1300 669 780
Italy
in Autumn
2014
Designed and created by Brisbane Sculptor Dave Lowe.
1300 669 780
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www.backtrackadventures.com.au/italy
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1984–2014
Montecatini and Lucca, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, Florence, Ascona and Siena and so much more...
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www.italywithdave.com
Travel carefree
by luxury coach, with accommodation
at 3 and 4 star hotels including daily breakfast and dinner. This escorted tour,
departing from Brisbane on August 30, 2014 and returning September 21, 2014, includes twin share accommodation, group transfer, daily weekday coach travel, and clay sculpture tuition (if desired) with Dave Lowe.
Your Tour Leaders
SWITZERLAND
The Lakes
Turin
Venice
Milan ITALY
Genoa Cinque Terre La Spezia
Lucca Pisa
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ITALY
ADRIATIC SEA
Bologna
Florence Cortona
TUSCANY
Assisi Spoleto
Rome
Italy
Enjoy all this for $6400 (land cost) Single supplement $700, for 20 days in Italy. See page 6 for more details. Back Track Adventures | Page 2
Dave Lowe, Tour Leader
Dante, Local Guide
Dave Lowe, Sculptor While I had always had a fascination for the art of Italy, my interest in the sightseeing prospects of this glorious country developed from a marble sculpting group in which I participated in 1997 and 1999 in Carrara. I then followed this up with a research trip before leading my first group in 2001. By the end of 2013 I have successfully conducted 25 tour groups.
Dante, Dave’s Italian Assistant Dante was the coach driver on the sculpting trip and has subsequently retired from driving after 30 years. His wealth of knowledge and contacts are invaluable to me as well as his exuberant personality and sense of fun which is central to the success of the trips.
Italy in Autumn 2014
www.italywithdave.com
Tour Philosophy and Description We will be concentrating on the charms of some of the small seaside and hilltop villages of Tuscany and Cinque Terra, the lakeside villages, as well as the villages on the rolling hills of Tuscany. Naturally we will also visit the icons of Italy including, Florence and San Gimignano. The small group size of 15 to 25 facilitates personal service, with the comfort of a 60 seat luxury coach. In order to maximize the time spent at these beautiful villages, towns and cities, we will be spending 5 to 8 nights at each of the hotels (3 and 4 star), specially selected for their locations in distinctly different areas, from which we travel to nearby destinations. As your tour manager I will accompany you through the selected sites, but for the more adventurous or experienced lovers of Italy, you will always have the freedom to explore on your own or in smaller groups. In essence I offer you carefree travel to some amazing sites you are unlikely to discover independently, staying in only hotels with en-suite bathrooms, television, and phones in every room, with daily breakfast and dinner provided. Weekends are free for you to relax, shop in these wonderful towns or explore surrounding areas by train or local bus. I will naturally assist you with these travel arrangements.
Experience local flavours at a comfortable and relaxed pace
Trip Overview Our trip commences with a stay of 5 nights at The Royal Hotel in Stresa on Lake Maggiore for 5 nights, from where we will visit the 3 Borromeo islands and Lake d’Orta. We will also visit Ascona in Switzerland from here. We then move on to the Grand Hotel Tettuccio in the Thermal Spa Resort town of Montecatini. From this location we will visit hilltop towns and fishing villages, Cinque Terra and explore the wonders of Tuscany, including Florence and San Gimignano. Our next stay is at Hotel San Gregorio in Pienza. From here we have magnificent views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Authentic, comfortable accommodation and our own luxury coach
Italy in Autumn 2014
Back Track Adventures | Page 3
www.italywithdave.com
Itinerary TRIP OVERVIEW
DAY 1: Saturday August 30
DAY
ACTIVITY
MEALS
Day 1
Depart Brisbane.
Day 2
Arrive MILANO then drive to The Royal Hotel in Stresa
Day 3
Spend the day island hopping on LAGO MAGGOIRRE
BD
Day 4
Explore the Lake-side Village of LAGO D’ORTA
BD
Day 5
Visit ASCONA and LUGANO in Switzerland
BD
Day 6
Visit MILANO, La Scala, La Galleria, The Cathedral and a fortress
BD
Day 7
TRANSIT DAY to MONTECATINI
BD
Day 8
FREE DAY
BD
Day 9
FREE DAY
BD
Day 10
A day to explore FLORENCE
BD
Day 11
Drive east to the ancient town of LUCCA for a day of exploring
BD
Day 12
We depart for the fishing village PORTOVENERE then on to SARZANA for the afternoon
BD
08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We visit ASCONA in SWITZERLAND today. This lakeside town offers a variety of options, including shopping and the opportunity to have a lunch at one of the many lake-view restaurants.
Day 13
We visit SAN GIMIGNANO in the south of Tuscany for a picnic under the Tuscan sun and shopping
BD
DAY 6: Thursday September 04
Day 14
Explore CINQUE TERRA for the day
BD
Day 15
Transit day to PIENZA via CORTONA
BD
Day 16
Today we explore our town of PIENZA
BD
Day 17
Visit to SIENA
BD
Day 18
Travel south west to ORVIETA
BD
Day 19
Visit MONTEPULCIANO
BD
Day 20
MONTELCINO and Sant’ Antimo Abbey
BD
Day 21
Free morning to explore Pienza and prepare for our return mid afternoon to Rome and then Australia
D
We depart from Brisbane at 20.45 for Dubai and then on to Milano. DAY 2: Sunday August 31 We arrive at MILANO at 13.45 where we meet Dante and our driver Pietro who will drive us to our lakeside Royal Hotel in STRESA where I will arrange a brief orientation of the lake and village before dinner at 7.30pm. DAY 3: Monday September 01 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We will spend the day Island hopping on LAGO MAGGOIRE. DAY 4: Tuesday September 02 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 It is only a short drive to LAGO D’ORTA where we will spend a lovely day in the medieval lake-side village of SAN GUILLIO. DAY 5: Wednesday September 03
08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to MILANO and visit The La Scala Theatre, La Galleria, The Cathedral and the Fortress. DAY 7: Friday September 05 08.00 Breakfast departure at 09.00 for MONTECATINI in Tuscany, to arrive mid afternoon.
B
Meals included as indicated: B - Breakfast, D - Dinner
Back Track Adventures | Page 4
Italy in Autumn 2014
www.italywithdave.com
DAY 8: Saturday September 06
DAY 13: Thursday September 11
FREE DAY Breakfast is available from 07.30 to 09.30 and dinner from 7.30pm. I will be available to assist you with suggestions and travel arrangements for your free days.
08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We visit the town of SAN GIMIGNANO in the south of Tuscany. Since today’s journey is about 90 minutes, we will spend the whole day in this medieval hilltop village, and you will also have the opportunity to join our traditional picnic under the Tuscan sun. We then head back to our hotel.
DAY 9: Sunday September 07 FREE DAY Breakfast is available from 07.30 to 09.30 and dinner from 7.30pm. I will again be available for location suggestions and assistance. DAY 10: Monday September 08 07.30 Breakfast 08.30 departure to station. This is our day for FLORENCE. I will take the group in by train and we will commence our visit with a walk through the markets. There are several venue options for lunch before we move on to the Duomo, Piazza Della Signoria, pass by the Uffizi Gallery and onto the Ponte Vecchio before returning to the station. DAY 11: Tuesday September 09 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We drive north to the ancient town of LUCCA. We will spend the entire day exploring the historical town’s wealth of architecture as well as unique arena-shaped village, towers and fortified walls. We will have lunch in Lucca and later return to our hotel with time to shop or simply take in the delights of this wonderful town. Dinner will be at 7.30pm.
DAY 14: Friday September 12 07.30 Breakfast 08.30 departure for CINQUE TERRE, where we will visit MANOROLA, walk to RIO MAGGOIRE, as well as the old and new parts of MONTEROSSO AL MARE. DAY 15: Saturday September 13 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to and we will travel south to Pienza and stopping in at CORTONA along the way. DAY 16: Sunday September 14 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We explore the beautiful town and the views around PIENZA. DAY 17: Monday September 15 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel north to the famous SIENA and its splendid historic buildings and Cathedral. DAY 18: Tuesday September 16 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Today we travel south to the hilltop Etruscan town of ORVIETO.
DAY 12: Wednesday September 10
DAY 19: Wednesday September 16
08.00 Breakfast 09.00 This morning we depart for the fishing village of PORTOVENERE, exploring the hidden walkways behind the bay-front buildings as well as the ancient castle and fortifications around this lovely village. After lunch we visit SARZANA where we spend the rest of the afternoon.
08.00 Breakfast 09.00 The town of MONTEPULCIANO is only 35 minutes away and we will visit a winery in an old castle on the return trip. DAY 20: Thursday September 18 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 MONTELCINO is to the west of PIENZA and has a lovely hilltop setting. DAY 21: Friday September 19 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 The morning is free to explore our beautiful town before preparing for our return trip mid afternoon to Rome and then onto Australia.
Italy in Autumn 2014
Back Track Adventures | Page 5
www.italywithdave.com
Pricing and Dates Trip Duration: 20 days ex Rome 22 days ex Brisbane Depart (Brisbane)
Saturday 30 August 2014
Return (Brisbane)
Saturday 21 September 2014
Costs for 2014 Land Package Only
AUD $6400
Single supplement
AUD $700
Inclusions: • Group transfers. • Twin share accommodation. • Daily breakfast and dinner. • Clay sculpture tuition for those interested. • Weekday coach excursions. Exclusions: • Insurance, gratuities, beverages. • Ticket Taxes. • Single supplement (AUD $700). • Optional visits to Art Galleries, Museums etc. • Non-programmed food. • All other costs of personal choice. Credit Card Payments: Please be advised that the tour price does not include the bank fees applied to credit card payments. For Mastercard and Visa payments a fee of 1.25% including GST will apply to the final total. For American Express payments a fee of 3.45% including GST will apply to the final total.
Booking Information NEED MORE INFORMATION? If you would like to know more about the Tuscan Adventure, you can contact Dave directly. He will be happy to answer any of your questions. You can reach him at: Mobile: 0413 247 265 website: www.italywithdave.com Email: dave_lowe_sculptor@bigpond.com.au READY TO BOOK? Welcome to the group. Here’s how to secure a place on this unforgettable Tuscan Adventure. Please read the following instructions carefully: 1. Read the Booking Conditions. 2. Booking Form: Complete the booking form, supplying all requested information. Please ensure that details are completed in full and in block letters in accordance with your passport. Please remember to sign the Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the booking form. Your booking can not be fully processed unless you sign the booking form. 3. Vaccinations & Visas: There are no compulsory vaccination or visa requirements for Italy. 4. Passport: A valid passport to 3 months beyond the return date is mandatory.
If you would like additional information some of the major places we visit, please go to our web site: www.backtrackadventures.com.au
Back Track Adventures | Page 6
5. DVT: It is recommended that you consult your doctor with regard to deep vein thrombosis. 6. Insurance: Travel Insurance is mandatory. Back Track Adventures can provide bulk rate travel insurance. 7. Contact Back Track Adventures on (07) 3850 7655 to pay your $650 per person deposit. They can book the prearranged group flights or alternative flights if required and any additional arrangements you may require. They will provide their friendly service and assistance throughout your booking process. Italy in Autumn 2014
www.italywithdave.com
Booking Form:
Italy in Autumn 2014
Please complete this booking form in BLOCK LETTERS in accordance with the details in your passport. This form must be completed fully at time of booking.
Please reserve a place for me on Tuscany in Autumn 2014, departing 30 August 2014:
TRAVELLER 1 Full Name (as per your passport)
Title
your passport)
Title
First Name(s)
Surname
First Name(s) Date of Birth
F n
Sex M n Passport details (as per
TRAVELLER 2
Surname
Sex M n
Date of Birth
F n
Number
Place of Issue
Number
Place of Issue
Date of Issue
Expiry Date
Date of Issue
Expiry Date
Place of Birth Nationality Address
Same as Traveller 1 n
City
State
P’code
City
State
P’code
Email (most often checked) Telephone
AH: (
)
BH: (
)
AH: (
)
BH: (
Yes n
No n
)
Mobile Frequent Flyer Yes n Seating
No n
Airline
Member No.
Window n
Aisle n
Aisle n
Airline
Member No.
Window n
Accommodation, Dietary and Health Requirements Room
Single Supplement n Twin Share n
Dietary
None n
Vegetarian n Specify:
Diabetic n
Health
None n
Payment
Credit Card n
Cheque n
Credit Card
Mastercard n
Bankcard n
Single Supplement n Twin Share n Other:
None n
Vegetarian n
None n
Specify:
Diabetic n
Other:
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) n (please provide your name along with the amount for EFT payments) Visa n
American Express n
Diners Club n
Emergency Contact Details Name Phone
Same as Traveller 1 n AH: (
)
BH: (
)
A copy of this form will be forwarded to Dave Lowe for administration/information purposes. If you prefer to not have your information forwarded, please indicate so by ticking the option below: n I prefer not to have my Personal Information forwarded
n I prefer not to have my Personal Information forwarded
n I would like to subscribe to the Back Track Adventures Newsletter
n I would like to subscribe to the Back Track Adventures Newsletter
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING FOR 30 AUGUST 2014 PAYMENT: The payment of the $650 deposit, payable upon booking acknowledges your acceptance of the following conditions. The conditions will bind you where Back Track Adventures accepts your booking by confirmation to you. The balance of the trip cost is required 60 days prior to your departure and, if the booking is made less than 60 days prior to departure, the full amount is to be paid at that time. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking, with loss of your deposit. When transferring funds, please provide your name along with the amount. Credit card payments attract fees,which are subject to changes at any time due to changes in rates issued by credit card providers and increases in taxes. PRICES: Prices are based on costs and exchange rates at the of the brochure production. We reserve the right to adjust the tour price at any time prior to your final payment. CHANGES: Changes made by you will incur an amendment fee of up to A$50 per person per amendment.
Italy in Autumn 2014
CANCELLATION: Upon receipt of your written notification of cancellation the following fees apply. Days prior to departure: More than 60 days loss of deposit 60 to 31 days 50% of total booking 30 days or less 100% of total booking cost Dependant on your reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your insurance policy. Back Track reserves the right to cancel the trip with notification to you no later than 60 days prior to the departure date, with a refund of all payments. Back Track will not be liable for claims made for any additional costs incurred by you. REFUNDS: Refunds are not made for unused services, including hotels accommodation, meals, coach transfers or weekday trips. RESPONSIBILITIES & LIABILITY RELEASE: All reasonable care is taken to ensure a high standard of services by all carriers, hoteliers and other suppliers. Products advertised may be changed to ensure this standard. While the trip is slow paced and relaxing it should be noted that care is to be taken when walking on cobblestone paving, predominant in many locations in Europe. Back Track Adventures and Dave Lowe take no responsibility for problems with the products and services arising from this booking.
ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes to this itinerary are generally only done for your comfort and relate in the main to weather or possibly road conditions. This may result in a change to the sequence of the Itinerary. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Comprehensive Travel Insurance is mandatory. Back Track Adventures Is well placed to assist you with your specific travel insurance needs. YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS: We strongly recommend a visit to your doctor and dentist prior to your trip. Details of pre-existing medical conditions must be provided to Back Track at the time of booking in order to facilitate the appropriate travel insurance. Any condition, for which travel insurance cover is denied, would require written confirmation from your doctor to confirm that you are able to undertake this trip. INCLUSIONS: Please refer Pricing and Dates, p6. EXCLUSIONS: Please refer Pricing and Dates, p6. CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: Please refer page 6. I have read, understood and accept the conditions of this contract, and I hereby indemnify Back Track Adventures and Dave Lowe against any responsibility for any inconveniences, accidents, loss, or injury suffered by me during the course of the trip.
Signature
Date
Back Track Adventures | Page 7
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1984–2014
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Back Track Adventures 222A Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 PO Box 132, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Phone 07 3850 7655 | Fax 07 3854 1079 email info@backtrack.com.au web www.backtrackadventures.com.au ABN 23 910 991 873 | Licence Number 177/178 | Member AFTA, TCF, WTAAA
Italy Assist Line: 1300 669 780
ITABRO-14-02
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