Italy in Spring with Back Track Adventures

Designed and created by Brisbane Sculptor Dave Lowe.

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

and so much more...

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

1300 669 780

• proudly Australian owned an

d op

erat

ed •

1984–2014

Italy in Spring 2014

Back Track Adventures | Page 2 Italy in Spring 2014

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 April 26, 2014 and returning May 18, 2014,

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 sightseeing 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 2013 I have successfully conducted 25 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

Rome

Florence

Lucca

TUSCANY

ITALY

ITALY

SWITZERLAND

Assisi

Cinque TerreLa Spezia

The Lakes

ADRIATIC SEA

MEDITERRANEANSEA

Italy

Florence

Rome

FlorenceLucca

Genoa

Spoleto

Cortona

Venice

Bologna

Pisa

MilanTurin

Enjoy all this for $6400 (land cost)

Single supplement $700, for 20 days in Italy.

See page 6 for more details.

Italy in Spring 2014 Back Track Adventures | Page 3


We will be concentrating on the charms of some of the small seaside and hilltop villages of Tuscany and Cinque Terra, the lakeside villages, as well as the villages on the rolling hills of Umbria. Naturally we will also visit the icons of Italy including, Florence and San Gimignano.

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 nights 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 carefree travel to some amazing sites you are unlikely to discover independently, staying in 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 OverviewOur trip commences with a stay of 5 nights at The Royal Hotel in Stresa on Lake Maggiore for 5 nights, from where we will visit the 3 Borromeo islands and Lake d’Orta. We will also visit Ascona in Switzerland from here.

We then move on to the Grand Hotel Tettuccio in the Thermal Spa Resort town of Montecatini. From this location we will visit hilltop towns and fishing villages, Cinque Terra and explore the wonders of Tuscany, including Florence and San Gimignano.

Our next stay is at the 500 year old farm, Camiano Piccolo in Montefalco, Umbria. From here we have magnificent views of the valleys surrounding the farm.

Tour Philosophy andDescription

Authentic, comfortable accommodation and our own luxury coach

Experience local flavours at a comfortable and relaxed pace



DAY 1: Saturday April 26

We depart from Brisbane at 20.45 for Dubai and then on to Milano.

DAY 2: Sunday April 27

We arrive at MILANO at 13.45 where we meet Dante and our driver Pietro who will drive us to our lakeside Royal Hotel in STRESA where I will arrange a brief orientation of the lake and village before dinner at 7.30pm.

DAY 3: Monday April 28

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We will spend the day Island hopping on LAGO MAGGOIRE.

DAY 4: Tuesday April 29

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.

DAY 5: Wednesday April 30

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

DAY 6: Thursday May 01

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to MILANO and visit The La Scala Theatre, La Galleria, The Cathedral and the Fortress.

DAY 7: Friday May 02

08.00 Breakfast departure at 09.00 for MONTECATINI in Tuscany, to arrive mid afternoon.

ItineraryTRIP OVERVIEWDAY ACTIVITY MEALS

Day 1 Depart Brisbane.

Day 2 Arrive MILANO then drive to The Royal Hotel in Stresa

D

Day 3 Spend the day island hopping on LAGO MAGGOIRRE

B D

Day 4 Explore the Lake-side Village of LAGO D’ORTA

B D

Day 5 Visit ASCONA and LUGANO in Switzerland B D

Day 6 Visit MILANO, La Scala, La Galleria, The Cathedral and a fortress

B D

Day 7 TRANSIT DAY to MONTECATINI B D

Day 8 FREE DAY B D

Day 9 FREE DAY B D

Day 10 A day to explore FLORENCE B D

Day 11 Drive east to the ancient town of LUCCA for a day of exploring

B D

Day 12 We depart for the fishing village PORTOVENERE then on to SARZANA for the afternoon

B D

Day 13 We visit SAN GIMIGNANO in the south of Tuscany for a picnic under the Tuscan sun and shopping

B D

Day 14 Explore CINQUE TERRA for the day B D

Day 15 Transit day to MONTEFALCO via CORTONA

B D

Day 16 FREE DAY B D

Day 17 Visit to SIENA B D

Day 18 Travel south west to ORVIETA B D

Day 19 Visit to nearby ASSISI and SPELLO B D

Day 20 We visit GUBBIO to the north B D

Day 21 The day is scheduled for MONTEFALCO and preparing for our return trip to Rome for our return flight to Australia

B

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



DAY 8: Saturday May 03

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 May 04

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.

DAY 10: Monday May 05

07.30 Breakfast 08.30 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 Duomo, Piazza Della Signoria, pass by the Uffizi Gallery and onto the Ponte Vecchio before returning to the station.

DAY 11: Tuesday May 06

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We drive north 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 12: Wednesday May 07

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. After lunch we visit SARZANA where we spend the rest of the afternoon.


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.


07.30 Breakfast 08.30 departure for CINQUE TERRE, where we will visit MANOROLA, walk to RIO MAGGOIRE, as well as the old and new parts of MONTEROSSO AL MARE.

DAY 15: Saturday May 10

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to MONTEFALCO.

DAY 16: Sunday May 11

FREE DAY Breakfast is available from 08.00 and we can explore our new town and relax.

DAY 17: Monday May 12

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to the SIENA where we will spend the day in this splendid historic town.

DAY 18: Tuesday May 13

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Today we travel south to ORVIETO and spend the day in this hilltop town.

DAY 19: Wednesday May 14

08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Today we visit the hillside town of ASSISI and call into SPELLO before returning to MONTEFALCO.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We travel to GUBBIO, a hilltop town with wonderful views.


08.00 Breakfast 09.00 We will spend the morning in MONTEFALCO and drive to Rome in the afternoon for our return trip to Australia departing at 22.00 and arriving in Brisbane at 06.40 on Sunday May 18.

Itinerary



Trip Duration: 20 days ex Rome 22 days ex Brisbane

Depart (Brisbane) Saturday 26 April 2014

Return (Brisbane) Saturday 18 May 2014

Costs for 2014

Land Package Only 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 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.

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 3 months 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 7655 to pay your $650 per person deposit. They can book the prearranged group flights or alternative flights if required and any additional arrangements you may require. They will provide their friendly service and assistance throughout your booking process.

Pricing and Dates



Italy in Spring 2014Booking Form:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING FOR 26 APRIL 2014

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 Spring 2014, departing 26 April 2014:

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

• proudly Australian owned an

d op

erat

ed •

1984–2014

Back Track Adventures222A Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006PO Box 132, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Phone 07 3850 7655 | 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

ITSBRO-14-08

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Italy in Spring with Back Track Adventures