SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS TOUR TO ITALY unusual journey with R. Crusoe & Son

Transcription

1 Florence. SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS TOUR TO ITALY unusual journey with R. Crusoe & Son Dear Safari Club International Members, In June 2016, come visit Italy in the company of fellow members of Safari Club International. Our journey has been planned by R. Crusoe & Son, a luxury tour company. Crusoe has created this SCI members journey with our group s particular interests in mind. Here is a great opportunity to spend time with fellow SCI members, including those of the SCI Italian Chapter, and to explore Florence, Siena, Tuscany, Lake Phil DeLone. Garda, and enchanting Venice. We begin in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Day-trip to historic Siena, and taste fine wine in the Tuscan hills before returning to Florence. We then spend several days near lovely Lake Garda, participating in a variety of activities with members of the SCI Italian Chapter, including special visits to the Beretta and Fausti firearms factories and museums and two awards dinners. If you have time, I hope you ll join us for a pre-tour visit to incomparable Rome. L and in Florence, Italy, on Sunday, 5 June. (We offer an optional pre-tour visit to Rome as well. For more information, see the sidebar on page 4.) Our home-away-fromhome is the Brunelleschi, an inviting hotel wonderfully situated close to many of the city s highlights. Join us for a visit to the Stibbert Museum to peruse its vast collection of armor from both the East and West. Then we gather for a welcome reception. Next, a day trip through Tuscany. The heartland of Italy is a rolling patchwork of ancient farms, olive groves, and vineyards. The Tuscan city of Siena, our first destination, spent a good part of its past at war with Florence. We are treated to a private tour of one of the 17 neighborhood contrade, or districts, in the town. Learn about the Palio, a twice-yearly horse race whose origins reach back to Roman times. Before returning to Florence, we have a tour and tasting at a top Tuscan wine estate. Phil DeLone Chief Executive Officer From Florence, day-trip to Tuscany for a wine-tasting and more. 1 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son

2 Time to dig deeper into Florence. Visit Piazza Duomo and its Santa Maria del Fiore, the world s fourth-largest cathedral. Designed by Giotto, the Duomo s Campanile (Bell Tower) stands 280 feet tall. Constructed between 1059 and 1150 to honor John the Baptist, the Duomo s Baptistry is one of the city s oldest buildings. Lorenzo Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano sculpted its three sets of bronze doors. Michelangelo named one set The Gates of Paradise. Enter the Galleria dell Accademia, a mecca of art masterworks. Come with us to see David at the Galleria dell Accademia. Among other masterpieces, we view Michelangelo s statue David, the artist s heroic Four Prisoners, and his Pietà (one of three he completed). More art awaits at the Uffizi, a treasury of Renaissance art. The outstanding collection traces the evolution of Florentine artists over the centuries. Head to the iconic Ponte Vecchio, then walk to a magnificent site closed to the general public: the Vasari Corridor, built by the Medicis as a secret passageway between their home, the Pitti Palace, and their office (now the Uffizi). This is one of the city s best-kept secrets, but we have been given special permission to enter. Depart Florence by train. Destination? Verona, Lago di Garda. colonized by the Romans in 89 B.C. Pliny the Elder was a citizen, as was Catullus (84-54 B.C.), the great Roman poet. Perennial feuding between Guelphs and Ghibellines throughout Italy reached extremes in this city, so much so that, in 1529, it inspired Luigi Da Porto to pen the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Later, of course, Shakespeare brought the story to the stage. We visit Verona s immense Roman Iconic Ponte Vecchio. Florence. 2 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son

3 Get comfortable at Palazzo Arzaga. Calvagese della Riviera. arena, constructed in the first century A.D. and still in use today. Time permitting, we also see the balcony of Giulietta (Romeo s Juliet) before overnighting in town. We now drive to Lago di Garda, Italy s largest lake, tucked into the mountain range known as Gruppo del Baldo. The lake has been a magnet for vacationers since at least as far back as Catullus, who owned a villa on its shores. In the Lake Garda town of Calvagese della Riviera, we meet up with our counterparts, members of the SCI Italian Chapter. Among our specially arranged visits are private tours of the Beretta and Fausti firearms factories and museums and two SCI Italian Chapter awards dinners. On Sunday, 12 June, bid farewell to Calvagese della Riviera as we depart for a morning drive to marvelousvenice. Upon arrival, we begin exploring. First, to the Doges Palace. Who were the doges? Venice s dukes. The title carries the distinction of being the second most ancient dignitary in the world after the pope. For 1,100 years, 120 of them ruled the city in unbroken succession. During our tour, we enter rooms and secret passages not open to the public. Walk to Piazza San Marco, center of the city. Napoléon called it the finest drawing room in Europe. Here we enter the cathedral, St. Mark s Basilica, named for the patron saint, Mark the Evangelist, and examine its remarkable Byzantine altar, the Pala d Oro. Our day ends with a gondola ride to a festive farewell dinner. Our hotel in Venice? The historic Danieli. Its main building is a landmark appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf, and Murano chandeliers. The following day, make your way to the airport for your flight home. Piazza San Marco. Napoléon was an ardent fan. 3 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son

4 OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR EXTENSION: ROME. Italy for Members of Safari Club International. Day 1: U.S. Saturday, 4 June 2016 Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight. Calvagese de Riviera Bologna Florence Land travel Venice Verona Siena ITALY Rome Day 2: Florence, Italy Sunday, 5 June 2016 Arrive Florence, Stibbert Museum, welcome reception. Hotel Brunelleschi. To book this journey, Rachel Dorsey at rdorsey@rcrusoe.com. or call her at St. Peter s Basilica. If you have the time, we invite you to join us prior to the main tour for a visit to magnificent Rome, repository of some of Italy s finest Roman remains and home of the extraordinary Vatican museums. We divide our time between imperial Rome and Christian Rome. Enter the second-century A.D. Pantheon. See Piazza Navona, built in the 17th century by the family of Pope Innocent X. Stroll to the Spanish Steps, and linger at the Trevi Fountain just as Anita Ekberg did in Fellini s La Dolce Vita. Tour St. Peter s Basilica (home of Michelangelo s Pietà and other treasures), then continue to the armory at Castel Sant Angelo (built as the Mausoleum of Hadrian), a repository of military memorabilia and medieval firearms. We make an evening, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums, when much of the crowd has disbursed. In the Sistine Chapel, examine Michaelangelo s exquisite ceiling. But don t overlook another of his masterpieces, The Last Judgment, on the altar wall as well as other remarkable treasures around us. Then to the hub of imperial Rome: the iconic Colosseum and the Forum. Enter the Catacombs of St. Domitilla, one of the city s oldest and largest burial sites. View early Christian frescoes and a fourth-century subterranean church. On Sunday, 5 June, enjoy your morning at leisure before we board a train bound for Florence. There, we join the main tour. Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 June Price per person sharing room $3,280 Single supplement $990 Day 3: Siena, Tuscany, Florence Monday, 6 June 2016 Drive to Siena, city tour, Tuscan winery tour and tasting, return to Florence. Hotel Brunelleschi. Day 4: Florence Tuesday, 7 June 2016 Duomo, Baptistery, Galleria dell Accademia including Michelangelo s David, leisure time. Hotel Brunelleschi. Day 5: Florence, Verona Wednesday, 8 June 2016 Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Vasari Corridor, train to Verona, Roman arena, Giulietta balcony. Palazzo Victoria or similar. Day 6-8: Calvagese della Riviera Thursday-Saturday, 9-11 June 2016 Drive to Calvagese della Riviera, Beretta and Fausti firearms factories and museums with SCI Italian Chapter members, various activities with SCI Italian Chapter members, SCI Italian Chapter dinners and awards presentations. Palazzo Arzaga Hotel. Day 9: Venice Sunday, 12 June 2016 Drive to Venice, Doge s Palace including secret rooms and passageways, St. Mark s Square, St, Mark s Basilica including Pala d Oro, gondola ride, farewell dinner. Hotel Danieli. Day 10: Venice; U.S. Monday, 13 June 2016 Transfer to the airport on your own, fly home. This itinerary is subject to change. 4 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son

5 BOOKING DEADLINE: 8 JANUARY After that date, reservations are offered on a space-available basis. Contact Rachel Dorsey at rdorsey@rcrusoe.com or call Tour Price Per person sharing room... $6,590 Single supplement...$1,990 Please note: Space on this tour is limited. Bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis. The tour is sold as described. There are no refunds for unused portions of these segments. The tour price is based on a minimum number of 20 travelers on the main tour and a minimum of 12 travelers on the Rome pre-tour extension as well as present currency exchange and fuel rates. If fewer than the minimum number of travelers participate on the main tour or the post-tour extension, or if there is a major change in exchange rates, a price supplement may apply and/or the itinerary may be adjusted. After booking, members receive a confirmation. Expect a detailed itinerary a few weeks before departure. R. Crusoe strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. Eligibility Participation in this program requires that travelers be in good health. Walking and stair climbing are commonly part of many tours. Travelers with physical disabilities must make them known to R. Crusoe & Son at the time of booking. Persons with any medical problems or related dietary restrictions must inform R. Crusoe & Son well before departure. Meals All breakfasts are included plus at least one lunch or dinner each day. Inclusions Accommodations based on double occupancy; arrival airport transfer; ground transportation, meals, and sightseeing as indicated; wine and local beer with included meals; hotel taxes; entrance fees to museums and places of interest; baggage handling; gratuities for local guides, drivers, porters; professional tour escort throughout; tour development and planning; reservation management by R. Crusoe senior tour consultant; and preparation and delivery of preliminary and final documents. Exclusions Intercontinental airfare; departure airport transfer; costs of passports and/or visas; personal expenses such as laundry and beverages (mixed drinks); room service; excess baggage fees; communication charges; personal insurance coverage. Airfare Intercontinental airfare between the United States and Italy is not included in the price of the tour. Registration A deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover/Nova. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. Cancellations Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure are subject to a $500 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of the tour cost: days, 35 percent; days, 50 percent; 29 days or less, 100 percent R. Crusoe & Son. 9 December 2015 R. Crusoe & Son Contact Rachel Dorsey at rdorsey@rcrusoe.com or for more information or to book. 5 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son

6 REGISTRATION & PAYMENT FORM SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS TOUR TO ITALY 2016 Please return both pages of this completed form by fax ( ), or mail to R. Crusoe & Son, 566 W. Adams St. No. 505, Chicago, IL Any questions? Contact Rachel Dorsey at or Traveler Name (s) Date: BOOKING DEADLINE: FRIDAY, 8 JANUARY After that date, reservations are offered on a space-available basis. A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to guarantee your tour reservation. Payment by personal check is preferred. In addition, payment may be made using the credit cards listed below. TOUR RESERVATIONS q MAIN TOUR PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $6,590 q SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1,990 q ROME PRE-TOUR PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $3,280 q SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $990 Method of Payment: q Personal check (made payable to R. Crusoe & Son) q Visa q MasterCard q Discover/Nova $ Amount to charge Credit Card Number Cardholder s Name (as it appears on the card) Expiration Date Month/Year Security Code On Back of Card Billing Address City State Zip Code Shipping Address (if different from billing address) City State Zip Code Cardholder s Daytime Telephone Number Cardholder s Evening Telephone Number Cardholder s Address Cardholder s Signature q Yes, I have read and signed the Terms & Conditions which begins on this page. Payment constitutes acceptance of the Terms & Conditions as stated. T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S On the advancement of deposit, the depositor acknowledges that he or she has read and understands the specific inclusions, exclusions, registration, and cancellation policies of the tour, the terms and conditions listed below, and that he or she agrees to be bound by them. Signature above authorizes payment to R. Crusoe & Son ( R. Crusoe ) for all tour charges. This tour is sold as described, and R. Crusoe makes no refund for unused portions of the tour. Cancellation penalties apply. Full terms and conditions are provided to members prior to booking. After booking, members receive a confirmation. Expect a detailed itinerary a few weeks before departure. This itinerary is subject to change. 6 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son

7 Traveler Name(s) Date: T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S Arrangements. Quoted tour prices include planning, handling, and operational charges and are quoted in U.S. dollars based on the current rate of exchange, tariff, and fuel prices. Responsibility. R. Crusoe and its operating partners purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant services, and other services from various independent suppliers that are not subject to its control. R. Crusoe and its operating partners cannot, therefore, be liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage to person or property that may occur due to (1) a wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary act by others not under direct control of R. Crusoe and its operating partners, (2) defects in, or failures of, any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle, or other means of transportation not under its control, or (3) acts of God. R. Crusoe and its operating partners also reserve the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of any tour or part thereof any person at any time, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by airline schedule changes, delays, or events beyond its control. R. Crusoe and its operating partners are not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses. Travel Documents. All travel documents (international air tickets, passport) are the traveler s responsibility. Without the required documents, travelers may be denied entry into Italy. R. Crusoe is not liable for such denial. Baggage. Baggage handling is at the traveler s risk throughout the tour. Baggage restrictions may apply. If so, R. Crusoe is not responsible for excess baggage fees. Smoking. Smoking is not permitted during situations that involve fellow travelers. This applies when travelers are in restaurants, sightseeing vehicles, trains, boats and other water transport, air transport, and when participating in group activities. Eligibility. All travelers should be in good health and able to walk during touring. This tour requires travelers to walk on uneven and possibly slippery surfaces and to go up and down stairs. Many venues on this tour do not have elevators. Some areas prohibit coaches, so walking is mandatory. By forwarding the deposit for this tour, the traveler certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/her or others. It is essential that persons with any medical problems or related dietary restrictions inform R. Crusoe & Son well before the date of departure. All travelers are expected to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Meals. All breakfasts included plus at least one lunch or dinner each day. Travel Insurance. R. Crusoe strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. Prices. Prices are based on a minimum number of 20 travelers on the main tour and a minimum of 12 travelers on the Rome pre-tour extension as well as present currency exchange and fuel rates. If fewer than the minimum number of travelers participate on the main tour or the post-tour extension, or if there is a major change in exchange rates, a price supplement may apply and/or the itinerary may be adjusted. Inclusions. Accommodations based on double occupancy; arrival airport transfer; ground transportation, meals, and sightseeing as indicated; wine and local beer with included meals; hotel taxes; entrance fees to museums and places of interest; baggage handling; gratuities for local guides, drivers, porters; professional tour escort throughout; tour development and planning; reservation management by R. Crusoe senior tour consultant; and preparation and delivery of preliminary and final documents. Exclusions. Intercontinental airfare; departure airport transfer; costs of passports and/or visas; personal expenses such as laundry and beverages (mixed drinks); room service; excess baggage fees; communication charges; personal insurance coverage. Airfare/Baggage Handling. Air travel between the U.S. and Italy is not included in the price of the tour. Registration. A deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, Discover/Nova, or MasterCard. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. Cancellations. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure are subject to a $500 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of tour cost: days, 35 percent; days, 50 percent; 29 days or less, 100 percent R. Crusoe & Son. 9 December 2015 Signature(s) Date: Printed Name(s) 7 Safari Club International 2016 Members Tour to Italy with R. Crusoe & Son