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PRESENTS

TUSCANY & VENICE

SEPTEMBER 13 TO SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

 

 
 

Dear Photo Traveler:

Few places in the world display such charm and enchantment as Tuscany and Venice.  What other regions of the world can boast greater art, lovelier countryside, magnificent food and wine, its most idyllic villas and endless historic towns and villages.

   
Tuscany

In few other regions of the world does the simple act of eating and drinking conceal such a wealth of treats as it does in Tuscany and Venice.

Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, Boccaccio and Machiavelli are among the endless cultural achievers who called Tuscany home. This magnificent part of the world has lured and seduced foreign poets, artists and film makers.

 

Located in Northern part of Italy, Tuscany and Venice are a photographer’s paradise. With our base in a private villa set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, we explore the surrounding villages and towns of Tuscany. Here almost any country road brings its scenic rewards and leads to a town or village of interest.


 

Our photo tour begins in the enchanting city of Florence., the heart of Tuscany.  Florence is Europe’s greatest artistic city, a focal point of the Renaissance, one of history’s most dramatic periods. Centuries old piazzas, with monumental sculpture and captivating fountains, offer countless photographic opportunities.


Venice
 


Several day trips take us to the surrounding area of Tuscany. Rarely visited remote villages, hidden within the rolling hills of Tuscany will be visited. Such treasures as Monteriggioni, with its ancient fortified walls and small winding streets, will be ours to explore and photograph.

We visit San Gimignano, Tuscany’s most celebrated village, noted for its ancient towers, fresco filled churches and wonderful rural settings.

Wander within the hill-top city of Siena and photograph Siena’s breathtaking Piazza del Campo, Europe’s greatest medieval square.

For centuries, Pisa was one of Italy’s greatest cities. Closely associated with one dramatic building, the Leaning Tower, Pisa offers us the magnificent baptistery and cathedral. The cathedral was begun in 1064.  Its ornate marble-striped exterior provided the model for similar churches across central Italy.

The Chianti region whose vineyards, villa topped hills and pretty countryside, encapsulate some of the best of Tuscany’s patchwork of landscapes.

Venice is one of the few cities in the world that can be described as “unique”.  Millions of visitors succumb to the magic of this treasure whose streets are full of water and where the glories of the past are evident at every turn.

Sincerely,

 Marty Malgieri

 

TUSCANY AND VENICE

SEPTEMBER 13,
TO SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

ITINERARY
Post Card

DAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2010


Depart Philadelphia by Lufthansa flight via Frankfurt Germany.

DAY 2 - SEPTEMBER 14. 2010


Arrive in Florence and transfer by private coach with driver to our private villa located in the rolling hills of Tuscany.  Situated a few minutes drive from Florence, our villa will serve as our base for our stay in Tuscany.  (D) Arrive in Florence and transfer by private coach with driver to our private villa located in the rolling hills of Tuscany.  Situated a few minutes drive from Florence, our villa will serve as our base for our stay in Tuscany.  (D)


Villa in Tuscany

DAY 3 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

Florence

Full day exploration of Florence.  Among the places visited are Ponte Vecchio, and the famous Piazza del Duomo.  It forms a magnificent stage for the cathedral, the baptistery and the campanile. The Piazza della Signoria is also visited. The square’s statues and fountains are ours to enjoy and photograph.  (B)

DAY 4 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2010


This morning we enjoy a fantastic tour to   Siena. We visit Siena’s breathtaking Piazza del Campo, Europe’s greatest medieval square. After lunch (at own expense) we visit the medieval walled city of Monteriggioni. This vision of the Middle Ages, comprises a perfect ring of tower-studded walls along a hill cloaked in olive groves that is still unmarked by modern buildings. The walls of this ancient treasure are mentioned in Dante’s inferno, where the towers are described as resembling giants in an abyss.  (B).



Siena

DAY 5 - SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

DAY AT LEISURE  (B)

 

DAYS 6 -7         SEPTEMBER 18, 19, 2010
These two days are spent visiting the Chianti region. Tour San Gimignano Tuscany’s most celebrated village, noted for its ancient towers and fresco-filled churches. Also included is a visit to Radda, Badia a Coltibuono and Gaioli.  (B)
   

 

DAY 8 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

Venice

Today we travel to what is perhaps, the most magnificent city in the world, enchanting Venice.  Lying in the northeastern area of Italy, Venice is one of the cities in the world that can be truly described as “unique”.  It survives against all the odds. Venice is built on a series of waters of the Adriatic.(B)

DAY 9 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2010


 We have the entire day photographing the wonders of Venice  (B)

Venice

DAY 10 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2010

This morning we have an excursion to the island of Burano. Burano is famous for its colorful painted homes which are located along its canals. (B

Island of Burano

Island of Burano

DAY 11 - SEPTEMBER 23, 2010           


DAY AT LEISURE IN VENICE(B)

DAY 12 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2010


Depart Venice by Lufthansa Flight via Frankfurt Germany, arrive Philadelphia

approx 2PM the same day.  (B)


TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR TUSCANY & VENICE TRIP
SEPTEMBER 13 TO STPTEMBER 24, 2010


Please call (215) 969-1589 or write for specific costs and details.                                                                                                                                       

Land (based on double occupancy with a minimum of 10 pax)    

Partial  single accommodations  
(Venice only)  

Group Round Trip Air
(Philadelphia - Florence & Venice - Philadelphia)      
 
PLEASE NOTE:  Any  person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstances will be charged the single supplement)

Airline fair is guaranteed; taxes and fuel charges are subject to change up to time of air ticketing. 

This tour  will operate with a minimum of 10  persons for the land  and air portion of the trip.  The right is reserved to cancel the trip if the minimum group size is not met.  


Our go / no go date is  JUNE 25, 2010
  Space is limited so please reserve early to avoid disappointment.


LAND ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE:  twin or double rooms with private bath in the listed hotels or similar; meals as listed; air conditioned private bus;  sightseeing tours and guides;  tips for hotel chambermaids and porters (ONE BAG PER PERSON).


PLEASE NOTE:  Events and schedules have been confirmed as of Jan. 10, 2010, please be aware that changes could occur.


NOT  INCLUDED IN LAND COST:  Entrance and boat fees,  telephone calls, any beverage with meals other than coffee or tea, personal services such as laundry, optional activities and anything else not clearly specified in the itinerary. 


Tips  to drivers  and local guides   (Suggested amount:  $6.00 per day for driver, $5.00  per day for local guide)   


INSURANCE:  This tour does not include insurance.  We strongly recommend that you arrange for insurance for protection in the event of cancellation, interruption, bankruptcy, itinerary change, accident and sickness, medical expense, common carrier AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment), 24-hour AD&D, baggage delay, emergency evacuation and travel assistance. You may use any company that provides this service. In case of a claim, you need to contact the insurance provider directly.


PASSPORT AND VISA: Passports must be valid at least 6 months beyond  ending travel date.  No visa is required to travel to Italy.

NOTE: A DEPOSIT OF $500.00  PER PERSON  IS REQUIRED TO HOLD RESERVATION WITH FINAL PAYMENT DUE ON JULY 13, 2010 , (60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE)  

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION SCHEDULE

Due with reservation form:  $500.00 check  payable to Marty’s Photo Tours. Balance due  JULY 13, 2010

Cancellation after making reservation:  A fee will be deducted for land cancellations on the following schedule: $100.00 when received up to 60 days before departure; $150 when received 45 to 59 days prior to departure; 35% when received 22 to 44 days before departure; 50% when received 8 to 21 days prior to departure; 100% when received 1 to 7 days before departure.  The group air cancellation fee is $200 within 90 days of departure.  All cancellations must be confirmed in writing and delivered to Marty’s Photo Tours by the specified dates.

PLEASE NOTE:   Per airline policy,  there is a $250.00 cancellation fee after tickets have been issued.


Final payment:  The balance is due by  JULY 13, 2010   Please make all payments by check or money order - credit cards cannot be used.

Responsibility:

MARTY’S PHOTO TOURS, its officers and directors, and all of their agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and hotels and exercise every care possible.  However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident, or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor coach or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of this tour.  We cannot accept any responsibility for the losses or additional expenses due to delay or change in air or other services, weather, strike, war, sickness, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control.  All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated.  We reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in which event the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation or liability on our part.  The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour; to substitute accommodations, carriers or another qualified leader; to alter the itinerary of the program at any time when deemed appropriate or advisable without penalty or liability.  No refunds will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time, in our sole judgment, to avoid penalties.  The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are on board.  The sole responsibility of any airline used for this tour is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket.  The services of any IATC or ATC carrier may be used in connection with this tour.

All costs are based on rates of exchange as of January 12, 2010,  with a minimum of 10 paying participants and subject to change.

The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for the “TUSCANY AND VENICE. SEPT. 13 TO SEPT. 24, 2010  tour  and recognizes and accepts any risks thereof.  The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth under RESPONSIBILITY above, and to release and hold harmless MARTY’S PHOTO TOURS  from any and all liability for delays, injuries or death or for loss of or damage to his property however occurring during any portion, or in relation to, the TUSCANY AND VENICE TOUR.

Please direct all payments and correspondence to:     Marty’s Photo Tours 2515 Winchester  Ave.,  Phila. Pa 19152-1313   MARTYSPHOTOTOURS@HOTMAIL.COM   (215 969-1589)


RESERVATION FORM

TUSCANY AND VENICE 
 
SEPTMBER 13 TO SEPTEMBER 24, 2010


PLEASE PRINT NAME AS IT APPEARS IN PASSPORT



Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: Day (       )______________   Evening (       )______________     

Circle:  Partial Single or Double room

Rooming with:  _______________________________________________

E-mail ______________________________________________________   

Payment per person:  $500.00  payable to Marty’s Photo Tours
All cancellation and responsibility clauses have been read and are accepted by the person(s) enrolled on this form.  
Each participant must sign.  Names and signatures MUST match your passport names.  Any name corrections or changes after ticketing will incur a $200.00 change fee.

Date _______________                                       


Signature   1. __________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature  2 ___________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE NOTE:  FINAL PAYMENT DUE JULY 13, 2010  (60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE)

Please mail with your check to:
Marty’s Photo Tours
2515 Winchester Ave.
Phila. Pa 19152-1313