Italy the Beautiful Tour - Sacramento Italian Cultural Society
Transcription
Italy the Beautiful Tour - Sacramento Italian Cultural Society
The Italian Cultural Society of Sacramento Presents an exclusive tour of Northern Italy: Italy the Beautiful Tour September 1 - 11 2015 -11 days *$3,699 per person p Visit: Genova, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, The Cinque Terre, Lago Maggiore, Lago di Como, Bellagio, Lago di Garda, Sirmione, Verona, Murano, Burano and Venezia pp Tour Includes:pp Æ 9 nights in Luxury 4 star Hotels Æ All buffet breakfasts Æ All Multi course, gourmet Italian Dinners Æ Full time bi-lingual Tour Director and private English Speaking local guides Æ Wine and Balsamic Vinegar tasting Æ All Sightseeing Tours & Museum Tickets Æ Welcome Cocktail Party Æ Private Motor coach transportation including ferries and train passes Æ Ferrari Museum and Visits *Tour price is per person double occupancy, single supplement is $850. Airfare from San Francisco $1667.39 and Guide and Driver Tips of $110 not included. Travelers may also arrange their own air transportation. See Italy at Its Best The Italian Cultural Society Phone: 916 (916 482-5900) Fax 916 (916 482-5909) E-MAIL: [email protected] www.italiancenter.net Italian Cultural Society Exclusive Northern Italy Tour: Italy the Beautiful! D iscover the incredible beauty of the Italian Riviera, the elegance of the Italian Lake Region, the sophistication of Milan, and the Romance of Verona and Venice with this exclusive Italian Cultural Society tour. We have more than 20 years experience designing exclusive insider tours of Italy’s most fabled sites and cities. Every day of our Italy the Beautiful Tour brings new discoveries and the finest natural beauty, architecture, culture, gastronomic delights, and Italian art and history. See the difference it makes when travel is planned and escorted by a native Italian. Experience Italy’s most wonderful treasures with our Italy the Beautiful Tour of Northern Italy. BUON VIAGGIO!! ITINERARY ICS Italian Riviera, the Lake District, Milan, Verona and Venice 11 day tour - September 1 to 11 2015 Day 1: Tuesday, September 1, 2015: Departure If we arrange your air travel, you will depart US from San Francisco for your flight to Genova, Italy. An optional limousine service to and from Sacramento to San Francisco International airport will be available; enjoy Dinner and Breakfast and in-flight movies. Day 2: Wednesday, September 2, 2015: Tour starts in Genova, Italy Arrival at Cristoforo Colombo Genova Airport and transfer to our beautiful Grand Hotel Bristol in Rapallo, where you will be privileged guests for the next 3-nights. Enjoy welcome cocktails and a delicious three course dinner at the hotel. Welcome to the Italian Riviera!! And to the Dolce Vita!! ~ Dinner at our hotel. Day 3: Thursday, September 3, 2015: Italian Riviera: Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure Today we drive along the spectacular Ligurian coast to reach two gems of the Italian Riviera: Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure. This area is called the Gulf of Tigullio, and for decades it has been the most desirable destination for the world’s rich and famous. But this area is also a Natural Park with breathtaking scenic beauty. Extensive beaches with well-equipped bathing establishments, avant-garde sport facilities and refined, top quality hotels blend with beautiful sea landscape, and lively town centers to create a magical experience in one of the world’s most popular resort areas. We will visit enchanting Portofino, which provides the magical backdrop where society and nature fuse. The name Portofino means “port of dolphins”. Today the port is lined with celebrity yachts, but Portofino was originally a fishermen village. Its whimsically colored tall houses create an amphitheatre ICS ‐ Italian Riviera & Lake District, Milan, Verona and Venice - September 1‐11 2015 around the famous “Piazzetta” (little square). ~ Breakfast & Dinner at our hotel. Day 4: Friday, September 4, 2015: The Cinque Terre After breakfast we will enjoy a full day excursion to the famous Cinque Terre. We will travel to La Spezia where will board a ferry boat to visit this area called the Il Golfo dei Poeti (the Bay of Poets). We will visit the charming villages of Le Cinque Terre and the little known jewel of Portovenere (the Port of Venus). Our first stop will be Portovenere which is dominated by the castle, and a lovely chapel with breathtaking views. Our second stop will be at lovely Vernazza, which is considered the most beautiful village of the Cinque Terre. Monterosso will be the last village that we will visit. The village is surrounded by olive-trees, lemon-trees, and above all vineyards which produce an excellent DOC white wine called simply “Le Cinque Terre”. We will have time for lunch and a swim in the Mediterranean! ~ Breakfast & Dinner at our hotel. Day 5: Saturday, September 5, 2015: Leaving the Italian Riviera for Lake Maggiore, Stresa and Saronno After breakfast, depart by private motor coach for Lake Maggiore. From Stresa we enjoy a lovely cruise to reach the Isola Bella (beautiful island). Stresa is an elegant internationally famous holiday resort located on the shore of Lake Maggiore. We will visit the Borromean Palace and Gardens on Isola Bella, whose construction began in 1632, transforming the tiny fishing village into an elegant residence which occupies two thirds of the island. The Italian style baroque gardens are like a giant ship, firmly anchored in the waters of the lake. We will have free time for shopping and lunch on the island before departing for Saronno. You might recognize this name from the delicious and popular liqueur made here: Amaretto diSaronno! In the afternoon check in at the Grand Milan Hotel in Saronno where you will be staying for the next 2 nights. ~ Breakfast & Dinner at our hotel. Day 6: Sunday, September 6, 2015: Como Lake drive & cruise: Tremezzo & Bellagio After a buffet breakfast, depart by private motor coach for an amazing all day excursion to discover Italy’s most famous lake: Lago di Como and the charming villages of Tremezzo and Bellagio. We will drive along the lake’s western shore to admire Cernobbio with the famous Renaissance Villa d’Este; then we will pass by Laglio where George Clooney has his marvelous Italian estate. Tremezzo has a magnificent position on Lake Como, and is home to some of the world’s most lush estates, gardens and villas. In Tremezzo we will board on a private launch to reach the village of Bellagio, considered the “pearl of Lake Como”. The cruise will offer us splendid views of the incredible villas and the natural splendor of this area. The village ICS ‐ Italian Riviera & Lake District, Milan, Verona and Venice - September 1‐11 2015 of Bellagio will charm you with its century-old buildings, stone streets and picturesque cobbled stairways filled with shops showcasing the finest Italian wares. Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping and individual visits. ~ Breakfast and Dinner at our hotel. Day 7: Monday, September 7, 2015: Leaving Como to Verona: Milan & Lake Garda and Sirmione After breakfast, check out and departure by private bus to Milan. We will enjoy a guided private tour of the city. The visit starts from the Castello Sforzesco, the imposing fortress built by the noble families of the Visconti and the Sforza, seat of one of the most magnificent courts during the Italian Renaissance. Our next stop is the Scala Opera House, worldwide famous shrine of classic music. A lovely walk along the Vittorio Emanuele Galleria, the beautiful gallery nicknamed by the “milanesi” the city’s “living room” will take us to the Duomo square. We will enter the Duomo, the cathedral of the city, built by the Lords of Milan in medieval gothic style and the third largest church in the world. Enjoy some free time to discover the Milan fashion district considered the most important fashion center in the world. This center is known as the “quadrilateral of fashion”, because it is formed by 4 main roads: Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via Manzoni and Via della Spiga. This high-class shopping district is characterized by the presence of numerous boutiques and related retail outlets which represent the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. After lunch on your own, we will proceed to Lake Garda. Garda is a great Mediterranean lake, blessed by Italian sun, surrounded by villages and mountains. We will visit the Sirmione peninsula for a lovely stroll through its picturesque streets. Check in at our lovely Verona hotel where we will stay for the next 3 nights. ~ Breakfast & Dinner at our hotel in Verona. Day 8: Tuesday, September 8, 2015: Verona & Valpolicella wine country Today we will discover the city of Verona, considered the most Roman of the Italian cities because of the presence of the famous Arena, a well preserved Roman Amphitheatre. Our tour will start with a panoramic drive along the river Adige and through the hills overlooking Verona. We will stop at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria of Lourdes to admire breathtaking views of Verona. Continuing along the river we will enjoy some of the most beautiful monuments of Verona: the Roman Bridge, the Roman Theater and the monumental 16th century walls and gates, and the Scaligeri Castle. We will stroll through the city squares and monuments: Piazza delle Erbe (the old Roman center and now Market Square), Piazza dei Signori (the political center in Middle Age Verona), and finally Piazza Bra with the Arena, (a wonderfully preserved Roman amphitheater). Of course Juliet's house and Romeo's house will be part of our tour! We will then proceed to the Valpolicella wine country to visit a winery estate and taste the famous Amarone Wine. Considered by many as the world’s greatest wine, Amarone is obtained from grapes dried in fruttaio (grape drying building) for 100/120 days where the sugar fermentation is completed. After this fabulous day of sites we return to our hotel for a special dinner. ~ Breakfast & Dinner at our hotel in Verona. ICS ‐ Italian Riviera & Lake District, Milan, Verona and Venice - September 1‐11 2015 Day 9: Wednesday, September 9, 2015: Venice & the Beautiful Lagoon After breakfast we will depart for Venice to discover the most charming islands of the lagoon. Venice is in the northeast of Italy and historically was a bridge between East and West. Venice was called “the Queen of the Adriatic”, and her unique and stunning location is unparalleled in the world. Venice is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities as well as the most popular for visitors to Italy. The heart of Venice is the famous Piazza San Marco, with its magnificent church; this piazza is called “the drawing room of Europe.” There are many museums, palaces, and churches to visit and wandering along Venice's canals is an unforgettable adventure. A lovely cruise will take us to Murano. Since 1921 this tiny Venetian island has been the home of Venice's glassmaking industry. Glass production was moved to Murano Island from the main part of Venice because its production posed a fire hazard. Here we will visit a famous glass factory and see the masters at work. Then we will discover Burano, known as the photographers’ paradise. Visitors to Burano are amazed at the many colors of houses that are reflected into the green waters of the canals. Burano is famous for its exquisite embroidery and its wonderful charm. We offer an optional delicious sea-food lunch in a famous restaurant in Burano. The afternoon also has some free time in Venice for shopping and private investigation. ~ Breakfast and Dinner at our hotel in Verona. Day 10: Thursday, September 10, 2015: Italian Food & Ferrari (Parma, Modena and Bologna area) Today we will discover Italy’s Food and Motor Valley, and venture into the region of Emilia Romagna. We will see the making of Parmigiano-Reggiano: known as the KING OF CHEESES. Parmigiano-Reggiano is strictly bound to its place of origin. The origin of Parmigiano is strictly guarded. We will learn how the milk from a very specific region becomes this delectable cheese. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is not manufactured, but “it is made” today as it was made eight centuries ago. Our visit to the diary will be followed by a tasting. The tour will continue with the visit to a traditional balsamic vinegar producer. Known since the Roman time, balsamic vinegar is produced by the natural fermentation process called ‘acetification’ of cooked grape must (freshly pressed grape juice that contains the skins, seeds and stems) and aged in small casks made of different kinds of precious woods. The minimum age for the traditional balsamic vinegar is 12 minimum years, but we will also taste the 25 year old one! An optional, and highly recommended, lunch at a unique family run restaurant is based on traditional specialties and accompanied by local wines. Our guide will tell us the secret details of the dishes served and give us their recipes. In the afternoon we will visit the Ferrari Museum located near the factory and the celebrated Fiorano test track. The museum traces the history and heritage of the world’s premier automobile marquee. The museum features multimedia displays, exhibits, trophies – and, of course, Ferraris!! The cars range from the single-seater in which Froilan Gonzalez won Ferrari’s first world championship in 1951, to the latest seemingly invincible F1 car used by Michael Schumacher to win five consecutive Formula 1 World Championships between 2000 and 2004! At the end of the visit we will drive around the Ferrari Plant, to see the Wind Tunnel and the Fiorano test track. But alas not in a Ferrari! ~ Breakfast & Dinner at your hotel in Verona. Day 11: Friday, September 11, 2015: Departure Arrivederci Italia!! Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight home. Say “Arrivederci” (see you again!) to Italy * All Sightseeing subject to changes* Note Bene: Guest must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over uneven and cobble stone surface, inclines and 40 to 65 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests using walkers or wheelchairs. Italian Riviera, the Lake District, Milan, Verona & Venice September 1, 2015 Terms & Conditions COVINA HILLS TRAVEL is not the source or supplier of the travel services requested, and acts solely as an agent for the actual suppliers of such services. The suppliers whose names appear in the information supplied are those who are actually responsible for providing the travel services purchased. Client agrees not to hold COVINA HILLS TRAVEL responsible should any of these suppliers: 1) fail to provide the travel services purchased; 2) fail to comply with any applicable law; or 3) engage in any negligent act or omission that causes any sort of injury, damage, delay or inconvenience. COVINA HILLS TRAVEL is not responsible for, nor liable for, any injury, damage or loss client may suffer on account of any conditions, actions or omissions that are beyond its reasonable control. Client will review all travel documents for accuracy upon receipt and understands that client may contact COVINA HILLS TRAVEL if client has any questions. Client understands that discounted fares typically involve restrictions and that changing any aspect of travel arrangements may result in the payment of additional money. A $40 per revision fee for any changes after 15 days of receiving your invoice, including name corrections, may apply. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires client to carry a government issued identification card in order to board a flight. The name, date of birth and gender that appears on the identification card must exactly match the same such data that is listed on clients airline ticket and in client booking records. Client acknowledge that failure to strictly comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or an undue delay at an airport security checkpoint causing client to miss his/her flight. If traveling internationally, Client must have a valid passport and depending upon destination and nationality, and may need to obtain one or more visas. Note to Client: Passport and visa information may be obtained by contacting the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department at 202.647.5225 or by visiting the State Department's Web site at travel.state.gov. Non-U.S. passport holders should be sure to contact the embassies of their destination and transit countries to obtain entrance requirements. To obtain medical information, you may contact the Centers for Disease Control at 404.332.4559 or visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov. Airline tickets or air tours are subject to supplemental price increases that may be imposed after the date of purchase. Post-purchase price increases may be applied due to additional costs imposed by a supplier or government. Client acknowledges that he/she may be charged additional sums by COVINA HILLS TRAVEL to offset increased fees, fuel surcharges, taxes, fluctuations in foreign exchange markets or any combination thereof. Client consents to any post-purchase price increases and authorize COVINA HILLS TRAVEL to bill client for such additional amounts. A deposit of $250 is due at time of booking and final payments are due 75 days prior to departure. All payments for this tour must be by check, credit cards are not accepted for this tour. If payment is not received by due date the reservation is subject to cancellation and deposit will be forfeited. Cancellation fees apply to this tour. When the cancellation is received in writing after deposit a $75 penalty applies in addition to the following: 90 days to 76 days prior to departure $100; 75 days to 65 days prior to departure $250; 64 days to 40 days 50% Penalty; 39 days or less or NO-SHOW 100% Penalty. Client may purchase travel insurance to cover certain risks inherent in travel such as supplier bankruptcy and the inability to travel due to a medical or personal emergency. Please advise us if you wish to purchase travel insurance. Contact: Patrizia Cerruti (916) 482.5900 Covina Hills Travel 940 N. Grand Ave Covina, CA 91724 Ph. 626.967.2755 * 800.688.8728 [email protected] / www.covinahills.com California Seller # 1021443-10 Revised 13-Jan-15 Italian Riviera, the Lake District, Milan, Verona & Venice Return to: Covina Hills Travel 940 N Grand Ave Covina, CA 91724 Please complete form, sign the bottom and return with tour deposit. Ph: 626 967-2755 / Fax: 626 915-0292 [email protected] California Sellers # 1021443-10 Covina Hills Travel - Tour Booking form IMPORTANT: Please Print your name EXACTLY as it appears on your government issued travel documentation. First:__________________ Middle:__________________ Last: ___________________ Suffix: _____ Nickname: ____________ Address: ________________________________________ City: ___________________ State:______ Zip Code:_____________ Phone: ( ) _______________ Mobile:( )_____________ Email Address: __________________________________________ Emergency Contact: _________________________________ Phone:( ) ________________ Relationship: _________________ Rooming with: First: ______________ Middle:______________ Last: ____________________ Suffix:____ Nickname:________ Please provide a copy of your passport as soon as possible. Make Checks payable to: Covina Hills Travel Terms & Conditions I understand that COVINA HILLS TRAVEL is not the source or supplier of the travel services I have requested, and acts solely as an agent for the actual suppliers of such services. I have been advised that the suppliers whose names appear in the information supplied to me are those who are actually responsible for providing the travel services I have purchased. I consent to and request the use of those suppliers and agree not to hold COVINA HILLS TRAVEL responsible should any of these suppliers: 1) fail to provide the travel services I have purchased; 2) fail to comply with any applicable law; or 3) engage in any negligent act or omission that causes me any sort of injury, damage, delay or inconvenience. I accept that COVINA HILLS TRAVEL is not responsible for, nor will I attempt to hold it liable for, any injury, damage or loss I may suffer on account of any conditions, actions or omissions that are beyond its reasonable control. I will review my travel documents for accuracy upon receipt and understand that I may contact COVINA HILLS TRAVEL if I have any questions. I understand that discounted fares typically involve restrictions and that changing any aspect of my travel arrangements may result in the payment of additional money. A $40 per revision fee for any changes after 15 days of receiving your invoice, including name corrections, may apply. I understand that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires me to carry a government issued identification card in order to board a flight. I have been advised that the name, date of birth and gender that appears on the identification card must exactly match the same such data that is listed on my airline ticket and in my booking records. I acknowledge that my failure to strictly comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or an undue delay at an airport security checkpoint causing me to miss my flight. I understand that if traveling internationally, I must have a valid passport and depending upon my destination and nationality, I may need to obtain one or more visas. Note to Client: Passport and visa information may be obtained by contacting the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department at 202.647.5225 or by visiting the State Department's Web site at travel.state.gov. Non-U.S. passport holders should be sure to contact the embassies of their destination and transit countries to obtain entrance requirements. To obtain medical information, you may contact the Centers for Disease Control at 404.332.4559 or visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov. I understand that the airline tickets or air tours I am purchasing are subject to supplemental price increases that may be imposed after the date of purchase. Post-purchase price increases may be applied due to additional costs imposed by a supplier or government. I acknowledge that I may be charged additional sums by COVINA HILLS TRAVEL to offset increased fees, fuel surcharges, taxes, fluctuations in foreign exchange markets or any combination thereof. I hereby consent to any post-purchase price increases and authorize COVINA HILLS TRAVEL to bill me for such additional amounts. I understand that a deposit of $250 is due at time of booking and final payments are due 75 days prior to departure. All payments for this tour must be by check, credit cards are not accepted for this tour. If payment is not received by due date the reservation is subject to cancellation and deposit will be forfeited. I understand that Cancellation fees apply to this tour. When the cancellation is received in writing after deposit a $75 penalty applies in addition to the following: 90 days to 76 days prior to departure $100; 75 days to 65 days prior to departure $250; 64 days to 40 days 50% Penalty; 39 days or less or NO-SHOW 100% Penalty. I understand that I may purchase travel insurance to cover certain risks inherent in travel such as supplier bankruptcy and the inability to travel due to a medical or personal emergency. Please check and initial your acceptance or refusal of travel insurance below. I wish [ ] do not wish [ ] to purchase travel insurance. ______ (client's initials) (Cost based on Land only double occupancy, $247) Client's Signature:___________________________________________ Date: _____________________