Postcards from the Edge
Italy's Amalfi Coast & Isle of Capri
September 11- 21, 2005

ROAD OF A THOUSAND BENDS

Legend has it that Hercules loved a nymph called Amalfi. When she died, the fabled strong man buried her in what he considered to be the world’s most beautiful place. In her honor, he gave the place her name.
      The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a breathtakingly gorgeous 35-mile stretch of mountainous coastline situated on the Sorrento peninsula, just south of Naples, in the region of Campania. Considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, it is characterized by very steep, rocky hillsides plunging dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea. Precariously perched on these hills are charming old fishing villages. Untouched by modern architecture, they have retained all their centuries-old charm.
     The region's origins date back to the first century B.C. when the Roman aristocracy built luxurious villas in this area. Soon Amalfi and its surroundings became a refined and well-developed community, supported by commerce with the many other wealthy populations around the Mediterranean Sea. It owned a powerful fleet and revered strong marine traditions and laws. It was justly proud of one of its most famous mariners, Flavio Gioia, who invented the compass.
     Amalfi's hardy people gained their independence in A.D. 838, fighting against one regional empire, only to fall to another a few hundred years later. The watchtowers still scattered along the coastline ancient reminders of those fierce conflicts.
     Around every turn of this zig-zagging “road of a thousand bends”, one catches a new view of the seaside more spectacular than the last. Across the water lies the Isle of Capri, or the Blue Island. The Isle of Capri is renowned the world over as an exclusive holiday destination. Everyone undoubtedly has their own Capri fantasy, whether it is the myth of Sirens charming seafarers, of ancient Roman orgies, of dreamy seaviews, of 1950s celebrities in big sunglasses, or of lazy summer evenings spent browsing in exclusive boutiques.
     Combine this tour with our earlier tour, Adriatic Crossing from Italy to Croatia, and save $100 off the cost of each tour. Not only will you get a discount for both tours, you will also save on the cost of international airfare to and from Rome. Book early and save even more.
     View the fabled ruins of Pompeii. Experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous along the Amalfi Coast and on the Isle of Capri. End the tour in fabulous Rome. You will understand why Toto Tours returns to Italy, year after year!

ITINERARY

Sunday, September 11, 2005
Departure

Today is a travel day. Depart the United States on overnight flights, arriving in Naples, Italy, tomorrow morning.

Monday, September 12, 2005
Arrival in Naples / Welcome Dinner

The tour commences today at our hotel in Naples. Since we are not providing group air travel arrangements to Italy, everyone is responsible for making his own way from the airport to the hotel. Transfer options will be described in Final Documents mailed prior to departure. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel room and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Naples. This evening, we gather in the hotel lobby and proceed to a local restaurant for our Welcome Dinner. Afterwards, you may wish to sample some of Naples’ gay nightlife.     (Dinner Included)

Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius

After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour in Naples including entrance to the Royal Palace. After lunch we head out of the city toward Mt. Vesuvius and the site of Pompeii, buried during the volcano’s biggest eruption in 79 A.D. Vesuvius continued to erupt regularly every 100 years or so, until it entered a 600-year period of quiescence in 1037. After another deadly blast in the 1631, workers repairing the damage discovered the ruins of Pompeii, but it would be almost 300 years before excavation of the site would begin in earnest. Now it is an outdoor living museum documenting a great tragedy. Ascend Mt. Vesuvius for an invigorating climb to the summit to peer into the fuming crater and to enjoy impressive views of Naples. Those who have already visited the site on our previous tour will have the choice of returning for another visit or enjoying a free afternoon of independent adventures in Naples.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Isle of Capri

After breakfast enjoy a relaxing morning in Naples prior to our departure for Capri in early afternoon. We transfer as a group to the port of Naples, where we catch a hydrofoil that whisks us over to the Isle of Capri.
     This Island is a place that most people love and some people hate. Those who speak ill of it usually take just a daytrip and find an expensive, commercialized destination crammed to bursting with other daytrippers. The romantic idealist, however, will love the combination of island simplicity, natural beauty and busy glitz. And since we are staying for two nights, you will experience an entirely different side of Capri. After the last daytrippers leave, a kind of exclusive peace settles over the island as those who are privileged to be staying here emerge for their evening passeggiata, or to sip drinks on the famous little square, the Piazzetta.     (Breakfast/Dinner)

Thursday, September 15, 2005
Carefree Capri

After breakfast enjoy a full day of sightseeing on Capri. In addition to visiting the famed Blue Grotto by boat, you will have a chance to spend some time at a gorgeous estate overlooking the sea. The Villa San Michele was the home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe, who made Capri his home in the 1920’s. Now one of the island’s most visited attraction, the villa is filled with art and artifacts pertaining to the island’s rich history. Later enjoy a chairlift ride to a stunning viewpoint at Anacapri-Montesolaro. Upon returning to our hotel in the late afternoon, the evening is free to luxuriate in the atmosphere of Capri.     (Breakfast)

Friday, September 16, 2005
Sorrento

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the port, where we reboard a high-speed hydrofoil for our return trip to the mainland. Travel by motorcoach through Naples and head 35 miles south to the Amalfi Coast and our destination: Sorrento. This charming town has had a number of definitions and attributes ascribed to it over the centuries, but one of the most enduring is its title: “The Land of Mermaids.” If you know your Greek mythology, you may remember that Ulysses bound himself tightly to his ship’s mast to listen safely to the dangerous song of the mermaids as he sailed into Sorrento’s harbor. Upon arrival, check-in to our hotel and enjoy an orientation tour on foot with our tour leader. The evening is free.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, September 17, 2005
Amalfi & Positano

After breakfast at the hotel travel to the town of Amalfi, founded in the 9th Century. The hills above the town make for some great walks with grand views. At the port, we board a boat and travel to Positano, arriving by sea (the best way to catch a first glimpse of this world-famous locale). Enjoy an orientation tour of the city via motorcoach and foot, with the remainder of the day free to explore the steep streets, narrow alleyways, sidewalk vendor stalls and boardwalk cafes. In the late afternoon, we return by motorcoach to our hotel in Sorrento, and the evening is at leisure.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, September 18, 2005
Ravello

After breakfast this morning we travel by motorcoach to the town of Ravello, which rests like a balcony overlooking the Bay of Salerno. A city tour by foot takes us to the magnificent town cathedral and the stately gardens of both the Villa Cimbrone and the Villa Rufolo. In the late afternoon, return to Sorrento and the evening is free.     (Breakfast)

Monday, September 19, 2005
Train to Rome

The morning is free until we transfer to the Naples Central Station, where we board a EuroStar train bound for Rome. Arriving in the afternoon, we transfer to the hotel to freshen up and then enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Rome including the Coliseum, Piazza di Spagna and Trevi Fountain. After returning to the hotel, the evening is free.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Rome Sightseeing

Enjoy a full free day in Rome today to do some in-depth exploring on your own. This would be an excellent time to visit the Vatican City if you haven't seen it before. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of our Amalfi adventure.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Departure

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 visit website)

Naples: Hotel Britannique.

Capri: Hotel Regina Cristina.

Sorrento: Hotel La Pace.

Rome: Hotel Ripa.

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For entry into Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need only 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.

WHAT TO BRING

Temperatures in the areas we visit typically range between 60 and 78 degrees F at this time of year. Shorts are needed only for active adventures, like hiking or biking. 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 with belt (2 pairs blue jeans, the rest lightweight cotton khakis or chinos)

____ 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)

____ Sleepwear (optional)

____ 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 August 30, 2004, the interbank exchange rate was €0.83 to U.S. $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. You should leave your spare change as a tip at bars and clubs. For taxi drivers, always round up the fare to include a little something extra as gratuity. 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. All prices are based on August 30, 2004 currency exchange rates and are subject to change in the event of a significant decline in the value of the dollar.

RESERVATIONS   

• fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
• good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
• undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
• willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
• eager to try new things & test limits;
• punctual;
• not whiners!

Price: $2,495 double occupancy ($100 less if booked with Adriatic Crossing tour)

Deposit: $500

Private Room: $500 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: $1,995 double / $2,495single

Final Payment Due: June 23, 2005
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included: Nine 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 Naples, Italy, and returning from Rome, 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.