Certosa di Pavia / Yuri Virovets Jefferson s ITALY with John Boles MAY 28 JUNE 6, 2018
Experience the Italy that Jefferson witnessed as summer arrives on the continent. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson traveled to Italy incognito and alone, visiting the smaller provinces and rural villages to sample the fruits of the local harvests. Led by Professor John Boles, explore Milan through 18th-century eyes, taking in the art and architecture commissioned by the noble families of Jefferson s time. Visit the villages and farms he passed through during his travels, sampling the exquisite local wines and cheeses on offer. Tour the lavish villas and verdant island gardens of Lake Como, where the pristine natural beauty that existed when Jefferson visited still flourishes today. Gain private access to a centuries-old Renaissance villa opened by the Count and Countess exclusively for Rice. Go behind the scenes at the world-famous La Scala Opera House. Duomo in Milan Hotels: Milan & Lake Como The luxurious Rosa Grand is centrally located a short walk from Milan s Duomo and the world-famous La Scala Opera House. The hotel offers refined rooms with white-marble bathrooms, an elegant restaurant, a chic wine bar and lounge, as well as a wellness center with fitness equipment and steam baths. The upscale Palace Hotel in Como is set in a restored Art Nouveau palace with elegant and contemporary rooms, a restaurant and garden bar, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Como. Travel with John Boles JOHN B. BOLES, the William P. Hobby Professor of History at Rice and editor (1983 2013) of the Journal of Southern History, has written widely on various aspects of southern history and the history of Rice University; he authored the biography Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty (2017); he has been very active in training graduate students; and he has been a frequent lecturer both for the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies and for many alumni travel programs. He has won two Brown teaching awards, two graduate student association teaching awards, and the Meritorious Service Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Gold Medal of the Association of Rice Alumni.
CUSTOM ITINERARY Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como / Navin Rajagopalan This custom travel program has been created uniquely for Rice Alumni Traveling Owls. MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018 Departures Depart the U.S. on independent flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018 Welcome to Milan Upon arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Manager and board a private group transfer to the luxurious Hotel Rosa Grand in Milan s city center. In the late afternoon, tour the Piazza Belgioioso, set in front of the 1787 palace that delighted Jefferson when he visited. Enter the newly opened Gallerie d Italia Piazza Scala museum complex. As the sun sets, step inside Palazzo Clerici, a private palace opened exclusively for Rice. Witness the marvelous 18th-century grand salon, decorated with rich frescoes by Tiepolo. Enjoy a delicious dinner this evening with your fellow travelers. Rosa Grand Hotel, Milan (D) WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 Milanese Masterpieces Step inside the hidden collection of the Ambrosiana Library, which houses an unparalleled collection of Leonardo da Vinci s sketches. Visit the cloisters of San Maurizio, home to grand frescoes only recently opened to the public. After lunch, tour the iconic church of Santa Maria delle Grazie before taking in da Vinci s ultimate masterpiece, The Last Supper. This evening, take an optional tour of the fascinating Brera Portrait Gallery. Enjoy the rest of the evening and dinner at leisure. THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018 The Langhe Valley Leave Milan behind for the charming town of Alba, tucked in the hills of the Piedmont and known for incredible confectionery, truffles, and wines. Enjoy lunch at a local cantina serving the delicious dishes that have made the region famous. Stroll through the valley s centuries-old vineyards before ending the day touring the incredible 13th-century castles of Barolo. Return to Milan late this afternoon for an evening and dinner at leisure. FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018 Jefferson s Lombardy Discover Certosa di Pavia, the marvelous monastery and religious complex built by the first Duke of Milan. Tour a rice farm that cultivates its crop in the same fields that Jefferson once visited. Meet the staff and chefs at the farm who work tirelessly to preserve Lombardy s reputation as Italy s greatest farming region. After lunch, visit the Maria Cosway Foundation, which works to preserve the legacy of the artist with whom Jefferson fell in love in 1786. Return to Milan this evening for dinner at leisure. SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018 Essential Milan Enjoy a final day exploring the ornate beauty of the Milanese city center. Visit the famous La Scala Opera House. Marvel at the soaring arches and gleaming spires of Milan s Gothic Duomo, which took almost six centuries to complete. Enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the city skyline at the
fabulous Armani Restaurant before spending the afternoon at the private collection of one of Milan s foremost families. Enjoy this evening and dinner at leisure. SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 Villages of the North Depart Milan this morning and head north, toward the stunning waters and mountains of Lake Como. Spend the morning as the special guests of a Count, who opens his exquisitely restored villa and garden to Rice Alumni. Discuss the challenges and triumphs of the restoration process over a delicious lunch served in the villa s grand ballroom. This afternoon, see the frescoes of Castiglione Olona, hidden in the local church at the top of a cobblestone hill. Arrive at the elegant Palace Hotel on Lake Como this afternoon, where dinner and the evening are at leisure. Palace Hotel, Como (B, L) MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2018 Bellagio & Como Spend the day discovering the gorgeous estates that line the shores of Lake Como. Take the ferry to Bellagio, the jewel of Lake Como, for a stroll through the boutique shops and charming streets. After lunch, visit the lush landscape of Villa Carlotta, one of the most prestigious gardens in the world. Spend the afternoon enjoying local wines and a discussion of Como s history at a local home on the lake. Return to the hotel this evening for dinner at leisure. Palace Hotel, Como (B, L, Rec.) TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2018 Exploring the Lakes Begin the final day in Como with a cruise of the lakes, taking in the beauty of the coastline and islands. Discover the sumptuous Villa Balbianello, built on a wooded peninsula, and home to iconic terraced gardens and a restored palace filled with a fascinating collection of art and artifacts. After lunch, take an independent afternoon to relax, shop, and soak up the sun before a final farewell dinner. Palace Hotel, Como (B, L, D) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018 Return to the U.S. Take a group transfer to the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) for independent flights home (B) TOUR INFORMATION TOUR COST Land Only...$5,295 Single Supplement... $1,195 Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 20 paying participants. Land prices are calculated as of Spring 2017 and are subject to change. DATES May 28 June 6, 2018 ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate, good walking ability DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT A deposit of $1,000 per paying participant is required to guarantee participation in the program. This deposit may be paid by check or by Visa or MasterCard. Final payment will be invoiced and is due on February 17, 2018 by check only to International Seminar Design, Inc. Registrants will be accepted beyond this date on a spaceavailable basis with payment in full by check only. FLIGHTS Airfare is not included in the tour price. Participants are responsible for all aspects of their round-trip air arrangements. TERMS & CONDITIONS International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services relating to this tour. ISDI, the Association of Rice Alumni, and/ or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of the tour. ISDI and the Association of Rice Alumni reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason including insufficient numbers of participants, as well as the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the minimum required, passengers will be advised of additional costs or itinerary alterations before departure date. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS All cancellations must be received in writing by ISDI, and charges are calculated as of the day notification is received in writing by ISDI. If a tour member cancels, the following scale of charges is incurred: There is a nonrefundable administrative fee of $500 per person. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before February 17, 2018: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI from February 18, 2018 to April 13, 2018: full refund of any recoverable land costs, less $1,500 per person cancellation charge (includes administrative fee). Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after April 14, 2018: no refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to issue any refunds. No refunds are issued for any unused portion of the tour including, but not limited to, occasional missed meals or sightseeing tours. Costs for promotion, staff, and other group expenses are not refundable. If due to weather, flight schedules, or other uncontrollable
The Alps Castiglione Olona Como Bellagio Jefferson s Italy with John Boles May 28 June 6, 2018 Name (as listed on passport) Name (as listed on passport) Rice Affiliation Rice Affiliation Milan Lodi Address (billing if using credit card for payment) Certosa di Pavia City State Zip Alba Barolo Langhe Valley Ligurian Sea NORTHERN ITALY Stamen Design / Open Street Map Daytime Telephone E-mail Address Cell Phone please send mailings to my email to receive information more quickly Number of Persons Amount Enclosed DEPOSIT BY: Visa or MasterCard Check (payable to International Seminar Design, Inc.) Visit the Maria Cosway Foundation in Lodi, including a musical performance and a discussion on Jefferson s relationship with the artist, musician, and socialite. Two Friezes at Villa Balbianello / Franco Vannini factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, and meal costs. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not accepted. The tour cost is non-transferable. Tour cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance is strongly recommended. A confirmation letter and travel insurance application will be mailed to you upon receipt of your deposit. 2017 2018 International Seminar Design, Inc., CST 2072963-40, WST 603578109 TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS Accommodations, as outlined in the itinerary; breakfast daily, seven (7) lunches, two (2) dinners, one (1) reception (two (2) glasses of wine or beer with dinners); one group airport transfer upon arrival and departure as outlined; land transportation by private motor coach as outlined; entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary; expert, local English-speaking guides to accompany the tour throughout planned activities; services of an ISDI Tour Manager throughout the program; gratuities to all local guides and drivers; bottled water daily; taxes, services, and porterage fees. TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS Airfare, airline taxes, and fuel surcharges; airport porterage; excursions, activities, or meals during traveler s free time; personal items; personal services; travel extensions; personal insurance for health, baggage, and tour cancellation; passport fees; visa fees; gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff. Card Number Billing Zip Code (if different from above) Exp. (mm/yy) ROOMING OPTIONS: (please select) Double Occupancy, We prefer separate beds Single Supplement ($1,195) I will share a room with: I would like a roommate but will pay the price of the single supplement if one cannot be found. The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI), the Association of Rice Alumni, and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death or for the loss of and/or damage to his/her property however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN Registration invalid without signature Signature Signature COMPLETE AND RETURN TO: Rice Alumni Traveling Owls MS-520, P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251 Tel: 713-34-TRIPS, Fax: (713) 348-5210 Email: travelingowls@rice.edu Date Date TRAVEL INSURANCE The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Travel insurance information will be emailed to you from the Traveling Owls upon receipt of your registration.
Jefferson s ITALY with John Boles MAY 28 JUNE 6, 2018 Experience Italy in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson, seeing the art, architecture, culture, and landscape that inspired America s third President. Rice University Association of Rice Alumni Huff House 6100 Main Street MS 520 Houston, TX 77005 Torre Barolo, View from La Morra / Roberto Ferrito