How To Visit Verona And Surrounding Areas

Transcription

1 Pauwels Travel Bureau 95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1 Tel / Fax tours@pauwelstravel.com - Ancient view of Verona, with the Adige River, the old bridge, and San Pietro Hill The romantic city of Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet VERONA AND SURROUNDINGS 10 days, Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, March 23, 2013 A winter break in one of Italy s most beautiful and interesting cities, featuring a superb site on the shores of the Adige River and surrounded by vine-covered hills; impressive Roman monuments; fine Medieval churches, castles, and bridges; great shopping; excellent food, not to mention high quality regional wines such as Valpolicella, Amarone, and Bardolino! Also excursions to other attractive North Italian cities such as Bolzano, Ravenna, and Vicenza, and to magnificent Lake Garda. The tour is escorted by Jacques Pauwels, PhD, author of Beneath the Dust of Time (London, 2009), who will lecture on the history of the city and Italy in general. Tour cost, based on double occupancy: From Toronto: $2,655 Land only : $2,140 Single room supplement: $325 Day 1 - Thursday, March 14: Early evenining departure (around 6 PM) from Toronto International Airport to Romes with Alitalia. Dinner and a light breakfast will be served on board. < Panoramic view of Verona from San Pietro Hill Day 2 - Friday, March 15: Morning arrival in Rome, and short connecting flight to Verona. Arrival in Verona around 10:30AM. A private coach will be waiting to take us briefly to the top of San Pietro Hill, crowned by a 19 th -century Austrian fortress, for a magnificient panoramic view of the town, situated in a meander of the mighty Adige River, with at our feet the ruins of a Roman Theatre. Then we proceed to the very centrally located 4-star

2 (first class) Hotel Accademia, unquestionably one of the finest hotels in the city ( for travellers comments, virtually unanimously favourable, and pictures, see Accademia_Hotel-Verona_Province_of_Verona_Veneto.html.) Check in, followed by free time to settle in. In late afternoon, leisurely introductory walking tour of this romantic city, associated with Shakespeare plays, above all Romeo and Juliet (see and Welcome dinner in the hotel or in a nearby restaurant. Day 3 - Saturday, March 16: After our first buffet breakfast, we put on our walking shoes and start our in-depth exploration of Verona. Today s program features the following attractions: Piazza Bra, the monumental square at the entrance to the old town, just beyond the old city walls; the superb Roman Amphitheatre, similar to Rome s Colosseum but much better preserved, home of the city s famous Opera Festival; the so-called House of Juliet, with its famous courtyard and balcony; historical Piazza delle Erbe, the former Roman Forum, the perfect spot for a cappucion or gelato break; the imposing Piazza dei Signori, dominated by the brick Lamberti Tower, 84 meters high and dating back to the 12 th century; the Scaligeri Tombs, impressive sarcophagi of the Scaligeri Family, rulers of Verona during the Middle Ages ( the scenic banks of the Adige River; the Roman Theatre; the Duomo, or Cathedral; and Porta Borsari, a Roman city gate. Afternoon at leisure, and dinner in a typical restaurant. Ancient postcard showing Piazza Bra and the Roman Amphitheatre, ca > Day 4 - Sunday, March 17: Excursion to Bolzano, the very attractive capital of the German-speaking region of Northern Italy known as South Tyrol or Alto Adige, including a walk through the attractive old town and a visit to the local archaeological museum, whose pride and joy is Iceman Oetzi, a prehistoric hunter whose 5,000-year old mummified body was discovered in 1991 on a glacier high in the Alps ( and On the way back to Verona, time permitting, we may briefly visit the attractive old town of Trento, famous for the Catholic Church s Council of Trent(o) that was held there from 1545 and 1563 ( No group dinner this evening. Day 5 - Monday, March 18: Full-day excursion to Lake Garda, the biggest and arguably the most beautiful of all the lakes of northern Italy, including a visit to the picturesque Medieval town of Sirmione, situated on a peninsula jutting out into the blue waters of the lake, and a boat tour on the lake. Then we head for the scenic hills of the Bardolino wine country for a visit to a winery-and-olive oil fattoria, where we taste the local wine(s), olive oil, and even grappa, followed by a hearty rustic lunch of home-made regional culinary specialties. Return to Verona via the Valpolicella wine country, and free evening.

3 Panoramic view of Lake Garda (Wikimedia Commons picture by Thgoiter) Day 6 - Tuesday, March 19: Today we continue our in-depth exploration of Verona, focusing on three spectacular sights: First, San Zeno Maggiore Basilica, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches of northern Italy, with the tomb of Verona's first bishop and patron saint, Zeno, a 4th-century North African ( see also Second, Castelvecchio the huge Medieval castle, built by the city s Scaligeri rulers. And third, the bridge known as Ponte Scaligeri, a masterpiece of Medieval architecture and engineering. Our tour ends around noon with a visit to the Art Museum, inside the castle but designed by a famous contemporary Italian architect, Carlo Scarpa; the museum features works by Veronese, Venetian and other Italian masters of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including Mantegna, Carpaccio, Bellini, Tintoretto, and Tiepolo ( The afternoon is free to shop or explore the city on your own. Shakespeare and/or Romeo and Juliet aficionados will undoubtedly want to undertake a little pilgrimage to Juliet's Tomb in the Capuccin Church. Here s another suggestion: a visit to the Giardino Giusti, a lovely terraced Renaissance garden, where one walks in the footsteps of illustrious past visitors such as Cosimo De Medici, Mozart, Goethe, and Habsburg Emperor Joseph II ( Dinner again in a typical ristorante. < San Zeno Basilica Castelvecchio and the Scaligeri Bridge > Day 7 - Wednesday, March 20: After breakfast, short sidetrip, this time by train, to the picturesque neighbouring city of Vicenza, associated with the prince of Renaissance architects, Palladio. We visit his magnificent Olympic Theatre ( and admire his Basilica as well as some other attractions in the impressive main square, the Piazza dei Signori. Return to Verona after lunch, or whenever you feel like it, as you will have an individual return ticket, and rest of the day at leisure. Day 8 - Thursday, March 21: Full-day excursion, by private coach, to Ravenna. This intriguing city, situated very close to the Adriatic coast, was once the home base of the Roman Navy and temporarily served as capital of the Empire; it is famous above all for its superb Byzantine mosaics, preserved in glorious churches such as San Vitale, San Apollinare in Classe, and the so-called Tomb of Galla Placidia ( and

4 Other local attractions include the mysterious Tomb of Theodoric and the Tomb of Dante. A group lunch will be served in Ravenna. If time permits, on the return to Verona we may stop briefly in Mantova, birthplace of Virgil, and enjoy a leisurely walking tour from the impressive Ducal Palace to the Basilica Sant Andrea. < The glorious mosaics of Ravenna! Day 9 - Friday, March 22: Your final day in Verona is entirely at leisure. However, depending on the level of interest, optional excursions (by train) may be offered to the neighbouring cities of Padua (with Giotto s famous frescoes in the Capella Scrovegni) and/or Venice; please let us know as soon as possible if you might be interested! This evening, arrivederci-dinner in typical restaurant. SHOPPING IN VERONA: Verona s shops offer a large variety interesting products, including traditional Italian crafts such as Venetianstyle glassware and traditional stationary, ceramics, and of course fine clothes, shoes, handbags, and other leather goods. And let s not forget the food and wine shops, specializing in the regional favourites, such as Amarone and Ripasso! The main shopping areas are in the heart of the old town, at a stone s throw from our hotel, with attractive pedestrian streets such as the elegant Via Mazzini with its marble pavement, sometimes called Verona s golden mile, Corso Porta Borsari, and, for antiques, Corso Santa Anastasia. There is also a wonderful little market on Piazza dell Erbe, selling fruits and vegetables, handicrafts, and souvenirs. See Day 10 - Saturday, March 23: Early morning transfer to Verona Airport and return flight to Toronto, via Rome, with Alitalia. Arrival in Toronto around 4 PM, local time. Tour cost, based on double occupancy, from Toronto: $2,655 Land only : $2,140 Single room supplement: $325 Included in the price are: - Return airfare from Toronto to Verona; - Accommodation, based on double occupancy, in a 4-star first class hotel the single room surcharge is $325; - Transfers and all visits and sightseeing as described in the itinerary; - Gratuities to guides and drivers; - Buffet breakfast daily and a total of 6 dinners (or sometimes lunch). Not included: -***The usual combination of airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and security fees, presently (July 2012) approximately $530, but subject to change; - Wine, beer, mineral water, and similar beverages with lunch or dinner; - All items of a personal nature; - Travel Insurance, available as follows: All-inclusive package: Non-medical package: Up to age 59: $ Up to age 59: $ Ages 60-64: $ Ages 60-64: $ Ages 65-69: $ Ages 65-69: $228.96

5 Ages 70-74: $ Ages 70-74: $ Ages 75 and over: Call for rates Ages 75 and over: Call for rates With Single Supplement: All-inclusive package: Non-medical package: Up to age 59: $ Up to age 59: $ Ages 60-64: $ Ages 60-64: $ Ages 65-69: $ Ages 65-69: $ Ages 70-74: $ Ages 70-74: $ Ages 75 and over: Call for rates Ages 75 and over: Call for rates MAP OF NORTHERN ITALY: ( with Verona just east of the centre of the map, just about half way between Milan and Venice. For a map of Verona, see SUGGESTED READINGS: -The Shakespeare Guide to Italy: Retracing the Bard's Unknown Travels, by Richard Paul Roe -Verona, Vicenza, Lake Garda & the Veneto, by Marissa Fabris -The Master of Verona, by David Blixt -Iceman: Uncovering the Life and Times of a Prehistoric Man Found in an Alpine Glacier, by Brenda Fowler -The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples, by David Gilmour

6 PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD. 95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1 Tel: / Fax: Ont. Reg. # TERMS AND CONDITIONS RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS: Reservations should be made as early as possible to ensure the departure of your choice. A deposit of $ is required at the time of registration. Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt of your deposit and application form. No reservations will be accepted without a signed application form. REFUND OF UNUSED ARRANGEMENTS: Because the rates of Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. are based on group participation, no refund can be made for any tour accommodation or tour service or tour feature not taken. If cancellation occurs while the tour is in progress, no refund can be made for the tour portion not taken. We strongly suggest that to allow for any unexpected contingencies, you purchase the all-inclusive insurance. CANCELLATION POLICY: Refund of deposit is made in full if cancellation is received in writing by Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. more than 90 days prior of the departure date of the tour less a $ non refundable administrative fee per person. For cancellation received in writing 90 days prior or less the following cancellation charges apply: 90 days to 46 days before departure: 25% of tour cost 45 to 15 days before departure: 50% of tour cost Within 14 days prior to departure: 100% of tour cost RESPONSIBILITY: Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. reserves the right without notice, to withdraw any part or all of the tour. Factors such as airline schedule changes, hotel overbookings, inclement weather, etc. may necessitate changes in the itinerary as outlined. There may also be other circumstances in which changes become necessary or advisable. Any savings realized by these changes will be passed on to the passengers, any resultant expenses shall be borne by the passenger. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. acts only as an agent in securing hotel, transportation and other travel services and in no event shall be held responsible for the failure by any person or company to render any transportation, lodging or other travel service to be provided on the tour. All hotel, transportation and other travel services are provided to tour members subject to all the terms and conditions under which they are offered to the public generally. The acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance by the tour member of those conditions. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. also reserves the right to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the tour operators. AIR TRANSPORTATION: Trans Atlantic economy flight by scheduled, IATA carriers, based on a group rate, but other fares may also be used. Deviations (e.g. earlier departures or later returns) are usually available at a surcharge. All fares are subject to specific rules and regulations, to changes, and to government approval.

7 APPLICATION FORM Please book seat(s) on the Verona and Surroundings of March 14 to 23, Enclosed is my/our deposit of ($750 per person, plus insurance premium if taken.) Deposit and insurance premium, if taken, are due with registration. You will be invoiced for the balance approximately 45 days prior to departure. WE REQUIRE A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT (INFORMATION PAGES ONLY), TO BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM AT TIME OF REGISTRATION. Name as on Passport. Indicate the appropriate title before each name (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Ms.) NAME(S): If applicable, give your commonly used first name as you would like it to appear on your name tag: (e.g. Liz for Mary Elizabeth ) ADDRESS: Postal Code: PHONE: (Residence) (Business) (Fax/ ) If traveling alone, please indicate your willingness to share accommodations: YES NO SINGLE ROOM REQUIRED: (We will try to find a roommate for those willing to share, but cannot guarantee success in doing so. For single travelers we are not able to match, the single supplement will apply.) SPECIAL REQUESTS: (Dietary, wheelchair assistance, frequent flyer number, twin beds, etc.) Please list here so we can do our best to assist you. (We will do our best to assist you but cannot guarantee success, especially in the case of requests for specific seating arrangements, since airlines do not normally allow individual seat selections for groups.) I/we agree to the terms and conditions attached to the program. Insurance, I/we accept: All-inclusive Package Non-medical Package Decline Insurance Signature (s) If purchasing travel insurance, we require your date of birth: Name: Date of Birth Name: Date of Birth PAYMENT: Cheque payable to Pauwels Travel Visa Mastercard American Express Amount Paid: Card Number: Signature: Expiry: Security Code: Please forward this completed form, copy of passport and payment to: PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD, 95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1 Tel: / Fax: