Italywithfriendstravel’s Weblog

December 20, 2010

11 Day Slow and Easy Italy Venice, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome Friends Travel LLP

11 Day Slow and Easy Italy<br>Venice, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome <br>A Budget Travel Magazine Exclusive From  $1499
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.
FIT@FriendsTravel.com
JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant

January 17, 2010

Rome, Italy and beyond with Friends Travel LLP

Filed under: Europe,Italy,Rome — italywithfriendstravel @ 12:54 am
Rome Essentials
rome st peters basilica night river dark italyThe capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and inspiring ancient sites — yet at the same time it is alive and vibrant in a 21st-century way. It’s an unforgettable city to visit and we’ll warn you right now: once you’ve experienced it you’ll want to come back for more.

One of our favorite things to do here is walk and ogle. On a recent visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, with its jaw-dropping art and statuary (not to mention religious significance), to Via del Corso, where our pursuit of the latest Italian fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman shoppers. And then the next day we went on an ancient history quest past ruins and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode) to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Then, walking on, we were awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a great hangout spot.

Many first-time visitors, envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the Tiber River running through the city (Cleopatra made her grand entrance from the river). And the senses may be shocked by the general energy and hustle and bustle — with cars, taxis and scooters roaring here and there, crossing the street can be a challenge (don’t worry, there are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from it all and unwind).

The food is of course wonderful — we can’t eat enough pasta — and the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such a quest in Rome we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut flavor) or coffee breaks because “when in Rome…” And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci, Armani and more (high style can be found in more affordable brands like Furla as well). What could be better than that?

What to See
In the Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica (Piazza San Pietro), the earthly locus of the Roman Catholic Church, and the extensive Vatican Museums (where you’ll find the Sistine Chapel) are grouped together just across the Tiber River from central Rome. In recent years visitors to St. Peter’s have had to clear a security line, which can be found to the right of the main entrance. Be aware that tank tops and shorts are not acceptable attire within St. Peter’s. At the Vatican Museums, the lines can get very long if you’re not with a group; to save time, purchase tickets online ahead of time at the Web site above.

colosseum coliseum rome italy tourist travel The Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo) is a shell of an ancient stadium — first inaugurated in 80 A.D. — where gladiators engaged in bloodbaths. The Pantheon (Piazza della Rotunda) dates back to 27 B.C. and is considered the ancient world’s most complete monument. Even better, the Pantheon is more than a museum; it still holds concerts and other special events.

Not far from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, the oldest part of the city. Here you’ll find ruined temples, arches and other dramatic structures from the ancient world. To get the most from your visit, buy a detailed map of the site at the gate when you enter.

Near the Colosseum, we always drop our jaws at the sight of the Vittorio Emanuele Monument (Piazza Venezia), an extravagant white marble monument (its nickname is “the wedding cake”) with giant horse sculptures, constructed in the 1800′s to honor Italy’s first king. You can’t go inside, but it’s a great photo opp.

The Trevi Fountain (Piazza Trevi), was made famous by the classic flick “Three Coins in a Fountain”; legend has it if you want to come back to Rome, you must throw in a coin.

For art lovers, Galleria Borghese (Villa Borghese) has Rome’s premier collection of masterpieces, including works by Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael.

Ostia Antica, Rome’s version of Pompeii, is about 45 minutes outside the city, but worth the trek. It was founded in the fourth century B.C. and was a bustling port city until a couple of factors — outbreaks of malaria and the river’s changing course — led to its abandonment. Ultimately it was covered in silt, and the site has gradually been excavated over the past century.

Explore the hip urban neighborhood of Trastevere (just across the Tiber). Among its attractions, beyond tons of charming sidewalk cafes, one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, is the serene and soothing Orto Botanico (Largbo Cristina di Svezia 24), comprised of 19 different gardens, and the piazza of Santa Maria, one of the city’s prettiest piazzas and the site where, according to legend, oil was said to have sprung from the ground on the occasion of Christ’s birth. Santa Maria Cathedral, which anchors the square, is a soothing, restful stop.

One of Rome’s most exuberant piazzas (traffic-free squares) is Piazza Navona, which is virtually a carnival — you can have your portrait drawn, sit by the fountain and enjoy a gelato cone, drink wine at a sidewalk cafe, or dance to live music. Also fun is Campo dei Fiori (the only reason it’s not called a piazza is that it isn’t anchored by a church), particularly if you like flea markets in the morning, and fun, informal sidewalk cafes from lunchtime onward.

Where to Eat
Rome is justifiably famous for its cuisine, from homey pasta dishes served in traditional trattorias to melt-in-your-mouth gelato from that teeny little shop around the corner. And did we mention the pizza? A meal at an outdoor cafe is a must-do Roman experience. We like to avoid the crowds on Piazza Navona and follow the locals instead to Piazza del Popolo, where you’ll find fine people-watching and cafes serving excellent pasta, not far from the Via del Corso shopping area.

Widely considered one of the best restaurants in all of Rome, La Pergola (Via Alberto Cadlolo 101) is the place to go for a big splurge (and we mean big — appetizers start at nearly 50 euros). The only restaurant in the city to have earned three Michelin stars, this ultra-luxe dining room offers divine Italian dishes accompanied by your choice of wine from a cellar of more than 50,000 bottles. Reservations essential.

Follow the locals to the Trastevere neighborhood and Sabatini (Piazza Santa Maria), serving up seafood and and spaghetti among other classic Roman dishes.

For something you can’t get anywhere else, head to the Jewish Ghetto and try the famous fried artichokes, especially at Piperno (Via Monte de Cenci 9).

It’s nearly impossible to choose the best pizzeria in Rome, but Da Baffetto (Via del Governo Vecchio 114) would certainly be in the running. Locals line up for the traditional thin-crust pies at this Roman favorite.

Giolitti (Via Uffici del Vicario 40) is Rome’s oldest gelateria, and here you can indulge your sweet tooth with anything from a simple scoop of chocolate ice cream to a decadent sundae such as the Coppa Olimpica, shaped like an Olympic torch and filled with zabaione, turrone, chocolate, cream and pan di Spagna.

Where to Stay
Rome offers a wealth of hotels from upscale joints to inexpensive pensioni (a guesthouse or boarding house). The cheaper hotels tend to be clustered around the Termini train station, which isn’t particularly picturesque but does offer easy access to the rest of the city via public transportation. Be warned that not all hotels in Rome have air conditioning, particularly those at the lower end of the budget scale, so be sure to check ahead of time if you’re traveling during the hot summer months. Summer is also the busiest time to visit Rome; make your reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.

intercontinental de la ville hotel rome italy Oozing history, atmosphere, utter romance and a fabulous top-of-the-Spanish Steps location is the Intercontinental De la Ville Roma (Via Sestina 67/69). It feels a bit like your own private palazzo (you’d never know, from the inside, that this is a 192-room hotel with a full complement of restaurants and other services).

A close-to-Vatican City option, great for couples, is the cozy, intimate Palazzo Cardinal Cesi (Via della Conciliazione 51). It’s filled with antiques, rooms are larger than average for Rome and the gorgeous courtyard is a wonderful haven for a snack or a cocktail.

Another great location — this one more for heart-of-the-city convenience steps away from the fabulous Piazza Navona — is Hotel Raphael (Largo Febo 2), a comfortable, atmosphere-laden place with all the amenities, such as a restaurant and fitness area.

For those looking for more of a splurge, do as Hemingway did and stay at the five-star Hotel Eden (Via Ludovisi 49), grand and glamorous and boasting a world-class restaurant with views over the city (the hotel is now operated by Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts).

Families and those on a budget should check out La Residenza (Via Emilia 22/24), near Piazza Barberini. Located in a converted villa, the property offers decently sized guestrooms and junior suites in a homey atmosphere.

Where to Shop
You’ll find a wealth of shopping opportunities in Rome, from chic Italian fashions to delicious food and wine. Looking for souvenirs? Go browsing for leather handbags or shoes, or treat yourself to haute couture from one of Rome’s upscale boutiques.

Rome’s most magnificent shops are clustered on streets branching off from the elegant Piazza d’Spagna (the Spanish Steps). The chic-est of chic stores are found on Via Veneto and Via Condotti; more mainstream (and affordable) stores are on the long Via del Corso. Take a coffee break at Antico Caffe Greco (Via Condotti 84), a place to see and be seen since it opened in 1760.

For reasonably priced clothing, shoes and jewelry, walk along Via Cola di Rienzi, which runs from Piazza Risorgimento to the Tiber River.

For leather goods at relatively affordable prices, try busy Via Nazionale between Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Venezia.

Antique stores are clustered on Via del Babuino.

ITALY@FriendsTravel.com

October 16, 2008

“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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August 13, 2008

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

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July 29, 2008

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