ITALY & MALTA 25 th Anniversary of the Malta International Airshow, Malta Aviation Museum, Italian Air Force Museum, Sightseeing & time at leisure PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Tuesday, 19 th Monday, 25 th September A perfect 7-day break to Italy and Malta, mixing as much aviation with sightseeing and leisure as you wish whether you are an aviation enthusiast or not: do as much or as little aviation as you like! With some summer sun, clear blue skies, the beauty that is Rome and the waters of the Mediterranean, what more could you ask for - coinciding with the very popular annual Malta International Airshow! The undisputed star of last year s airshow was this Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker accompanied by an Ilyushin IL-76 will the Ukrainians return this year?! We start with 2 nights in Rome, staying in a centrally located hotel. You have the opportunity of visiting the very impressive and large collection of aircraft in the Museo Storico dell' Aeronautica Militare Italiana in Vigna di Valle: one of the best aviation museums in the world. As well as a 1½ hour coach sightseeing tour of the Italian capital, there is also time at leisure to enjoy as you wish in the centre of Rome. On the island of Malta there is the annual 2-day international airshow: the static display is on Luqa International Airport and the flying programme will be over the sea at Smart City (just outside Valletta). The show has a very good reputation for attracting interesting types of aircraft from countries throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. 2017 marks the 25 th anniversary and a really special show is planned with a much larger number of participants. Website: www.maltairshow.com/participants/ You have the choice of attending on the Saturday and/or Sunday: mornings in the Static Display and the afternoons at Smart City. Details, when available will published on www.maltairshow.com/tickets/ As there could be several options, tickets and transfers to the air show are not included in the tour price. Depending on who wants to go when, we will charter appropriately sized transport. We will visit the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation whose excellent collection of aircraft includes a Spitfire, Hurricane, Fiat G-91 and C-47. Also the Malta Military Museum located in St Elmo s Fort, where several principal exhibits are displayed in the main hall including: the Gloster Gladiator Faith, an Italian E-Boat, a Bofors anti-aircraft gun, a Willis Jeep Husky ; and a replica of the George Cross awarded to the people of Malta by King George VI for their fortitude, courage and determination during World War II. Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 1 of 9
Optional excursions are available, for example, a fabulous boat tour around Grand Harbour. We stay 4-nights at the opulent Victoria Hotel (rated a superior 4-star) in the popular resort of Sliema, located a few minutes drive from the capital, Valletta. The fabulous view, right, was taken from one of the hotel s bedrooms, some of which look out over the Grand Harbour and Valletta. See pages 5 and 6 for details of the hotel s facilities. The Sliema promenade offers on one side stunning views across to Valletta and on the other, open sea views. The promenade, which runs for several miles from Gżira (just south of Sliema) to St Julians, is ideal for a relaxed early morning or afternoon stroll or jog. There are plenty of seats along the promenade and on an evening the seafront becomes a sociable meeting place for locals and visitors alike. The hotel has a tours and excursions information desk where the staff will be pleased to discuss, and book, various half or full-day trips. For example, visit the nearby island of Gozo, or take a boat trip to Comino s Blue Lagoon and swim in the spectacular blue translucent waters. We fly on the scheduled services of Alitalia from London s Heathrow Airport (and with Air Malta from Luqa to Rome); all transfers and transportation is by air-conditioned coach (see appropriate paragraph on page 7 General Information ); we stay at a comfortable hotels as described; and are accompanied by one of Ian Allan s well travelled and experienced Aviation Tour Managers. This 7-day holiday is perfect for everyone whether you are interested in aviation or not, with the freedom to do as little or as much aviation as you wish, combined with sightseeing or just relaxing! Why not extend your stay? please email or phone to discuss your plans. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: TUESDAY, 19 th SEPTEMBER First of all please go to check-in/bag-drop and then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts, between 05:00 and 05:30 at London s Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 for the flight to Rome. Latest recommended check-in/bag-drop time is 2 hours prior to departure. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 Flight: AZ 201 Departs: 07:25 Rome Fiumicino Airport Arrives: 10:55 After Passport Control, Baggage Reclaim and Customs we meet our driver and head into the centre of Rome where we will enjoy a 1½ hour sightseeing tour. You then have the option of remaining downtown and making your own way back to the hotel using the Metro system at a later time, or going to the hotel and checking in to your room (should be available for occupation from 14:00). We stay 2 nights at the Ibis Styles Hotel-EUR on a bed and breakfast basis. The modern rooms have a minibar, satellite TV with a 32-inch flat-screen and safe. There is a restaurant and bar on-site. Located in Rome's EUR district, the Ibis Styles Rome EUR Hotel is about a 10-12 minutes' walk to the Palasport Metro station, with direct links to the Coliseum et al. Also in the area of the Metro station are shops and restaurants. Website: www.ibis.com/it/hotel-9301-ibis-styles-roma-eur/index.shtml DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, 20 th SEPTEMBER At 09:00 we depart for Vigna de Valle and our visit to the Italian National Aviation Museum which opens at 10:00. On display are more than 60 aircraft predominantly of Italian design and manufacture. We will ask to see any aircraft not on show to the public and their restoration area. Early afternoon we return to Rome where you have the option of leaving the coach either at the hotel or in the centre of the city (transfer back to the hotel is at your own expense). Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 2 of 9
DAY 3: THURSDAY, 21 st SEPTEMBER At 08:00 we transfer to Rome s Fiumicino Airport for our Air Malta/Alitalia codeshare flight to Malta. Latest recommended check-in/bag-drop time is 1 hour prior to departure, i.e., 09:20. Rome Fiumicino Airport Flight: AZ 7912 Departs: 10:20 Malta Arrives: 11:45 After the usual arrival procedures we transfer by chartered coach to visit Fort St Elmo south of Valetta: here we look around the Malta Military Museum whose exhibits include the famous Gloster Gladiator Faith, etc; website: www.visitmalta.com/national-war-museum Then to the Victoria Hotel, located in the very fashionable, and popular, town of Sliema and only a few miles north of Valletta. See details on pages 5 and 6. Website: www.victoriahotel.com We arrive back at the hotel by 17:00. DAY 4: FRIDAY, 22 nd SEPTEMBER Departing the hotel at 09:00 we spend an enjoyable day touring the island, visiting Fort Rinella which boasts the world s largest cannon The Armstrong. Website: www.fortrinella.com/ Lunch (at your own expense) can be taken during our stop in the beautiful, old walled town of Mdina. We look around the very interesting collection of aircraft in the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation located in Ta Qali. Website: www.maltaviationmuseum.com/ Alternatively, today is Arrivals Day for the 2017 Malta International Airshow; the transfers of a few miles to/from the show would be by taxi (or minibus depending on the number going) and are not included in the tour price. Or relax away from the group and enjoy the day doing what you want to do! DAYS 5 & 6: SATURDAY, 23 rd & SUNDAY, 24 th SEPTEMBER At 08:30 each morning you have the option of accompanying your Tour Manager by coach to the Static Display at Luqa Airport or transferring independently at a time of your own choosing (and expense). We await publication of the timings for the afternoon air display so that we can transfer in good time from Luqa Airport to Smart City. Website: www.maltairshow.com Please note you have the option of enjoying all or some of Days 4, 5 and 6 at the air show. We await release of ticket information and prices on www.maltairshow.com/tickets/ Alternatively, 2 more days of leisure enjoying what you want to do! Taking an optional coach and ferry trip to the island of Gozo or swimming in the fabulous Blue Lagoon. Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 3 of 9
DAY 7: MONDAY, 25 th SEPTEMBER At 10:30 we depart the hotel for the transfer to Luqa Airport and check-in with Air Malta for our Alitalia code-share flight to Milan. Latest check-in/bag-drop time is 11:30. You will receive boarding cards for both flights and your hold luggage will be booked all the way through to Heathrow. Malta Flight: AZ 7915 Departs: 12:55 Milan Linate Airport Arrives: 14:50 On arrival we go along to the departure gate of our onward flight to Heathrow, operated by Alitalia. Milan Linate Flight: AZ 238 Departs: 16:55 Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 Arrives: 18:00 Whilst waiting in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each farewell until the next time! COST PER PERSON TOUR: 227718 1,275.00 Based on sharing a twin bedded room on a bed and breakfast basis 330.00 Single room supplement On request Land only (please speak with one of our consultants before booking) TOUR PRICE INCLUDE Flights on the scheduled services of Alitalia & Air Malta codeshare from London s Heathrow Airport as stated UK, Italian and Maltese airport taxes and UK Passenger Service Charge 6-nights hotel accommodation in rooms with private facilities Breakfast each morning Transfers and transportation as stated when with the main group (but not to/from the airshow) Admission to all museums as stated Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager when with the main group NOT INCLUDED Meals, except as stated above Transfers and transportation when not with the main group Maltese Environment Contribution of 0.50c per person per night, only payable on arrival at hotel Optional excursions or flights Travel insurance see General Information Personal expenditure, for example, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Gratuity for coach drivers Tips and gratuities Tickets and coach transfers to the Malta Air Show Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 4 of 9
OUR HOTEL THE VICTORIA This classy and iconic hotel is situated in the popular and the very up-market district of Sliema. The Victoria Hotel is true to its name and its promise: refined and yet intimate, it assures deluxe service with unfailing high standards proudly upheld by its staff for ultimate satisfaction, pledging 5-star service at 4-star prices. It is, by far, one of the leading and best superior 4-star city hotels in Malta. Copperfield s restaurant is specifically designed to create a warm and comfortable ambiance. Among its offerings is the traditional Sunday luncheon, an enriched English buffet breakfast and a sumptuous buffet dinner with a selection of local and international antipasti, soup, pasta, carvery dishes, white and red meats and fish specialties followed by a wide range of sweets. All of which goes to make the Copperfield s an extraordinary dining experience. A carefully selected choice of accompanying local and foreign wines are also available. The Penny Black Bar is open throughout the day, with its mahogany bar, baby grand piano, open fireplace and leather seating. Guests can sit and relax with their cocktail or wine, accompanied by delicious snacks and platters and freshly made desserts. During the summer months the Terrace Bar is also open. Room facilities include: Tea and coffee making facilities Daily maid service Air-conditioning/heating Television and radio with cable channels Mini bar In-room safe (at a charge) Direct dial telephone Orthopaedic mattresses, extra pillows & blankets Balcony/terrace Broadband or wireless internet connection (at a charge) Guest Services include: Multi-lingual personnel at the 24-hour front desk Car rental facilities Room service from 07:00 hrs till 21:30 hrs 24-hour wake-up services Medical services Internet throughout with Wi-Fi in the lobby and ADSL connection in the rooms (at a charge) Bike rental facilities Fitness room Indoor and outdoor pools Sun terrace (pictured) Sauna Steam room Spa and treatment rooms Tours and Excursions desk Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 5 of 9
Guests can also enjoy a luxurious Spa spread out on two levels, including a fresh water indoor pool and an outdoor pool (pictured). The facilities also include a fully equipped fitness room, a sun terrace, saunas, steam room and treatment rooms. It s the perfect place to retreat, relax and unwind from the pressures of everyday life. Victoria Hotel guests are also entitled to use the tennis and squash courts at the Union Club which is located only a few minutes walk away. Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 6 of 9
GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of 300.00 per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the UK. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide: www.worldtravelguide.net for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. UK and EU passport holders do not require a visa to enter either Italy or Malta. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular Advice The FCO's consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. For up-to-date passport, visa and security information, we suggest you visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site http://abta.com/gotravel and an Information Line, telephone: 020 3117 0599. This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 16-18 seater minibus, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater minibuses from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Baggage Regulations Alitalia Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: Alitalia will transport one piece of up to 50lbs (23kgs) free of charge on their flights. Bag must have a maximum size of 62ins (158 cms), the sum of height + width + depth. Cabin Baggage: you may bring on board with you one bag weighing a maximum of 17lbs (8kgs) and measuring no more than 21ins in height, 13ins in width and 9ins in depth (55cms x 35cms x 25cms) including handles, side pockets and wheels. In addition, one accessory of your choice from the following: briefcase laptop computer or handbag. Baggage Regulations Air Malta Departing from Luqa to Rome Checked Baggage: Air Malta will transport one piece of up to 44lbs (20kgs) free of charge on their flights. Bag must have a maximum size of 62ins (158 cms), the sum of height + width + depth. Cabin Baggage: you may bring on board with you one bag weighing a maximum of 17lbs (8kgs) and measuring no more than 21ins in height, 13ins in width and 9.8ins in depth (55cms x 40cms x 20cms) including handles, side pockets and wheels. In addition, one accessory of your choice from the following: briefcase laptop computer or handbag. Restrictions remain in place for the carriage of liquids, gels, and creams in hand baggage for all passengers departing from and transferring through all EU airports. Some other airports around the world operate their own restrictions. Customers are advised to check before they travel. Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 7 of 9
Limited quantities of liquids (individual containers must not exceed 100ml or 3.5 fl oz), are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain liquids such as shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside. Hand baggage can also include electronic equipment such as mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. All equipment which contain batteries must be fully charged, e.g., mobile phone and cameras. Any that are not fully charged will be taken by airport security staff and returned to you when you next pass through the airport. Should you be detained for questioning and miss your flight, Ian Allan Travel cannot be held responsible. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit can also be included. At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note: you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Baggage Weight Restrictions UK Airports Since 1 st June 2004, any single piece of checked baggage weighing more than 70lbs (32kgs) has not been accepted at check-in by any airline operating from London s and many U.K. regional - airports. Meals On this tour continental breakfast is included in the tour price. Health Requirements There are no known mandatory or recommended precautions for visiting Italy or Malta; however, we recommend you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress The weather in September is usually sunny and warm (mid 70ºs low 80ºsF); therefore, summer attire is recommended. Currency The currency in both countries is the Euro. Banks, bureau de change etc will exchange Sterling in cash and Sterling and Euro traveller s cheques, and all major credit/debit cards are accepted. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, are able to offer competitive and comprehensive insurance cover. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. These policies also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports. Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 8 of 9
Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Rome (or Malta) instead of flying from London s Heathrow Airport with the main group, we will be very pleased to provide a Land Only price: NO FLIGHTS will be included. You are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. Please note that the Land only price is based on you meeting up with the group at the hotel in Rome or Sliema and does not include the airport transfer; it does include the airport transfer on the final day. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary; however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call on 01932 255625 for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking: we can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Purple Meet & Greet Car Parking at London s Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4: from your home or overnight hotel, simply drive to Terminal 4, to the Drop Off/Pick Up lanes on the top Departures level and hand your car over to the waiting driver who will then take it to an off-airport, secure, car park. On your return, the driver and your car will be waiting for you in the same location. Simple and very convenient. Recommended by our Tour Managers. Please call for details. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. * * * Tour 227718 Italy & Malta - Airshow & Museums Provisional Itinerary Issue 2 Page 9 of 9