CLARKE COLLEGE A R T T O U R O F I T A L Y B A C K P A C K E R S E D I T I O N Led by Bryan J. Zygmont, PhD Assistant Professor, Art History Clarke College 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001 563.588.6350 office phone Bryan.Zygmont@clarke.edu Cost per person ~ $2,999 from Chicago Based on a minimum group size of 30 participants. A smaller group will result in an increased tour cost. December 27, 2008 January 6, 2009
TOUR PROGRAM December 2008 ~ January 2009 27, SATURDAY DEPARTURE A late afternoon departure from Chicago is planned. We re on our way to Italy! 28, SUNDAY ROME, SIENA, FLORENCE After a connection in Milan, we ll arrive in Rome around noon. We ll meet our tour manager and board the motorcoach for the drive to Florence. If time permits, we ll make a stop in Siena for views of the Duomo, Palazzo Pubblico, and San Domenico. Then continue to Florence and check into the hotel for dinner and a four-night stay. (D) 29, MONDAY FLORENCE Over the next few days we ll gain an appreciation of the enormous artistic, architectural, and cultural heritage of this historic city. This morning we ll first visit Santa Maria Novella to see the Gondi Chapel with Brunelleschi s famed Crucifix. Then we ll make our way to Santa Croce. The church of the Franciscans, Santa Croce was started in 1294 and completed in the late 14 th century. We especially want to see the Giotto frescoes in the Sacristy and Donatello s Crucifixion, as well as the Pazzi Chapel by Brunelleschi, a masterpiece of the Florentine Renaissance. Next visit Piazza della Signoria. Long the political stage of Florence, the Piazza is surrounded by some of the city s most celebrated buildings and numerous wonderful sculptures. Nearby is Palazzo e Museo del Bargello, a fine example of 13 th - and 14 th -century medieval architecture planned around a majestic courtyard. Our sightseeing ends today with a visit to Palazzo Vecchio dominated by a lofty bell-tower. Our tour manager will give us plenty of suggestions for tonight s independent dinner. (B) 30, TUESDAY FLORENCE At 9:00 a.m. our local guide will meet us at the hotel. We ll visit the Galleria dell Accademia where we ll see several works of Michelangelo most importantly, his monumental David. Later, our local guide will also take us on a walk to the Piazza del Duomo with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest cathedrals in the world and a symbol of Florentine power and wealth in the 13 th and 14 th centuries. The cathedral s magnificent dome by Brunelleschi is world famous, as is the Campanile bell tower designed by Giotto. Next see the Museo dell Opera del Duomo, located behind the Duomo. On the mezzanine is the famous Pieta that Michelangelo left unfinished. Across the street is the Baptistry with its incredible bronze doors sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The evening is free. (B) 31, WEDNESDAY FLORENCE Today a visit is planned to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world. Please note that the opening hours of the Uffizi Gallery may change due to New Year s Eve. The Uffizi s collections, assembled by several generations of the Medici family, trace the evolution of Italian art through the Renaissance. Later today we ll visit Palazzo Pitti, the 15 th -century Renaissance building. Our sightseeing will end at Ponte Vecchio, Florence s oldest bridge. This evening a New Year s Eve dinner will be planned. (B, D) 1, THURSDAY ASSISI, ROME Happy New Year! This morning we ll pack up our bags and head for Rome! A stop in Assisi is possible; however, St. Francis may be closed due to the holiday. Then continue to Rome for a six-night stay. Dinner is planned at a restaurant. Our tour manager may take us on a walking tour to familiarize ourselves with the layout of the city. (B, D) 2, FRIDAY ROME Our sightseeing today begins at the Pantheon the best-preserved building of ancient Rome. It contains the original temple, dedicated to the planetary gods, built in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa. The Pantheon s extraordinary dome is considered the most important achievement of ancient Roman architecture. In the Piazza Navona we ll see Bernini s masterpiece, the Fountain of the Four Rivers. After time to get a bite to eat in this area, we ll go on to see the Trevi Fountain be sure to toss in a coin to ensure your return to Rome. Later this
afternoon, visit Chiesa del Gesù, the mother church of the Jesuits of Rome. Lastly, visit San Luigi dei Francesi, the French church in Rome containing frescos by Dominichino and paintings by Caravaggio. We say good-bye to our tour manager today, who will first make sure we have plenty of suggestions for independent dinner. (B) 3, SATURDAY ROME After breakfast, we ll transfer to the Vatican where we will meet our local guide. We ll tour the fantastic Vatican Museums, filled with almost incomprehensible treasures. The highlight of our visit will be the Sistine Chapel whose splendid and splendidly restored vault was painted by Michelangelo and illustrates the Creation, the Flood, and the Last Judgment. Next we ll visit St. Peter s Square and St. Peter s Basilica, an architectural masterpiece built between the 15 th and 17 th centuries on the site of an earlier church dating from the time of Emperor Constantine. The massive interior is truly breathtaking and it contains many works of art, most notably Michelangelo s Pieta. A tour of the Pre-Constantine Catacombs may be possible. Later we ll walk to Santa Maria del Popolo. Inside this Renaissance Church we ll find frescoes by Pinturicchio, paintings by Caravaggio, sculptures by Bernini, and a chapel designed by Raphael. End the day at Villa Borghese, Rome s largest public park. (B) 4, SUNDAY ROME This morning we ll meet a local guide at the Coliseum. This amphitheater was inaugurated in 72 A.D. and given the name Colosseo in reference to a colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby. From here, we ll walk to the Arch of Constantine and through the Roman Forum. This commercial, political, and religious center of ancient Rome was constructed more than 900 years ago. Following a zigzagging path, we ll walk up to the Capitol where we ll see the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed in 1538. From here, continue past the Victor Emmanuel Monument nicknamed the Wedding Cake. Later visits are planned to San Giovanni in Laterano and also San Clemente. The evening is free. (B) 5, MONDAY ROME A visit is planned to Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major Basilicas in Rome. After this visit, we ll walk to Santa Maria della Vittoria, the masterpiece of Carlo Maderna. Its sumptuous interior provides the setting for Bernini s Ecstasy of St. Theresa of Avila. Time permitting, other visits may include San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Sant Andrea al Quirinale, and Santa Maria degli Angeli. A farewell dinner is planned near the hotel. (B, D) 6, TUESDAY RETURN After breakfast, a motorcoach transfer is provided to the Rome Airport. We hope you enjoyed the Clarke College Art Tour of Italy! (B) B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner 3250-28 th Street SE ~ Grand Rapids, MI 49512-1640 (616) 957-8113 ~ (800) 469-4883 Fax: (616) 957-9716 Groups@wittetravel.com ~ www.wittetravel.com
TERMS AND CONDITIONS The cost of your tour includes: Air transportation roundtrip from Chicago to Rome with any regularly scheduled air carrier, based on a nonrefundable/nonchangeable fare, which requires a minimum of 10 passengers traveling roundtrip together. Tickets are issued 45 days prior to departure. Passengers who cancel after tickets are issued will forfeit the total airfare in addition to the penalties noted under "Cancellation and Refunds." If cancellation results from the documented hospitalization or death of the passenger, the airfare penalty will be waived. Land transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach on the following days: A transfer on December 28 from Rome to Florence. A transfer from Florence to Rome is included on January 1 and also a transfer to the Rome Airport on January 6. A small budget for public transportation in Florence or Rome has also been included. Centrally-located hotels will be chosen so that much of the sightseeing can be done on foot. Accommodations in tourist- and superior tourist-class hotels based on two to three students sharing a room with private facilities. Adult directors and chaperons will be accommodated in twin-bedded rooms. The single supplement is $425. Single rooms in European hotels are often very small. If you register alone but prefer to share, we will do our best to assign a roommate. If a single room must be assigned to any member of the group for any reason, even if it is at the last minute or while on tour, we will need to charge the single supplement. Changes in rooming arrangements requested by the participant 45 or fewer days prior to departure may result in additional charges. Buffet breakfast daily and dinner as indicated in the itinerary. Dinners do not include beverages. A multi-lingual tour manager to accompany the group from arrival in Rome on December 27 until departure from Rome on January 2. The tour manager will be assisted by local guides as needed. Sightseeing and admission fees in accordance with the itinerary. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR STUDENT I.D. CARDS WITH YOU. The tour cost was based on obtaining student discounts for the sights you will be visiting. Tipping and taxes are included for all services, including the tip for the tour manager and motorcoach driver. European insurance. Each tour participant is covered during the organized land portion of the tour for medical expenses arising out of illness or accidents occurring on tour and requiring hospitalization. The assistance of SOS International is also included where needed. SOS International supplies ill and injured travelers with a variety of services, such as early returns to the U.S. when so ordered by the attending physician. Each participant whose airline ticket is issued by Witte Travel is also covered during his/her flights. The included insurances carry limitations and restrictions and do not cover luggage or trip cancellation. Witte Travel recommends that each traveler purchase a complete travel protection plan that includes luggage and trip cancellation coverage. For your convenience, we make available a complete travel protection plan offered by Trip Mate. For more information, see Optional travel protection plan below. The tour cost does not include all items of a personal nature, passports, optional travel protection plan including luggage and trip cancellation coverage, optional excursions, independent meals, and any other items not mentioned as included. Optional travel protection plan. Witte Travel recommends that each traveler purchase a complete travel protection package. For your convenience, we make available a travel protection plan offered by Trip Mate. This travel protection can be purchased at any time prior to making the final payment for your tour. The policy exclusion for pre-existing conditions will be waived if your premium is received by Witte Travel & Tours within 14 days of the initial deposit for your tour, provided you are not disabled from travel at the time you pay your premium. Trips over 30 days are not eligible for coverage. The Trip Mate travel protection plan does not cover any travel arrangements not made by or purchased from Witte Travel. The premium for the Trip Mate Protection Plan that applies to your tour is noted on the application form. It may be necessary to increase the travel protection premium for those participants who purchase additional services and/or upgrade their arrangements. The premium for this travel protection plan is non-refundable. The Trip Mate travel protection plan does not cover any travel arrangements not made by or purchased from Witte Travel. Schedule of Coverages Maximum Benefit Amount Accidental Death & Dismemberment... $25,000 Medical Expense/Emergency Evacuation... $25,000 Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation...Up to trip cost Post-Trip Interruption...Up to trip cost Trip Delay (Up to $100 per day)... $500 Baggage / Personal Effects... $1,000 Baggage Delay... $100 Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are detailed in the Travel Insurance Certificate. For example, coverage does not S:\Group\Brochures 2009\122709ZYGM Italy t&c & app.doc 1
apply to any sickness or condition of a Traveling Companion or an Immediate Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60 days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is waived if your premium is received within 14 days of the initial deposit/payment for your trip and you are not disabled from travel at the time your premium is received), suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person booked to share accommodations in the same room with you during your trip. Sickness or injury must commence while the Travel Protection Plan is in effect for you. This plan does not cover a loss that results from an illness, disease or other condition (of you, an Immediate Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner), event or circumstance that occurs at a time when the plan is not in effect for you. A Travel Insurance Certificate, which fully details the coverages, provisions, limitations and exclusions of the insurance offered, will be included in the confirmation packet of those travelers who purchase this travel protection. For more information prior to purchase, visit the Witte Travel web site at www.wittetravel.com. Click on Groups and then on Travel Insurance. You may also request a copy of this Certificate at any time. This plan is administered by Trip Mate, Inc. This plan is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. 464-03. Documentation: U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport. If you have a passport, check its expiration date since many foreign countries require that your passport be valid for at least three to six months beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport is due to expire shortly after your return, you will need to apply for a new one before departure. All non-u.s. citizens should contact Witte Travel & Tours for their special requirements. We will check the requirements for non-u.s. citizens both at the time they register for the tour and again approximately 45 days prior to departure. Witte Travel & Tours is not responsible for any changes in requirements for non-u.s. citizens that occur after our final check. Luggage allowance. Each passenger may take one suitcase with a maximum size of 62 (height plus width plus depth) and weight of 50 pounds and one small piece of soft-sided hand luggage weighing no more than 15 pounds and measuring 45" (height plus width plus depth.) You may also carry a purse and a camera. Please note that hand luggage does not fit in the overhead bins on the motorcoach. Depending on the size of the group, there may be room for hand luggage in the storage compartments under the motorcoach or by an empty seat inside the motorcoach. If there isn t room in the storage compartments or any empty seats, hand luggage will need to be placed on the floor in front of your feet. The size and weight restrictions noted for suitcases and hand luggage conform to most airlines requirements and they are essential for everyone s comfort on board the motorcoach. As noted, porterage of luggage is not included. Passengers will be responsible for carrying their own luggage at airports and hotels. The tour cost is based on a group of 30 passengers, current tariffs for air and land arrangements, and on an exchange rate of $1.52 to 1.00. The cost is subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. Reservations and payments. To make reservations on this tour, complete the Application Form and return it as indicated. Reservations cannot be accepted over the telephone. Payments are due as follows: Deposit of $500 per person with Application Form by September 15, 2008 Payment of $2,000 per person by October 15, 2008 Balance due on receipt of final invoice sent approximately 30 days prior to departure If you are registering for the tour after one of the above payment dates, increase your deposit amount accordingly so your account will be up to date. Please note that checks returned due to insufficient funds are subject to a $30 service fee. Credit card payments. Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit cards can be accepted for the deposit and/or scheduled payments, provided that the request to charge is indicated on the Application Form. The deposit charge will be processed shortly after receipt of your application. Subsequent payments will be charged in keeping with the payment schedule as outlined above. Cancellations and refunds. Witte Travel & Tours must receive notice of cancellation in writing. Penalties are per person and will be based on the date of receipt, as follows: More than 120 days prior to departure - $ 100 Between 120 and 91 days prior to departure - $ 175 Between 90 and 61 days prior to departure - $ 325 Between 60 and 31 days prior to departure - $ 475 30 or fewer days prior to departure - No Refund The above penalties apply to the cost of the land arrangements and are in addition to the airfare penalty noted under "Air Transportation." The service fee noted under Special Flight Arrangements, any nonrefundable portion of special arrangements made on behalf of the canceling participant, and the cost of travel protection, if purchased, will also be added to the above penalties. Cancellation insurance is available. Please allow four to six weeks for processing of refunds. Refunds will be returned in the same form in which payments were received, i.e., payments made by check will be refunded via check to the person or organization that made the payments, and payments charged to a credit card will be refunded via a credit back to the same credit card. S:\Group\Brochures 2009\122709ZYGM Italy t&c & app.doc 2
Membership. Witte Travel & Tours reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a member of the tour and to expel from the tour any participant whose conduct is incompatible with the interest of the tour group. Each special needs participant must be accompanied by a qualified helper who assumes total responsibility for his or her well-being. Witte Travel reserves the right to exclude from the tour any special needs person whose condition impairs customary operation of the tour. Land-only participants. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements, contact Witte Travel for the land-only cost at least 90 days prior to departure. Participants who make their own flight arrangements are strongly encouraged to coordinate their flight schedules with the group s flight schedule and to use the same airports. The group s airport transfers on the arrival and return days will be timed to the group s flight schedule. Land-only participants may need to arrange for their own airport transfers. Contact Witte Travel for information and costs on options for private transfers. Witte Travel & Tours cannot be responsible for any inconveniences to land-only participants resulting from changes in the group s flight schedule. Participants who change their status to land-only less than 90 days prior to departure may be subject to penalties imposed by the airlines. Domestic flight connections. Note on your application if you would like to fly to and from the international departure city. You will be contacted with schedule options and costs. Witte Travel & Tours must receive requests for connecting flights at least 45 days prior to departure. Special flight arrangements. Note on your application if you would like to extend your stay in Europe and/or if you would like to depart from and/or return to another city. The number of passengers who can deviate from the group s flight schedule is restricted. You will be contacted to let you know if the arrangements you requested are possible and to advise you of schedule options and costs. Upon confirmation of your special flight arrangements, a non-refundable service fee of $75 will be added to your account. In the event of cancellation, the service fee and any nonrefundable portion of special air or land arrangements made on behalf of the canceling participant will be added to the penalties noted under Cancellations and Refunds. Witte Travel & Tours must receive requests for special flight arrangements at least 45 days prior to departure. Special meal requirements. Please indicate on your application form if you need special meals such as vegetarian, diabetic, gluten-free, or low-sodium. Special meal requests cannot be guaranteed, but we will pass them on to the airlines and hotels. We will also inform your tour personnel, who will make every effort to see that your requests are met at the hotels. Witte Travel & Tours must receive requests for special meals at least 45 days prior to departure. Time away from the tour. Advise Witte Travel & Tours in writing at least 45 days before departure if you plan to spend some time away from the tour. Wherever possible, you will be credited for missed hotel nights. Final tour documents including itinerary, hotel list, passenger list, flight schedules with departure instructions. and luggage tags are sent about 10 days prior to departure. Flight tickets are usually made available at the airport at check-in time. Responsibility. As the tour operator, Witte Travel & Tours will be responsible for supplying the services and accommodations outlined in the brochure as constituting the tour, except to the extent that such services cannot be supplied, wholly or partially, owing to circumstances beyond its control. In such cases, Witte Travel & Tours will use its best efforts to supply alternative services and accommodations, and no refunds will be granted provided that the alternatives are comparable to the original services and accommodations included in the tour cost. Witte Travel & Tours, its agents, sponsors, organizers and employees shall not be responsible for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, irregularity or expense arising from strikes, weather, sickness, acts of war or terrorism, governmental restrictions or regulations or from any act or omission on the part of any individual or company furnishing transportation, accommodations or any other services to the tour participants; nor shall Witte Travel & Tours be responsible for any injuries, death, damages, loss or delay in any means of transportation or by reason of any event beyond its actual control. Witte Travel & Tours reserves the right to make changes in the tour dates or itinerary routing should circumstances make such necessary. In case of insufficient participation, Witte Travel & Tours may cancel the tour. In the event of cancellation of the tour by Witte Travel & Tours, its liability will be limited to a refund in full of all monies paid by the participants. If available, Witte Travel & Tours will offer an alternative trip, which the participants may accept or reject. California Passengers: Witte Travel & Tours is licensed under the California Seller of Travel Act registration number 201-3304-40. Witte Travel & Tours is a member of the National Tour Association, the mark of excellence in the group tour industry. S:\Group\Brochures 2009\122709ZYGM Italy t&c & app.doc 3
CLARK COLLEGE ART TOUR OF ITALY BACKPACKERS EDITION December 27, 2008 January 6, 2009 $2,999 per person from Chicago APPLICATION FORM For office use only Return this completed form to Witte Travel & Tours, 3250 28 th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, along with your deposit of $500 per person, made payable to Witte Travel. Applications and deposits are due by September 15, 2008. Refer to the Terms and Conditions for the complete payment schedule. If you are signing up for the tour after further payments are due, include sufficient funds with your application to bring your account up to date. Be sure to indicate if you wish to purchase or decline travel protection as outlined below. Print full legal name as it appears on your passport: Title Last First Middle Name (if other than legal first name) you wish printed on your nametag Birthdate Age Citizenship: U.S. Other Passport # Exp. Date (Home) Street address (no PO box) City State Zip code (School) Street address (no PO box) City State Zip code Phone: Home ( ) Other ( ) Cell Phone E-Mail Choice of Roommates: 1. 2. I prefer single occupancy Smoke Do not smoke Credit Card Information Witte Travel is authorized to charge the deposit and all payments on account, per the schedule as noted, to the following credit card, OR Witte Travel is authorized to charge only the initial deposit. All further payments will be made by check. Refer to the Terms and Conditions for the complete payment schedule. If you are signing up for the tour after further payments are due, include a check to cover these payments with your application. Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Credit card number Expiration date Name as it appears on card Cardholder s signature SEE REVERSE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 122709ZYGM Italy t&c & app.doc
Alternate Departure/Special Arrangements Domestic Flight Connections: I/we would like domestic connections from to and back. Special Air Arrangements: I/We wish to spend additional time in Europe. I/We wish to depart on and return on. If you need any special land arrangements in Europe car rentals, hotels, rail, etc., include a separate note detailing your plans and we ll offer our suggestions for your trip. The fee for special arrangements is $75. Special Meal Requirements: Requests for special meals cannot be guaranteed, but we will pass them on to the airlines and hotels and we will also inform your tour personnel. Name Vegetarian Diabetic Low Sodium Gluten free Other Travel Protection Information Witte Travel & Tours recommends that each traveler purchase a complete travel protection plan. For your convenience, we make available a travel protection plan offered by Trip Mate. This travel protection can be purchased at the time you register for the tour or at any time prior to making the final payment for your tour. See the Terms and Conditions for more information and an outline of the included benefits. The cost of this travel protection is as follows: $142* if purchased at the time you register for the tour $167* if purchased later Indicate below if you wish to purchase or decline this travel protection. To purchase the travel protection, add the full cost of the travel protection to your deposit check or authorize Witte Travel to charge the cost of the travel protection to your credit card along with your deposit. The cost of this travel protection is nonrefundable. I/we wish to purchase the insurance and (check one): Include payment in full for the insurance with my/our deposit check. Authorize Witte Travel to charge the full cost of the travel protection to the credit card noted under Credit Card Information along with the deposit. I/we wish to decline the travel protection. *It may be necessary to increase the travel protection premium for those participants who purchase additional services and/or upgrade their arrangements. Signature All information and signature lines below must be filled out in order for us to process this application. I/We have read and understood this brochure and accept its contents. Signature of Participant Date Signature of Parent or Guardian required for participants under age 18: Emergency Contact Emergency Area Code/Phone 122709ZYGM Italy t&c & app.doc