Army
and supporting Allied forces, led by the First
Canadian Infantry Division and British and
Canadian tanks on May 23, to smash the
Adolf Hitler (Senger) Line, the most heavilyfortified line that the Allies faced during the
Italian Campaign. The line was fortified, not
only by barbed wire and other defenses, but
by numerous machine gun and 75 mm guns
(Panzerturm) emplaced in concrete. Suffering
their heaviest losses of the Italian Campaign,
the Canadians, from Pontecorvo to Aquino
in the Liri Valley, led the breakthrough of the
Hitler Line, making way for the 5th Canadian
Armoured Division to cross the Melfa River
on May 24-25, where Major Jack Mahony
of the Royal Westminster Regiment was
awarded the Victoria Cross for valour, thus
opening the Road to Rome for the Allies.
Through the efforts of Karen Storwick of
Calgary and Roberto Molle of Italy, a very
large and beautiful commemorative plaque
was unveiled near the main square of
Pontecorvo on May 23, 2009.
Ken MacLeod
As part of the Special Travel International
military tours, historian Ken MacLeod has
led over a dozen trips to revisit the Canadians
and the Italian Campaign in World War II,
keeping the memory of their sacrifice alive
and establishing many contacts with the
Italian people along the route.
photo: Farawayman
BREAKING OF THE HITLER LINE
May 23, 1944
■ ■ Jewels of the Adriatic - September 26 – October 15
■ ■ Best of the Baltics - September 28 – October 16
■ ■ Important Preview: 100 th Anniversary Vimy Ridge - April 2017
with a focus on World War I and the events around Arras & Vimy
photo: Websi
Please contact us to receive detailed programs of any of our tours!
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Ask about our upcoming tours and other destinations
SPECIAL TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
4603 Main Street
Va n c o u ve r, B C
V5V 3R6 Canada
tel no.: 1 (604) 291-1332
toll-free: 1 (800) 665-0998
fax no.: 1 (604) 291-1378
s t i @ s t i c a n a d a .com
w w w. s t i c a n a d a . c o m
SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
4603 Main Street
Va n c o u ve r, B C
V5V 3R6 Canada
tel no.: 1 (604) 291-1332
toll-free: 1 (800) 665-0998
fax no.: 1 (604) 291-1378
s t i @ s t i c a n a d a .com
w w w. s t i c a n a d a . c o m
best of the baltics
photo: Patrick Giraud CC by SA 1.2
SPECIAL TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
lithuania – latvia – estonia – finland– st. petersburg
photo: Jack Brauer
september
SPECIAL
TRAVEL
22 – september
INTERNATIONAL
6/9, 2013 (15/18 days)
Jewels of the AdriAtic
AlbAniA – Montenegro – bosniA-herzegovinA – croAtiA – sloveniA
Assemble your ideal holiday with five possible combinations:
1 Pre–Tour + Cruise sep 26 – oct 10, 2015 (15 days)
5 LAnd Tour oct 2 – 11, 2015 (10 days)
–
–
estonia
norway
with optional stockholm – oslo extension
september 28 – october 12/16, 2015 (15/19 days)
the baltic countries have a fascinating history extending back many
centuries, through the period of russian occupation up to their more
recent independence and incorporation into the european union.
memorable experiences await you in their mix of charming cities,
traditional villages and uniquely beautiful countryside.
photo: Websi
4 Pre–Tour + LAnd Tour sep 26 – oct 10, 2015 (16 days)
best of the baltics
lithuania
–
latvia
finland
–
sweden
4603
Main
Street
Va n c o u ve r,
BC
V5V 3R6
Canada
tel no.:1 (604) 291-1332
toll-free:1 (800) 665-0998
fax no.:1 (604) 291-1378
[email protected]
www.sticanada.com
3 Pre–Tour, Cruise + PosT–Tour sep 26 – oct 15, 2015 (20 days)
photo: Bart Hiddink
photo: Simm
photo: Diego Delso
photo: Jpatokal
2 Cruise + PosT–Tour oct 2 – 15, 2015 (14 days)
SPECIAL
TRAVEL
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
RESERVATION FORM
please indicate x your tour selections below
May 11 - 22, 2016 (12 days)
May 8 - 22, 2016 (15 days)
o italian campaign
o sicily + italian campaign
Please fill out this form in full and mail it with your deposit of $600.00 and insurance payment for each passenger.
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Please see insurance page then indicate your choice below
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specify All Inclusive or Trip Cancellation ___________________________________________________
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SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
4603 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R6 Canada
phone: (604) 291-1332
or
1 (800) 665-0998
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*A 2% service fee applies to payments made by credit card
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SIGNATURE:
TOUR PRICES:
All tour prices for land arrangements are based on rates effective
at the time of printing and are expected to be in effect at the time
of departure. Should these rates change, it may be necessary
to surcharge the price of your vacation. Should the tour price
increase by more than 10%, the passenger shall have the right
to cancel within seven days of notification without penalty.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS:
Notice of cancellation must be made in writing. The effective
cancellation date is the date when written notification is
received by STI. The deposit of $600 is non-refundable. The
following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is
received prior to departure:
until October 31, 2015
deposit of $600
November 1, 2015 – March 8, 2016
$1200
March 9 – 31, 2016
$75%
After March 31, 2016
100%
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY:
STI acts only as an agent in securing all services related to
the tours described in this brochure, including transportation,
sightseeing and accommodation. STI shall not be responsible or
liable for any loss, cost, damage, injury, delay or expense arising
from the use of any conveyance, accommodation or service
or from acts of God, strikes, weather, quarantine, accidents,
sickness, government regulations, insufficient documents
and any loss/expense resulting from the above contingencies
shall be borne by the tour member. In the event it becomes
necessary or advisable for the comfort of the passenger, or for
any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements,
such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators.
Additional expense, if any, shall be borne by the passenger. The
right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions
warrant, and also to decline to accept or retain any passenger
as a member of the tour. In such instances, full or equitable
amounts will be refunded.
INSURANCE:
Any airliner carrier providing transportation in connection with
these tours is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or
event during the time the passenger is not on board its planes
or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the airlines
concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract
between the airline and the purchase of these tours and/or
passenger. Similar responsibility as noted applies to all types of
carriers, including car rental companies.
InSURANCE Premiums
Following are the main areas of coverage and the two
packages we offer for this particular trip. Please carefully read
the brochure you will receive after booking for full details.
For insurance purposes the key point is that you are in
GOOD health.
Please note that PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS are not covered.
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like
further information.
THE ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE consists of:
• Cancellation & Interruption
• Emergency Medical ($5 Million limit)
• Flight Accident
• Travel Accident
• Baggage & Personal Effects
THE ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (rate per person)
AGES:
0-60
61-65
66-70
71-76
77 +
Italy
$230
$289
$355
$413
$831
Italy +
Sicily
$271
$341
$418
$483
$971
If you wish you may also choose the Cancellation & Interruption
insurance alone; this plan is suitable if you have sufficient
medical coverage already and these rates apply to any trip length.
CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
AGES:
0-59
Italy
$214
$244.50 $272 $309.50 $423 $511.50
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+
Italy +
Sicily
$250
$289.50 $326 $372.50 $495 $592.50
Note: Insurance rates are valid at time of printing and
are subject to change. Insurance premiums are subject to
Provincial Sales Tax: 8% Ontario,
9% Quebec, 7% Manitoba
photo: Tiia Monto
STI recommends that each tour participant has health,
cancellation, interruption, accident and baggage insurance for
the duration of his/her travel (in situations where insurance is
not included in the tour price.)
AIRLINE RESPONSIBILITY:
photo: Giorgio Leggio
A deposit of $600 per person is required at the time of
reservation on this Special Travel International (hereafter called
STI) tour. A second payment of $600 per person is then due by
October 31, 2015. The final payment is due by March 8, 2016.
Travel documents will be sent to you approximately 14 days
prior to your trip departure, provided full payment has been
received.
It is entirely the passenger’s responsibility to possess whatever
documents and visas required by the law of the countries
visited on the tour.
photo: Adrian104
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT:
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
photo: Janice Waltzer
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
SPECIAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
4603 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5V 3R6 Canada
tel: (604) 291-1332 or 1 (800) 665-0998
Fax: (604) 291-1378
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.sticanada.com