Reflections of Italy
Presented By: Prime Time Travel Club, Inc.

Day 1: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, "The Eternal City."

Day 2: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. (D)

Day 3: Thursday, March 04, 2010 Rome
This morning it’s your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica* will be on your personal sightseeing list. This afternoon, enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain. (B)

Day 4: Friday, March 05, 2010 Rome - Assisi - Perugia - Umbria
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals. (B, D)

Day 5: Saturday, March 06, 2010 Umbria - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. After a walking tour with a local expert, take some time to explore the medieval corners of Siena with its great shops and outdoor cafes. En route to Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making. (B, D)

Day 6: Sunday, March 07, 2010 Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own. (B)

Day 7: Monday, March 08, 2010 Florence - Venice
Start your day with a trip to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region with its very own 12th century castle. Learn about Tuscany’s famous wines and enjoy a lunch filled with local specialties. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Valley of the Po. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 Venice - Murano Island - Venice
SB>Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. (B)

Day 9: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Venice - Lugano, Switzerland - Como, Italy - Milan Malpensa
Today you travel to the picturesque Italian Lake district. Cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano with excellent shopping opportunities. Returning to Italy, spend time in the elegant town of Como. Lake Como’s charm is tied to its beautiful villas, lush gardens and spectacular views. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip. (B, D)

Day 10: Thursday, March 11, 2010 Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Milan Malpensa this morning. (B)




March 02 - March 11, 2010
10 Days • 14 Meals
8 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 5 Dinners
Highlights: Rome, Colosseum, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, Florence, Chianti Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Lugano, Switzerland, Como
Rates Per Person
Double: $3099, Single: $3899,
Triple: $3069
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from J.F Kennedy International, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $380 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 3 UNA Hotel Roma, Rome
Day 4 Hotel Sangallo Palace, Perugia
or Dal Moro Gallery Hotel, Assisi
Day 5 - 6 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence
Day 7 - 8 Hotel Ai Mori D'Oriente, Venice
or Hotel Principe, Venice
Day 9 Crowne Plaza Malpensa, Malpensa
or Hilton Garden Inn Milan-Malpensa, Malpensa
or UNA Hotel Malpensa, Malpensa
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
  • Visit the beautiful resort town of Como in the Italian Lake District.
  • Discover Siena’s narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo.
  • A tour of Florence showcases the cultural treasures of the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.”
  • Enjoy a visit to one of Chianti’s treasured wineries complete with a visit to its medieval castle and a special lunch.
  • Spend a day in the breathtaking region of Umbria as you visit two of its most important cities: Assisi and Perugia.
  • Spend some time in Switzerland visiting the beautiful resort town of Lugano.
For more information call
 Elaine Rau
Prime Time Travel Club, Inc.
(631) 286-7329
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Florence
Tuscan Feast • $70.00
This evening, set off on a scenic drive to nearby Galluzzo, a historic town famous for its Carthusian monastery which rests upon one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Prior to dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th century monastery – La Certosa. Revel in the beauty that lurks inside and experience the monastery’s magnificence as you learn about monastic daily life. Then, your evening of fun continues at one of the area’s most popular dining establishments! Experience an authentic and traditional dinner – served family-style! Savor local wines and Tuscan food and enjoy the entertainment. It’s a memorable – truly Italian – evening out that you won’t want to miss!
Lake Como
Lake Como Cruise • $40.00
Take a cruise on beautiful Lake Como, the fjord-like jewel of Northern Italy. Elegant villas, vineyards and gardens line the shores of this pristine paradise, where the rich and famous seek solace. You’ll sail across the waters that fill the glacially-carved valley as your guide introduces you to Como’s sights and lore. This is a locale where rugged peaks ring the deep blue water; lakeside villages perch at the water’s edge; and olive, chestnut and walnut groves cover the gentle slopes. It’s an experience sure to be the highlight of your vacation to Italy!
Rome
Rome by Night • $80.00
“Dine with the Tenors” at a very popular Roman restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a hearty, traditional, four-course menu complete with wine. As you enjoy the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers serenade you with favorite arias from best-loved operas. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging immersion into Italian culture. After dinner, embark on the enchanting Rome by Night tour, seeing the famous landmarks of the “Eternal City” illuminated against the night sky. See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument and many other highlights. Remember your evening of Italian romance and charm with a souvenir opera CD – one per couple and one for singles.
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica • $75.00
The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces, galleries, halls, and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and of course, a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently, the largest in the world.
Venice
Dinner on the Grand Canal • $65.00
Dine on fabulous Italian cuisine while the drama and grandeur of the Grand Canal parades before you. Spend your free night in Venice dining at a very popular Venetian restaurant located right on the Grand Canal. Your Tour Manager will lead you on a short stroll to the restaurant where the tranquil ambiance, fine service and delicious meal complete with mineral water, coffee and fine Italian wine make this evening truly memorable.
Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise • $65.00
Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways, when you partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Sip on a glass of local Prosecco as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $200 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Reflections of Italy
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
All of our hotels are equipped with air conditioning and heat. In an effort to be more energy efficient, government regulations are in place throughout Italy to determine the specific time of year when air conditioning and heating systems will be switched on and off at hotels. Please note that air conditioners and heaters will not always be turned on during the fall and spring due to these regulations. Most hotels in Italy do not offer swimming pools, due to their location and lack of space. Those that do will typically operate their swimming pools in the summer months only, between June and August, depending on the weather.
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Arrival Day Suggestions
Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Bring a camera, memory cards and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. In many cases, laundry services (not self-service) are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. You may opt to pack wash cloths as they are not readily available in international hotels.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at some hotels (although the exchange rate and fee is usually higher at hotels). In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. Locations in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The currency is the Euro. Please note that many places in Europe will not accept 50 and 100 USD bills as there has been a high rate of counterfeit notes circulating. Bring some American cash in small bills for use in countries with soft currencies. Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
Elevation on this tour will not exceed 2400 feet.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Local Guides
In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, five local guides have been arranged throughout this tour. Customary gratuities for these guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 1-2 USD per day, per guide. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour.
Luggage
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 15 to 25 USD and dinner 30 to 45 USD. Breakfasts are generally continental buffet (no hot items). In general, the water is safe in Italy; however, bottled water is the norm when dining and for sightseeing days. Dinner in Italy usually begins around 7:30pm at the earliest. European coffee tends to be stronger in Italy, so you may ask for water or milk to dilute it.
Miscellaneous
WHISPER HEADSET SYSTEM Included in your tour is the use of the Whisper Headset System, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. A personal radio and earpiece will be distributed at the beginning of your tour, and you should bring these with you every day. They will be collected once again at the very end of the tour, typically on your last evening. You will be responsible for returning these devices and assessed a replacement fee should you fail to return them upon completion of the tour.
Any person entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more must declare it. The term 'cash' includes currency notes, coins, bankers' drafts, cheques and travelers' cheques. Travelers who fail to declare any amount over €10,000 will face stiff sanctions and could face penalties of as much as €8,000.
Name Badges
Name Badges Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Seat Belts
The European Union (EU) has adopted a directive (2003/20EU) regarding the compulsory wearing of seatbelts while traveling on your vehicle when equipped. Failure to comply could result in a PERSONAL fine of up to Euro 750. Collette Vacations will NOT issue refunds to passengers who may be fined for non-compliance. Our tour managers will remind you again while on tour, but we feel that advising you in advance is beneficial.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Tour Manager
We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transportation
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.