ACA: Chianti and the Italian Riviera

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Please note the tour dates have changed to May 22 - 31, 2011 - the brochure does not reflect this date change.

From $2,995 per person based on double occupancy, not including air or V.A.T.
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Overview
From the silvery olive groves of Tuscany to the turquoise seas of the Italian Riviera, Italy is a country that always delights. Embrace the best of these two storied regions on a unique travel program that allows you to explore their treasures from your bases in Chianti and Sestri Levante. Travel the Chianti Road and discover the charm of Tuscan hill towns San Gimignano and Castellina. Embrace the glory of Florence. Wander through historic Siena and Lucca. In Carrara, discover the origin of the beautiful white marble that, for centuries, sculptors have turned into works of art. Your journey continues on the Italian Riviera, where you’ll discover the delightful coastal town of Sestri Levante, the enchanting scenery of Santa Magherita and the impressive architecture of Portofino. Visit Portovenere and Vernazza in the Cinque Terre.

Itinerary
Day 1 : In Transit to Florence, Italy
Depart your gateway city for Florence, Italy, aboard scheduled jet service.

Day 2 : Florence/Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
Arrive at Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence. After completing entrance formalities, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.

Transfer to the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda, overlooking the vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Your room keys will be distributed and your luggage delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Campus Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.

The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure in order to become familiar with your new surroundings and the many amenities at the hotel.

Join your fellow travelers for a festive Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day 3 : San Gimignano / Castellina
A breakfast buffet is served at this time each morning, unless otherwise noted.

Excursion: A Medieval Manhattan
Admire San Gimignano’s remarkable skyline. In this 14th-century fortified town, patrician families built scores of tower houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Today, 14 of those towers still stand.

Independent Exploration Enjoy time at leisure in San Gimignano to discover its narrow alleyways, cobble streets and charming boutiques.

Excursion: La Chiantigiana
Journey along the Chianti Road through hill country crisscrossed with manicured vineyards and silvery olive groves. Visit the well-preserved medieval town of Castellina, which was once an important Florentine garrison.

Local Flavor Lunch is served at a restaurant in Castellina.

Educational Focus and Excursion: Chianti Classico
Travel to the Castello di Monsanto in the heart of Chianti, built in 1750, by the Palloni family of Florence. Enjoy a tasting of the region’s distinctive wines and olive oil, and learn how the rooster became the symbol of the Chianti region. Some scholars contend that the Chianti name was derived from the Latin clangor, or “trumpet sound,” used by hunting parties in ancient times.

Educational Focus: The Medici & Florence’s Rebirth
The Renaissance masters who flourished in Tuscany advanced European art. Take a look at this enlightened and prolific period dominated by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello and other greats.

This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 : Florence
Educational Focus and Excursion: Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence, the heart of Tuscany and the soul of the Renaissance, deserves no less than a full day’s attention. At various times in their careers, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello once lived and worked in this glorious city. Spend the morning on an educational exploration of the city’s prodigious heritage of architecture and art, much of which was inspired by and created under the patronage of the Medici family. See one of the family’s impressive homes, the Old Palace and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, large enough to accommodate more than 20,000 worshippers.

Independent Exploration: The remainder of the day is yours to revel in the incomparable cultural landscape of Florence. You can visit the birthplace of Dante, the site of Michelangelo’s statue David, the Pitti Palace, the Uffizi Gallery and so much more.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 : Siena
Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy
Discuss Italy’s role in the European Union and its political, economic and social status.

Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a restaurant enroute to Siena.

Excursion: Gothic Grandeur
Explore the magical city of Siena, spectacularly situated atop three converging hills. Little has changed here throughout the centuries. Visit the Gaia Fountain with its stunning bas-reliefs; the Mangia Tower, which stands 300 feet tall and houses a vast collection of magnificent art works; and the Duomo, a cathedral begun in the 12th century and considered to be one of Italy’s greatest, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello.

Independent Exploration: Take advantage of time at leisure to explore Siena.

Cultural Event: Tuscan Cuisine
If you wish, join the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda’s talented chef for a fascinating demonstration of another Italian art form—delectable Tuscan cooking!

Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Day 6 : Lucca/Carrara/Sestri Levante
Check out of the hotel and depart for Sestri Levante.

Excursion: The City of 100 Churches
Travel to beautiful Lucca and admire its highlights, including the splendid Duomo, the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele.

Local Flavor: Sample local specialties during lunch at a restaurant in Lucca.

Educational Focus and Excursion: When Marble Comes Alive
Stop in Carrara to walk through a modern sawing plant and admire a demonstration by a local sculptor. This town is known for its marble quarries, which provided stone for such diverse works as the Pantheon in Rome, Michelangelo’s David, Siena’s Duomo and even the Marble Arch in London. Then, take a spectacular drive up to Fantiscritti, one of the most significant quarries and visit a museum whose exhibits showcase the marble industry.

Arrive in Sestri Levante and check in at the Hotel Vis à Vis. Your room keys will be distributed and your luggage delivered directly to your room.

Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Day 7 : Santa Margherita / Portofino
Educational Focus: The Riviera del Levante ~ A Painter’s Palette
Explore the history and diversity of this unique region, home to artists, writers and explorers, and crowned by the magnificent Cinque Terre.

Excursion: Santa Margherita and Portofino
Travel along the beautiful coastal road. Upon arrival in Santa Margherita, enjoy a brief guided tour and then free time to explore this town of flowers, palm trees and hillside villas. Embark on a cruise to Portofino. See the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio and the Punta del Capo lighthouse, followed by time to explore this beautiful port city on your own. Stroll its promenade between the yacht-filled harbor and the fragrant flower boxes that adorn brightly colored shops and houses.

Educational Focus: Where the Land Meets the Sea: The Cinque Terre
Learn about the Cinque Terre through a lesson on its geography, economy and social aspects, followed by a taste of the local wine and food products.

The remainder of the evening is at leisure to pursue your own interests.

Day 8 : Cinque Terre
Excursion: Beautiful Isolation
Depart Sestri Levante this morning and travel to Portovenere where you will enjoy a scenic tour and some free time. Continue to Vernazza, a village of the Cinque Terre. See its elegant architecture, Genoese towers and Gothic Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. After lunch, continue by train for Riomaggiore. Admire the geological formations and breathtaking vistas of the sea as you stroll along La Via dell’Amore to Manarola. See this picturesque village’s colorful houses and then return by train to Sestri Levante this afternoon.

Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 9 : Sestri Levante
Independent Exploration: Your final day in Italy is at leisure to explore Sestri Levante, enjoy the amenities at the hotel or simply relax.

Educational Focus: Meet the People
Participate in a discussion with Cinque Terre residents about life in Italy today.

Attend a special Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception, followed by a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Day 10 : In Transit to North America
After breakfast, depart for Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence and your return flight to your gateway city. The transfer is provided for Air Program passengers on group flights, Air Program passengers whose flight schedules allow them to join the transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased a transfer. Your Campus Director will be available to provide details and answer questions regarding the transfer.

Note:This itinerary is subject to change due to operating conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motor coach.

Accommodations

• Four nights in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa at the first-class Villa Borgo di Cortefreda.
• Four nights in Sestri Levante at the first-class Hotel Vis à Vis.

Meals

• Enjoy an extensive meal program, including eight breakfasts, four lunches and seven dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner. Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently.
• Sample authentic regional specialties at featured local restaurants.
• Gather at a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
• Attend a Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception, followed by a Farewell Dinner.

Your Exciting Travel Program

• Informative programs presented by local experts to enhance your insight into the region.
• Personal VOX listening devices allow you to hear every word from your expert English-speaking guides.
• All excursions:
  -Journey to San Gimignano.
  -Travel the Chianti Road to Castellina.
  -Tour the Castello di Monsanto winery and enjoy a tasting.
  -Explore Renaissance Florence.
  -Admire Gothic Siena.
  -Discover Lucca and Carrara.
  -Travel to Santa Margherita and Portofino.
  -Explore the Cinque Terre.
• Attend a private cooking demonstration by the chef at the hotel.

Many Included Extras

• Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
• Services of a professional Campus Director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay.
• Tipping of all guides and drivers.
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning.
• Complimentary travel wallet.

Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.  AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service from North America to Florence, Italy. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:

• Transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the hotel, including baggage handling.
• Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
• Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
• AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.