Italy in Autumn with Back Track Adventures

Designed and created by Brisbane Sculptor Dave Lowe.

Montecatini and Lucca, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, Florence, Ascona and Assisi

and so much more...

www.backtrackadventures.com.au/italy 1300 669 780

1300 669 780

• proudly Australian owned an

d op

erat

ed •

1984–2013

Italy in Autumn

2013

Back Track Adventures | Page 2 Italy in Autumn 2013

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 September 07, 2013 and returning September 28, 2013, includes

twin share accommodation, group transfer, daily weekday coach travel,

and clay sculpture tuition (if desired) with Dave Lowe.

Dave Lowe, SculptorWhile I had always had a fascination for the art of Italy, my interest in the sight seeing 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 2012 I have successfully conducted 23 tour groups.

Dante, Dave’s Italian AssistantDante 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.

Your Tour Leaders

Dave Lowe,Tour Leader Dante, Local Guide

Enjoy all this for $6400 (land cost)

Single supplement $700, for 20 days in Italy.

See page 6 for more details.

Italy in Autumn 2013 Back Track Adventures | Page 3


We will land at Rome and travel north to the Grand Hotel Vittoria at Montecatini to spend 8 days in the heart of Tuscany. We will then travel north to Stresa at lago Maggoire to enjoy the hospitality of the Rosa family for 6 days from where we will also visit Switzerland. for the final week we will travel south to Montefalco for our farm stay, visiting Cortona, Assisi and more.

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 days 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 care-free travel to amazing sites you are unlikely to discover independently, utilizing 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.

Trip OverviewWe commence our sojourn with a 8 night stay at the Grand Hotel Vittoria in Montecatini with our host Michele Innocente. We will visit nearby Lucca, San Gimignano, Portovenere, Cinque Terra and Florence with 2 free days to further explore the treasures of Florence or other villages.

Our trip continues with a stay of 6 nights at the lovely Royal Hotel in Stresa. Our hosts are the Rosa family and we will be visiting Lake Maggiore, D’Orta and Lugano from here including a visit into Switzerland.

The next 6 nights are spent at the peaceful 500 year old farm setting at Montefalco in Umbria. Our hosts, father and son, are Giuseppi and Pierro. From this charming location we will travel to Assisi, Cortona Gubbio and other villages.

Tour Philosophy andDescription

Authentic, comfortable accommodation and our own luxury coach

Experience local flavours at a comfortable and relaxed pace



ItineraryTrIP OvervIew

Day 1 Saturday September 07 depart from Brisbane.

Day 2 Arrive Rome 13.45 and drive to our Tuscan Thermal Spa Resort Hotel at MOnTecATInI. (D)

Day 3 Drive west to the ancient town of LuccA for a day of exploring. (B,D)

Day 4 We depart for the fishing village POrTOvenere then on to SArzAnA for the afternoon. (B,D)

Day 5 We visit SAn GIMIGnAnO in the south of Tuscany for a picnic under the Tuscan sun and shopping. (B,D)

Day 6 Explore the cInque TerrA (B,D)

Day 7 A day to explore FLOrence. (B,D)

Day 8 FREE DAy. (B,D)

Day 9 FREE DAy. (B,D)

Day 10 TRANSIT DAy. Depart for the lakes in the north, arriving at STreSA at LAGO MAGGOIre. (B,D)

Day 11 We will spend the day visiting the islands on LAGO MAGGOIre (B,D)

Day 12 We visit AScOnA and LuGAnO in SwITzerLAnD (B,D)

Day 13 Our destination today is LAGO D’OrTA close by (B,D)

Day 14 We visit the city of MILAnO. (B,D)

Day 15 This is a free day before our trip to MOnTeFALcO. (B,D)

Day 16 TRANSIT DAy. We travel south to MOnTeFALcO in uMBrIA. (B,D)

Day 17 We visit the hill-side town of cOrTOnA. (B,D)

Day 18 Our destination today is GuBBIO in the north. (B,D)

Day 19 We visit ASSISI, the birthplace of St Francis. (B,D)

Day 20 Relax and explore the lovely hilltop town of TODI. (B,D)

Day 21 We enjoy time at MOnTeFALcO before our afternoon trip to rOMe and our journey to Australia.

Meals included as indicated: B - Breakfast, D - Dinner

Vernazza, along the Cinque TerreThe fishing village of Portovenere

DAY 1 and DAY 2: Saturday September 07

We depart from Brisbane at 20.45 and arrive at Dubai at 05.30 and depart for Rome at 09.25; arriving at 13.45. Dante and Pietro will meet us and drive us to Montecatini for our 8 night stay at the Grand Hotel Vittoria.

DAY 3: Monday September 09

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We drive west 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 4: Tuesday September 10

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.

DAY 5: Wednesday September 11

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 6: Thursday September 12

08.00 Breakfast. 08.30 departure for Cinque Terre, where we will visit Manarola, walk to Rio Maggoire, as well as the old and new parts of Monterosso Al Mare.



DAY 7: Friday September 13

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 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 the Duomo, the Piazza Della Signoria, pass by the Uffizi Gallery and onto the Ponte Vecchio before returning to the station.

DAY 8: Saturday September 14

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.

DAY 9: Sunday September 15

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.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We depart for the lakes in the north, arriving at STreSA at LAGO MAGGIOre mid afternoon.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We will spend the day visiting the islands on LAke MAGGOIre.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We visit AScOnA and LuGAnO in Switzerland today. This lake-side town offers a variety of options, including shopping and the opportunity to have lunch at one of the many lake-view restaurants.

Southern TuscanyMarket shopping in GubbioThe hilltop town of Assisi


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.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We will visit MILAnO today and see the Cathederal, La Scala Theatre, la Galleria and the fortress.

DAY 15: Saturday September 21

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 This is a free day before heading south to uMBrIA tomorrow.

DAY 16: Sunday September 22

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel south today to our farm stay at MOnTeFALcO in uMBrIA.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to cOrTOnA for the day.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Today we travel north to GuBBIO, a wonderful hillside village.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to the famous ASSISI for the major part of the day, returning via the small village of SPeLLO.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We will spend the day at TODI to the south and returning early to facilitate packing for our return trip on Friday.


We spend a relaxing morning in Montefalco before traveling in the afternoon to Rome for our trip back to Australia via Dubia, arriving home at 06.40 on Saturday.



Trip Duration: 20 days ex rome 22 days ex Brisbane

Depart (Brisbane) Saturday 7 September 2013

return (Brisbane) Sunday 29 September 2013

costs for 2012

Land Only Package 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 Bankcard, 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.

For Diners club payments a fee of 2.65% including GST will apply to the final total.

If you would like additional information some of the major places we visit,

please go to our web site: www.backtrackadventures.com.au

Booking InformationneeD 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 265website: www.italywithdave.comEmail: [email protected]

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 beyond the return date is mandatory.

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 7600 for friendly service and assistance through the process.

Pricing and Dates

The Duomo and streets of Florence



Italy in Autumn 2013Booking Form:

TerMS AnD cOnDITIOnS OF BOOkInG FOr SePTeMBer 7, 2013

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.

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 costDependant 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

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 2013, departing September 07, 2013:

TrAveLLer 1 TrAveLLer 2Full name (as per your passport)

Title Surname Title Surname

First Name(s) First Name(s)

Sex M n F n Date of Birth Sex M n F n Date of Birth

Passport details (as per your passport)

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: ( )

Mobile

Frequent Flyer yes n No n Airline Member No. yes n No n Airline Member No.

Seating Aisle n Window n Aisle n Window n

Accommodation, Dietary and Health requirements

room Single Supplement n Twin Share n Single Supplement n Twin Share n

Dietary None n Vegetarian n Diabetic n Other: None n Vegetarian n Diabetic n Other:

Health None n Specify: None n Specify:

Payment Credit Card n Cheque n Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) n (please provide your name along with the amount for EFT payments)

credit card Mastercard n Bankcard n Visa n American Express n Diners Club n

emergency contact Details

name Same as Traveller 1 n

Phone 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

Back Track Adventures1st Floor, 132 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006PO Box 132, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Phone 07 3850 7600 | Fax 07 3854 1079email [email protected] www.backtrackadventures.com.au

ABN 23 910 991 873 | Licence Number 177/178 | Member AFTA, TCF, WTAAA

www.backtrackadventures.com.au Italy Assist Line: 1300 669 780

• proudly Australian owned an

d op

erat

ed •

1984–2013

ITABRO

-13-05

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Italy in Autumn with Back Track Adventures