Program - Finesse Bridge Club

Be seduced by a slice of Dolce Vita.
Best of ITALY 23 days with Finesse Bridge Holidays.
$ 8375 will seal your booking June 03 – 25 2017
Come with us to our favourite country and travel as a local – not a tourist. This is our 8th
adventure to Italy and we know we now have it just right. Home of artistic treasures and
renowned sights, fashion and some of the best food on the planet. Italy will surely impress.
From Rome’s ancient streets, we then soak up the sunshine in the coastal town of Sorrento and
explore the beautiful Amalfi coast. We then fly to the Italian Riviera staying at Sestri Levante,
which is defined with rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and pastel seaside towns. This area is
known for its stylish resorts and areas like Portofino and Santa Margherita. Finally we drive to
the heart of the Tuscan region – Montecatini – within 30 minutes of Lucca, Florence, Pisa,
Livorna, Sienna & more. Magnicient 5* accommodation to make your stay complete. All this
combined with your bridge, makes a perfect holiday at the best time of the year. The holiday
will include many tours with private guides, all breakfasts, transfers & most dinners. No
holiday in Italy is ever complete, but not to see Venice would be tragic. A luxurious 4-night
optional extra is offered in Venice. Refer Website
For further information: http://www.finessebridgeclub.com.au
[email protected] Ph: 02-9596 1423 or 0415 816 919
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Page No
1: HOTEL ADDRESSES & PHONE NUMBERS
3
2: ITINERARY & BRIDGE PROGRAM (Jan 01 for Full Itinerary)
TBA
3: ROME A ROMA LIFESTYLE HOTEL
4
4: SORRENTO
5
GRAND HOTEL CAPODIMONTI
5: AMALFI SEAFRONT
IL SARACENO GRAND HOTEL
7
6: GRAND HOTEL VILLA BALBI – ITALIAN RIVIERA
8
7: Grand Hotel & LA PACE SPA - MONTECATINI
11
8: DUBAI SOPOVER
13
9: VENICE OPTION
14
10: HOTEL UPGRADES & INFORMATION
15
11: TUTORIALS & WORKSHOPS
16
12: RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS
16
1: Inclusions:
ROME – ROME
 22 nights finest accommodation
 Internal flight from Naples to Genoa
 11 land tours & walking tours with private guides
 All transfers, exclude International flight
 All bridge fees
$ 8375
 Rome to Amalfi return transfer
 Fully escorted tour
 2 Lunches
 14 dinners, all breakfasts
 Workshops & Lesson Material
2:
HOTEL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS for EMERGENCIES:
Greg’s Contact Phone Number +61 0415 816 919
-------------------------------------------------------------------------A ROMA LIFESTYLE HOTEL – ROME June 02 - 05
Via Giorgio Zoega, 59, 00164 Roma, Italy
+39 06 8781 1812
-------------------------------------------------------------------------GRAND HOTEL CAPODIMONTI – SORRENTO June 05 - 10
Via Nastro Verde, 23, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
+39 081 878 1821
-------------------------------------------------------------------------IL SARACENO GRAND HOTEL - AMALFI June 10 – 14
Via Giovanni Augustariccio, 33 84011 Amalfi Province of Salerno, Italy
+39 089 831148
E: [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------GRAND HOTEL VILLA BALBI June 14-19
Viale Rimembranza, 1, 16039 Sestri Levante GE, Italy
+39 0185 42941
------------------------------------------------------------------------GRAND HOTEL LA PACE - MONTACITINI
June 19 - 24
Via della Torretta, 1, 51016 Montecatini Terme PT, Italy
+39 0572 9240
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3: ROME - A ROMA LIFESTYLE HOTEL - June 02 - 05
Most flights arrive late afternoon. The transfer from Airport to hotel is 30 minutes. Dinner is supplied in
the hotel’s restaurant. If you do the Dubai stopover you can arrive around 1 pm.
Featuring a free outdoor pool and fitness centre, and a restaurant with 10 show cooking stations,
A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel offers free WiFi and elegant air-conditioned rooms in Rome’s Gianicolense
district. Villa Pamphili is a 10-minute walk away.
All spacious, rooms here come with a 42" smart TV with satellite channels, a minibar with soft
drinks and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms include a balcony with garden views. The
private bathroom has a hairdryer, toiletries and both a bath and a shower.
Tours Include:
1.5 hour walking tour to the Vatican.
Itinerary Covers: Porta del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, Tomb of Augustus, Pantheon, Piazza
Navona, Ponte Sant’Angelo, Castel Sant’Angelo, An introduction to the Vatican. Entry and guide to
the Vatican will be based on numbers interested.
5: GRAND HOTEL CAPODIMONTE 5* – SORRENTO - JUNE 05 – 10
A beautiful position Cobblestone streets, colourful flowers and picture-perfect views of
Mount Vesuvius and Naples – as a resort, hilly Sorrento comes up with it all. This
sophisticated place on the southwest coast of Italy also offers designer boutiques, lively
bars and great restaurants. And it’s at the heart of the Neapolitan Riviera, so the beautiful
towns of Positano, Capri are within easy reach as well.
Cobbles and cafés
Pavement cafés and tucked-away antique and craft shops cram the
maze of cobbled streets of Sorrento’s old town, making it an ideal place for a wander. For
culture vultures, the old town also has an impressive church – the 11th-century Chiesa di
San Francesco – plus a bell tower, a monastery, and a cathedral with beautiful frescoes.
Daytrips to Pompeii Pompeii is about 40 minutes away from Sorrento by train and a
proper must-see. Life in the town – once a popular holiday resort with the Romans – was
stopped in its tracks when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying everything – and everyone –
in molten lava. Two thousand years later and you can see some of Pompeii’s citizens,
frozen in time where they died.
A prestigious 5* Superior Rating Hotel built on the lines of the typical Mediterranean
architecture.The hotel is situated in a quiet and panoramic area a few meters away from
the city center, surrounded by the luxuriant vegetation of the Sorrento plain, positioned
on the rocky mountain dominating the town of Sorrento and the enchanting Gulf of
Naples.
Rooms and Suites all furnished classically and elegantly , most of them overlooking either the
Bay of Naples or the hotel's beautiful gardens. All the rooms are equipped with Free High
Speed internet Wi-Fi, individually controlled air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, radio
and satellite TV.
All the above perfectly surrounded by flourished and panoramic breathtaking terraces.
Tours Include:
1) Private Guided city tour – mainly of the old town.
2) Capri Island Day Tour. Return transfer from Sorrento to Capri by Ferry. 2 hour island tour by
boat. Transfer to Anna Capri to visit Villa San Michelle Museum, have lunch and maybe a little
shopping.
4: IL SARACENO GRAND HOTEL 5* – ALMAFI - JUNE 10 – 14
Il Saraceno is an ancient Arab fortress built into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. It offers
panoramic sea views from the swimming pool, the sun deck, and the terrace bar. The Grand
Hotel Il Saraceno's rooms offer spacious accommodation with antique furnishings and Arabstyle decorations. All rooms have views of the sea, a satellite TV and a minibar. During
summer Il Saraceno Grand Hotel's beach is equipped with one parasol, 2 sun loungers and 2
towels per room. A free shuttle service to the historic centre of Amalfi is provided at
scheduled times. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves Mediterranean
cuisine.
3 Top Things to do on the Amalfi coast during any free time:
Amalfi’s origins is dated back on Romans wars against
barbaric populations, even if the legend tells that it was
Hercules, son of Jupiter, that settled Amalfi to give it as a
present to a girl who has beautiful blue eyes the same colour
of the sea. Believe or not in this legend it is a fact that this
city, thanks to the sea and its geographical position, had a
great development and this was due to the maritime activity.
Ravello; The most known travellers elect Ravello as “Spirit
homeland”. The charm of its landscapes, the quality of its
monuments and villas ravished a lot of European artists who
came here to find inspiration. The history of Ravello is
directly linked to Amalfi’s one. During the period in which
Amalfi was one of the four powerful Maritime Republic,
Ravello reached its maximum splendour excelling in
commerce. Then, after the devastation caused by the wars in
XIX century, Ravello began its rise as a tourist place.
Artists and intellectuals coming from all the world choose
this town and made it became an elite tourist destination.
Praiano's ancient name (Pelagium) means "open sea", infact
in this fishermen town the view on the sea and on Positano
and its surroundings is spectacular. The "Sentiero degli Dei"
(Walk of the Gods) is a famous hike that starts from Praiano
and reaches Agerola, giving hikers the chance to really get
the best views of the Amalfi Coast. This town started
developing in the XII century and then specialized in
production of the "filo torto", linnen, coral and anchevies.
If you visit Praiano make sure you don't miss San Luca, a
beautiful church with its typical maiolica tiles dome and
paintings of famous artists of the past. Praiano is surely one
of the most genuine corners of the Amalfi Coast, away from
the most touristy areas and rich with history, culture, views
and comforts.
Tours Include:
1) We will take a return ferry ride to Positano from Amalfi to explore and shop at our leisure.
2) Guided walking tour of Amalfi & Ravello.
4: GRAND HOTEL VILLA BALBI – ITALIAN RIVIERA - JUNE 14 – 19
Italian Riviera: The riviera's centre is Genoa, which divides it into two main sections: the Riviera
di Ponente (“the coast of the setting sun”), extending westwards from Genoa to the French border;
and the Riviera di Levante (“the coast of the rising sun”) between Genoa and Capo Corvo.
It is famous for its particularly mild climate and relaxed way of life which, together with the charm
of its old fishing ports and the beauty of its landscape, has made it a popular destination for travellers
since the time of Byron and Shelley.
Many villages and towns in the area are internationally known, such as Portofino, Bordighera, Lerici
and the Cinque Terre.
The part of the Riviera di Ponente centred on Savona, is called the "Riviera delle Palme" (the Riviera
of palms); the part centred on Sanremo, is the "Riviera dei Fiori", after the long-established flower
growing industry.
Immersed in a lush garden with Mediterranean vegetation, this historic villa features an outdoor
swimming pool. Set on the seaside of Sestri Levante, it enjoys views of the Gulf of Tigullio. With
wooden furniture and classic décor, rooms at Villa Balbi have an elegant feel. Some overlook the
garden, others the historic centre, and some offer sea views. They provide free Wi-fi. Public spaces
feature antique furnishings, marble and elegant chandeliers. Grand Hotel Villa Balbi includes a 17thcentury villa that was home to aristocratic families. Regional cooking, seafood specialities and
homemade desserts are served at Il Parco restaurant. During our stay, it is possible to dine in the
garden. The hotel is in Sestri Levante’s centre. Genoa and La Spezia are about 45 minutes’ drive
away. Portofino and Santa Margherita are a short ferry ride away.
Tours Include:
1:
Ferry and guided tour of Portofino & San
Fruttuoso. The Abbey of San Fruttuoso is a Catholic
abbey in the bay of Camogli. Portofino has Pastelcolored houses, high-end boutiques and seafood
restaurants fringe its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square
overlooking the harbour, which is lined with superyachts. A path leads from the Piazzetta to Castello
Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum with art
exhibitions and panoramic views of the town and sea.
2:
Half Day tour with Private guide of Genoa.
Genoa (Genova) is a port city and capital of the
Liguria region in northwest Italy. It's known for its
central role in maritime trade over many centuries. In
the old town stands the Romanesque Cathedral of San
Lorenzo, with its black-and-white-striped facade and
frescoed interior. Narrow lanes open onto monumental
squares like Piazza de Ferrari, site of an iconic bronze
fountain and the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house.
3:
HIGHLIGHT - CINQUE TERRE 1½ DAY TOUR:
The Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera
coastline. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and ancient vineyards cling to steep terraces,
fishing boats bob in harbors and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria
region’s famous sauce, pesto. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will explore this region by ferry (hop on – hop off) with a private guide - a wonderful
experience.
LUCCA: When transfering from the Riviera to Tuscany we will visit the ancient
quaint town of Lucca with a guide: (Lunch)
Most of the attractions in Lucca today show its
ancient history, from the trace of the Roman
amphiteater that can be seen in the shape of the
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro to the archeological remains
under the 12th century church of Saints Giovanni
and Reparata. Extraordinarily, as the city grew and
modernized, the walls that surrounded the old
town were maintained which was not the case for
many other cities in Tuscany, including Florence.
As the walls lost their military importance, the top
of the walls became a pedestrian promenade, today
one of Lucca's main attractions.
7:
MONTECATINI – GRAND HOTEL LA PACE - June 19 – 24
The presence of humans in the area of Montecatini Terme is very old. Probably since Paleolithic
times, the region was inhabited by nomadic hunters, but it has been thoroughly recorded only from
the Mesolithic period, especially in the hills of the Valdinievole of which Montecatini is the major
center.
Montecatini Terme is situated in the heart of Tuscany, an ideal stop-over if you want to visit the
main cities around Tuscany such as ; Lucca, Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, the coast-towns
on the Tyrrhenian Sea and if you want to experience the lively nights in the Versilia seaside coast.
The versatility of this town and the different kinds of activities one can experience in the Spa Town
make Montecatini Terme the perfect setting for the wellness of body and soul.
Optional tours to see via train and are about 30 minutes by train from Montecatini. Our train distance
is only a short stroll away – 400 metres from our hotel.
Pisa: by train
Humans make mistakes. One mistake made in the 11th
century resulted in a 14,500 ton leaning tower. This
miscalculation would later become a symbol of civic
pride, but tell that to the man who designed it!
The learning tower of Pisa, known as Torre Pendente di
Pisa in Italian, is different than most medieval
architecture. This particular section won't cover the
highly advanced construction techniques that were
used, it is important to mention how this tower's design
is significant. Its Leaning Tower is the third oldest
building on Pisa's Piazza del Duomo (cathedral square),
the Cathedral and Baptistry were first.
Sienna:
Siena is probably Italy's loveliest medieval city, and a trip
is definitely worth making. Siena's heart is its central
piazza known as Il Campo and world-reknown for its
famous Palio, a festival and horse race that takes place on
the piazza itself two times each summer (Movie audiences
worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the last James
Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.)
Siena is said to have been founded by Senius, son of
Remus, one of the two legendary founders of Rome thus
Siena's emblem is the she-wolf who suckled Remus and
Romulus - you'll find many statues throughout the city.
The city sits over three hills with its heart the huge piazza
known as Il Campo, where the Roman forum used to be.
Livorno: by train
Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of
Tuscany. It's known for its seafood, Renaissance-era
fortifications and modern harbor with a cruise ship
port. Its central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside
promenade with checkerboard paving, is the city's main
gathering place. The bastions of the 16th-century
Fortezza Vecchia face the harbor and open onto
Livorno's canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter.
Tours Included:
1) Tuscan Day tour by coach: We will visit some of the hidden gems of Tuscany off the tourist
trap. Many of which are perched on hilltops. These include Monteverdi Marittimo,
Montescudaio, Guardistallo
2) Montecatini Alto:
Two small cable cars which appear to have
stepped out of a Western link Montecatini
Terme with Montecatini Alto (a walled
medieval city). Built in 1898, Montecatini’s
Funicular is the oldest in Europe and has
been driven on steam since 1921. Damaged
during World War II it was returned to
service in 1949. From 1977 to 1982 the plant
has been brought up to norm through
enormous renovation works which have not
altered the fascination of the historical little
red cable cars which never fail to “salute”
halfway along the track.
3) Florence by Train
Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and
birthplace of the Renaissance, is home to
masterpieces of art and architecture. One of its
most iconic sites is the Florence Cathedral, with
its terra-cotta-tiled dome engineered by
Brunelleschi and bell tower designed by Giotto.
The
Galleria
dell'Accademia
displays
Michelangelo’s “David,” while the Uffizi
Gallery exhibits preeminent works such as
Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s
“Annunciation.”
4) City tour by open tram
City tour by tourist tram. What a wonderful
experience this was to see the whole city in
little time. This will be the first thing we do
in Montecatini when we arrive. This 45
minute journey will show you all the main
sites plus where the train station is and where
the best shopping and spas are.
8: DUBAI STOPOVER - BEACHFRONT OCEAN TOWERS – JUNE 01 - JUNE 03
This sophisticated beachfront property with its iconic exterior, features 180 luxury
serviced and self-catering apartments. The spacious apartments each have a fully
equipped kitchen, living room and dining area plus 2, 3 or 4 all ensuite bedrooms.
Guests may enjoy stunning views over The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina,
restaurants, a swimming pool deck just steps from Jumeirah beach and access to the
private beach
Tour: Optional The Traditional Dubai:
While vast swaths of the city have been
demolished in the relentless drive toward
the future, one neighborhood harks back to
the quiet fishing village that once was. The
Bastakia Quarter, which squeezes itself
between the Dubai Creek and the buzzing
Bur Dubai district, is a mini maze of windtowered buildings, a clutch of which have
been transformed into art galleries and
cafés. Start our tour at XVA Gallery, which
specializes in contemporary art from across
the Gulf region.
Now weaving our way through the textile souk — where we'll find magnificent bolts of
fabric, along with less inspiring tat — and on to the Creek where we will hire our own boat
for a scenic tour of the waterway. Back in port, we will head to the small but interesting
Dubai Museum to see how oil and ambition mixed to make this modern oasis.
Other activities you may wish to do include:
The Gold Souk Dubai is known for really cheap gold — but you'll have to haggle for it.
Whether or not you're ready to buy, a stroll through the dazzling Gold Souk is a must. The stores
also offer platinum, diamonds and occasionally silver,
2 Nights Stopover: $ 495 pp with $ 135 SS
Whats Included:
2 nights excellent 5* accommodation in Dubai
All dinners + Welcome drinks
Transfers with the group to & from airport
Evening Sunset Cruise
Assistance with any day tours
2 short sessions of bridge
8: VENICE OPTION - – JUNE 24 - JUNE 28
This Venice option will be finalised after numbers
are known. A final price can’t be determined yet.
Your holiday will include 4 nights accommodation in
probably apartment style, will not include breakfasts
but numerous cafes nearby. Will include 3 dinners
and a lunch at Burano (pictured). Two short sessions
of bridge will also be included. Transfer from
Montecatini and a flight back to Rome. The mode of
transport from Montecatini will be determined by the
number of participants, probably by private coach.
Estimated price will be around $ 1900 pp twin share.
8:
UPGRADES:
The upgraded amount is for the entire stay for that leg of the holiday.
ROME Deluxe Double
Premier Double
Executive Double
Deluxe Double with Spa Treat
25 m2
25 m2
25 m2
25 m2
Double (approx )
0
45 pp
80 pp
70 pp
Single ( approx )
0
85 pp
145 pp
70 pp
Wifi
Free
Free
Free
Free
Singles
0
110
275
Wifi
Free
Free
Free
Singles
0
140
Wifi
Free
Free
Singles
0
340
410
Wifi
Free
Free
Free
Singles & Twin Share
0
120
400
Wifi
Free
Free
Free
SORRENTO
Classic Double
Deluxe Double
Premier Double
26 m2
26 m2
26 m2
Double
0
60
150
AMALFI
Partial Sea View
Full Sea View
30 m2
28 m2
Double
0
0
ITALIAN RIVIERA
Deluxe Double
Triple Room
Junior Suite
19 m2
32 m2
40 m2
Double
0
190
240
MONTECATINI
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Room
Junior Suite
37 m2
37 m2
55 m2
Double
0
80
200