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: italy@italiancenter.net
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
info@covinahills.com / 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
Info@Covinahills.com
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: _____________________