<<

, – Including 7 WNED Buffalo - Toronto NIGHTS

SepTEMBER 30 - OctOBER 8, 2011 or OCTOBER 7-15, 2011 $3349 per person, based on double occupancy. Single Supplement $650

INCLUDES: • 5-night accommodations at Poggiarello, near , Experience Tuscany as it really is while staying on the award-winning in a picturesque 18th century villa producing property Villa Poggiarello. The 18th century villa is located close • All meals as indicated in the itinerary to the seaside in a greatly celebrated known as “La .” The • 3 cooking demonstrations in “La Cucina Povera Toscana” villa has spacious apartments furnished with traditional Tuscan furniture. – Tuscan country cooking Beautiful beaches and seaside villages are close by and the estate is surrounded by majestic hilltop cities and towns. • Visit to wineries, including wine tasting in Tuscan native son Romeo Innocenti will be your guide throughout your and journey. He has been brought up in the culture of fine food and wine by • 4 guided excursions, including Siena, the enchanting his Grand Chef father, Carlo Innocenti. Romeo has devoted his life and towns of Marittima, Montalcino (famous for its his palate to discovering fine and developing delicious twists on grape vineyards that produce the celebrated Brunello traditional Tuscan recipes. Fluent in English, Romeo shares his knowledge of Tuscany and its Etruscan history on your daily guided excursions. He wine), , Montepulciano (famous for its red wine has also gained entry into some of Italy’s most prestigious wine cellars. This “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano”), the small medieval exciting and unique itinerary is a celebration of discovering the essence of villages of Mount Amiata, Porto (upscale Tuscany while visiting some of the lesser known areas of the region. sea port), (gorgeous seaside village with A tour to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Rome. Today’s Rome is lookout tower), , food market in and a vibrant and lively city with reminders of its past everywhere. In Rome you Castiglione della Pescaia (fishing villages on the sea coast) will encounter ancient monuments, medieval and buildings and fountains and great museums. • 2-night accommodations in Rome • Rome: A tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica • All transportation for guided excursions, including trans- fers to and from Rome (for group arrival and departure) • $200 per person donation to WNED

For more information or to book, please contact: Regina Sullivan at Horizon Club Tours • 716-630-3731 • [email protected] Tuscany, Italy – Including Rome SepTEMBER 30 - OctOBER 8, 2011 or OCTOBER 7-15, 2011 group# TGT732 / TGT733 job# 669-11 NOT INCLUDED TOUR INCLUSIONS: 5-night accommodations at Villa Poggiarello, near Siena, in a picturesque 18th century villa; All meals as indicated in the itinerary; 3 cooking demonstrations in “La Cucina Povera Toscana” – Tuscan country cooking; Visit to wineries, including wine tasting in Montalcino and Montepulciano; 4 guided excursions, including Siena, the enchanting towns of , Montalcino (famous for its grape vineyards that produce the celebrated Brunello wine), Pienza, Montepulciano (famous for its red wine “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano”), the small medieval villages of Mount Amiata, (upscale sea port), Talamone (gorgeous seaside village with lookout tower), Porto Ercole, food market in Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia (fishing villages on the sea coast); 2-night accommodations in Rome; A tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica; All transportation for guided excursions, including transfers to and from Rome at designated times for group arrival and departure. ACCOMMODATIONS: In authentic Tuscan-style accommodations at Villa Poggiarello or those of similar distinction should circumstances beyond our control demand, based on two persons sharing a room. All rooms have private facilities. In Rome: TBA SINGLE OCCUPANCY: If assigned or requested at the supplement shown for the tour. However, if a single room must be assigned for any reason, even at the last moment or while on tour, the single room supplement, or prorate thereof, must be collected since Villa Poggiarello or a similar location makes no allowances. MEALS: As indicated on the day-to-day itinerary. LUGGAGE HANDLING: Each traveler will be allowed one checked piece of normal-size luggage for the tour. Airlines typically charge a fee for checked luggage. In addition, an overnight case or flight bag may also accompany the passenger. This case must be handled by and in the care of the passenger at all times and can- not be handled in transfers and porterage as regular luggage due to risk of damage. Additional checked luggage may be subject to additional charges or fees. ENTERTAINMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS: As listed on the day-by-day itinerary. SERVICE CHARGES/TAXES: Normally levied by airline/hotel/restaurants and are subject to change. NOT INCLUDED AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfare from the originating and departing cities is not included on this tour. Horizon Club Tours can make arrangements for your air travel or you can contact your local AAA Travel Counselor. If you book your own airfare, you must plan to arrive and depart at the designated times of the majority of the group as there will be one transfer from Rome to Villa Poggiarello upon arrival and one transfer back to the Rome airport on the day of departure. Please advise AAA of your flight schedule a minimum of 30 days prior to departure. Note: Air add-ons are available on a request basis at an additional charge. Air add-on rates are based on availability and subject to change. GRATUITIES: Customary gratuities for luggage porters, bellmen, doormen, housekeeping staff and motorcoach drivers are not included in the package rate. PERSONAL ITEMS: Personal items such as additional food orders, wines, liquors, mineral waters, room service, valet/laundry service, optional excursions, personal tipping for personal services rendered when such services are not a part of the tour’s included features, meals as specified per the program, and any other items not specifically mentioned as being included. DOCUMENTATION: Traveling outside the U.S.: ALL U.S. citizens MUST present a valid U.S. passport upon departure from and return to the United States. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their AAA Travel Consultant for appropriate visa requirements. Traveling with children: Adults traveling with children under 18 years of age outside the United States who have no legal custody are strongly advised to hold a notarized letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s)/legal guardian(s). TRIP PROTECTION: AAA recommends the purchase of Access America Travel Protection products to protect your trip investment. Please read the travel protection brochure for a description of the travel insurance benefits and assistance services offered. These brochures are available at all AAA offices and can be completed in person or by phone. TERMS AND CONDITIONS RESERVATION/DEPOSIT: A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. This may be paid by a personal check or bank check made payable to AAA Western and Central New York, by VISA, MasterCard or Discover. Balance is due no later than August 1, 2011. PLEASE NOTE: Because of inflation, fuel surcharges and airline deregulation, all prices published must be considered as estimates subject to change. Final costs will be advised as early as feasible and not less than 21 days prior to departure. CANCELLATION AND CANCELLATION FEES: All cancellations must be made in writing. All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $50 per person. Penalties listed are per person: No. of Days Prior to Tour Departure Cancellation Penalty 96 days or more prior $75 95 to 61 days prior Deposit 60 to 31 days prior 50% of total cost + $50 admin. fee 30 days and under 100% nonrefundable + $50 admin. fee Should one person cancel or leave the tour and a roommate remains, the remaining person will be charged the tour rate for the applicable single accommoda- tions. This will involve an additional collection from the remaining person. Reimbursement will be made in the form of original payment. Access America Travel Protection is strongly recommended. Check details with your AAA Travel Counselor. RULES/REGULATIONS: Rules/regulations are those in effect at publication date of the brochure and are necessarily subject to change. SMOKING REGULATIONS: Please be aware and conscientious of all nonsmoking regulations on board all forms of transportation throughout your travels. RESPONSIBILITY: All arrangements and accommodations with suppliers of travel services in the travel itinerary are made by AAA. AAA Travel Agency’s status as an agent means that it maintains no control over the operations, equipment or personnel of AAA or any other travel supplier. AAA Western and Central New York, the AAA Travel Agency, the American Automobile Association, Inc., and each of its affiliated clubs and associations, the tour operator and/or agent, act only as agents for the various companies over the lines of which tickets are available and these tours operate and assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor or other conveyance which may be used either wholly or in part in the performance of its duty to the passengers or will it be responsible for any act, error or omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned by any reason. Alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers; conversely, refund will be made to the passengers if any saving is effected thereby. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The passage contract as used by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchasers of these tours and/or passenger. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also to decline, accept, or retain any passengers as members of the tours. The above principles or agents can assume no responsibility for lost tickets, coupons or accept any responsibil- ity for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes of schedules, weather, war, strikes, quarantines, or other causes. All subject losses or expenses are to be borne by the passenger. AAA reserves the right to decline, accept, or retain any person as a tour passenger should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other tour passengers. A refund of unused land tour services is the limit of AAA’s liability should such person be required to depart the tour. Tuscany, Italy – Including Rome SepTEMBER 30 - OctOBER 8, 2011 or OCTOBER 7-15, 2011 group# TGT732 / TGT733 job# 669-11

ITINERARY: The tours listed are not in chronological order to Papal residence in the Renaissance style, planned and constructed be followed on a day-to-day basis. However, all tours listed under the supervision of Bernardo Gambarelli—a student of Leon will be conducted throughout the week. Battista Alberti—and renamed it Pienza (“Pius”). In the evening, you will go out to dinner to a local restaurant. (B,L,D) Day 1 (Arrival on Saturday) Transfer from Rome to Villa Day 5 Poggiarello. The small hill towns of Fly to Italy (Friday evening). Upon arrival at the airport of Rome, In the morning, after your breakfast, you will set off visiting the small you will be transported to and then welcomed at your towns of Monte Amiata, including the village of with its vacation residence – Villa Poggiarello. After settling in, your tour striking medieval , with its historic center and ancient hosts will show you around the estate. Then you can either relax in parish church that contains fine terracotta bas-reliefs by Andrea della the garden or take a walk around the enchanting outdoor ambiance Robbia (15th century), and La Peschiera, the private gardens and amidst warm vineyards and olive groves. For dinner you will enjoy a swimming pool of the Sforza family (16th century). You will then travel Tuscan meal at a local restaurant near the villa. (L,D) to , where you will visit its famous abbey and the crypt built by the Longobards, and finally, on your way home, you’ll Day 2 take a ride through the enchanting forest of Monte Amiata. You will Massa Marittima and Castiglione della have lunch in a local restaurant and in the evening at the villa, you will Pescaia enjoy a cooking class followed by dinner. (B,L,D) You’ll start off the day by traveling to Massa Marittima. This fascinating Or: Food Market in Grosseto and Mediterranean Sea: town is situated in the area of the “” of La Argentario (Porto S. Stefano, Porto Ercole and Talamone) Maremma or the Metalliferous hills of Southern Tuscany. Some of its For your last day, you will enjoy a trip to the coast. You main architectural attractions are the beautiful Cathedral (the Duomo) will stop by in Grosseto and visit its food markets. Then you will get to built in the 13th century in Romanesque-Gothic style, as well as a experience the finest seaside villages Tuscany has to offer. The seafood unique fountain, “La Fonte dell’Abbondanza,” an attractive covered cuisine here is delicious to the point that no words can describe. spring decorated with colorful frescos. Massa Marittima is home of Naturally, after yesterday’s red wine tastings, today’s accompanying an ancient Tuscan festival: the “Balestro del Girifalco” is a crossbow seafood wines shall be white. Perhaps try a Vernaccia, Greco del Tufo competition between the quarters of the city where the participants or let the locals make their on-the-spot finest recommendation. Many and audience dress in medieval costumes and the prize for the winning wealthy , especially the super wealthy, crave hideaways, and arbalester is a golden arrow made by a local artisan. You will also enjoy this is for them. Exactly 150 km north of Rome, Argentario is an Italian a trip to the seacoast to the pretty seaside village of Castiglione della version of the American Martha’s Vineyard, but with better food and Pescaia. This old fishing village stands high on a hill with its castle older money. Just three small strips of land connect the 6,000-hectare looking over the turquoise bay. You will enjoy a tasty lunch at a local mountain to the mainland. controlled in the restaurant. Once home, you can participate in preparing a healthy 16th century and built an imposing series of stone fortresses and Tuscan dinner (cooking lesson with Romeo). (B,L,D) lookout towers along the Mediterranean water. Some of them have Day 3 been converted into classy homes and apartments: solid dwellings Siena and local food festivals for a solid crowd. In the evening, you will enjoy your farewell cooking In the morning, after your breakfast, you’ll set off for Siena. You will course and dinner. (B,L,D) visit the famous , the main square where the people Day 6 from Siena (“i Senesi”) organize, twice a year, a medieval horse race known as Il Palio. Facing the square there is the beautiful tower Depart for Rome where, if you wish, you can climb up to the top to Enjoy your final breakfast at Villa Poggiarello before heading to Rome admire a marvelous view of the city. You can also visit the Duomo—a for your two-night stay. Upon arrival at your Rome hotel, you will have Gothic-style cathedral. You will have lunch in a quaint restaurant the remainder of the afternoon and evening free to explore the city. (B) nearby Piazza del Campo. During different times of the year, there are Day 7 many celebrated local food festivals that take place to honor different types of harvest (Porcini mushroom, and wine). These will Rome be experienced whenever they are taking place. Once home, you can Today you will enjoy a very special introduction to the Vatican City and participate in preparing a healthy Tuscan dinner (cooking lesson with its amazing history, highlights and hidden gems with a local expert Romeo). (B,L,D) guide. Your Vatican experience will take you on the most amazing journey through the Vatican Museums and into the most beautiful and Day 4 famous chapel in the world, the Sistine Chapel. As you stroll through Super Tuscan Red Wine Tour: these amazing buildings you will not only learn about the beginning, Montalcino, Pienza & Montepulciano the construction, the way of life of the locals here and the amazing Today, you will enjoy a trip to the various wineries of Southern power that this tiny state holds but also about the effect it has on and Tuscany. Montalcino is known as a “luminous place” and its ancient its relationship with neighboring Italy. From the Sistine Chapel, you name was Monte Ilcinus after the leccio “Holm Oak” (Quercus will continue your ‘voyage through the Vatican’ by entering the ever ilex). The oaks of Montalcino have covered its hills and valleys from majestic Basilica of St. Peter and discovering the secrets of one of the prehistory to present day, sharing their territory with the olive tree, world’s most beautiful basilicas before heading out into the Piazza to the tree and Montalcino’s most famous plant the Brunello discover one of the Vatican City’s most magical places. grapevine, also known as Grosso. Here, you will taste this You’ll have ample time to enjoy lunch on your own and all that Rome famous Brunello wine in a unique ‘best-kept-secret’ winery. You will has to offer. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Al Palazzaccio. (B,D) enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant and also visit Montepulciano (and taste the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) as well as experience Day 8 (Departure on Saturday) the extraordinarily charming town of Pienza. Pienza owes its beauty Depart for the USA and fame to Enea Silvio Piccolomini born in Corsignano in 1405 and Meet your English speaking assistant and motorcoach for departure/ elevated to in 1458, taking the name Pius II. During the course transfer from your hotel to FCO Airport and your departure flight. (B) of his Papacy, he changed the ancient Castello di Corsignano into a