Cliffwalkers
Hiking Italy’s Liguria Coast plus
A Taste of Tuscany
September 17 – 25, 2004
THE SWEET LIFE
For many centuries Italy has drawn those searching for culture, romance
and sensual pleasures. Few countries can compete with its classical
origins, architecture, music, literary tradition, art, scenery, food
and wine. Yet Italy is not one single cultural identity; rather, it
is a plethora of distinctive regions and peoples. Visitors are often
surprised by the sheer diversity of dialects, cuisines, and craftsmanship.
The Italian coast is seemingly endless,
and the lure of surf and sun is strong. Unfortunately, much of Italy’s
coastline is horribly overdeveloped and often matted with bronzed bodies
smelling of sweat and palm oil lotions. So, where can you go to sample
the Mediterranean pleasures without overdosing on the excesses of the
beach culture? This tour is your answer!
The Riviera de Levante
In northwestern Italy, bordering on Tuscany, the Liguria
coast is a relatively unknown treasure (to tourists at least) commonly
referred to by Italians as the Riviera de Levante. Along this
coast a dramatic chain of hills cradles a series of five small villages—the
Cinque Terre—in a wash of coastal terraced vineyards that are
perfect for an active walking/sightseeing holiday. The ravages of uncontrolled
tourism have thus far been kept in check, but it won't be possible to
do so for much longer as the fame of this area is growing wildly. A
scenic pathway, perfect for walking, connects the towns, winding along
terraced hillsides through olive groves and vineyards. Best of all,
these picturesque villages are all off limits to automobiles!
The Cinque Terre Villages
Riomaggiore overlooks a tiny cove, and fishing
boats rule the roost, lying along the shore and even in the small square.
Lovers’ Lane links the village with Manarola,
the most picturesque of the five villages. Corniglia is
not for the faint-hearted, as it sits high above the water and is reached
by tortuous steps. Vernazza makes the most
of its sea views, with a promenade and a piazza overlooking the water.
Finally, Monterosso overlooks the only real
beach in the vicinity, and features huge statues carved into the rocks
that overlook it.
Tuscany
The spectacular beauty of Tuscany has long inspired many of the world’s
great writers. The likes of Browning, Dickens, Dostoyevsky, Shelley
and Forster have all waxed rhapsodic on its simple charms, rural landscape
and centuries-old cultural heritage. Lord Byron declared himself “dazzled,
drunk with beauty” from its intoxicating allure.
A Feast for the Senses
A renowned philosopher once wrote, “A man who has not been to
Italy is always conscious of inferiority.” The miracle of Italy
is that all its treasures come packaged in a gorgeous country of majestic
mountains, placid lakes, idyllic islands, splendid cities and walled
villages. An ideal climate plus warm and gracious people make Italy
a perfect destination for the adventurer, art lover, gourmand, and hedonist
combined.
Get off the tour bus and experience Italy
as it must be done—slowly and sensually, at a leisurely pace.
Taste the metropolitan madness of Milan, walk the cliffs of
Liguria, luxuriate in the splendors of the Riviera de Levante,
revel in the beauty and cuisine of the Cinque Terre, and
sample the most famous highlights of Tuscany—all during
this delectible new adventure from Toto Tours!
ITINERARY
Friday, September 17, 2004
Departure
Today is a travel day. Depart the United States on overnight flights,
arriving in Milan, Italy, tomorrow morning.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Arrival in Milan / Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival in Milan, make your way to our hotel, the Grand Visconti
Palace. Transfer options will be described in Final Documents prior
to departure. The day is free to do personal exploration or recover
from jet lag. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at a local
restaurant. (Dinner Included)
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Milan to Santa Margherita
Enjoy sightseeing by motorcoach as we travel about 75 miles through
the Northern Italian countryside from Milan to the village of Santa
Margherita on the Liguria coast. Free time to explore upon arrival.
Once home to a coral-fishing fleet that roamed as far afield as Africa,
Santa Margherita is known today for its orange blossoms and lace. Its
waterfront is an eclectic jumble of one-time fishing cottages, elegant
four-star hotels, and moored million-dollar yachts. The Lonely Planet
Guide urges us to “Stay in Santa Margherita and pretend you're
a millionaire.” We will stay here for three nights! Accommodations
at the Hotel Laurin. (Breakfast)
Monday, September 20, 2004
Portofino / San Fruttuoso / Cristo Degli Abissi
Our cliffwalking begins in earnest today as we walk a few miles to
Portofino, which for decades was Italy's premiere seaside resort town
(dubbed the “richest promontory in Italy”). This tiny, multicolored
village and its miniature cove are among the most beautiful spots on
earth, and home to the rich, powerful and famous. Scholar and poet Petrarch,
writers Guy de Maupassant and Truman Capote, and English photographer
Cecil Beeton all sojourned here.
Continue by boat to explore the fascinating
village of San Fruttuoso, set in a breathtakingly beautiful inlet lying
at the foot of mount Portofino. One of the highlights of our visit will
be a journey by small boat to see the Cristo Degli Abissi (Christ of
the Abyss), weather permitting. Return to Santa Margherita by bus. Overnight
at the Hotel Laurin. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Cinque Terre
After breakfast at the hotel we take a train to Riomaggiore, the furthermost
of the Cinque Terre villages, to begin our day of adventurous cliff
walking. Our path takes us along the “Via Dell’ Amore”
to Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. After a full day of
walking, with unexpected delights around every bend, return to Santa
Margherita by private minicoach. Overnight at the Hotel Laurin. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Pisa / Lucca / Florence
After breakfast at the hotel board a train bound for Pisa, where we
stop to see the famous leaning tower. Continue by motorcoach to Florence
with a stop for a guided tour in medieval Lucca. Highlights include
a visit to Puccini’s birthplace and the Duomo San Martino. Late
afternoon arrival in Florence, and the evening is free for personal
exploration. Overnight at the Hotel Capitol. (Breakfast)
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Florence / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of
the major points of interest in Florence including the Duomo Santa Maria
del Fiore, the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David,
and the Uffizi Gallery to view its rich collection of paintings by Cimabue,
Giotto, Paolo Uccello, Lippi, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Tiziano
and more. This evening Toto Tours tops off this brief taste of Tuscany
with a festive Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Friday, September 24, 2004
Florence to Milan (or extend)
After breakfast this morning we transfer to the Florence train station
and board a Eurostar to Milan. Upon arrival we are met and transferred
to the Hotel Grand Visconti for one final night in Italy.
We anticipate that many tour participants will
wish to extend their stay in Tuscany or travel to other parts of Italy.
You can disconnect from the main tour group this morning, and we will
deduct from the tour cost the price of today's return transfer to Milan
and the overnight stay in Milan ($100 double or $125 single). (Breakfast)
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Departure from Milan
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will assist
with arranging airport transfers for those departing today (transfer
not included in tour cost). (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(click hotel name to view description)
Milan: Grand
Visconti Palace lies in its own small city
park, located just five minutes from the center of Milan. Hotel has
restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi.
Rooms have private bath, cable TV and minibar.
Santa Margherita: Park
Hotel Suisse. Set in a garden above the town
center, the Suisse features a panoramic view of the sea and harbor,
which lie steps away.
Florence: Hotel
Capitol is situated in the Santa Croce district,
a short distance from the famous basilica, the historical center, and
the banks of the river Arno. All rooms have a private bath, minibar,
cable TV and A/C.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements
For U.S. Citizens all you need is a valid passport.
Immunizations
No immunizations are required, but we recommend that your tetanus booster
is current.
Exit Requirements
There is no departure tax currently required other than that included
with the cost of your airline ticket.
Suggested Viewing
Enchanted April, filmed in Liguria
Tea With Mussolini, filmed in Tuscany
Under the Tuscan Sun, filmed in Tuscany
WHAT TO BRING
Temperatures in the areas we visit typically range between 50 and 72
degrees F at this time of year. Italian propriety dictates wearing trousers
(not shorts) most places while sight-seeing. Shorts are best saved for
hiking or bicycling. Pack light and try to limit yourself to two small
suitcases. Pack medications in a carry-on just in case your bags don’t
arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport
____ 5 pair long pants (2 pairs blue jeans, the rest lightweight cotton
khakis)
____ 2 pair shorts for hiking
____ Socks and underwear for one week
____ Light sweater and windbreaker
____ Inexpensive poncho for use in the unlikely event of rain
____ Comfortable walking / hiking shoes
____ Daypack or fanny pack
____ T-shirts (5 - 6)
____ Casual long-sleeved shirts (4 - 5)
____ Water Bottle for hikes and tours
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses
____ Personal toiletries
____ Swimsuit
____ Camera & plenty of film
____ A good book for the long flights
MONEY MATTERS
Italy is on the standardized European currency of the Euro (EUR). As
of December 16, 2003, the interbank exchange rate was €0.813 to
$1. Bank debit cards, Visa & Mastercard work for Euro cash withdrawals
in most ATMs, which are widely available throughout the country. It
is wise to carry some cash with you, however, in case you get caught
in a situation where an ATM is not available.
Tipping
You are not expected to tip on top of restaurant service charges, but
it is common to leave a small amount (perhaps €0.60) per person.
If there is no service charge you might consider leaving a 10% tip,
but this is by no means obligatory. In bars, Italians often leave any
small change as a tip, maybe only €0.10. Tipping taxi drivers
is not common practice, but you should tip porters at our hotels. We
will present collective tips to guides and drivers throughout the tour.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to
accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and
to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed
departure with a minimum of 10 participants.
Toto Tours is not responsible for
airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour
participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the
tour is a confirmed departure. It may be necessary to charge a supplement
if the interbank exchange rate falls below .78 Euro per Dollar prior
to departure.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The
balance of $1,295 (double) or $1,595 (single) is due 80 days prior to
departure (by June 29, 2004). Tour registration is not complete until
we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address
is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753.
Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences different from tours
in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and positive outlook.
- good natured realists who accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like an occasional delay or bad weather;
- willing to forego some amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things and test limits;
- punctual
- not whiners!
We hope you will join Toto Tours for an exciting adventure vacation
in Italy—hiking the Liguria Coast and savoring the joys of Tuscany.
If you have any questions, please call us at: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $1,795 double occupancy
Deposit: $500
Private Room: $300 if available. (Not required. Toto
Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer
to share a room.)
Final Payment: $1,295 double / $1,595 single
Final Payment Due: June 29, 2004
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: Seven nights hotel accommodations;
motorcoach or train travel between destinations; Welcome Dinner; Farewell
Dinner; meals, activities, and transportation as listed in the itinerary;
fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation
to/from Milan, Italy; airport/hotel transfers; meals and activities
not specifically included in the itinerary; insurance; all alcoholic
beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes;
any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers and guides
not included.
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