1. Art and Diseño

tour/cruise escorted by
peter waltham
southern italy tour with
MEDITERRANEAN
cruise
Perth 16 May 2015
Departs
th
for 20 nights
Your Itinerary
Saturday 16 May: DEPART PERTH
Depart Perth on Emirates at 6.10pm (Change aircraft in Dubai).
Sunday 17 May: ARRIVE ROME
Arrive 2.15pm.
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at Rome airport you will be met by your Tour
Director and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director
and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
(D)
Stay: Grand Hotel Plaza (1 night) Monday 18 May: ROME – ALBEROBELLO Friday 22 May: LECCE & SURROUNDS Travel to Italy’s west coast today. En route, stop at the town of
Caserta, where we visit the Royal Palace of Caserta. Created by the
Bourbon King Charles III in the mid- 18th Century to rival Versailles
and the Royal palace in Madrid, it is exceptional for the way in which
it brings together a magnificent palace with its parks and gardens.
Continue to Puglia, the region known for its strange white Trulli
buildings. (B)
Stay: HTo be Advised (3 nights)
This morning, admire the Trulli of Alberobello – circular structures
with conical roofs and domed within, built with local limestone and
stacked without using mortar. Now, travel to Rudolph Valentino’s
home town of Castellaneta. In an underground cellar, join chef Pino
for a demonstration of how to make local Orecciette pasta. Then
settle into a highlight lunch including the local Primitivo wine and
Burrata cheese, both specialties of Puglia. Afterwards, see
Castellaneta’s pictueresque Great Ravine before returning to
Alberobello where the rest of the day is free. (B,L)
Wednesday 20 May: ALBEROBELLO& SURROUNDS
Alberobello is one of a trio of enchanting historic towns in Valle d’Itria.
After a leisurely start, we take time to explore the remaining towns,
Locorotondo and Cisternino. Both are utterly charming and Cisternino
has remained virtually intact for centuries. There’s time to explore and
take time to visit a café or local restaurant before returning to
Alberobello.
(B)
Thursday 21 May: ALBEROBELLO - LECCE
This morning, travel to Ostuni, with its stark white washed buildings,
narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways. Ostuni is almost
reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Then we continue onto to
the town of Lecce. Often referred to as the “s of the South”, Lecce has
Touring today sees us first visit the historic seaside town and port of
Otranto on the Adriatic Coast. The town is close to Italy’s most
easterly point and located in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot. The sparkling
blue waters of the Adriatic make this an ideal holiday spot for locals.
Visit the Romanesque Cathedral to see the unique ‘Tree of Life’ mosaic
floor. There is time to roam the lanes of the historic town to encounter
picturesque scenes and views. We continue onto Galatina to see the
incredible 14th Century Bassilica di Santa Caterina D’Alessandria, it’s
interior a kaleidoscope of freco. We then return to Lecce where the
evening is free. (B)
Saturday 23 May: LECCE – MATERA
Tuesday 19 May: ALBEROBELLO & SURROUNDS beautiful Baroque churches, palaces and squares. On arrival, join a
local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the ancient Lecce
Roman Ampitheatre, admire the exquisite façade of Basilica di Santa
Croce and walk through Piazza del Duomo, home to Lecce Cathedral.
(B)
Stay: Risorgimento Hotel & Resort (2 nights)
Sunday 24 May: MATERA -MINORI
Travel to the coastal port of Brindisi before leaving Puglia and
travelling towards the town of Matera. On arrival, explore in-depth the
extraordinary ‘Sassi’. – troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of
the rock. The “Sassi” of Matera are the most extensive example of their
kind in the Mediterranean and are now UNESCO World Heritage listed.
Mel Gibson also chose Matera as the setting of his film ‘The Passion of
the Christ’. (B)
Stay: Sextantion Le Grotte Della Civita (1 night)
Enjoy a lovely drive to the Amalfi Coast today. On arrival relax or
begin exploring on your own. An optional excursion to Pompeii will
be offered by your Tour Director. (B)
Stay: Villa Romana Hotel (1 night)
Monday 25 May: AMALFI – PORTO ERCOLE
Tuesday 26 May: DAY AT LEISURE
This morning travel to Tuscany’s Maremma region. Relax and settle into
your elegant five star hotel, Il Pellicano built in the mid 1960’s as a love
nest for Michael and Patricia Graham, which is today part of The
Leading Hotels of the World.
(B)
Stay: Il Pellicano (2 nights)
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy your hotel, surrounded by rugged
Mediterranean scrubland, and offering the perfect mix of luxury,
exclusivity and privacy. (B)
travelling ON board "windsurf"
•
travelling ON board "windsurf"
Wednesday 27 May: PORTO ERCOLE – CIVITAVECCHIA
Embark Windsurf
Farewell your hotel as you travel to Rome and beyond to the port
of Civitavecchia where you will board your cruise ship. (B,D)
Thursday 28 May: AT SEA
Depart 5pm
A perfect way to start your cruise. A full day to relax and get to know
your home for the next 10 days. Have a swim, read your book or enjoy
a very long lunch overlooking the Mediterranean (B,L,D)
Friday 29 May: CATANIA, Sicily
Saturday 30 May: VALLETTA, Malta Sunday 31 May: GOZO (Xlendi), Malta
7am–6pm
This is the legendary home of the nymph Calypso — so, of course,
it’s a day perfect for fun in the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
From your yacht’s watersports platform you can swim like the sea
nymph you were meant to be, kayak like an expert, snorkel, wind
surf, whatever your heart desires. On shore, treat yourself to a fourwheel tour of some of the island’s most stunning sites — or, if you’re
feeling a little more epicurean, join us as we forage the countryside
for fresh herbs and vegetables which we’ll then savor in a sumptuous
farmhouse lunch.
(B,L,D)
Monday 1 June: PORTO EMPEDOCLE, Sicily 8am–11.59pm
Malta’s capital city is among the worlds smallest, yet definitely most
charming. Graced with the paintings of Caravaggio and kissed by
beautiful shorelines, you’ll find photographic icons at almost every
turn. Not to be missed is a visit to the stately Palazzo Parisio to
glimpse the enchanting lifestyle of Malta’s nobility. Our stay here also
allows the exquisite romance of an evening walk through the
beautiful lanes of Mdina, Malta’s enigmatic “Silent City.”
(B,L,D)
8am–6pm
Here you’ll find what are widely acclaimed as the best ancient ruins
in the entire Mediterranean. Imagine the wonders of Athens, of
Ephesus, of legendary Olympia itself. Then imagine them all in one
travelling ON board "windsurf"
place. As you wander the ridge overlooking the Mediterranean you
will be transported to the 5th and 6th centuries. The irresistible scent
of olive, almond, and eucalyptus trees will entice you back to the
present. This is one of the world’s most beautiful sites.
(B,L,D)
Tuesday 2 June: TRAPANI, Sicily
8am–6pm
In this fascinating city nestled at the foot of Mount Etna you’ll find a
thriving downtown that is not only the active city center, but a
historic World Heritage Site, combining the best of ancient and
modern city style. Your options are as wide as your imagination.
Explore the temperamental volcano that has reshaped the city many
times, visit the beautiful setting of Taormina where stunning views
and beautiful antiquities vie for your attention. Or, if you prefer,
explore the ancient city of Syracuse, called by Cicero himself “the
most beautiful of all.”
(B,L,D)
•
8am–4pm
At once ancient and contemporary, Trapani is a city of contrasts. From
the salt marshes that produce much of the Mediterranean’s signature
colored salts, to the intricate mosaics of Mozia , to the best view in all
of Sicily from the medieval hill town of Erice where the colorful
gardens are rivaled only by the cannolis for pure sensory delight. (B,L,D)
Wednesday 3 June: LIPARI, Italy Thursday 4 June: SORRENTO, Italy 8am–4pm
Join the other exclusive yachts in the harbor for a delightful day
absorbing Lipari’s unique atmosphere. Only reachable by sea, and
only by small ships, this island in the Aeolians retains a timeless
Sicilian charm. Storm the castle once sacked by Red Beard the pirate.
Peer in Bartholomew Cathedral for a look at its exquisite ceiling
frescoes. Or just stroll about town enjoying views of the clear blue
bay and the smoke signals emanating from the neighboring island of
Stromboli. (B,L,D)
8am–11.59pm
This is the land of the Sirens and the beauty of Sorrento will draw you
ashore. Like something valuable put on a shelf out of reach, Sorrento
perches on a terrace above the Amalfi Coast. Spend your time here
surrounded by beautiful things — gardens, ancient villas, views across
the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. Or trek back to Imperial Rome in
Pompeii or Herculaneum.
(B,L,D)
Friday 5 June: CAPRI, Italy Saturday 6 June: ROME (Civitavecchia)
8am–4pm
The Isle of Capri has a resort tradition dating back to the ancient
Roman emperors . Climb to the Gardens of Augustus for a wonderful
view of the Faraglioni, three huge limestone stacks that jut from the
sea. Don’t miss the caves of the Blue Grotto with its eerie blue light.
(B,L,D)
Dismbark by 8.30am
Private transfer to Rome airport for your flight home.
Sunday 7 June: Arrive perth
Extend your holiday with an optional 5 night stay in Malta.
Contact Alpha Travel for further information.
holiday value
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
The holiday price depends on the type of cabin you choose on the cruise:
BX- Mid-ship cabin on deck one
(porthole)188 sq ft
AX - Mid-ship cabin on deck two
(porthole) 188sq ft
SUITE - Mid-ship suite on deck three
(porthole) 376sq ft - suites have a separate
sitting area and two bathrooms
TWIN ROOM SINGLE
$11,395 $16,720
$11,850 $17,290
$13,100 $19,500
PRICES BASED ON EARLYBIRD AIR FARES – full air fares must be fully
paid by 22nd December
UPGRADE to Business/Economy fares – ADD $4,350 per person
UPGRADE to full Business Class fares –
ADD $5,650 per person
YOUR HOLIDAY package includes
• Economy class air fares and taxes with Emirates
• First class hotel accommodation as indicated
• Meals as indicated (B.L.D) – breakfast, lunch, dinner
• All tours indicated in Italy (cruise shore excursions additional)
• All gratuities to driver and tour director whilst on tour
• Services of a dedicated Insight tour director in Italy
• 10 night cruise on-board 4 star ‘Wind Surf’
• All meals and entertainment on-board ship
• Gratuities on-board ship
• Pre-tour get-together to meet fellow travellers prior to departure
• Services of tour escort from Perth (Peter Waltham – Curtin FM)
Once your reservation is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of $3,500
per person is required within 7 days.
Final payment is due no later than 27th February 2015.
* Payments by Visa or Mastercard incur a surcharge of 1%
Diners & American Express incur a surcharge of 3.5%.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations received prior to 27th February – loss of deposit
Cancellations received between 28th February and 28th March – 50% of tour cost
Cancellations received after 29th March – 100% cancellation fee
*Airline fees differ from the above and will be notified at the time of cancellation.
*All cancellations must be advised in writing
travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and is available from Alpha Travel, which will cover
cancellation fees should they be due to unforeseen risk events accepted by the
insurance company. It is recommended that insurance be purchased at the same
time as paying your deposit.
Tour prices are based on land rates, taxes and exchange rates, current
at time of printing. These are subject to change without prior notice until
final payment has been made.
Hotels can be subject to change depending on availability and
circumstances beyond our control.
Costs are based on group prices and are subject to a minimum of
18 passengers travelling together. Alpha Travel reserves the right to
re-cost the tour should minimum numbers not be met.
what’s not included in the tour price
• Cost of comprehensive travel insurance which is compulsory
• All items of a personal nature including beverages, gratuities,
laundry and shopping
• All passport and visa application fees, vaccination and medical
consulting fees
• Any expenditure of personal nature - I.e. telephone calls, laundry,
mini bar or drinks in hotels, tips to driver, guide, helper etc.
• Any other meals which are not mentioned in the itinerary
• Additional fees and charges due to changes in entrance fees and
statutory charges
If for any unforeseeable reason the advertised tour director is
unable to escort the tour, an alternative tour escort will
be provided by Alpha Travel.
responsibility
Alpha Travel reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change of
reservation, features and/or means of conveyance without any notice and for any
reason whatsoever.
We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health, actions or
behaviour impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other passengers.
Phone: 9286 7100 • Fax: 9284 2516
Email: [email protected] • Web: www.alphatravel.com.au
Shop 23 Times Square, Avion Way, Claremont WA 6010