The National Trust Way to Northern Italy

The National Trust Way
to Northern Italy:
Lakes, Mountains and the Riviera
18th - 30th May 2015
National Trust Tour Leader - Loma Priddle
presented by
The National Trust of Australia (NSW)
Northern Italy: Lakes, Mountains and the Riviera
Dear Member, this exciting itinerary has been tailor made for National
Trust members in conjunction with Ugo and Barbara Mariotti, who
have been leading successful Trust Tours in Italy over the past 10
years.
Unpack only twice as we stay in centrally located hotels first in the
town of Como, set in an idyllic landscape of mountains on the lake of
the same name, then in the resort town of Santa Margherita Ligure in
the heart of the Italian Riviera.
We will only be taking a small group of up to 15 people and the
relaxed pace will ensure that you will have time to enjoy the local
cuisine and wines and experience the wonderful scenery of Northern
Italy in the autumn.
Having lived in Italy for 12 years I am delighted to offer this new
journey for members of the National Trust and do hope that you are
able to join us.
Loma Priddle
Chair - National Trust Tours Committee
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel in a small group with an emphasis on getting to know the land and it’s people, whilst sampling the fine local cuisine and wines
• Unpack only twice and stay in two comfortable, centrally located hotels
• Leisurely day tours with visits to a variety of interesting towns, gardens and villas
• Enjoy a special cooking class featuring local specialities of the Italian Riviera region
ALL INCLUSIVE
This exclusive National Trust program includes: travel
as specified in the itinerary (private coach; public ferries
and boat trips on Lake Como and Portovenere, train to
Vernazza, funicular in Lugano), all accommodation and
meals as specified in the itinerary (10 breakfasts, 2 lunches,
8 dinners), wine with lunches and dinners, all sightseeing
and entry fees as per the itinerary. The tour will be hosted
by Loma Priddle of the National Trust of Australia (NSW),
as well as our local professional tour escort, Ugo Mariotti.
The tour may be purchased with international airfares
from Australian or as a land package commencing in
Milan (Malpensa Airport).
ACCOMMODATION
On this tour you will only have to unpack twice. We have
selected two excellent centrally located properties to ensure
maximum comfort: the Hotel Metropole Suisse in Como and
the Miramare in Santa Margherita Ligure..
LASTING MEMORIES
This magnificent journey to Northern Italy will satisfy every
sense and create a lasting impression that you will remember
with delight forever. Here are some comments from fellow
National Trust members from previous tours to Italy.
“What a wonderful two weeks. Filled with gratitude for both Ugo and
Barbara - their knowledge of the area and interesting anecdotes made our
days, along with good food and wine.” - Joan Main, NSW
“Each day had something special about it. Our meals in the various
restaurants were such happy occasions ...Then it was great having such
knowledgeable guides.” - Margaret Nicholson, NSW
OUR HOST & TOUR MANAGER
Our expert Tour Manager, Ugo Mariotti, has been conducting
tours for the National Trust over the past 10 years. He is a
delightful and informative host with a wealth of knowledge
and fascinating anecdotes. Ugo worked as a film producer
for SBS Television for 20 years before returning to Italy,
where he now lives in a 16th century farmhouse with his
Australian wife Barbara.
Itinerary
Day 10 Wednesday
27th May
Day 1 Monday 18th May
Depart Sydney.
Depart today for Italy.
Day 2 Tuesday 19th May
Milan to Como.
On arrival at Malpensa Airport Milan travel to
the town of Como, which nestles in a green
hollow at the end of the western branch of the
lake that bears its name. Our home for the next
5 nights is the Hotel Metropole Suisse. Como
was established by the ancient Romans and is
still surrounded by medieval walls which protect
the magnificent cathedral, famous churches
and delightful garden villas. Como has been the
capital of the precious fabric silk since the 16th
century, and is known for its fashionable shops.
In the afternoon a local guide will take us on a
tour to introduce the town and Lake Como. This
evening join your fellow travellers for an aperitif
followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3 Wednesday 20th May
Como.
This morning we travel by ferry to the delightful
resort town of Bellagio, set on the end of a
promontory between the western and eastern
branches of Lake Como. The beauty of Bellagio,
known as the Pearl of the Lake, persuaded famous
people from Roman times onwards to build villas
there. We will visit the elegant neoclassic Villa
Melzi, set in English style gardens which follow
the lake shore. In the afternoon travel by ferry
to visit Villa Carlotta, an elegant 18th century
summerhouse with spectacular gardens. (B,D)
Day 4 Thursday 21st May
Como.
Today we cross the border into Switzerland to
visit Lugano, the most Italian of Swiss towns. The
name is said to derive from the Celtic god Lug,
protector of waters. The town clings to the shores
of Lake Lugano and is surrounded by majestic
mountains. We will take a ride on a funicular to a
mountain top to enjoy spectacular views over the
Alps. Afterward we ride on the little “City Train”
which shows the ins and outs of this elegant
town. There will be time at leisure to stroll along
the lake shore “promenade” before returning to
Como in the afternoon. (B,D)
Day 5 Friday 22nd May
Como.
The best way to enjoy Lake Como is by boat
so today is spent cruising, with morning tea
and lunch served on board. As we travel north,
pausing at pretty villages and lakeside villas with
their gardens and rich vegetation, we have to
agree with the 19th century French writer Taine
“A day without effort, without thought, bathed in
a goblet of pure light”. We will stop to visit the
7th century Abbey of Piona, where one of the
monks will show us the Church and Cloisters. In a
separate building there are medicinal herbs and
the famous liqueurs distilled by the monks in the
traditional way. Evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 6 Saturday 23rd May
Como.
Today we explore “Il Triangolo Lariano”, the
triangle of land lying between the two southern
arms of Lake Como. This is an area of hills and
mountains of the Lower Alps crossed by rivers
and steep gorges, and also hamlets and green
fields where cows and goats graze. In winter
the area attracts skiers, in summer hikers and
travellers like ourselves. Cheeses and meats
produced by local farms are one of the major
attractions, together with vegetables and fish
from the lake. Today we relax over a traditional
lunch with local produce at a hillside “baita”
(hut) before returning to Como for an evening
at leisure. (B,L)
Day 7 Sunday 24th May
Como/Pavia/Santa Margherita Ligure.
We farewell Como and drive west to visit
the Certosa di Pavia, a gloriously decorated
Carthusian monastery built over a period of 200
years, the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture
in Lombardy. Then we enter the region of Liguria,
nestling between the steep coastal mountains
and the sparkling Mediterranean. Our home for
the next 5 nights is the Hotel Miramare in the
classic seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure
overlooking a shellshaped bay on the Portofino
Peninsula. Three National Parks are linked along
this section of the Italian Riviera: Portofino, the
Cinque Terre and Portovenere. (B,D)
Day 8 Monday 25th May
Santa Margherita Ligure.
Our excursion today is to Portovenere (“Port
of Venus”), a delightful small port which has
served seafarers and corsairs since Roman times,
heritage listed by UNESCO. From here we take a
leisurely trip by launch around the three nearby
islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. Afterwards
there will be time at leisure to explore the
cluster of narrow streets of Portovenere or to sit
in a waterfront cafe watching the fishing boats
and cruisers. Return to Santa Margherita in the
afternoon. (B,D)
Day 9 Tuesday 26th May
Santa Margherita Ligure.
Morning at leisure to explore Santa Margherita.
A popular holiday resort since Roman times,
there are fine villas and waterside promenades
in the town, while the hills behind are covered in
maritime pines, chestnut and olive trees. In the
afternoon we take the spectacular coast road
to Portofino, stopping en route at the beautiful
garden of La Cervara, set on the edge of a high
cliff overlooking the sea. Dinner this evening will
be in a waterfront restaurant in Portofino, the
most exclusive harbour and resort town in Italy.
(B,D)
Santa Margherita Ligure.
Today we drive into the well
known National Park of the
Clinque Terre on the rocky
coastline of the Riviera di
Levante. We will stop at the
village of Monterosso where
you’ll have time at leisure to
take a walk along the seafront
then explore the local shops.
In the afternoon it’s time to
learn how to make some well
known local dishes with a
special cooking class followed
by dinner. The region of Liguria is known for its
fine wines, seafood, lemon groves and herbs such
as basil (pesto comes from this region). (B,D)
Day 11 Thursday 28th May
Santa Margherita Ligure.
Today we visit Lucca in northern Tuscany
Originating as an important Roman base in the
3rd century BC, Lucca has been described as one
of the most beautiful towns in the world. A local
guide will take us on a walking tour past the fine
15th century house where the composer Puccini
was born to see the extraordinary facade of the
14th century San Michele in Foro then through
the picturesque streets and piazzas of Lucca. There
will be time at leisure to walk along the city walls
before meeting for afternoon tea then returning
to Santa Margherita. (B,D)
Day 12 Friday 29th May
Santa Margherita Ligure to Malpensa Airport.
Morning transfer to Malpensa Airport Milan for
your flight home. (B)
Day 13 Saturday 30th May
Arrive Sydney in the evening.
TOUR PRICE
COST (Land only)
Single Supplement
$7290.00 per person twin share
$1150.00
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES
To book airfares or request upgrade prices for business or first
class seats through Travelscene on Capri, please contact
reservations A quote for the airfare will be provided upon
request, however please note, given the fluctuating airline
prices, airfares are only guaranteed when full payment is
made.
INCLUDED IN COST:
Tour Escort: Loma Priddle will accompany the tour in Italy.
Accommodation: Room types are based on superior rooms at
the Metropole Suisse and Park View rooms at the Miramare
Meals: Meals included are listed in the itinerary.
Transportation: All transportation while on tour in Italy is included
as per the itinerary.
Hotel/Airport Transfers: We urge you to use our recommended
flights for which return transfers are provided. Those arriving or
departing at other times must use local transport to the hotel/
airport at their expense.
Luggage handling: Porterage of one piece of normal-sized
baggage weighing not more than 20 kg.
Other Services: Also included are sightseeing excursions,
entrance fees, local guides, taxes, house wine with dinners.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, drinks, travel
insurance, excess baggage, laundry, all extra communication
charges incurred on a passengers’ behalf, gratuities and
meals not specified in the itinerary.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS:
For travellers wishing sole use of a room, we are obliged to
charge a single supplement for the hotel room rate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Please apply for enrolment promptly. All reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. A non-refundable deposit of $700.00 per person by cash or cheque is required within 7 days of reservation.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and is non-refundable inside 60 days of departure.
-
Payment by credit card will incur a surcharge of 2%.
- A full refund will be given if the Tour is cancelled by the Tour operator.
- Travel Insurance: This is compulsory for all tours. Insurance brochures will be sent with deposit receipts. Travelscene Travel Insurance is available and recommended to cover your additional expenses caused by strikes, transport delays, or due to injury or sickness of a passenger or relative.
-
Depending on weather conditions and exceptional circumstances, day trips may be cancelled or varied.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
Please contact David Smith at Travelscene on Capri on
1800 679 066 or (07) 5592 3349 to reserve your place on
the tour. Please note that all reservations are subject to
availability at the time of booking. Your booking will be
held for 7 days, pending the receipt of a non-refundable
$700.00 per person deposit, by cheque or cash, and the
completed booking form.
CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY:
Tour cost is based on tariffs, land costs and rate of exchange
as of 2nd December, 2013.
Tour price is based on minimum tour membership of 12
persons. In the event that minimum tour membership is not
achieved a surcharge to the published tour price may be
payable. In the event such a surcharge exceeds 10% of
the published tour price the tour member may cancel his/
her reservation without incuring any cancellation charges,
provided such cancellation is received in writing within 7
days of the issue of surcharge advice.
CANCELLATION OR ALTERATION
BY THE TRAVEL COMPANY
Whilst every care is taken in the planning and operation
of the tour advertised, Travelscene on Capri cannot
guarantee that every part of the itinerary will be followed as
advised. Travelscene on Capri reserves the right to modify
any arrangements and/or services advertised or replace
or substitute the advertised tour escort without prior notice.
Provided such alterations, changes and/or substitutions are
made with reasonable care, Travelscene on Capri will be
under no obligation or liability to the tour member.
RESPONSIBILITY
Travelscene on Capri and The National Trust of Australia (NSW)
are not carriers or keepers of inns, hotels, refreshment, boarding
or lodging houses. Travelscene on Capri will arrange tickets,
bookings and reservations only as agents for its clients who
accept the same subject to these terms and conditions and those
of each of the concerns (hereinafter called the travel services)
with whom the agent may make arrangements for their clients.
Travelscene on Capri is not liable, however the same may arise,
for cancellation of journeys, deviations, delays or the failure to
provide seats, berths or facilities for carrying or storing luggage
or for the failure to provide accommodation. The agents are
not liable in the event of any alteration or change of any kind
made by any of the travel services following the acceptance
of any booking by them and clients are responsible for any
increase in charges which the travel service may be entitled to
require. Travelscene on Capri and The National Trust of Australia
(NSW) (both themselves, and on behalf of their servants and
agents) do not accept any responsibility for any act, omission,
default or neglect of themselves, their servants and agents or of
the servants and agents of the travel services for injury, damage
or loss to persons or goods, whatsoever and howsoever the
same may be caused; and they do not warrant and are in no
way responsible for the accuracy of any information given or
statement made by their servants and agents or those given or
made by the travel services, their servants or agents.