Rail Highlights of Northern Italy:
May 5-18, 2003
Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, May 5
Depart U.S.
Depart from U.S. on individually arranged flights.Day 2: Tuesday, May 6
Arrive Zürich (D)
Arrive in Zürich. Transfer to the Hotel St. Gotthard, located near the train station on the famous shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse. The afternoon is at your leisure in Zürich-spend it shopping in the many nearby boutiques, watching trains call at the station or resting after the long flight.Get to know your tour leader, Werner Schorn, and fellow travelers tonight over a welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel St. Gotthard, Zürich
Day 3: Wednesday, May 7
Zürich (B)
After breakfast, we join our tour leader and a local Zürich guide for an excursion around the city to see the sights. View and experience the mind-boggling diversity of public transportation in the city: a plethora of trains, streetcars and boats. Our city tour will take us through the business and shopping center to the Old Town, along the Lake for wonderful views of the city, and on to the greenery of the recreational areas on the outskirts. We'll also visit Fraumünster, the beautiful church which dominates the west bank, to see the breathtaking Chagall stained-glass windows.This afternoon railfans may wish join Mr. Schorn for an optional visit to the Zürich tram museum. Others may prefer to spend the afternoon sightseeing. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Overnight: Hotel St. Gotthard, Zürich
Day 4: Thursday, May 8
Zürich to Florence via Gotthard Pass (B, L)
Today we have a spectacular train ride from Zürich south to Florence via the Gotthard Line. The first part of our trip-from Zürich to Milan-has been dubbed "one of the five most outstanding scenic rail trips in Europe" by the editors of "Eurail Guide." The route features an abundance of beautiful farms, lakes, mountains, rivers and vineyards. There are also a number of tunnels on this route, including the 9.3-mile long Gotthard Tunnel. The first portion of today's trip will be by Intercity train "Canaletto," with special panoramic coach; we'll have a boxed lunch on board. In Milan we'll switch to a Eurostar Italia for the remaining ride to Florence.Upon arrival in Florence, we'll walk to our hotel, just a few steps from the train station. The Hotel Rivoli is an ex-Franciscan convent dating back to the 15th century which has been restored to its unique splendor.
The evening is at your leisure in lovely Florence. The city is very easy and delightful to walk, with many wonderful restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own.
Overnight: Hotel Rivoli, Florence
Day 5: Friday, May 9
Lucca and Aulla Line (B, D)
Today we will take in two Italian branch lines: the Lucca-Aulla line and Pistoia-Porretta line. First we travel to the preserved medieval town of Lucca, about 50 miles west of Florence. Here we'll board a local train of the Lucca-Aulla line and travel north along the spectacular 52-mile single track through the steep, castle-filled Garfagnana and Lunigiana Valleys to Aulla. Return to Lucca for a lunch break and time to see the town center, completely enclosed by monumental walls dating back to the 1500s.This afternoon we depart Lucca on the Florence-Viareggio line for the 27-mile run east to Pistoia. The town of Pistoia not only lends its name to the handgun, it is also home to a major railway-manufacturing plant, which produces a variety of mainline and rapid-transit cars (including San Francisco's new streetcars). We board an electric railcar of the cliff-climbing line north toward Bologna. The ascent to Porretta Terme is short but scenic-we'll return the same way and continue back to Florence. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Rivoli, Florence
Day 6: Saturday, May 10
Florence (B)
Florence, cut into two parts by the Arno River, is the capital of Tuscany and of Renaissance art. This morning we have a city tour, including stops at the famous Duomo and baptistery, Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and Piazza della Signoria. We'll take in the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's stunning David and other sculptures, and the world famous Uffizi Gallery with a local guide. Advance tickets will allow us quick entry to both museums. Spend the afternoon at the Uffizi or elsewhere in Florence.Overnight: Hotel Rivoli, Florence
Day 7: Sunday, May 11
Full day trip to Siena (B, D)
Today we venture to Siena, an enchanting medieval city built on three hills and still surrounded by historic ramparts. Since public transportation to Siena is difficult, we will get there by private coach. Siena is a delight to walk around. We will be led by a local guide as we take in the Piazza del Campo with Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy), Palazzo Publico and Duomo-a masterpiece of Gothic-Italian architecture with a richly decorated façade.The afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to take in the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana, which houses a small collection of Sienese art including a room devoted to Duccio.
After a lovely day in Siena, we return to Florence via the Chianti countryside, one of Italy's most famous wine-producing areas. We'll stop for wine tasting and dinner in Chianti at the castle Vicchiomaggio. The castle, built between the 9th and 15th centuries, is situated on the crest of a hill dominating the Greve valley.
Overnight: Hotel Rivoli, Florence
Day 8: Monday, May 12
Florence to Milan (B, D)
This morning we board a Eurostar Italia train bound for Milan. Recline in your large seat aboard the plush ETR 500 and relish the scenic run north. Speeds on these high-speed trains can reach up to 186 mphArrive Milan, Italy's top commercial, industrial and cultural hub, this afternoon. Enjoy a guided tour of the city by foot and tram. See the famous Duomo (one of the world's largest churches), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Sforza Castle and La Scala. Finally we'll visit Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. We have advance tickets, allowing direct entry to the church and painting. Return to the hotel for dinner together tonight.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Duomo, Milan
Day 9: Tuesday, May 13
Genova-Casella Railway (B)
This morning we travel southwest to the coastal town of Genoa (Genova in Italian), birthplace of Christopher Columbus. From here we hop aboard the historic Genova-Casella Railroad, in continuous operation since 1929. Travel above Genova through the beautiful countryside, traversing a series of switchbacks; the 15-mile line will take us through 13 tunnels and over seven bridges and viaducts before arrival in the rural town of Casella. There are restaurants at the station for those who wish to have lunch before returning to Genoa.Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day in Milan. As the international fashion capital, there is great shopping here, in addition to many museums and other cultural attractions.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Duomo, Milan
Day 10: Wednesday, May 14
Full day excursion to Turin (B, L)
Today we travel west to Turin via France's high-speed legacy: the TGV.
While Turin is an industrial center of Italy (and often overlooked by tourists due to its commercial image), it is also one of the country's most beautiful cities. You'll marvel at Turin's beauty right away as we arrive into Porta Nuova-one of Italy's grandest stations-and wander into the adjacent Piazza Carlo Felice Park, an elegant garden surrounded by porticoes. Our local guide will give a brief history of the city, which served as capital of Italy from 1861 to 1865, as we see the sights, including the Cathedral of San Giovanni, which houses the much-disputed Shroud of Turin (or Holy Shroud)-believed by many to be the burial garment of Christ.We'll have lunch together in a local restaurant; the afternoon and evening will be at your leisure to explore Turin or return to Milan on your own.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Duomo, Milan
Day 11: Thursday, May 15
Milan-Venice; Verona (B, D)
This morning a comfortable Intercity Express will transport us to fair Verona-city of ancient streets, romantic walks, enchanting squares and, of course, home of Shakespeare's infamous lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Our city tour will include a visit to the famed balcony of Juliet's, bringing the romantic tale to life. We'll also visit Verona's well-preserved Arena-dating back to the 1st century A.D.-and the airy piazza surrounding it. There will be plenty of time to explore and have lunch on your own.Departure from Verona will be aboard a Cisalpino. This high-speed tilting train reaches speeds up to 125 mph on its run from Geneva to Venice.
Immediately upon exiting Venice's Santa Lucia station, the Grand Canal-and with it Venice's compelling and peerless beauty-comes into full view. As Jay Brunhouse puts it in "Traveling Europe's Trains":
"Leaving Santa Lucia is like stepping into a dream. The Grand Canal stretches right before you, crammed with gondolas and busy with vaporetti (water buses) ready to take you through a wondrous world."
We'll hop aboard one of the vaporetti and into the "wondrous world" of Venice as we head to the deluxe five-star Hotel Luna Baglioni. The hotel, the oldest in the city, is located just a few steps from Piazza San Marco. Soak up Venice's charm as we journey along the Grand Canal to the city's main square. Enjoy dinner together tonight at the hotel's restaurant Canova, serving excellent regional specialties.
Overnight: Hotel Luna Baglioni, Venice
Day 12: Friday, May 16
Venice (B)
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel's beautiful frescoed salon this morning. Then we will tour Venice by foot and boat with a local guide. Incomparable Venice is built on 118 small islands and is traversed by over 100 canals spanned by 400 bridges. Our tour will include Piazza San Marco-perhaps one of the most famous squares in the world, with its magnificent arcades-and Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), the fascinating royal residence/prison connected by the Bridge of Sighs. Our included Venice card provides free passage on public transportation and to many of the city's attractions.This afternoon we visit Murano, another series of islands, well-known for the beautiful glass produced there. Visit one of the glassworks to see how glass is made; learn more about the process and history at the Glass Museum. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free to explore Murano, Venice or one of the other nearby islands.
Overnight: Hotel Luna Baglioni, Venice
Day 13: Saturday, May 17
Full day tour to Trieste (B, D)
Today we journey east toward the former Yugoslavia to visit the border town of Trieste. IRT contributing editor Rich Rubin describes the trip as such:"You're riding through a landscape of vineyards and olive groves, Venice's watery delights just a memory now. Then, with a heart-stopping suddenness, a new vista opens up: the Gulf of Trieste appears in deep blue splendor, and you're again in the realm of the sea. Your destination: Trieste, a fascinating city just two hours but a world away from Venice, and home of one of the world's greatest railway museums." (IRT No. 99, Sept. 1998)
Our first destination, of course, will be the Rail Museum of Trieste, located in an actual railway station (out of use since 1960). Vintage locomotives, passenger cars and trams sit on the tracks, while an excellent collection of railway memorabilia is on display inside the restored station. The museum's extensive collection of historic equipment (primarily Italian, Austrian, Hungarian and German) will provide a contrast to the speedy modern trains we've taken throughout Italy on our tour.
In Trieste, different elements of Italian and Austro-Hungarian architecture mix, making it a delight to explore. The town's seaside location and many sidewalk cafés add to its charm. You'll also notice the Slovenian influence, especially in Opicina, which we'll reach via funicular. The six-mile climb offers panoramic views of Trieste and the gulf.
Return to Venice where we'll sit down for a farewell dinner at Antico Pignoli.
Overnight: Hotel Luna Baglioni, Venice
Day 14: Sunday, May 18
Return to U.S. (B)
Our tour ends today after breakfast at the hotel. Return to the U.S. on individually arranged flights (the transfer to the airport by public transportation is included with your Venice card), or extend your European vacation. One possible add-on: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris or London, May 21-22. Details available upon request.Land-only cost of the tour:
Book by November 22 and save $200 per person!
$4,395 per person, double occupancy
$ 819 single supplementAfter November 22:
$4,595 per person, double occupancy
$ 819 single supplement
Included in the cost are:
- Accommodation in hotels listed, including continental buffet breakfast daily, service charge and taxes
- Welcome dinner in Zürich with wine and coffee
- Farewell dinner at the Restaurant Antico Pignoli in Venice with wine and coffee
- Other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- 1 day card for public transportation (streetcar and buses) in Zürich
- Transportation card for streetcars in Milan for our entire stay
- Venice card good for all transportation, entrance fees to many attractions and airport transfers (valid for 7 days)
- All train supplements and seat reservations
- Entrance fees to Arena in Verona and Rail Museum in Trieste
- Advance tickets to Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence
- Advance tickets to the Santa Maria delle Grazie for The Last Supper in Milan
- Local guides for city tours in Zürich, Florence, Siena, Milan, Torino, Verona and Venice
- Baggage handling throughout
- Services of a professional tour leader, Werner Schorn, throughoutPlease note that a European railpass will be required for this journey. There are numerous options depending on your travel plans:
15-day Eurailpass: $572 per person
15-day Eurailpass Saver: $486 per person
(Please note passengers must travel together at all times with Saverpass.)Eurail Selectpass (good for any 3 adjoining countries)
10 days in 2 months: $502
Eurail Selectpass Saver (two or more people traveling together)
10 days in 2 months: $428Many other passes are available if you wish to extend your vacation in Europe. These include the 21-day Eurailpass, first class: $740 p.p.; 21-day Eurailpass Saver, first class: $630 p.p.
The Eurailpass is good in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Not included in the tour cost: Airfare; rail pass; costs of obtaining passports; meals not listed in the itinerary; optional sightseeing unless specified; any expenses of a personal nature, including all forms of travel insurance, laundry service, all alcoholic beverages and personal beverages other than those included at group meals. Gratuities for tour leader.
Do you need extra hotel nights?
Pre-tour hotel night, Hotel St. Gotthard, Zürich: $153 per person, double; $217 single.
Post-tour hotel night, Hotel Luna Baglioni, Venice: $267 per person, double; $361 singleDo you need international air?
IRT gets some excellent rates for business class and coach class on many carriers. Please inquire before final payment.Please note: porterage of bags is included throughout the trip except from/to the airports because Society members arrive at different times. We will be delighted to provide a "meet and greet" service, where you will be transferred by private car with an English-speaking driver. Please let us know upon booking if you will need this assistance.
Terms & Conditions
How to Book: Call our Tour Desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required. Deposits can be made by check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover). Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Final payment is made by check 90 days before departure.
Passport: A valid passport is required, valid for six months after departure from U.S.
Cancellations: Notice of cancellations must be received by this office in writing before 90 days prior to departure and are subject to a $250 per-person administrative fee. This fee may be applied to a future trip taken within one year. Final payment is due 90 days before the trip. Cancellations occurring within 90 days prior to the trip are non-refundable . No refunds will be made in the event of "no-shows" or cancellations the day of the trip. No refund will be given for unused portions of the tour.
Insurance: We strongly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with tour insurance to cover costs in the event of cancellation. Upon booking (or in advance upon request), we will send a brochure about Travelex tour interruption/cancellation insurance. We recommend purchasing coverage immediately upon booking. In order to cover pre-existing conditions, coverage must be purchased within 10 days of the initial trip deposit.
Minimum/Maximum Participants: This tour must have at least 15 passengers in order to qualify for special group rates.
Prices: This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect at the time of printing. In the event of revaluation or devaluation of U.S. currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments.
Price does not include: Airfare, passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry; telephone calls; meals and alcoholic beverages not listed in the included section; optional sightseeing excursions; services other than those specifically mentioned in the included section; transfers and baggage handling on the day of arrival and departure (except those traveling with Geoff Cooke on the day of arrival); accident; sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges on aircraft. Gratuities to your tour leader.Medical: Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking to take full advantage of the transportation systems of each country we visit.
Baggage: Porterage is limited to one main bag per person. Please note that porterage from the airport to the first hotels is included only for those traveling with Geoff Cooke. Porterage from the last hotel to the airport is not included. Passengers may be responsible for their own bags upon arrival in London. Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip, and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Responsibility: The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society of International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger with respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result, IRT and HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and HPC have no control. We can assume no responsibility nor liability in whole or in part for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond our control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense, accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or mechanical defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other services, for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond our control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary or the "included" section are anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and HPC shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship and train schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs, and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without prior notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare nor make any other compensation under these circumstances. IRT and HPC cannot be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may result due to operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger and/or IRT and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses resulting from the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC reserve the right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this brochure. IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by the tour participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
The air tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT tour guides and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of the tour guide, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger to safety of other passengers the tour manager will issue him or her with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter a second, written, warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his or her own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untravelled portion of the tour will be entertained. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
Rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange current at the time of printing and are subject to changes therein, at or before the time of departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage is at the owner's risk throughout the trip, unless insured. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time.
Complaints: We strive to offer the very best value in travel services to our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to one of your tour leaders. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office (Hardy Publishing Co., and The Society of International Railway Travelers are located at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205). We will not consider any claims not made to us within two months of completion of your journey. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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