Midwest Extensions

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ITAL IA
3-Day Florence Extension
October 25-28, 2014
ITINERARY:
25 October 2014
Ground Package Price per person:
$950 per person based on double occupancy
$300 additional airfare (subject to change)
Transfer from hotel to train station
First class train tickets from Rome to Florence via the high speed train
Check in to Hotel Boscolo Astoria in the heart of Florence
Afternoon guided orientation walking tour of Florence
Tour based on a minimum of 20 people and
subject to change based current exchange rate at
time of final payment.
Evening free for dinner and wandering the streets of Florence
26 October 2014
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning tour to Accademia and the Medici Chapels. (See tour details below)
Afternoon and evening free
27 October 2014
Breakfast at hotel
Day free - Optional tour to Pisa and Lucca available. (Details below)
28 October 2014
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer from hotel to airport for flights home.
Package includes: Transfer from Rome hotel to train station, first class train
tickets to Florence, transfer from train station to hotel in Florence, 3 nights
accommodations based on double occupancy at Hotel Boscolo Astoria,
walking orientation tour, half-day guided tour to Accademia and Medici
Chapels, breakfast each morning, luggage handling and porterage and
English speaking assistance.
ACCADEMIA AND MEDICI CHAPELS TOUR
FL O R EN C E
TO U R S
We begin our tour by walking through the historic center to see and feel its rich history. Our expert guide will take us to the Fine Arts Academy to see the jewel of the Florentine Renaissance-Michelangelo’s incredible statue of “The David,” carved between 1501 and 1504. The
Medici Chapels form part of the monumental complex of San Lorenzo in Florence, whose building history lasts from the first years of the
15th Century until the early 17th Century. Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici, future Pope Clement VII, wished to erect a mausoleum for certain
members of his family and the Medici Chapels became their mausoleum up until the time of the extinction of their family line. The architecture was complete by 1524 and Michelangelo continued to work on the sculpture of the sarcophagi until 1533.
ACCADEMIA AND MEDICI CHAPELS TOUR
An hour’s leisurely drive takes you to Pisa, the historical medieval university town situated on the Arno River. Upon arrival, guides will take the group on a walking tour through the
city. Begin with the Square of Miracles to see the unique and famous Leaning Tower, followed by the 11th Century Cathedral, renowned for its pulpit and paintings, and the Baptistery
with its famous organ and incredible acoustics. The adventure then continues to Lucca, approximately twenty-five minutes away from Pisa for a truly unforgettable experience for the
adventurous and experienced biker. Surrounded by its impressive city walls, Lucca is a charming small town in Tuscany which was colonized by the Romans in the 2nd Century AD.
The tour will consist of a pleasant walk through the historical center, with time to admire its rich heritage of churches, palaces, squares and streets which are unscathed by contemporary developments. Soon after, we will head to the bicycle store where we will be equipped with our very own bike and safety helmet. This charming Tuscan town will entice guests
with its winding corridors, hidden churches, medieval storefronts and centennial trees. Lucca’s famous 15th Century walls enclose a place that can be wandered or pedaled with ease,
and yet still remains full of secrets just waiting to be discovered! Time will also be provided near the end of the trip to explore the city at leisure before returning to Florence by coach.
Prices: Based on 20 guests including transportation, lunch, guides, bikes and transportation – $250 per person. Based on 10 guests - $425 per person.
Price without bikes: TBD
3-Day Tuscany Extension
October 25-28, 2014
ITINERARY:
25 October 2014
Package includes:
Check in at Hotel Castel del Nero with remaining day free.
Motorcoach transfer from Rome to Tuscany, lunch and tour in Orvieto, 3 nights
accommodations at the Hotel Castel del Nero based on double occupancy, full day
tour in the Chianti region with lunch, Tuscan cooking school, lunch/wine tasting,
transportation to school, breakfast each morning, luggage handling, porterage,
transfers from Tuscany to airport and English speaking assistance.
Based on 20 passengers -- $1630
Price: Based on 10 passengers -- $2099
26 October 2014
Price subject to change based current exchange rate at time of final payment.
After breakfast at hotel, depart for private tour in the
Tuscan Region with a stop in San Gimignano for a tour,
lunch and shopping.
Additional Airfare: $300 (subject to change)
Transfer by motorcoach to Tuscany
Stop for lunch in Orvieto with time to explore this
historically significant hill-top town. Lunch at Maurizio.
Lunch at Monsanto Castle Winery.
Then on to the Chianti Region for more exploration and a
stop at the Castello di Verrazzano before returning to the
hotel.
Evening free
27 October 2014
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart for Tuscan Cooking School: a Hands-on lesson in
Chianti cooking at Badia a Coltibuono.
Everyone will work together with Guido to prepare the daily
lunch while discovering the secrets and traditions spanning
centuries. The sumptuous lunch prepared by the class will
be served in the private dining room of the villa adjacent to
the kitchen.
Return to hotel. Evening free.
28 October 2014
Departure to airport and return flights.
TOUR OF THE CHIANTI REGION - SAN GIMIGNANO
This is a great day in Tuscany! The group will leave the hotel by mini-bus for a tour in the Tuscan region. They
will stop at San Gimignano, a Tuscan hill town, for a cappuccino snack and an orientation tour. San Gimignano
is the incredible medieval walled city, famous for its numerous noble watch towers incorporated right into the city
walls. A network of secret passages connected the city’s various wealthy families in times of danger and today,
these picturesque alleys and views make the town a photographer’s paradise. We will have the opportunity to
explore this Tuscan city, known for its wonderful pottery, linens, silks, gold and silver. Then you will proceed and
we will end up the rally at Monsanto Castle Winery where you can enjoy a visit to the cellar, wine tasting and
lunch. Before returning to the hotel, visit Verrazzano Castle dating back to the 7th century.
TUSCAN COOKING SCHOOL AT
BADIA a COLTIBUONO
A perfect day spent learning about Tuscan and regional Italian
cuisine in the Coltibuono family kitchen. Guests will learn to prepare
a full menu from bread to dessert with a hand’s on approach and
enjoy it with a sampling of our wines and extra virgin olive oils over
lunch in the private dining room of the villa. Everyone works together
with Guido to prepare the daily lunch while discovering the secrets
of traditions spanning centuries. After the cooking lesson, the aperitif
is served in the 16th century frescoed refectory. Guests will learn of
the fascinating history of the abbey and winery. The meal is accompanied by a selection of wines best paired with the preparations from
the family’s cellar. After coffees and grappa, a guided tour of the
historical ageing cellars of Coltibuono and it’s magnificent formal
gardens is included before guests' departure by 4 PM
2 Additional Nights
In Rome
EXEDRA BOSCOLO HOTEL - 2 NIGHTS PRE OR POST
2 nights accommodations at Exedra Hotel
Breakfast included each day
All taxes and gratuities
One way transfer from airport to hotel
PRICE: $690 per person based on Double Occupancy
HOTEL VICTORIA - 2 NIGHTS PRE OR POST
2 nights accommodations at Victoria Hotel
Breakfast included each day
All taxes and gratuities
One way transfer from airport to hotel
PRICE: $550 per person based on Double Occupancy
Terms & Conditions
All tours are based on a minimum number of participants. Prices will be re-figured
or the tour may be canceled if the minimum is not met.
Prices are subject to change should the exchange rate exceed the projected rate.
If the exchange rate goes below the projected rate, the price will be re-figured to
take advantage of the new rate.
Deposits are required to secure reservation – $500 per person. Should the tour be
canceled due to not meeting the minimums, the deposit is fully refundable.
Deadline for sign-up is June 30, 2014
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