j

November 13 — 22, 2020

I F TA S T U DY TO U R

i t a l y

day 1: november 13

Arrival in BolognaUpon your arrival in Bologna a transfer from BLQ airport or Bologna Centrale train station will be provided to the hotel, NH Hotel Villanova.

Tonight IFTA will be welcomed at FICO Eataly, the world’s largest food-themed park, for a fun group dinner in a traditional Bolognese trattoria.

day 2: november 14

Trade Show - EIMAFounded in 1969, EIMA, The Int’l Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition, is a leading inter-national exhibition for the agricultural and gardening sector. It is held every two years at Bologna Fiera in Italy. A shuttle bus for our group will run back and forth between the exhibition hall and the hotel, and tickets to the show will be pre-arranged for tour participants.

This evening and the next, enjoy Bologna as you like. The on-site restaurant at our hotel will offer a dinner special for IFTA tour participants, or you may want to take a short taxi ride back to FICO Eataly to try another restaurant offering there. In addition, a free shuttle bus between the hotel and the heart of Bologna will run throughout the evening so you have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful, historic city.

day 3: november 15

Trade Show - EIMA / Gourmet tourToday’s program for study tour participants will be the same as the day before. If you don’t wish to attend EIMA for a second day there is the option to join the companion sightseeing group for a gourmet tour of the Emilia-Romagna region (see left insert).

Emilia-Romagna Gourmet Day Trip

Study tour participants may opt to join thecompanion sightseeing program on

November 15 for a gourmet tour of the Emilia-Romagna region for an

additional fee of $95.

The guided tour will include tasting this gastronomic region’s finest products at the source. Visit a Parmesan-Reggiano cheese

factory, a Balsamic Vinegar estate in Modena, and a beautiful winery for lunch

complete with Lambrusco.

IFTA in ITALY 2020 DAILY ITINERARY

IFTA is headed to Northern Italy for a nine-night educational vacation complete with trade shows, orchard tours, and yes, some pasta e vino! As your 2020 harvest concludes, grab your passport and join us in Italy for two world class events: EIMA and Interpoma, orchard tours, special educational and networking events, and lots of fun with your fruit tree colleagues. The contingency will travel from Bologna to Venice Mestre to Bolzano, with fun and education along the way. Enhance your trip with an option to add two pre-tour nights in Florence and consider the three-night leisure tour extensions. Read on for all the details and don’t forget to register on February 24.

day 4: november 16

orchard tours - FerraraToday the group transfers from Bologna to Venice Mestre, the city connecting the mainland with the Venetian Lagoon. En route, orchard tours are being planned in the Ferrara region. The group will also enjoy lunch together. This evening, upon arrival in Venice Mestre, check in at the comfortable Antony Palace Hotel and enjoy a delicious local cuisine group dinner nearby.

day 6: november 18

orchard tours - vicenza + trentoToday the group transfers from Venice to Bolzano, a city in the scenic Dolomite Mountain range in South Tyrol. On the way orchard tours are being arranged in the Vicenza and Trento regions, with a lunch stop included. In Bolzano the IFTA group will be based at the Sheraton Four Points. After check in a fun group dinner has been planned near the hotel.

day 5: november 17

EXPLORE VENICEA dynamic selection of activities are being planned so you can explore the very special city of Venice in a “choose your own adventure” style. Options focused on food and wine, history, art, a young professionals program, and more will be offered. There will be no extra charge for this sightseeing day.

day 7: november 19

Trade Show - interpomaInterpoma is an international tradeshow all about apples. Visitors will find information on cultivation and storage technology, marketing, sorting and packing and more. This must-attend event is an ideal forum to learn about the latest trends, deals and products and conduct business.

Tonight a free shuttle bus will run back and forth between the hotel and Bolzano city center so you can enjoy this lovely mountain city at your leisure.

day 8: november 20

Trade Show - interpomaToday is another day to spend at Interpoma. In the evening a very special farewell group dinner and party has been arranged at a castle overlooking the city with a gourmet restaurant and panoramic bar.

day 9: november 21

EXPLORE VEronaThis morning the group heads south out of the moun-tains to the scenic city of Verona, the hometown of Juliet. See if you can find her balcony during free time for lunch, shopping and a stroll. In the afternoon the group will head in three directions to different airport hotels in Milan, Bologna or Venice.

day 10: november 22

departure dayAirport transfers will be arranged this morning based on individual traveler departure times.

DAILY ITINERARY cont’d.

BolognaThe first tour stop is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy. Bologna has a well preserved

historic center including Piazza Maggiore, lined with cafes,

restaurants, and historical structures. The city’s population is around

1 million. Bologna is an important agricultural, industrial, financial and

transport hub, where many large companies are headquartered. And

Bologna is home to one of the largest permanent trade fairs in Europe, which we’ll experience when attending EIMA.

VeniceOne of the world’s most captivating

destinations, Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a

lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It was the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe. Venice has no roads, just

canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with

Renaissance and Gothic palaces. It must be seen to be believed! We’ll

stay on the mainland in Venice Mestre, with easy access to the

Venetian islands. The metro area of Venice-Padua-Treviso has a

population of 2.6 million.

destinations

BolzanoThe third part of the tour will be spent in the foothills of the Alps

within view of the Dolomites.Bolzano is an atmospheric city in the

South Tyrol province of northern Italy, set in a valley amid hilly vineyards. The multicultural

region shares borders with Austria and Switzerland and is home to the

world’s first trilingual university, the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, where lectures and seminars are

held in English, German, and Italian. The greater metro area has about

250,000 inhabitants.

Interpoma is a three-day trade show dedicated to the cultivation, storage, and

marketing of apples. Over 20,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors attend. Alongside the trade

show a congress is held focused on market trends, varietal innovation, sustainable apple

production, and high-tech fruit production.

get more information at:www.fierabolzano.it/en/interpoma

EIMA, the International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition, hosts

nearly 2,000 companies from 50 countries exhibiting more than 50,000 models of

machinery and equipment for all types of agricultural operations or green work for

every model of enterprise.

get more information at:www.eima.it/en/

The study tour will conclude with a gourmet dinner and party at this

historic castle overlooking Bolzano

Modern, comfortable en-suite accommodations have been

arranged throughout the tour

The group will enjoy a visit to Bologna’s FICO Eataly - the world’s

first food theme park!

Enjoy free time to explorethe beautiful city of Verona

Nightly happy hours and other social opportunities to connect

with industry peers

tour highlights

Orchard Tours in South Tyrol

With its 44,000 acres of orchards, South Tyrol is the largest contiguous

apple-growing area in all of Europe. Our IFTA contingency will visit local farms and see

some of the latest orchard research going on in the region.

During Interpoma there are apple-themed restaurant specials and initiatives throughout Bolzano

Companion Sightseeing Program A terrific guided program has been arranged for traveling companions! Bring along your spouse, friend or relative and they’ll be busy enjoying Italy while you are taking part in educational activities.

Nov. 14 Walking tour of the historic city center ofBologna and a hands on pasta-making class, with a delicious lunch of your own creations.

Nov. 15 Gastronomic day trip in the Emilia-Romagnaregion: visit a Parmesan-Reggiano cheese factory, a Balsamic Vinegar estate in Modena, and a beautiful winery for lunch complete with Lambrusco wine.

Nov. 16 Free time for shopping & lunch in the Venetianfishing village of Chioggia and a visit to Padua to see the world-famous Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel.

$495/person additional sightseeing supplement

inclusions All activities as described above: a cooking class, the Emilia-Romagna day trip, admission to Scrovegni Chapel, winery visits in Bolzano, two additional gourmet lunches, local guides where relevant, transportation to and from all activities.

The Companion group will join the Study Tour group for their leisure time, evening meals and parties, and sightseeing activities.

arrive early for two nights in Florence

Arrive early to Italy for an unforgettable weekend in Tuscany! Spend two nights in Florence at the charming and well located Hotel Pendini. The hotel has elegant rooms and a delicious breakfast spread. On your arrival day, enjoy an informative walking tour with an excellent local guide to gain a deeper understanding of Firenze. The group will convene for a special welcome dinner at a trattoria the first night. Then on Thursday, spend the morning enjoying Florence. After lunch on your own, you’ll be collected to head outside the city to visit two wineries in Chianti and see the beautiful hills of Tuscany. On Friday, en route to Bologna to start the Study Tour, enjoy lunch at a family run agriturismo and visit a uniquely constructed and breathtaking castle.

NOVEMBER 11 —13, 2020• $475/traveler, double occupancy• +$110, single supplement

INCLUSIONS• Two nights accommodations• Florence city walking tour• Chianti wine tasting afternoon excursion• Two breakfasts, one dinner and one lunch• Transfer to Bologna & castle visit

destinations

Nov. 18 See the enchanting “floating” Scaligero Castle and eat lunch overlooking Lake Garda.

Nov. 19 Visit two wineries in the hills surrounding Bolzano and enjoy a Tyrolean lunch with the group.

Nov. 20 Explore downtown Bolzano on your own... visit the Iceman Museum, the Nature Museum or Maretsch Castle.

crossing the alpstrip extensionnovember 21— 24

Depart Bolzano by train and travelnorth through the Alps to Inns-bruck, in the heart of the Austrian Alpine region of Tyrol. See the city and enjoy its world-famous Christmas market. Then you’ll visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps the world’s most iconic structure of its kind. Con-tinue on to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, where you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history, make merry at even more unforgettable Christmas markets and toast your fellow IFTA travelers over a fun dinner at a legendary local beer hall.

$950/person based on double occupancy +$200 single supplementLimited to 20 travelers

IFTA in ITALY

registration faqsHow do I register?

On February 24, at www.IFTAtravel.com, you’ll complete a short Google form to secure your place. Your registration will be confirmed via

email and you’ll be sent a detailed registration form to complete at your leisure plus instructions

to pay the deposit. Everyone that wants to participate in the educational study tour program

must complete the form. Companions do not complete the form.

Is registration limited?Yes, there are around 100 spots for Study Tour

participants, plus their companions.

What is the cost to bring my spouse?We have a great Companion Sightseeing

program planned. The cooking classes, meals, guided experiences, etc. all cost more than the Study Tour trade shows/orchard tour program-

ming, so total cost for a companion is $2700 plus the $495 Companion Sightseeing program

supplement, $3195 total for the 9-night tour.

What if I don’t get a spot?We hope you do… but if not please join the

waiting list at www.IFTAtravel.com.

Are there age restrictions?At the time of travel, IFTA members must be 16+ to participate in the Study Tour and participants in the Companion program must be 18 or older.

Can I just do the first half of the tour?Unfortunately, no. Participation is all or nothing

due to limited space.

How much leisure vs education is planned?

We’ve tried to strike a good balance and it will depend a bit on how in depth you go at the trade shows. You can choose to forgo trade show days for leisure activities or you can make the most of the shows. We have two orchard tour days planned and of course time with your industry

colleagues is invaluable.

find all of the extension details at www.iftatravel.com

venetian immersiontrip extensionnovember 21— 24

Travel from Bolzano to the lovely region of the Dolomite foothills known as “the Prosecco hills.” Ourgroup will spend a night in Valdo-biadenne, the heart of the Prosecco region and of course while we’re there we’ll visit some wineries to taste the delicious local bubbly. Then we make our way through the Veneto region to Venice, stopping on the way for lunch and a tour at a family-owned latteria. Spend two nights at a charming hotel in the heart of the Venetian lagoon, where the group will enjoy a history tour, a rowing lesson anda festive, delicious farewell dinner.

$950/person based on double occupancy +$200 single supplementLimited to 16 travelers

Trip Essentials

Trip price includes the following:• Arrival and departure airport transfers

and ground transportation to/from all scheduled activities and destinations

• Nine nights accommodations in comfortable, en suite rooms; choice of queen/king bed or two beds

• Delicious meals: daily breakfasts, four lunches, and five dinners. We’ve planned fantastic gourmet experiences, with local wine included

• Local experts and guides including the Onward Travel staff and a dedicated Italian guide who will be traveling with the group

• Activities, sightseeing and tours as detailed in the itinerary with educational programming designed by IFTA

Registration opens on February 24 at 12:00 EST!

Visit www.iftatravel.comto complete the registration form and submit payment. $1,000 deposit due upon booking, balance due by

August 1, 2020.

BEGINSBologna, Italy, on Friday November 13th, 2020Transfers to NH Hotel Villanova will be organized from Bologna Airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station

ENDSAirport hotel at Bologna (BLQ), Venice (VCE) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) on Sunday November 22nd, 2020Transfers will be arranged to airports for departing flights

PRICE

$2,700 per person, Double Occupancy

$3,500 per person, Single Occupancy

A friend or spouse may participate in the Companion Sightseeing Program for the Double Occupancy rate plus a $495 supplement.

LODGING

NH Hotel Villanova | 3 Nights | This well appointed, modern high-rise hotel is located just outside Bologna for easy access to the convention center, airport, and surroundings. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, and indoor pool with fitness center.

Antony Palace Hotel | 2 Nights | A modern and convenient gateway to Venice with a restaurant, bar and gym/sauna.

4 Points by Sheraton Bolzano | 3 Nights | This hotel is adjacent to the convention center and in addition to updated rooms it has 2 restaurants, a bar, an indoor pool and spa, and a fitness center.

Airport Hotel | 1 Night | Comfortable hotels convenient to Bologna, Milan and Venice airports will be selected

THE FINE PRINT

Detailed Terms & Conditions are provided on the registration form. Payment may be made by check payable to Onward Travel or by credit card. Credit card payments require a 3% fee. $1,000 deposit per person is due upon registration, balance is due by August 1, 2020. If you cancel on or prior to August 1, 2020; Onward Travel retains $250. Any additional payments will be returned to you. If you cancel after August 1, 2020; Onward Travel retains the full tour deposit. If you cancel after September 15, 2020; 50% of total Trip Fee returned to you. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to travel; you are not eligible for a refund and Onward Travel shall retain the entire amount paid. Note the trip is transferable at any time, a $250 transfer fee applies, and Onward Travel will do their best to assist.

Please note that air travel is not included and a current passport is required for travel to Italy. The passport should be valid for six months beyond the date of travel.

This tour is offered for current IFTA Members only.

Renew your membership or register as a new member at

www.ifruittree.org

AIR TRAVEL: IFTA in ITALY travelers are coming from many different cities with varied travel plans, so Onward Travel does not have anything negotiated with airlines. Note you can fly into Venice, Bologna or Milan Malpensa Airports. Onward recommends searching on www.kayak.com and booking an itinerary with 1.5 hour long layovers as a minimum. Whenever possible, book directly with an airline vs a third party site. Onward Travel is happy to assist travelers with airfare booking. Please complete the Air Travel Inquiry form at www.iftatravel.com and we’ll be in touch.

Registration opensFebruary 24, 2020

12:00 pm EST at www.iftatravel.com

about onward travelOnward Travel, LLC was founded in 2014 by sisters Molly Crist and

Katerina Clauhs Dhand. Onward partners with businesses and organizations to plan travel for their customers and members.

Current/recent clients include restaurants and cooking schools; beverage industry leaders such as Founders Brewing Co. and Harney &

Sons Fine Teas; university travel programs... and of course, IFTA!

Onward Travel is an insured tour operator, IATAN Accredited (leading industry certification for travel agents and tour operators, international-ly recognized), and Certified Travel Associate from The Travel Institute.

get in touchPlease don’t hesitate to reach out

to Onward Travel with any questions:letsgo@onwardtravel.co

+1 845-293-2729

Venice

Bologna