Taste of Northern Italy and the Italian Riviera

Transcription

1 Taste of Northern Italy and the Italian Riviera A Summer 2018 Teachers Who Travel Food and Wine Tour Organized by Matt Boswell, MCPS Arts & Humanities Teacher Questions? Contact Matt, tour coordinator, at: 4teacherswhotravel@gmail.com To Reserve a Spot, Visit:

2 Taste of Northern Italy and the Italian Riviera: A Summer 2018 Teachers Who Travel Food & Wine Tour Two words to sum up northern Italy? Great. Food. Eating isn t just a part of the daily grind here it s a full-on art form. Stand beside the masters in their kitchens, farms and wineries and learn the ins, outs, and flavors of the region s knock-out delights. From wine on the Riviera to Parmigiano Reggiano in Parma to fresh-cooked tagliatelle in Bologna, prepare to indulge in the best the region has to offer (and add a few notches to your belt along the way). Note: While Teachers Who Travel trips designed with area teachers in mind, they are open to everyone with a love of travel. So spouses, significant others, friends, and family are all welcome to join the tour! Day 1 Friday, July 13, 2018 Travel to Italy Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Milan, Italy aboard an internationally recognized airline. Included meals: dinner (in flight) Day 2 Saturday, July 14, 2018 Benvenuto and Buon Appetito: Let s Get Started Welcome to Italy! Upon your arrival in Milan, a Go Ahead representative welcomes you at the airport and helps with your transfer to Genoa, capital of Liguria and Italy s sixth largest city. After you ve settled in to your hotel, meet your fellow travelers at an included Welcome Dinner. Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner Overnight in: Genoa

3 Day 3 Sunday, July 15, 2018 Get to Know Genoa A professional local guide acquaints you with Genoa on a walking tour of this beautiful city on Italy s Ligurian Sea. You ll see the Piazza de Ferrari, Porta Soprana, Piazza Matteotti, Via Garibaldi, Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Church of Jesus & the Saints Ambrogio and Andrea. Excursion to Portifino Head to the Italian Riviera this afternoon and evening for dinner. You ll travel to the picturesque village of Portofino along the Italian Coast. Enjoy free time for shopping and walking through this gorgeous town. Continue on to Santa Margherita, Ligure, where you ll have time to explore and enjoy dinner. Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in: Genoa

4 Day 4 Monday, July 16, 2018 Shore Leave: Lap up the Sun on the Famed Italian Riviera This morning, journey to Cinque Terre, a collection of five small villages hugging the Riviera coast. Depending on the weather, board either a boat or train to explore two charming cliffside towns and take in sweeping sea views. Weather permitting, we ll also walk the Via dell Amore, the Way of of Love, a paved pedestrian path overlooking the sea, linking the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola. Incuded meals: breakfast Overnight in: Genoa Day 5 Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Over the Vineyards, Through the Farm, On to Bologna Transfer to Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy, and stop en route to enjoy some epicurean delights. Visit a local Parmigiano Reggiano producer and enjoy a cheese tasting. Then visit a villa that specializes in balsamic vinegar for lunch and a tasting of the region s famous vinegar known as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. Included meals: breakfast, lunch Overnight in: Bologna

5 Day 6 Wednesday, July 18, 2018 Bologna, Bite by Bite This morning, venture out into the sienna-hued streets of Bologna on a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide. Your tour includes a visit to the University of Bologna, the world s oldest operating university, as well as Piazza Maggiore where you ll find Palazzo Comunale, Sala Borsa and the Basilica of Saint Petronio. This afternoon, opt to join an excursion to Dozza Castle, which includes a wine tasting. Enjoy homemade lasagna at tonight s included dinner. $69 USD Dozza Village & Castle Wine Tasting Travel to the medieval village of Dozza. Though off the beaten path, Dozza is known for the brilliantly colored, contemporary frescoes painted on homes throughout the village. Wine novices and experts alike will savor a visit to the village s famous wine exhibition at Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, located within a 13th-century fortress. A professional sommelier will lead you on a tour of the enoteca, which displays a seemingly infinite number of regional wines from some of Italy's finest wineries in Emilia Romagna. You ll be invited to taste three types of wine accompanied by a light snack. Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in: Bologna Day 7 Thursday, July 19, 2018 Today s Menu: Tortellini Explore Bologna on your own today. You may choose to follow the world s longest portico uphill to the Basilica of San Luca. This evening, learn to make the traditional pastas of Bologna, such as tortellini, tortelloni and tagliatelle, in a cooking class that features an included dinner. Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in: Bologna

6 Day 8 Friday, July 20, 2018 Venice via Vines of Treviso En route to Venice, stop in the Province of Treviso for a tour of 17th-century wine cellars to learn about Prosecco production. Enjoy a light lunch at Osteria followed by a tasting of 3 different Proseccos, white wines that are comparable to Champagne. Included meals: breakfast, light lunch with Prosecco tasting Overnight in: Venice Day 9 Saturday, July 21, 2018 Venice, Floating City Venice, Italy, is known by several names, one of which is the Floating City. This is due to the fact that the city of Venice consists of 118 small islands connected by numerous canals and bridges. Yet, the buildings in Venice were not built directly on the islands. Instead, they were built upon wooden platforms that were supported by wooden stakes driven into the ground. On today s guided sightseeing tour of Venice, step into the iconic St. Mark s Square and view its soaring basilica, explore the Rialto market, famous for its fish and vegetable stands, and view the stately Doge s Palace, built in the Venetian Gothic style in Then, marvel at the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge, which spans the Grand Canal. Later, see a glassblowing demonstration to learn about the city s most celebrated art. Price $65 Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise with Music More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person. Included meals: breakfast Overnight in: Venice

7 Day 10 Sunday, July 22, 2018 Venetian Repose Enjoy a free day in Venice or add an excursion. Price $65 Islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Burano & Torcello Visit the islands of the Venetian lagoon, a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike. First travel by water taxi to Torcello, where the story of Venice began. It was here that mainlanders sought a safe haven from invading barbarians. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, whose famous mosaics depict The Last Judgement. The next stop is the tiny fishing village of Burano, where brightly colored homes greet visitors. Wander as you please throughout Burano, and be sure to stop in at the island's bakeries. Included meals: breakfast Overnight in: Venice Day 11 Monday, July 23, 2018 Say Arrivederci to Italy A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home. Otherwise, continue you tour with an extension to nearby Slovenia. Included meals: breakfast Itinerary is subject to change. For complete financial and registration details, please refer to the Booking Conditions at

8 OPTIONAL EXTENSION Monday, July 23 to Thursday, July 26 Extend Your Stay: Add 3 nights in Ljubljana, Slovenia for $649 USD (Single room: add $145 USD) Experience Europe in miniature in Ljubljana, the stunningly green (and endlessly cultural) capital of Slovenia. Day 11 (Monday, July 23, 2018) Transfer to Ljubljana, Slovenia Travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. Stop in Prešeren Square to see the France Prešeren Monument. Pass by the Triple Bridge, Town Hall, and Baroque Robba Fountain. Later, view Ljubljana Cathedral, the Dragon Bridge, and the famed open-air market. Day 13 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018) Visit to Vintgar Gorge Today you ll enjoy a trip to Vintgar Gorge, one of Slovenia s most scenic areas. You ll walk the park s wooden walk way, with stunning views of the gorge throughout. The hike culminates at Sum Waterfall. Please note: this is a strenuous hike and the pathway can be slippery. Day 12 (Tuesday, July 24, 2018) Excursion to Beautiful Piran Famous for its Venetian architecture, Piran sits on the Mediterranean coast of Slovenia. On a walking tour with a local guide, explore the town s narrow streets and pass by the medieval city walls. Stop by the Church of St. George and Tartini Square, the beautiful main plaza dominated by a massive bronze statue of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini. Then, enjoy free time for lunch and take a dip in the Adriatic if the weather allows. Day 14 (Thursday, July 26, 2018) Departure This morning, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport in Ljubljana for your flight home. Itinerary is subject to change. For complete financial and registration details, please refer to the Booking Conditions at

9 Taste of Northern Italy and the Italian Riviera: A Teachers Who Travel Food and Wine Tour for Educators, Friends, & Family Overnight Stays in: Genoa (3) Bologna (3) Venice (3) Ljubljana extension only (3) Trip costs include: Round-trip air transportation with a major airline and airport transfers The services of a multilingual Go Ahead Tour Director A multilingual tour director Guided sightseeing and select entry fees 9 nights accommodations in well-located hotels including baggage handling Breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 5 three-course dinners Private deluxe motorcoach Not included in the program fee: Customary gratuities for your tour director, local guide, and driver Optional excursions and Slovenia extension Personal Insurance Public transportation to free time activities Current tour prices per person, including taxes and fees (valid until 9/30/16): $4,249 USD per person based on double occupancy with 25 or more travelers $4,399 USD per person based on double occupancy with travelers $4,599 USD per person based on double occupancy with travelers Optional additions: Travel insurance: $299 USD Single room supplement: $580 USD Please note: If you re enrolling by yourself but don t mind a roommate, you can let Mr. Boswell know after you register that you d like to be paired with another single traveler of the same gender to avoid the $580 supplement. Notes on optional excursions: Go Ahead Tours encourages you to reserve your optional excursions at the time of booking in order to ensure the lowest prices, which are subject to change until booking. Optional excursions will run subject to a minimum of 10 participants. Secure your place on the tour today with a $450 deposit by visiting:

10 FAQs About the Tour Why should I travel on a group tour? Traveling the world is the best way to learn about it, but the logistical challenges of getting from one place to another, particularly in a place where you don t speak the language, can be challenging. On a group tour, all of the complicated logistics from driving from one town to the next to where you ll stay is completely taken care of, allowing you actually relax and take it all in. Am I getting a good deal? One of the most important reasons I chose Go Ahead Tours as our travel company is that they allowed me to set up the tour exactly the way I wanted it for the lowest price. Just to clarify, this is not a package tour where we ll be paired with other disparate groups. We ll have our own coach and personal tour director throughout the trip. In addition, Go Ahead Tours uses centrally located hotels. Can I invite others that aren t teachers? Anyone who enjoys travel is welcome to join a Teachers Who Travel tour; Matt only advertises to area teachers because he doesn t want the trips to be too large. However, you are welcome to invite others that you know that would be interested, even if they don t live locally (they can even depart from a different gateway, if they d prefer). How am I going to pay for this? Because we re planning so far in advance, I recommend you take advantage of Go Ahead s monthly payment plan. The sooner you enroll, the lower your monthly payment will be. How do I enroll and when? All you need to do is visit the tour site and place a $450 deposit, which will secure a space for you on the trip Please feel free to me at 4teacherswhotravel@gmail.com with additional questions. Hope you can join the trip! Matt Boswell MCPS Arts & Humanities Teacher

11 Teachers Can Opt to Earn Up to 6 Graduate-Level Professional Development Credits While on Tour! The University of the Pacific s Center for Professional and Continuing Education offers credit for educationally related travel at the rate of $79 per Credit In addition, you may be able to deduct the cost of the trip from your taxes!* For course and registration information, see the next page. *Under current tax law (H.R. 3838), the travel for these course is a necessary adjunct to the educational activity and therefore may lead to a tax deduction when undertaken to maintain or improve your skills as an educator. Consult with your tax advisor.

12 About UP s Travel Study Program: Educators and related personnel can develop a personalized academic program based on their individual travels either within the United States or abroad. Before departing on the trip, each participant submits a one page proposal outlining 1) the areas to be visited, 2) a brief explanation of how the travel experience can be applied in the classroom, and 3) any books you plan to read to ready yourself for the trip. During the trip, the participant takes photos and keeps a daily log or journal indicating academic points of interest and activities. After the trip, participants develop lesson plans or audio-visual curriculum aids and materials (i.e., slide presentations with narration, videotape recordings, etc.) based on information, activities and experiences from their travels. A 1-2 page write-up describing how the materials will be applied is also required. Practical Information Instructor: Dr. Allan Lifson Fee: $79 per credit (there are no registration or application fees) Available Travel Study Courses (take one or both): Developing a Curriculum for Academic Enrichment Code: P EDU 9200 (1-3 credits) Practicum in Curriculum Development & Improvement Code: P EDU 9201 (1-3 credits) To enroll: Contact Dr. Allan Lifson at or Visit: Continuing-Education/Courses-for-Teachers/Curriculum- Enrichment/Travel-Study.html