TOCCATA TAHOE SYMPHONY CONCERT TOUR OF ITALY APRIL 9-19, 2015

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1 SUGGESTED ITINERARY THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015 DEPART FROM RENO Depart from Reno-Tahoe International Airport on a flight bound for Milan, Italy. Select meals, snacks and refreshments will be served on the flight. FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 Morning arrival in Milan, Italy s cosmopolitan financial and business capital. Upon arrival in Milan, your Music Contact International tour manager will greet your group at the airport. ARRIVE IN MILAN & TRANSFER TO LECCO Together, board your waiting motor coach and transfer to Lecco, a town in Northern Italy s Lombardy region (travel time is approximately 1 hour). Lecco occupies a beautiful spot on Lake Como and is surrounded by the Bergamo and Valsassina Alps. Check in to your hotel and take a moment to settle in and refresh before joining your tour manager on an orientation walk to get a feel for the area. Get your first glimpse of the imposing mountain peaks that seem to rise up from the picturesque streets, and perhaps taste some delicious Italian gelato. This evening, a special Welcome Dinner is served at the hotel or a local restaurant. SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015 LAKE COMO CONCERT* After breakfast in the hotel, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Lake Como. First head to Bellagio, a town situated at the coalescence of all three legs of Lake Como (travel time is approximately 35 minutes). Bellagio, known as the pearl of Lake Como, is known for its beautiful trees and flowers and gentle climate. Next, continue on to Como, a lakeside town on the border of Italy and Switzerland (travel time is approximately 45 minutes). See the town s lavishly decorated cathedral, a Gothic structure from the 14 th century with elements of later Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town and along the waterfront and see the ruins of the 12 th century city walls. After some free time for lunch, return to the Duomo di Como to perform an afternoon concert. Finally, visit nearby Cernobbio, a town filled with vibrant, colorful architecture. Return to Lecco in the evening. Your tour manager would be happy to offer suggestions for dinner options

2 SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 BERGAMO Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room. Depart for a day excursion to Bergamo, another picturesque town in the Lombardy region situated at the foothills of the Alps (travel time is approximately 1 hour). Optionally, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bergamo (see supplemental prices). Explore the town s bustling and modern Citta Bassa, or Lower City, and historically rich Citta Alta, or Upper City. See Piazza Vecchia, the heart of Bergamo s Old Town, which boasts an enchanting mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture and a beautiful white marble fountain. Admire Palazzo della Ragione, a 12 th century building whose façade is dominated by a Venetian lion, representing the intertwined ties between Venice and Bergamo. Walk along Bergamo s 17 th century Venetian walls and take in spectacular views across Lombardy. The afternoon is yours to discover Bergamo at your leisure. Have lunch to your liking and perhaps browse Via XX Settembre, Via Sant Alessandro, and Via Sant Orsola, three pedestrianized streets that comprise the heart of the city s shopping district. Return to your hotel in Lecco for the night. MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015 LECCO - FLORENCE INFORMAL CHOIR CONCERT* Have breakfast in the hotel dining room before checking out and departing for Florence, the capital and most populous city of the Tuscany region (travel time is approximately 4 hours). Stops will be made en route as needed. En route, make a stop in Parma, where the choir may perform an informal a cappella concert in the San Giovanni Abbey for the other visitors. There will also be time to buy lunch before continuing on to Florence. The city of Florence sprang to life as a Roman colony in 59 B.C. Captured by the Lombards in the 6 th century, the city later emerged from the Dark Ages as an independent city state. By the 13 th century the city was flourishing through its wool and textile trade and a powerful banking sector, which turned the city into one of Italy s leading powers. At first Florence was ruled by the guilds and later by the Florentine Republic, but in time, power passed to the leading noble families, of which the most influential were the Medici, a hugely wealthy banking dynasty. Florence and later Tuscany remained under the family s control for three centuries. During this time, Florence became the intellectual and cultural heart of Europe. By 1737 the Medici family had died out, leaving the city under Austrian (and briefly Napoleonic) control until Italian Unification in From Florence was the capital of the new Kingdom of Italy. As you walk through the narrow streets of Florence, you will be immersed in the spectacular history and culture of one of Italy s most fascinating cities. Upon arrival, you may opt to go on a guided walking tour of Florence (see supplemental prices). Considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence has a rich artistic and architectural heritage. See Santa Maria del Fiore, the city s beautiful cathedral, and its Duomo di Firenze. Admire the - 2 -

3 brilliant façade of the Franciscan Basilica di Santa Croce. View the statues in Piazza Signoria, one of the city s most famous squares. Enjoy free time for lunch at the Mercado Centrale, a lively fresh market housed in a two-story cast-iron building from the 19 th century, before checking into your hotel. Dinner is served this evening at your hotel or a local restaurant. TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 PISA CONCERT* Have breakfast in the hotel dining room. This morning, depart for Pisa, a Tuscan city situated on the right bank of the River Arno (travel time is approximately 1 hour). See the Duomo di Pisa, a magnificent Romanesque cathedral, and visit its stunning marble Baptistry. Take photos in front of the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa. Browse the souvenir market for treasures to bring home. Following free time for lunch, the Toccata Tahoe Symphony will perform a concert* at a local venue in Pisa. (Please note that depending on venues and local choir or orchestra availability, this concert may be in Pisa, Lucca, or Siena.) Return to Florence for a free evening to pursue individual interests. Perhaps browse the city s famed leather markets for souvenirs or explore the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in the city lined with shops selling jewelry and gold. Dinner can be arranged upon request. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015 FLORENCE Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room. The day is free for your own explorations. You may opt to visit the Accademia Gallery, the art academy that houses Michelangelo s original David sculpture, or the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous museums in the world containing the Medici family s art collection, including masterpieces from Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Rafaello(see supplemental pricing). Your tour manager would be happy to offer suggestions for both activities and meals

4 THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 FLORENCE CONCERT* Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room. The morning is free for your own explorations. Perhaps visit the Palazzo Davanzati to immerse yourself in the traditions of medieval merchants, of cooks transforming fresh ingredients from the nearby Mercato Vecchio into meals for the palazzo s residents, and of the echoes of domestic life and marriage in a noble family s home. You may also enjoy the Chiostro dello Scalzo, a lovely, peaceful cloister that provides a perfect antidote to the bustle of the rest of Florence. The cloister houses a number of beautiful frescoes painted between 1509 and 1526 that depict the life of St. John the Baptist. You may of course just want to stroll around the winding streets and explore the piazzas, churches, and markets the whole city is, after all, something of a living outdoor museum! Take a break in one of the inviting cafés to take it all in. Return to the hotel in the afternoon; then transfer to a local church where the Toccata Tahoe Symphony will perform a concert* for an appreciative audience. Your tour manager will be happy to make suggestions for dinner this evening. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 FLORENCE - VENICE Have breakfast at the hotel; then check out of your hotel and load the motor coach. Depart for Venice (travel time is approximately 3 hours). Considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world, Venice is situated on an archipelago on the water. The city is a veritable treasure trove of architectural gems, fantastic glass art, and countless other highlights. Stops will be made en route as needed. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Venice Mestre, mainland Venice, where you will stow your luggage and briefly refresh. Transfer by public transportation to central Venice, comprised of 118 islands that are connected by 430 footbridges and separated by 170 canals, the longest and widest of which is the Grand Canal. The remainder of the day is free for lunch and independent exploration of Venice. Enjoy shopping along the market stalls of the Rialto, visiting the glassmaking shops and perusing the Venetian masks. Your tour manager will be happy to offer both restaurant and activity suggestions. After dinner served at a local restaurant, return to your hotel in Venice - 4 -

5 SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015 VENICE MASS* After breakfast in the hotel, depart by public transportation for a full day on Venice Island. Optionally, join a local guide for a guided walking tour of Venice. See the Basilica di San Marco, known for its opulent design and gilded Byzantine mosaics. Among many other fantastic sights, you will also see the Doge s Palace, a Venetian Gothic-style palace that was the seat of power for the Venetian Republic for centuries. View the Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed limestone bridge leading between the interrogation rooms of the Doge s Palace and the New Prison. The bridge draws its name from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh as they saw their last view of Venice on their way to imprisonment. See the Torre dell Orologio, a Renaissance building with a spectacular clock tower that displays not only the time of day but the current moon phase and dominant Zodiac sign. Following your tour, enjoy an afternoon for lunch and exploration at your leisure. Perhaps ride a gondola through Venice s canals. In the late afternoon, meet up again at San Marco Basilica, where the choir has been invited to perform during the evening mass. Tonight, a festive Farewell Dinner is served at a local restaurant. There will be ample time to recount the many highlights of your tour! Return to Venice Mestre for the night. SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 VENICE - RENO After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Venice Marco Polo Airport and your return flight to Reno. *All concert opportunities proposed in this itinerary are pending final confirmation and availability at time of booking. Your group's final program will be determined by confirmed times and locations for concerts, workshops, lectures and other activities. Although your group's exact itinerary will vary to accommodate performance schedules, the same type of concerts, activities and caliber of venue will be included in your group's final concert tour program

6 TOUR DETAILS YOUR TOUR INCLUDES: FLIGHTS Roundtrip airfare on regularly scheduled flights from Reno or San Francisco to Milan and from Venice to Reno or San Francisco (may include one or more layovers in each direction) ACCOMMODATIONS 9 nights in good quality tourist-class hotels, double occupancy, including all hotel service charges and taxes: 3 nights Lecco 4 nights Florence 2 nights Venice Mestre TRANSPORTATION Transportation as described in the itinerary in a modern climate controlled motor coach* with a professional driver from Milan to arrival in Venice Mestre; airport transfer from hotel in Venice Mestre to Venice Airport; 48-hr public transportation pass for Venice *Please note that this proposal is based on a 70 - passenger coach with limited space for luggage. MEALS Breakfast served daily in the hotel dining room 4 Dinners served as follows Lecco: Welcome Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant Florence: Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant Venice: Dinner at a local restaurant Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES 3 performance opportunities as indicated in the itinerary, pending availability and acceptance: Concert at the Duomo di Lecco* Concert at a local venue in Pisa* (alternatively Siena or Lucca) Concert at a local church in Florence* Singing in evening mass at San Marco Basilica, Venice TOUR MANAGER A full-time Music Contact International tour manager to accompany your group from arrival to departure LOCAL GUIDES Sightseeing tours with local English-speaking guides as described in the itinerary: Guided Coach and Walking Tour of Lake Como - 6 -

7 COMPLIMENTARY PLACES 2 complimentary land and air packages covering services listed above, based on double occupancy, for a minimum of 50 paying travelers MUSIC CONTACT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE ACCOUNTING AND PAYMENT SYSTEM Group leaders can opt that each traveler in the group make individual trip payments online with credit cards or debit cards. Individuals receive electronic reminders, receipts and statements. Group leaders can track payments made by each travelers and receive automated reports with current balances and due dates. CUSTOM TRAVELER S RESOURCE WEBSITE FOR YOUR GROUP FEATURING Day to day itinerary Things to Know Before You Go Maps Helpful links, including recommended reading and websites Blog Photo gallery ADDITIONAL MATERIALS Each member of your group will receive: A customized handbook including detailed hourly tour itinerary with regional and travel information Luggage tags and ticket jackets Prices based on a minimum of 60 paying travelers: LAND PACKAGE PRICE: $ 2,083 per person in double occupancy AIR FARE $ 603 per person estimated based on 2014 fare from Reno or SFO FLIGHT TAXES $ 135 per person estimated based on 2014 tax from Reno or SFO FUEL SURCHARGE $ 580 per person estimated based on 2014 surcharge from Reno or SFO TOTAL LAND AND AIR PACKAGE: $ 3,401 per person based on estimated airfare, flight tax, and fuel surcharges Prices based on a minimum of 50 paying travelers: LAND PACKAGE PRICE: $ 2,186 per person in double occupancy AIR FARE $ 603 per person estimated based on 2014 fare from Reno or SFO FLIGHT TAXES $ 135 per person estimated based on 2014 tax from Reno or SFO FUEL SURCHARGE $ 580 per person estimated based on 2014 surcharge from Reno or SFO TOTAL LAND AND AIR PACKAGE: $ 3,504 per person based on estimated airfare, flight tax, and fuel surcharges Actual airfares for your travel dates will become available in late May of NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE PRICE: Checked bag fees imposed by the airline Visas and travel documents such as passport fees Immunizations Porter service (available upon request) Drinks with meals (except breakfast) - 7 -

8 Any meals not listed above Entrance fees and bus services not indicated in the above itinerary Instrument rental and transportation Tips for tour managers, local guides, and bus drivers Travel insurance* *Travel Insurance can be purchased for the entire group or per individual requests. Please contact us for more information. OPTIONAL PRICES: $ 420 per person supplement for a single room $ 24 per person entrance to the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia Gallery in Florence $ 12 per person for a guided walk in Bergamo, Florence, or Venice (per walk, based on 25 participants) Approx.. $ 32 per person optional gondola ride, for a minimum of 40 participants $ 48 per person optional boat tour of Murano/Burano, including English-speaking guide NOTES ON PRICING LAND PACKAGE: The prices for land services in this offer are valid until April 6, In order to guarantee these prices, please send a confirmation deposit of $1500 and registration materials by this date. Prices cover above dates and listed services only, and are based on current availability. Severe fluctuation in the exchange rates before the group has confirmed their plans can also lead to a change in the price. Therefore, please inform Music Contact International in writing of your confirmed plans when they are made. FLIGHTS: At this time, no flight reservations have been made for your group. The tour package prices in this proposal are based on the most currently available group flight quotes for your dates of travel as indicated on this itinerary. Please understand that airfare and seats are subject to availability and can only be guaranteed when seats are reserved. Music Contact International recommends that we secure your group s flights as early as possible in the tour planning process. In order to reserve group space and lock in airfare, a $100 per person flight deposit will be required. Upon receipt of your deposit, our flight department will confirm the best flight option for your group. Therefore, we suggest that you prepare to send us your group s flight deposit upon confirmation of this tour. FLIGHT TAXES AND SURCHARGES: Flight taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until tickets are issued. For this reason, flight taxes and surcharges are not included in the price of this tour. The exact amount of flight taxes and surcharges will be determined by the airlines at the time of ticketing which normally occurs 30 to 60 days before departure. The amount of the flight taxes and surcharges varies greatly depending on a wide range of factors from the number of scheduled connections to the price of fuel

9 IMPORTANT TOUR INFORMATION NOTES ON COMPLIMENTARY PLACES: Two complimentary land and air packages is/are based on a minimum of 50 paying travelers. Any additional services requested may or may not be included in the complimentary package, such as meals or theater tickets. CONCERTS: Indicated in the itinerary are times when and venues where concerts could be planned. We would be glad to pursue any specific venue. All venues are pending final confirmation and will be pursued to the fullest extent once the tour has been accepted and placed under deposit by the client. The proposed repertoires for the tour should be provided to Music Contact International, in addition to the director s and group s biographies, photographs for promotional purposes and a sample cassette/cd. MOTOR COACH: This package is based on a large motor coach seating up to 70 passengers with one piece of standard check luggage each. Should the group size increase beyond 70 passengers, an additional motor coach will need to be hired, affecting the cost of the land program. Please notify Music Contact International of the exact size of your group. Additional transfers or a change in itinerary may result in added coach fees. Instrument transportation is not included and can be quoted only after a list of instruments with exact dimensions is received. TOUR MANAGER AND LOCAL GUIDES: Music Contact International will send a professional, full-time manager to accompany your group during the entire tour. The tour manager will handle all logistics for your group during the tour and provide general information about the region(s) to be visited. Local guides will conduct tours of specific cities and sites as indicated in your itinerary. OPTIONAL SERVICES: Music Contact International can make additional meal or excursion arrangements for the group, for example: lunches, museum tours, theater or performing arts tickets. Prices listed for optional activities are subject to reconfirmation at the time a reservation is made. Group discounts may be available