Lungarno Florence Italy JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

Leonardo Ferragamo—son of Salvatore, shoe designer to the stars during the golden age of Hollywood—helms a mini-empire of top Florentine hotels. The Lungarno, in the city’s quiet Oltrarno neighborhood of artisans and excellent eateries just across the river from the centro storico, is the brand’s boutique entry. Many of the 73 contemporary rooms are filled with modern art, but those looking for views will prefer the rooms that overlook the Arno and shop-lined Ponte Vecchio bridge, or the classic rooms clustered around the property’s medieval stone tower.

Discounted First Class Business Class and Coach Airfares

Reservations:
JESS Kalinowsky

JESS@FriendsTravel.com

JESS@FriendsTravel.com Reservations 24/7/365

Palazzo Magnani Feroni Florence JESS Kalinowsky FriendsTravel.com

Pack your cloak, polish your crown, shine your scepter and get ready to walk proud, with your shoulders held back, master of all you survey. Or, skip these steps and check directly into Palazzo Magnani Feroni if you’re just dying to know what it must have felt like to live like true European nobility.

This regal hideaway has served as a luxurious retreat for members of the aristocracy since the 1500′s, and now it awaits your arrival as well- ready to treat you in the same spectacular noble fashion.

Attention to details here- marvelous. Attention to the most minute details- meticulous. Service that makes you feel as though you’re a member of elite high society- ridiculous (in an amazing way of course). Breakfast the Palazzo manner means dining in an extravagant hall graced by an incredibly ornate Murano crystal chandelier, evening cocktails here are meant to be sipped in romantically illuminated galleries once home to the most elegant of parties thrown in spectacular, indulgent fashion by the Feroni marquises.

We recommend the Feroni Deluxe Suite for the best possible experience. Featuring it’s own en-suite laptop connected to wi-fi and printer, lavish marble bathrooms with fab Bulgari amenities and perhaps the best possible amenity we’ve ever seen- a Vibro Power machine which is one of the hottest pieces of fitness equipment around designed for slimming, massage and exercise all in one. No visit to the Palazzo Magnani Feroni is complete without enjoying a dinner or nightcap on their unique panoramic terrace, one of the most special yet hidden gems in all of Florence providing amazing views of the entire city. Trust us, it’s much better to enjoy Florence as a noble, even if it’s only for a few days.

Why treat yourself to this experience? Because saying “I’ll be retreating to the Palace tonight” just never gets old!

Reservations: Italy@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365

Amazing Destination Wedding Venue, or Honeymoon!

Tuscany Food and Wine Tours JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

ITALY@FriendsTravel.com

Indulge your passion for food, wine and culture in this food and wine
tour to Tuscany. Taste your way through the back door of the region
with a local chef, sommelier and a wonderful tour guide. On Our food and wine tour to Tuscany you will experience eating in a family owned village named Tratttoria, visit a bread maker, a funny Gelato champion and a famous butcher. Your tour to Tuscany will take you to beautiful surroundings and stunning locations. You will explore charming towns, bustling markets, and tasting different wines.

Consider joining us on this handcrafted experience and create lifetime memories. Food and Wine Tour to Tuscany is one of the most satisfying ways to explore Italy.

Accommodations

Your home for the week will be at a stunning estate of hill-terraced olive groves overlooking a small lake with its own little tree-shaded island, reached by a wooden bridge. This Tuscan gem is located outside the medieval walled city of Lucca. The entire villa will be ours. Only our private group will be lounging, sipping wine, dining, and taking walks on the property.
The villa has 6 guest rooms, each with en-suite bath/shower, individually temperature controlled (Heating and air condition) with wireless internet. The ground floor comprises of a fully equipped Tuscan kitchen leading out to a grand domed dining room and a cozy lounge. Outdoors there is an Italian Gazebo overlooking the swimming pool for alfresco dining

Day 1: Sunday

Your transfers from Pisa or Florence airport are included. Arrive at the villa for a Tuscan lunch buffet. Get to know your home for your Tuscany culinary vacation. In the early Evening we will have a fun cooking experience, learning how to make pasta. Followed by Italian aperitif and dinner with wine.

Day 2: Monday

Start your day with an Italian breakfast. Depart on an evocative journey through Chianti rolling landscape of vine clad hills and quaint market towns offering fine specialty food such as wild boar and pecorino cheese. Enjoy a Chianti wine tasting lunch at a renowned estate. After lunch, your Tuscany culinary vacation takes you to San Giminano to visit Sergio bondoli, world champion gelato maker. Return to the villa for a Pizza night in the village family Trattoria.

Day 3: Tuesday

After breakfast, we will head to the medieval walled city of Lucca. Join Valter, your chef for a visit to gourmet suppliers and producers which include La Delicatezze Di Roberto (a treasure trove of Tuscan and Italian specialty foods), Guisti Forno (specialty bread makers and the cellars of Eoteca vanni (one of the top three wine shops in Italy).You will have time to explore Lucca on your own, before returning to the villa for an Italian BBQ Dinner. Tuscany Culinary vacation it is.

Day 4: Wednesday

Breakfast, and then depart to the bustling market of Pistoia. Join your chef to choose seasonal produce. Upon return we will all prepare a Tuscan buffet lunch from items found in the market. In the afternoon you will discover the rolling lucchesse hills as you travel the medieval fortress of Montecarlo when many renowned Lucchesse wines produced. Tonight we will eat in a restaurant owned and operated y the same family since the 1940s.

Day 5: Thursday

Today is a “do as you wish day” in your Tuscany culinary vacation. You are welcome to join the walking guided tour in the center of Florence or visit the Uffizi gallery or shop for leather goods at the leather market. Lunch is on your own. Upon return to the villa in the evening, another wonderful dinner with wines will be waiting for you.

Day 6: Friday

After breakfast, depart for a day in Cinque Terre, a stretched of protected rocky coastline with dramatically situated villages, now a world heritage site. One of the best ways to explore these unspoiled villages is by taking a ferry that stops at each of the villages. Tonight we’ll celebrate the week with a Gala dinner and wines. A great Finale for a culinary vacation in Tuscany.

Day 7: Saturday

Enjoy your breakfast and head home or extend your stay.

Dates: May 28-June3,   September 3 -September 9

Pricing From:

Pricing	Room/Companions/Persons
$3,799.00	Per person sharing a double room
$4,200.00	Per person staying in a single room

Space is limited for 10 people

The package includes:

• Transfer from Pisa / Florence
• Accommodations in a luxury villa
• Maid serve every morning
• All food & wine consumed at the villa
• Wine, soft drinks, and aperitif before dinner
• Food during scheduled excursions
• Transportation for scheduled excursions
• Free Wi-Fi
• cook book with recipes and apron
• Chef gift bag
• Graduation certificate

Optional extras not included:

• Travel Insurance – can be arranged
• Flight – tickets can be purchased through us: Discounted First Class, Business Class, and Coach airfares
• Meals during free time in Lucca and Florence
• Pre/Post tour Hotel arrangements available

ITALY@FriendsTravel.com

JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant
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11 Day Slow and Easy Italy Venice, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome Friends Travel LLP

Tour Number
318

11 Day Slow and Easy Italy
Venice, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome

From $1499
RT Air, Breakfast daily, trains between cities, 2 Nights Venice, 1 night Ferrara, 4 Nights in Florence, 2 Nights In Rome, Free Uffuzzi Museum Tour Florence, Free walking tour of Rome (The squares of Rome), Fuel Surcharge

Although some of our trips are for specific, they can usually be arranged for other dates, just ask!

Add on airfare available from any USA city at reduced fares.

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JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant

Florence Loveliest and liveliest of Italian cities… Friends Travel LLP 90048 Google Us !

Florence Loveliest and liveliest of Italian cities…

(Friends Travel LLP 90048 Google Us !)

Florence…the magnificent
Loveliest and liveliest of Italian cities…

Chances are if you have clients going to Italy…they will stay a night or two (or three..) in fabulous Florence. And if they are going to be there, they are going to be looking for a great place to stay…and for things to do and see that will give them more than a nodding acquaintance with this fabled city.

Here are a few of the things that we can help you with at Friends Travel LLP 90048:

* Transfers – need quality transportation with professional drivers to and from Florence? Our team is ready to help “move” you – singles, couples, families and groups of any size – to and from the airport, the train station or any out of town locations.
* Accommodations – we’ve hand-picked a few of Florence’s best hotels, B&Bs, villas and apartments – places that will appeal to any budget level.
* Sightseeing – we’ve put together a plethora of scheduled sightseeing tours that will reveal Florence’s treasures to your clients and half day and full day excursions that will take them to many of Tuscany’s other “art cities” – Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena.
* Personal tours – our fully registered, English-speaking guides will accompany your clients on customized tours of Florence and beyond.
* Tickets – we can pre-buy tickets to all major galleries and museums – the Uffizi, Accademia, Bargello, Pitti Palace and more.
* Cooking classes – your clients can enjoy one of our 1/2 day and full day cooking classes in Florence – it’s a fun way to spend a few memorable hours.
* Wine Tours – we can organize full day tours into Tuscany’s famous wine districts for couples, families and groups of any size.
* Meetings and conventions – Florence boasts many fabulous meeting and convention facilities and we can hook you up.
* Weddings and parties – not a problem – we have a a selection of top quality wedding venues to offer, can assist with legal work, organize the marriage ceremony and the wedding reception…and make sure that every member of the wedding party is looked after.

Florence…fun, fabulous and forever!

Visiting Historic Florence
Birthplace of the Renaissance

Just as Tuscany is on one of the “must see” regions in Italy, Florence is the “must see” city in Tuscany. But, be forewarned: during the summer months millions of tourists pour into the City from all over Europe, and make sightseeing difficult. The best time to visit in the early Spring, Fall or winter months. In fact, visiting Florence in November, January and February are some of the best times to enjoy this spectacular city for so many reasons, from cheaper prices in the restaurants to the eerie romantic feel that walking over Pontevecchio (the Golden bridge)

The city center has a pronounced medieval feel. The buildings are mostly of hewn grey stone with roofs of russet colored tiles. The same stone has been used to cobble the ancient streets. The author Mary McCarthy wrote a book about Florence called “The Stones of Florence” because of the stone works hard and refractive qualities. The book, written in 1959, is as apt today as it was then, a good read that will help you see Florence through fresh eyes. A very good idea, that.

Florence is densely packed and busy, its intersecting streets and alleys contributing to a sense of befuddlement for the first time traveler. We recommend you actually allow yourself the fun of “getting lost” in this city, because around most corners, you will encounter many wonderful, surprising things. Besides, you can always pick-out a landmark, like Brunelleschi’s dome on the Duomo or the tall bell tower, or the Santa Maria Novella train station to quickly re-orient yourself.

This is not a suitable place to write at length about the history of Florence, but a few quick notes are in order.

The city, on the banks of the Arno river, originally named Fiesole, was founded by the Etruscans in about 200 BC. The Romans, who displaced the Etruscans, called it Florentia, and used it as a garrison town to control the Via Flaminia, a major Roman highway.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the city underwent a process of democratization. First, it evolved into a free commune. By 1138 AD, it was ruled by a board of 12 consuls, advised by a wealthy group of merchants, the Council of One Hundred. This arrangement fell apart because of infighting, resulting in the “election” of a foreign governor, the podesta.

Early in the 13th century, bickering between the Guelphs (pro-papal) and Ghibellines (pro-monarchy), ultimately resulted in the formation of a government by the “winning” Guelphs. During this period, the plague reduced the the city’s population by half, which accelerated the democratization process.

By the end of the century, nobles were excluded from Florentine government, and the city became a republic, controlled by Guelph merchants. The DeMedici family emerged as the leading family, and the city came more or less under their control until they went broke in 1494, when Florence fell under the control of Girolamo Savanorola, a Dominican munk who enforced a puritanical regime. He was hanged and burned for his troubles in 1498.

The enterprising Medici’s returned to power in the early 16th century and ruled for another 200 years. The city’s fame as a center of art, culture and science derives principally from the fact that the Medicis were active patrons to the best of the best in all fields. This period, with a legacy almost unsurpassed in the western world, is known far and wide as the Renaissance.

In the 18th century, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany passed into the control of the House of Lorraine, and was ultimately incorproated into the Kingdom of Italy, of which Tuscany became capital. With the demise of the monarchy, Tuscany became just another, if somewhat more exalted, regional capital.

The two world wars wreaked extensive damage on Florence, a devastating flood in 1966 took a big toll on numerous buildings, including the Ufizi art gallery, and many works of art.
Restoration continues to this day.

Get Our Help With Your Next Vacation

Let Friends Travel LLP 90048 help you plan your next trip, whatever your budget. Submit your detailed request,
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the better answer and faster response we can provide.
Be sure to also include your place of origin.
We service all 48 Mainland USA cities to the destination of your choice.

EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net 24/7/365

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“Castello Banfi – il Borgo” with FriendsTravel.com

Federico Forquet of Cetona; one of Italy’s most renowned designers, worked with the Mariani family to create the elegant and comfortable interiors of the rooms and suites as well as the surrounding gardens.

“Castello Banfi – il Borgo” offers 14 rooms and suites, varying in size, location and décor, all with carefully selected furnishings and fabrics, classic fixtures and luxuriant amenities.  Each offers a King-sized bed, while the five designated suites are additionally furnished with a Queen-size sofa bed in a separate room. The beds in three of the rooms and one of the suites can be separated to Twin beds.

Each room is equipped with flat screen television featuring international satellite programming and radio with a selection of jazz, classical and contemporary music; high-speed internet connection, direct telephone lines, valuables safe, and a selection of complementary estate wines as well as a well-stocked mini bar with water, beverages, and light snacks.  Well-equipped bathrooms feature professional hair driers, towel warmers, large showers with oversized rainfall heads; several have an additional bathtub, and bath amenities include bath foam, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion made from Sangiovese grapes grown on the estate. Each spacious room is painted and furnished in a different color scheme and appointed with eclectic themed artwork; several include a separate dressing area, writing desk and breakfast table.

Il Borgo was recently reviewed in the May 2008 Hot List Issue of Condé Nast Traveler

Castello Banfi – Il Borgo was recently reviewed in the May 2008 Hot List Issue of Condé Nast Traveler and received two out of three flames. (One flame = Hot, two flames = Hotter, three flames = Hottest)

“Set amid 7,100 undulating acres of vineyards and olive groves near Montalcino, Castello Banfi , maker of some of the region’s bestknown wines, has opened its doors to overnight guests, having converted its former workers’ lodgings into sumptuous accommodations that embody Tuscanstyle good living. The 14 individually styled rooms, housed in conjoined eighteenthcentury stone buildings adjacent to the estate’s twelfth century castello, have retained some atmospheric elements of the original structures, from woodbeam ceilings to deepset windows to terracotta floors, and are done in a cheerful, elegant Tuscan palette, including softly patterned silk draperies, plump couches, and absurdly comfortable beds with romantic baldachins. Special touches include a gratis bottle of Brunello, an LCD TV hidden in a false bookcase, and free highspeed Internet – a rarity in these parts. The large, welllit bathrooms also come with comfort in mind, equipped with heated towel racks, sizable glasswalled showers with rain showerheads, and toiletries made with Sangiovese grapes grown on the estate. The service throughout is warm and efficient, and the hearty breakfast (included in the room rate) exceeds the typical Continentalstyle offerings, while the two excellent onsite restaurants – the intimate Michelinstarred Ristorante, and the more casual Taverna – offer well prepared Tuscan dishes and, naturally, a strong house wine list. A small pool overlooks the bucolic landscape of vineyards. When to go: The harvest time months of September and October, with their fall colors and still warm days. Which room to book: No. 16 comes with a large dressing area and both a soaking tub and a shower. The loft style No. 17 faces a rose garden, while No. 31 has stone arches.”

A host of hotel and spa openings is breathing new life into the region-a reminder of why we keep going back.

There’s a type of traveler who, on the subject of Tuscany, offers up the party line: “It may be beautiful, but it’s too discovered,” which happens to be the best way to elicit discerning smiles from those who truly know the area-the chic Romans and Milanese who’ve been spending weekends here since they were knee-high to a Sangiovese vine; the repeat renters who call it home for some of the year. Tuscany’s 9,000 square miles of rolling hills and lush vineyards, pine tree-lined beaches and palazzo-encircled squares contain the best of what draws people here again and again-and to consider it “discovered” would be to sell the region short.

Against the canvas of the timeless Tuscan landscape, a vibrant style and culture have emerged, some of it brought to you by transplants who couldn’t leave. You can admire a view of Monte Amiata from the minimalist terrace at the B&B La Bandita, opened last May by John Voigtmann, an erstwhile Manhattan music executive. Or in Montalcino, relax by the pool at Castello Banfi’s ll Borgo, a 14-room hotel in a 19th-century building restored to gorgeous effect by American Cristina Mariani-May, a co-CEO of the family winery. A handful of Tuscany’s thermal baths-among them Terme di Saturnia in the Maremma and Adler Thermae at Bagno Vignoni-have shed their dowdy images and emerged with sleek rooms and amenities. And then there’s Florence, moving apace with the rest of the region: the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, which opens in July, could exist only here-housed in a palace designed by the Renaissance architect Sangallo, and painstakingly restored under the aegis of the Ministry of Fine Arts and Culture.

How to tackle Tuscany’s multitude of attractions? Don’t try to do it all at once; it does, after all, contain 10 distinct provinces. And do leave time for a detour along one of the strade bianche, the “white roads” that often lead to delightful vistas. Tuscany is simultaneously luxurious and worlds-away rustic, resolutely provincial and firmly forward-thinking. Expect to be surprised. And who knows? You may even make a discovery or two.

ITALY@FriendsTravel.com Email now for your travel and accommodations reservations.

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Wine and Truffles Adventure in Piemonte, Italy FriendsTravel.com

The Wine and Truffles Adventure in Piemonte, Italy

September 22-September 29, 2008

September 28-October 5, 2009

Hosted by Debbie and Barry Frangipane

Come experience the magic of Piemonte (Piedmont), the home of the rare white truffles and the most important wines in Italy…

Piedmont is the home of the Slow Food movement and is renowned for the quality of its food and its gourmet cuisine. Everywhere you will find local artisan producers of cheese, salami, chocolate…. The area has the highest concentration of gourmet chefs in Italy and there is food to satisfy every palette. The region is also rich in history, pageantry and breathtaking scenery. Our villa is in the golden triangle of wine production and is ideally based for ‘gourmeting’ and sightseeing for all of the major activities and events in Piedmont.

We will stay in a newly renovated 400 year-old palazzo near the famous wine town of Asti. Many rooms have terraces and a 360 degree view of the surrounding vineyards. The entire palazzo will be exclusively ours, complete with a professional kitchen with plenty of room for those eager to learn. In 2007 our villa was awarded the Traveler’s Award for top 10 Hotel Gems in Europe. Tripadvisor.com has rated the villa as high as the third best hotel in Italy, and the villa was recently featured on BBC’s Luxury Travel Channel.

There are landscaped gardens with a large covered pergola, a lounge bar, wine tasting room, game room and sun terraces, and a superb swimming pool, a small gym, and courtyard with views along the valley. Dining “alfresco” with a view of the surrounding vineyards is a magnificent experience.

All of our bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, mini-bars and tea and coffee machines. There is also a mix of styles throughout the villa, from the exotic Moroccan room to the refined French Quarter and the rustic Italian style rooms with their lustrous woods and wrought iron furnishings.

The fine people of La Spinetta wines, whose 2000 Barolo earned a score of 100 points from Wine Spectator magazine, will be treating us to a night of food and wine pairing in our villa home. Pairing the perfect Piemonte wines with sumptuous foods will provide memories for years to come.

The Piedmont area is known throughout the world for its exquisite truffles – especially the white truffle. During the truffle months, this region goes mad for this upscale relative of the mushroom. There are fairs every weekend – the main ones are in Alba and Asti – and the restaurants are filled with that distinctive, earthy aroma.

For many, part of the pleasure is in the hunting. Our villa is within walking distance of one of the most prolific regions for truffles in the area. You will join our local expert who has been pulling truffles from the ground for at least 3 decades. He and his very accomplished dog, Rocky, will ‘sniff out’ the most likely places to find our own ‘white gold’. They have now been mentioned on the Letterman show; appeared on the BBC and are in Francesco’s Italy and Vanity Fair! Amongst his finds was a fist-sized one which fetched 150 euros.

Once we have mastered cooking with truffles we will move on to the indescribable pleasures of digestion. Italians have, out of necessity due to their love of dining, perfected the art of completing the dining experience with the perfect digestivo. In order to properly understand this integral part of the dining experience, we will visit the local grappa distillery and museum located within 5 minutes from our villa.

We will see how Italians make this “liquid gold” (also known as Italian moonshine) in their own homes, while tasting a variety of grappa enabling us to better pair the perfect grappa to complement our meals. Discover which grappa is better suited for your taste buds! Perhaps you will like the cherry infused grappa, or maybe you will be swayed by the divine grappa made with baby strawberries.

We have been invited to an exclusive cooking class just for us in the halls of the Castello di Verduno, built in the 1500s, and purchased in1838 by King Carlo Alberto of Savoy , who so loved their Barolo wines that they became known as “The Wines of Kings”.
We will be visiting the historic bakery of Moriondo Carlo, the home of Amaretti Biscotti since 1798. Dip your fingers in the batter and think of our return to the villa where we will experience the sinful dolci made with these local treats.

Silvia, a local producer of delicious cheeses has invited us to visit her farm to see how she and her friends craft these artisan cheeses. Of course, no cheese tasting would be complete without wine!

We will be invited to a private chocolate tasting. Giacomo, a second generation chocolatier, has developed a passion for chocolate that is almost an art. This artisan chocolate maker imports cocoa from around the world to make his own select blends of chocolate. Giacomo applies his craftsmanship to Piemonte specialties from chocolate salami to Amaretti Marengo to Gianduja, a hazelnut chocolate unlike any other.

His liqueur-filled Mandridrugnin, and his chospice (a dark chocolate with spices) are a real triumph of confectionery artistry and skill.

As a final celebration, we will be treated to a luxurious gala dinner and private party in the cantinas of the Contratto winery used by the Italians in WWII to hide their wine from the Germans. Michelin star chef Mariuccia from a local, highly acclaimed restaurant will create a celebration of the traditions of Piemonte exclusively for us in this special setting.

Come join us on this adventure in the home of Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Asti wines.

FOOD:

Our host Barry Frangipane will be teaching us how to make authentic Tiramisu. Since his mother was raised in Treviso , a bustling town in the Veneto where Tiramisu was created, Barry feels it is important to pass down the proper technique for making this delicious dessert.

Debbie Frangipane will cook (market permitting) from her favorites which include:

Vittello Tonnato, Pasta Bolognese, brescaola, Bigoi in Salsa, pasta in tomato onion butter sauce, Gelato filled oranges, Sarde in Saor con polenta, baba rhum cakes, brandy marinated oranges, fritto misto, torta di mandorle e pignoli con crema di limone, melone con marsala, prosciutto con melone (with San Daniele, of course!) Parmesan encrusted rack of lamb, bruschetta, foccaccia con cipolle, foccaccia con rosmarino, eggplant parmesan, mushroom timbale, torta al’aranciata, manicotti, insalata caprese, asparaghi con prosciutto e fontina, zuppa inglese, coniglio con patate rosmarino, gnochetti all San Daniele in cestino con montasio, pasta aglio e olio, caponata, crispelli.

Debbie will be teaching us the fine art of making cannoli shells, while Barry helps us make a variety of fillings using fresh ricotta from the local market. Recipes will be provided for many of the meals prepared at the villa.

September 22-29, 2008 (Only a few rooms left, so book your room now!)

$3800 Per Person – Special Last Minute Pricing !Book it Now! EMAIL: ITALY@FriendsTravel.com

September 28 – October 5, 2009 (Only 11 rooms total, so reserve your room now with a $900 per person deposit!)

$4950 Per Person

Book it Now! EMAIL: ITALY@FriendsTravel.com

Pricing Based on Double Occupancy, Exclusive of Air Fare. First Class, Business Class or Coach airfares available at reduced fares. EMAIL: ITALY@FriendsTravel.com

What’s Included:

• Seven Nights En Suite Private Lodging
• All Meals & Wine
• Ground Transportation between Milan Malpensa Airport and the villa
• Wine Tasting and Lunch at Noceto Michelotti
• Berta Grappa Tour & Tasting
• Private Chocolate Tasting at our Villa with Giacomo
• Food and Wine Pairings by Piemonte Wine Producers at our Villa
• Amaretti tour at Moriondo Carlo
• Visit to Cheese Factory
• Lunch and Cooking Class at the Castello Di Verduno
• Hands-On Cooking Lessons with Debbie
• Truffle Hunt
• Barbaresco Tasting at Marchesi di Gresy
• La Spinetta Wine and Food Pairing Feast
• Exclusive Gala Dinner in the Contratto Cantina by Michelin Star Chef
• EMAIL: ITALY@FriendsTravel.com
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Rome + Florence Escape from$899.* FriendsTravel.com

Rome-Florence Escape EMAIL: ITALY@FriendsTravel.com Starting at $899

Package Description Treat yourself to the ultimate Italian city break! Rome and Florence, two of the world’s most alluring destinations, have been attracting and enchanting visitors for centuries. This 6-night independent vacation brings you the grandeur of Rome and the charm of Florence at an unbeatable price. Fly round trip on Alitalia and spend your first four days exploring the endless wonders of the Eternal city. Then travel by train to Florence for another two days of Italian splendor amongst the treasure trove of art, architecture, and style that distinguishes this Tuscan gem. Choose our Platinum upgrade for the luxury and ambience of classic Italian four-star accommodations. Also included in the upgrade is a comprehensive motor-coach tour of Rome. Take advantage of this special opportunity to experience Italy at a truly exceptional price! Book by Aug. 15. Available Dates & Base Rate Travel Date JFK NEWARK CHICAGO BOSTON MIAMI LOS ANGELES Nov 11 – Nov 29 $999 $999 $1039 $1089 $1089 $1179 Nov 30 – Feb 13 $899 $899 $939 $989 $989 $1079 Feb 14 – Mar 15 $929 $929 $969 $1019 $1019 $1109 Mar 16 – Mar 31 $999 $999 $1039 $1089 $1089 $1179 Terms/Conditions: $899* Package price is per person based on 2 people sharing and includes round-trip economy class airfare on valid transatlantic services between New York and Rome (return from Florence) and 4 nights at the Hotel Waldorf in Rome and 2 nights at Hotel Delle Nazioni in Florence. Based on select travel dates between 11.30.08 and 02.13.09. Seats are limited and prices may be restricted to specific flights, class of service, travel dates, length of stay or room type. Land only bookings must be made through the call center and will incur a $100 per person fee. Please note: Package not available from December 22 to January 1 and rates from November 11 to November 29 and March 16 to March 31 start at $999, rates from February 14 to March 15 start at $929. All gratuities are the responsibility of the passenger. Accommodations include applicable taxes. Offer applies to North American-originating passengers only. Excludes government taxes/fees/facility charges from $97 up to $150 and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for U.S. enplanements. Flight restrictions/terms & conditions apply. Frequent flyer mileage/points do not apply. Tickets are non-refundable. Stopovers are not permitted. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts/promotions. Child/infant discounts not available. Valid for new bookings only. Price is based on the lowest available airfare and may be subject to availability and change. Substantial penalties apply for cancellation/changes. Full payment is due at time of reservation. Other restrictions may apply. Visit www.Sceptretours.com or call (800) 901-4042 for full details on change/cancellation policy and detailed land offering. $25 per person concierge fee will apply for all bookings through the call center. Additional terms and conditions will apply. Additional Information. Platinum package for $200 more includes roundtrip airfare on Alitalia, 4 nights at the Hotel Diana in Rome, 2 nights at the Hotel Carolus in Florence one way standard rail from Rome to Florence, and Imperial Rome motorcoach tour. From November 11 to November 14 Platinum package is from $400 to $600 more. Optional Trip Cancellation Waiver will be offered during the booking process and if purchased, you will be allowed to cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to departure and receive a full credit for travel 364 days from your original travel date, less the amount paid for insurance and fees. If you have not purchased our Trip Cancellation Waiver, all bookings are Non-Refundable. Subject to space availability. ITALY@FriendsTravel.com FriendsTravel.com FriendsTravel.net

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