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Home , Andria, Bari, Brindisi, Brindisi Airport, Calabria, Lecce

12 Days – 10 Nights $4,995 From BOS In DBL occupancy Springfield Museums presents: Undiscovered Southern :

Puglia, , & Reggio Travel Dates: April 24 to May 5, 2019 12 Days, 10 Nights accommodation, sightseeing, meals and airfare from Boston (BOS)

Escape to for a treasure trove of art, ancient and prehistoric sites, cuisine and nature. Enchanting landscapes surround historic towns where Romanesque and and monuments frame beautiful town squares in the shadows of majestic castles and noble palaces. This tour is enhanced by the rich, natural beauty of the rugged mountains and stunning coastline.

Museum School at the Springfield Museums 21 Edward Street, Springfield, Ma. 01103 Contact: Jeanne Fontaine [email protected] PH: 413 314 6482

Day 1 - April 24, 2019: Depart US for Italy Depart the US on evening flight to Italy. (Dinner-in flight) (Breakfast-in flight)

Day 2 - April 25, 2019: Arrive . Welcome to the southern part of the beautiful . After collecting our bags and clearing customs, we’ll meet our Italian guide who will escort us throughout our trip. We will check-in to our centrally located Hotel in Reggio Calabria. The owns what it fondly describes as "the most beautiful mile in Italy," a panoramic promenade along the shoreline that affords a marvelous view of the and the shoreline of some four miles across the straits. This coastal region flanked by highlands and rugged mountains, boasts a bounty of local food products thanks to its unique geography. After check in, enjoy free time to relax before our orientation tour of the city. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant . (D)

Day 3 - April 26, 2019: Reggio Calabria – Scilla: This morning, indulge in a relaxing breakfast on the roof terrace of the Hotel with magnificent, panoramic views of the bay. After breakfast, depart for a walking tour to discover the city. Visitors from all over the world come to Reggio for one reason: the Bronzi di , also called the Riace Warriors, two full-size Greek bronzes of naked bearded warriors, cast about 460–450 BCE that were found in the sea near Riace in 1972. The bronzes are currently located at the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia in Reggio. We’ll tour the museum before we visit the nearby . Later, enjoy the beautiful dynamic promenade Corso Garibaldi, favored by the locals for their passeggiata. Enjoy free time at your leisure. Late afternoon we reach the pretty village of Scilla, suspended above the sea, for a stroll and a special dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 4 - April 27, 2019: The Calabria Countryside - & . After breakfast, depart for an excursion of the “Undiscovered Italy.” A well-kept secret to international tourists, this area features extraordinary beauty, gorgeous scenery, vivid history, and the endless charm of southern Italy. Drive through many seaside towns that serve the long stretch of sandy beaches along the Ionian coastline to reach Locri, an archaeological site facing the where we will learn about one of the earliest settlements of (4th century BCE.). We then proceed to Gerace, an ancient fortified hill town like no other in Italy to visit the main Church and the several tiny Piazzas. The stunning countryside landscape awaits - this is the region of the Apennines Mountains called Aspromonte. We will stop at a local Trattoria for a very traditional country lunch and return in the afternoon to Reggio Calabria. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 5 - April 28, 2019: Winery / : After breakfast depart for Matera. We will stop along the way to enjoy a peaceful nature walk through silent groves and leafy vineyards that stretch for a hundred acres. Then, visit a local farm and winery. Stroll through the underground cellars where barriques (a small wine barrel, made of new oak) and casks are full of vintage wines selected by skilled enologists and aged before they are shipped all over the world. Enjoy a country lunch, tasting the fruits of such hard work: oil, milk and wine, along with all the deliciousness of the land. Later in the afternoon, arrive in Matera, a captivating tapestry of beauty and contradiction. Matera is home to cave dwellings called the “Sassi,” which have been declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 1993 and is now one of Italy’s most fascinating icons. Check in into the Hotel Viceconte and enjoy the magic of Matera at night. (B, L)

Day 6 - April 29, 2019: Matera / Puglia: After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Matera and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera. For millennia, people of this area have carved a complex of dwellings, churches, monasteries and hermitages built into the natural caves made of tufa stone, a characteristic honey-colored soft stone. This calcareous highland plateau characterized by deep fault fissures, ravines, rocks and caves, is integrated with ancient cave churches, shepherd tracks marked by wells, and fortified farmhouses to form one of the most evocative landscapes of the Mediterranean. The property was first occupied during the Palaeolithic period and shows evidence of continuous human occupation through several millennia until the present day, and is harmoniously integrated into the natural terrain and ecosystem. Our guided tour will take us through complex and unique locations within the characteristic districts of Sassi, starting from the area called “the Piano” (flat), the last level of urban development located on top of Sassi. Proceed along paths, alleys and stairs, descending back over time. Visit a Rupestrian Church, cut into the rock of hillsides and ravines, created by Basilian monks who were fleeing the iconoclastic persecutions in the during the eighth and ninth centuries. The cave contains faded frescoes in the Byzantine style. We will also explore a Cave House, a fascinating opportunity to see the typical layout of an inhabited cave, prior to being deserted in the 1950s. Our guided tour includes a visit of the Palombaro Lungo, one of the most impressive water cisterns in the world that lies underneath the main square of Matera. Entirely dug by hand, it is as deep as a 5-story building, and as long as a football field. Fully covered with terracotta to make it waterproof, it can contain up to five million liters of water. It is considered a masterpiece of the ancient hydraulic engineering, and a key point for enlisting the town at the UNESCO as a World Heritage site. After our city tour and some time at leisure, depart for Puglia one of Italy’s hidden treasures. This is the region of fine weather, beautiful shorelines, lovely towns, baroque architecture and delicious cuisine. We reach our Hotel located in Martina Franca, a little baroque jewel built like a balcony overlooking the land of Trulli. Check-in and dinner at Hotel. (B, D)

Day 7- April 30, 2019: Oil Mill & : After breakfast, depart for Ostuni. Known as the white capital, it is one of the most stunning towns of Southern Italy. Clinging onto three hills at the edge of Le Murge, the old center is a spiral of whitewashed houses featuring dramatic views facing a sea of olive trees and further away, the blue . Our journey leads us to the fortified Masseria, an active farm of monumental, centuries old olive trees that still produce supreme quality, extra virgin . Visit the farm and the amazing underground olive mill which dates back to Roman times followed by a traditional lunch at a local Trulli Farm. After lunch, discover the Trulli Valley and Alberobello a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning collection of unique houses with conical roofs, and a visit to the beautiful historical center. Evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 8 - May 1, 2019: & : Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel and some free time to enjoy the area and hotel amenities. Depart to visit Bari the capital of Puglia, with its elegant waterfront and Murat district of elegant and refined buildings. The old city is an area of rare beauty and a perfect example of medieval architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the of San Nicola that houses the relics of San Nicolas, standing imposingly in the of Bari. Continue your guided visit to the Norman Castle, Piazza Ferrarese e Mercantile and the historic center. Spend some time at leisure discovering Bari. In the afternoon we will make a stop in Polignano a Mare. The tiny old town built on a cliff, reached through the Porta Vecchia gate, combines charming, white- washed streets with beautiful old churches such as the Chiesa Matrice. You may find yourself getting lost in the winding streets, but you won’t mind at all. Before you know it, you will have reached one of three panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views of the beautiful and coastline. This is the native city of the world-famous singer Domenico , who wrote and sang numerous classic songs, including the massive international hit, Volare. As you wander through the streets that inspired such a wonderful song, you might well find yourself involuntarily singing or whistling, “Volare, oh,oh… Cantare, oh,oh,oh,oh… Return to Hotel evening at leisure (B)

Day 9 - May 2, 2019: Castel del Monte & : After breakfast, depart for Castel del Monte, a13th-century citadel and castle. Situated on a hill in , it was built during the 1240s by the Emperor Frederick II, who had inherited the lands from his mother Constance of Sicily. UNESCO included it in the list of World Heritage Sites due to the astronomical and mathematical rigor of its forms and the harmonious union of cultural elements from , the Islamic world and , a typical example of a fortress of the . The fortress is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. After the visit, we reach the pretty fishing town of Trani. After lunch on your own, enjoy a walk in the town of Trani. Often called the pearl of the Adriatic Sea, the city is known for its architecture and medieval art. We continue to the magnificent Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and evocative Romanesque-style cathedrals in , which stand towering over the sea. Late afternoon back to Martina Franca. (B)

Day 10 - May 3, 2019: Lecce: After breakfast, check out off the hotel and depart for Lecce, our home for the remainder of the tour. Lecce, with its wealth of art, elegance and culture, is named the “ of the South.” Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of the historical center of Lecce and marvel at the beautiful Baroque-style monuments embellished with such rich architectural details that they appear to be embroidered. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, site of the most important local Roman ruins and the Duomo standing in one of the loveliest piazza of Italy. After the city tour, we check in our hotel and enjoy time on our own. In the afternoon, we have a unique opportunity to visit one of the ancient noble palaces in the center of Lecce. The stunning Palazzo Tamborino was originally built in the and conceals one of the most beautiful secret gardens of Lecce. A lush bamboo forest is hidden behind a centuries old Classical garden gate. The palazzo owner will welcome our group and share the interesting history and anecdotes about his family and the palazzo. We will also visit the small museum which hosts a rich collection of ancient objects, pieces of furniture and dresses that belonged to the owner’s ancestors. Enjoy a superb dinner of local dishes at the Palazzo. Overnight in Lecce. (B,D)

Day 11 - May 4, 2019: / / Lecce: After breakfast, depart for our tour of the southern part of the region. A picturesque drive will take us to Santa Maria di Leuca, the end of the tip of the Italian heel where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Rocky coastline, beaches, fishing villages and watchtowers characterize this charming area. Enjoy our farewell lunch at a local farmhouse before proceeding to Otranto, the easternmost Italian town, and a beautiful ancient village along the cost. There, you will have the chance to enjoy unforgettable views of this coastline and take in the breeze coming from the blue Adriatic Sea. Once in Otranto, stroll along the narrow streets, see the Aragonese Castle and the picture perfect harbor. Return to Lecce for dinner and evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 12 – May 5, 2019: Departure day: After breakfast, depart by private motor coach to the for our flight to US. (B)

INCLUDED FEATURES:

 Round-trip air transportation from Boston (BOS). Fuel surcharges and air taxes are included (valid at time of printing).  Services of a professional tour director throughout the program.  First class hotel accommodations for 10 nights in centrally located Hotels as follows, including hotel tax and service charges. o 3 nights in Reggio Calabria at Excelsior hotel (or similar) o 1 night in Matera at the Matera hotel Viceconte (or similar) o 4 nights in Martina Franca at the Villa San Marino hotel (or similar) o 2 nights in Lecce at the Patria Palace hotel (or similar)  Daily Breakfast, 4 lunches and 4 dinners, including mineral water & wine  Hotel local taxes  Porterage at the hotel  Deluxe motor coach as per itinerary  Visit to an olive oil mill and winery  English speaking local Tour manager throughout the itinerary  Whisper audio guide system on all guided visits.  All VAT city and local Tax.  EXCLUSIONS  

 Anything not mentioned under Inclusions.  Meals and beverage not mentioned in itinerary  Personal expenses (Mini bar – Laundry – Phones –etc..)  Tips for guides, Assistants and Drivers.  Travel Insurance

PRICING

Pricing: Tour price is $4,995 per person, double occupancy. For single occupancy, add $795. Fuel surcharges and air taxes are included and valid at the time of printing but are subject to change. Other gateways are available at an additional cost. Optional Tours require a minimum number of passengers to operate. This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days with time at your leisure. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up and down stairs and on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

Museum School at the Springfield Museums 21 Edward Street, Springfield, Ma. 01103 Contact: Jeanne Fontaine [email protected] PH: 413 314 6482

RESERVATION FORM GROUP NAME: Springfield Museums: Undiscovered Southern Italy LEAD # _3942_

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PAYMENT: Deposit: A $500 ** per person refundable deposit, until January 24, 2019 when becomes non-refundable, is required to reserve the space. Final payment amount to Jet Vacations is due by January 24, 2019, or I authorize Jet Vacations LLC to charge my credit card on the final payment day. Reservations and room availability are based on a first come, first served basis. I have read the schedule of activities and accept and abide to the general terms & conditions as outlined in the Group Master Contract or on our web site. □ Amex □ Discover □ Visa □ MasterCard □ Checks: Mail checks to the order of: Credit Card #: ______Security Code: ______

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Basic airfares do not include fuel From 90 to 61 days prior to departure: 50% penalty of the total cost should plan for the day's activity until your room is available. Most hotels will surcharges, airport departure taxes, passenger facility charges (PFCs), per person. store your luggage until your room is ready. Air Conditioning: Jet Vacations LLC is not responsible for air conditioning customs or immigration fees, and excess baggage charges. For mileage From 60 to 31 days prior to departure: 75% penalty of the total cost per accrual information, please contact the carrier directly for details. Air standards or availability, as these factors can vary greatly between person. properties and countries inclusive group packages are non-changeable and non-refundable once From 30 to day of departure & no show: 100% penalty of the total cost deposit has been paid. 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The itinerary IMPORTANT NOTE ON FUEL SURCHARGES: Fuel surcharges imposed schedule, the tour price will be revised based on the remaining number blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking by the airlines are valid at time of contract and are included in the price of of participants. A passenger becoming a single as a result of a tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven your tour. As fuel continues to fluctuate, if the fuel surcharges change prior partner’s cancellation must pay the single supplement. walking surfaces should be expected. to your departure date, you will be assessed this additional amount. NOTE: The following non-refundable fees will be added to the penalty Itinerary variation: We will make every effort to operate all tours as Cancelation Policies: No charges other than the non-refundable initial charges listed on the cancellation (full or partial) schedule above: Travel advertised. 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Lost paper tickets deemed necessary. subject to a cancellation- change fee (e.g. theater tickets, Train tickets, have no refund value. Minimum participants to Operate: Group needs a minimum of 15 Airline Tickets, Event Tickets, Passes, Entrance fees etc.). Travel protection plan: The Travel Protection Plan may not be purchased after participants to operate. Full cancellation: Failing to pay the contractual deposits (other than final payment has been made. Insurance premium has to be purchased within 5 Tour Cancelation: We reserve the right to cancel the entire trip (or any the initial deposit) constitutes a cancellation. In the event of non- days of booking. You understand that the travel insurance is provided by a third component of the trip) for any reason and/or time. 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