FGCU Renaissance Academy Travel Abroad Program - Invitation to Tuscany 2013

The Renaissance Academy presents an

Invitation to Tuscany 2013 September 7‐15, 2013 $3,295 Land‐Only

Tuscany’s vineyards, olive groves and soaring cypress trees provide a setting that soothes the soul, delights the eye and raises the spirit. Medieval towns and villages, hilltop castles and ancient farmsteads dotting the landscape await discovery in the most welcoming of climates.

The cultural, artistic and architectural treasures of Florence, Siena, Lucca, Certaldo, Bologna and San Gimignano will all be explored.

The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, 1010 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 239-434-4838 (t), 239-594-2665 (f), jguerra@fgcu.edu (email)

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Experience an Invitation to Tuscany in September 2013 An extraordinary excursion awaits you at Il Borgo of Villa Bossi‐Pucci in the spectacular Tuscan hills. Overlooking the famous Chianti Toscana wine‐ growing region, this resort and centuries old park have been a place of beauty and harmony since the Renaissance.

Tuscany’s vineyards, olive groves and soaring cypress trees provide a setting that soothes the soul, delights the eye and raises the spirit. Medieval towns and villages, hilltop castles and ancient farmsteads dotting the landscape await discovery in the most welcoming of climates. Tuscany is the ideal starting point from which to explore Italy. The cultural, artistic and architectural treasures of Florence, Siena, Lucca, Certaldo, Bologna and San Gimignano will all be explored. As a guest of Il Borgo you will be transported to them in comfort. It’s an adventure enhanced by marvelous food, wine and company.

Il Borgo, which sits stop the peaceful Montespertoli Valley, is comprised of six beautifully restored farm buildings, each with beautifully appointed and spacious villas. The Bossi‐Pucci family crest adorning these structures is a reminder of the influence it once held in this corner of Tuscany. Inside, the colors, scale and wooden beams preserve the charm and warmth of the original farmhouses. First rate amenities, the privacy of separate entrances, and four star hotel service enhance your comfort. All units include a gracious living room, large bedroom, modern bath with hairdryer, fully equipped kitchen, satellite TV reception, telephone and internet connections and a safe for valuables. All residences also feature a balcony/lanai with a table and chairs where you can greet the dawn and toast the sunset. Each morning, continental breakfast will arrive at your doorstep in a glorious Tuscan basket.

The Invitation to Tuscany Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!

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Daily Itinerary — September 7—15, 2013 Saturday, September 7: Depart U.S.A.

Sunday, September 8 Arrival – Luxury bus transportation from Florence airport to Villa Bossi‐Pucci’s Il Borgo Resort in the small Chianti village of Montagnana.

Reception – Check‐in formalities followed by a “Welcome to Il Borgo” toast and antipastini.

Afternoon – Explore the market in the piazza of Il Borgo (fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers and Tuscan artisan crafts), free time to discover the surroundings and the centuries‐old park of Villa Bossi‐Pucci.

Evening – An early dinner in a local Tuscan restaurant and then a return to Il Borgo for a good night’s sleep.

Monday, September 9 Day – Sightsee in the medieval towns of Chianti: San Gimignano and Certaldo. See the exquisite frescoes in the Chapel of St. Fina.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Evening – Enjoy a Chianti wine tasting and dinner at Il Borgo

Tuesday, September 10 Day – Tour Tuscanyʹs medieval jewel: of Siena, which remains among Italy’s best preserved medieval towns, rich in art and antiques.

Breakfast included.

Evening – Dine in a charming, rustic Tuscan restaurant for dinner.

Wednesday, September 11 Day – Tour the ancient town of Lucca, with its car‐free historic center and Piazza del Mercado, a former Roman amphitheater. Optional visit to Pisa to see the tower and cathedral. Breakfast included.

Evening – Partake in an art history class prior to our visit to Florence.

Dinner with views of the Tuscan countryside.

The Invitation to Tuscany Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!

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Daily Itinerary — September 7—15, 2013 Thursday, September 12 Day – Tour Florence, the heart of Renaissance. You will be transported through lush vineyards to this incomparable city. See the Piazza del Duomo, the center of Florence’s religious life. Take in the treasured collections of the Uffizi Gallery next to the Palazzo Vecchio and visit the gallery that houses Michelangeloʹs David. Stroll the Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge spanning the Arno River. Lined with goldsmith shops, it’s a fitting symbol of the priceless treasures that await you. Free time for lunch. Breakfast included.

Evening – Dine in a local Tuscan restaurant for dinner.

Friday, September 13 Day – Tour of the Chianti Wine Country including Greve, Radda and Volpaia. Breakfast and lunch included.

Evening – Dine in a local Tuscan restaurant for dinner.

Saturday, September 14 Morning – Choose between a visit to Bologna or a return to Florence (transportation included). Breakfast included.

Afternoon – Free time to relax and pack for your departure.

Evening – Dine in the private castle of Santa Maria Novella.

Sunday, September 15 Early morning check‐out and transportation to Florence airport for the flight home.

Included in Your Tour Price: 

Seven nights accommodations in a luxurious Tuscan villa at the Il Borgo 17th Century Country Estate;

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Daily continental breakfast, three lunches, seven dinners - all lunches and dinners include a two or three course meal (Tuscan local cuisine), dessert, local wine, water and Italian coffee (espresso);

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All excursions include an English speaking guide, entrances fees to major artistic monuments and an Il Borgo travel and help assistant. The day trips are approximately from 8:30am to 5:30pm. All off-site events include deluxe air-conditioned transportation; and

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Most gratuities, entrance fees, and services per the itinerary.

THE RENAISSANCE ACADEMY OF FGCU INVITATION TO TUSCANY September 7, 2013 – September 15, 2013 (DEPART U.S.A.)

Seven Nights Accommodations in a Luxurious Tuscan Villa at the Il Borgo 17th Century Country Estate Deluxe Private Motor Coach Transportation as per Itinerary Daily Continental Breakfast, Three Lunches and Seven Dinners (including wine) Art History and Chianti Wine Lessons Private English Speaking Tour Guides Sightseeing as per Itinerary, including Florence, Bologna, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, Certaldo, and the Chianti Wine Region $3,295 Land-Only; Pricing based on Double Occupancy To ensure your reservation, please complete, sign and mail the reverse side of this form with your check, money order or credit card information, in the amount of $750.00 per person, made payable to PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES.

Mail Your Form To: Mr. John J. Guerra The Renaissance Academy of FGCU 1010 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 (239) 434-4838 (tel) (239) 594-2665 (fax) jguerra@fgcu.edu (email) General Information – Terms & Conditions for An Invitation to Tuscany Tour Organizer: This tour is organized and is an exclusive presentation of The Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University, 1010 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102.

Tour Cost: Land-only cost is $3,295.00 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750.00 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due by May 15, 2013. The single supplement is $800.00 per person. A discount of $100.00 per person is available when three guests share a two bedroom unit. A discount of $150.00 per person is available when four guests share a two bedroom unit. Tour cost is based on current exchange rates and is subject to change due to foreign currency fluctuation. Tour costs are also based on a minimum of 20 participants and are subject to change.

Luggage: Only one carry-on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour.

Documents: U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport. No visa required for U.S. citizens at this time.

Cost of Tour Includes: Accommodations at the four star property of Il Borgo or similar property for seven nights. Daily continental breakfast, three lunches (with wine) and seven dinners (with wine). Also included are most gratuities, entrance fees, and services per the itinerary.

Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Air travel, passports, all items of a personal nature, independent sightseeing, insurance, meals and drinks other than specified, and certain gratuities.

Cancellations: All deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations received after May 15, 2013 will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 90 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 90-61 days prior to departure - 70% of the tour cost per person; 60-31 days prior to departure - 85% of the tour cost per person; 30 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available from PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES and is highly recommended. Call Mrs. Margo Buttino of Preferred Travel of Naples at (239) 434-6987 or (800) 774-5222 for more information.

THE RENAISSANCE ACADEMY OF FGCU – INVITATION TO TUSCANY Reservation Form: To ensure your reservation, please complete this form and return it as soon as possible to: Mr. John J. Guerra, The Renaissance Academy - Florida Gulf Coast University 1010 5th Avenue South, Naples FL 34102 (239) 434-4838 (telephone) (239) 594-2665 (fax) jguerra@fgcu.edu (email) September 7, 2013 – September 15, 2013 (DEPART U.S.A.)

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Name: (Traveler #1) Address: Tel:

Name: (Traveler #2) Address: Email:

Emergency Contact Name #1: Emergency Contact Tel #1:

Tel:

Email:

Emergency Contact Name #2: Emergency Contact Tel #2:

 I/We wish to reserve a LAND ONLY Package for $3,295.00 per person (discounts apply for parties of 3 or more)  I prefer single accommodations for an additional cost of $800.00 (Single accommodations are limited)  I have the following special requirements (including dietary):  I have enclosed the required non-refundable deposit in the form of a check or money order made payable to PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES in the amount of $750.00 per person.  I wish to charge the non-refundable deposit to my credit card (a 3.5% service fee will apply). VISA  MC AMEX  DISCOVER Exp. Date: Signature:

Acct #: Date:

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A MODERATE EXERTION TOUR. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO WALK, STAND AND CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. I understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is unable to accept or retain any person as a tour passenger who may require special attention because of a medical condition unless they have a companion traveling with them who can provide whatever services and assistance is necessary. I further understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU cannot accept or retain any person whose health or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers. I accept sole responsibility for determining that I am in good physical and mental health and am able to participate in group touring. I further certify that I have read and agree with the detailed Terms and Conditions printed on this document.

I/We have read and understood this brochure and agree to be bound by its terms: Signature(s):

Date:

PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your party suffer from any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers.

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in the villas, on motor coaches or other modes of transport used by the group.

Responsibility-Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not provide travel services or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Preferred Travel of Naples or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Preferred Travel of Naples acts only as an agent for Alitalia, Air France or any other airlines with regard to air travel arrangements. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and its affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour.

Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and its affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and its affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time tour participants are not aboard their conveyances. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. An executed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure. Deposits paid by tour participants indicate acceptance of all terms and conditions. These terms and conditions can be modified only in writing signed by an authorized representative of FGCU.