Italy the Lakes Itinerary 2014

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ITALY

The Lakes
A Guided Walking Adventure

Table of Contents
Daily Itinerary ........................................................................... 4
Tour Facts at a Glance ........................................................... 12
Traveling To and From Your Tour .......................................... 14
CW Information & Policies ..................................................... 17
Select Experiences ................................................................ 19

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Travel Style
As a Guided Adventure, this trip is one
of our signature travel experiences and
has been designed to let you leave all
your cares behind—from 24/7 guides
and accommodations to meals,
transportation, and local wine or beer
with dinner, you are assured an
exceptional active-travel group
adventure.

Overview
The long, thin fingers of these three beautiful lakes stretch from Switzerland into
Italy, drawing together Alpine and southern scenery in delightful juxtaposition.
This walking experience unfolds against the backdrop of sculpted mountain
peaks, and beside the reflections of crystal Alpine lakes. The walks in this
beautifully varied landscape allow you to wander back through the ages along
medieval footpaths, exploring colorful lakeside villages and traditional hillside
hamlets.
The itinerary includes three distinct lakes: Lake Orta, the smallest, peaceful and
rich with history from many eras; Lake Maggiore, where the rustic way of the
fisherman’s life contrasts dramatically with formal gardens and sumptuous villas;
and Lake Como, the stunningly elegant lake and landscape that has inspired
poets, artists, and writers, and has enchanted walkers for centuries. The walking
is as varied as the landscape. You wander through forests under arched canopies
of chestnut and oak leaves, down narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafés
and artisans’ shops, along rugged paths laid out in granite steps, through terraced
vineyards and olive groves, and across the soft carpets of tended villa lawns.

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Daily Itinerary
DAY 1
Meeting in Milan. Lake Orta; 2 miles, easy

Upon meeting in Milan, you transfer by private coach to the idyllic medieval
village of Orta San Giulio, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. At only
eight miles long and two miles wide, Lake Orta—known for its serenity,
simplicity, and religious devotion—is one of the smallest of Italian lakes. You set
off directly on foot, following the lakeside promenade to explore the charming
village and its rich architecture.
From the town’s waterfront, Piazza Motta, you gently ascend the pilgrims’ way, a
cobbled path that rises under the shade of pine, beech, and ash trees to the
plateau of the Sacro Monte monastic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site
erected primarily in the 17th century. This unique site holds 20 Baroque chapels
filled with life-sized terracotta statues and frescoes depicting the life of St.
Francis of Assisi. From this tranquil vantage point, you survey the jewel-like lake
and the islet of San Giulio, set against the striking backdrop of forests and
granite outcroppings. Meandering back towards the village, the cobblestone
paths lead to the lakeshore with its colorful fishing boats and narrow streets.
You arrive on foot at your delightful four-star lakeside hotel, set within the
ancient walls of a 17th-century stone-cloistered convent. There is time to settle
into your comfortable lakeview room before gathering in town at a cozy 16thcentury wine bar for a welcome aperitivo—rich mountain cheeses, cured meats,
and a sampling of several renowned wines from the neighboring Piedmont
region will likely be offered. Dinner, perhaps beef carpaccio or smoked salmon,
followed by a delicious lake fish or fillet of veal in white truffle sauce, is at your
hotel’s restaurant—an enchanting setting with views of the dramatic medieval
basilica of the Isola San Giulio illuminated against the night sky.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Housed within a former 17th-century convent, this elegant lakeside resort
features comfortable, contemporary rooms with lake views. Amenities include an
outdoor pool and expansive terrace with views of Lake Orta.

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DAY 2
Orta to Pella to Isola San Giulio; 5 miles,
moderate, with an elevation gain of 800
ft., and an initial 25-minute steep ascent

The day begins with a boat ride to the
picturesque town of Pella, situated
directly across the lake on the western
shore of Lake Orta. From here, you
wind up centuries-old stone pathways under a canopy of chestnut, oak, and large
beech trees to a small collection of secluded villages and hamlets. In this mystical
setting, you feel as though you have stepped back in time, to when these
pathways were main thoroughfares. Looping back down a cobblestone path
through apple, pear, and persimmon trees, you arrive at the lakeside, where a
boat is waiting to return you to Orta San Giulio in time for an independent
lunch in the town’s picturesque central square or along one of the many inviting
alleyways—choices range from a lively, local trattoria to a simple pizzeria.
Following lunch, there is time to explore the many delights of Orta San Giulio at
your own pace.
In the late afternoon, a short boat crossing brings you to Isola San Giulio,
named for the 4th-century Saint Julius who legendarily brought Christianity to
the region after eradicating the island of a variety of snakes and monsters. Here
on this tiny island, known as the “Island of Silence,” you visit the renowned and
beautifully frescoed Basilica di San Giulio, originally founded by Saint Julius in
390 A.D. From here you meander down a single footpath which encircles the
island—La Via del Silenzio (“The Way of Silence”—though if you follow it in
the other direction it curiously becomes “The Way of Meditation”). As you walk
past old greystone buildings clustered around the basilica and elegant villas
framing the shoreline, you come across small plaques in several languages that
remind you that you are in a place of reflection: “If you can be yourself, you are
everything,” advises one. Dinner this evening is a 15-minute private boat ride
away at a lakeside trattoria, where you sample more regional specialties, such as
champagne risotto followed by a tender fillet of Fassone, Piedmont’s prized
beef.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio

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DAY 3
Orta to Armeno to Coiromonte to
Gignese; 5.5-mile or 10-mile options,
moderate to challenging, elevation gains
range from 1,000-2,000 ft.

Departing from Orta San Giulio on foot
and then by bus, your guide(s) may
choose one of two walk options,
depending upon recent weather
conditions. If conditions are dry, the first option begins at the village of Armeno,
from where you begin a steady ascent alongside the Ondella River through beech
and chestnut forest and across several small streams to the mountain village of
Coiromonte. Alternatively, a short bus ride delivers you to the lakeside village of
Pettenasco. Ascending through forests and tiered hillside pastures, the trail
arrives in the village of Armeno in time for a late-morning coffee. From here you
may opt to be driven to lunch or to continue on foot through this pastoral
landscape, climbing up to Coiromonte. Here, you break for a lunch of local
cheese and prosciutto crudo, caprese salad, and pizza.
Following lunch, a beautiful trail through pine and birch forests leads to the
open meadows of the Tre Montagnette, which marks the highest point of the
day’s walk (45-minute/1,000-foot ascent). The view is superb from this point at
3,600 feet, with Lakes Orta and Maggiore framed below by soaring mountain
chains—the most remarkable being the distant snow-covered peak of Monte
Rosa. With a summit just over the border in Switzerland of 15,203 feet, it is the
second highest in the Alps and Western Europe. Following a descent in the
direction of the town of Gignese on the watershed separating Lake Maggiore
and Lake Orta, a short coach transfer then brings you to the resort town of
Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The setting of Hemingway’s A Farewell to
Arms, Lake Maggiore is a captivating 40-mile-long lake with its western shore in
Piedmont, eastern shore in Lombardy, and northern shoreline bordering the
Swiss canton of Ticino.
From Stresa you board a boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), where
you receive a warm welcome at your charming hotel, spectacularly situated in the
middle of the lake. Each of the 12 rooms of this historical, green-shuttered hotel
is named after a local flower and features views of the Borromean Gulf and

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flower-filled balconies. Inhabited since
the 16th century, this tiny island still
retains its original fishing-village
atmosphere.
There is time to relax, have a swim in the
lake, or to explore the quiet alleyways of
this romantic isle. Weather permitting, a
dinner featuring fresh lake fish—perhaps
delicately flavored perch, the symbol of
Lake Maggiore—is served alfresco on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the
sparkling lights of nearby islands and passing ferry boats.
Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori
A small, charming hotel on a tiny island in the middle of Lake Maggiore, with
terraced dining overlooking the lake. Guest rooms open onto a large terrace or
individual balconies. Please note that this hotel does not have air conditioning.

DAY 4
Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella exploration; 1 mile, easy. Transfer to Bellagio. Villa
Melzi; 1-mile or 2.5-mile options, easy

After breakfast, the morning is spent exploring the Borromean Isles—
specifically the tiny Isola Bella, which is entirely occupied by the Palazzo
Borromeo and its Italian garden. Built in the 17th century for the Borromeo
family, this splendid summer palace features a wealth of paintings by Lombard
artists, sculptures by Canova, and Flemish tapestries. Mussolini attempted to
ward off WWII here at the Conference of Stresa in April of 1935. Following a
guided tour of the palace, wander the opulently sculpted gardens rising from the
water’s edge—a pyramidal succession of 10 terraces culminating in a square.
Gravel walkways, shaded by orange and lemon trees, meander past 17th-century
statues, pebble-studded grottoes, white peacocks, and luxuriant vegetation—
laurels, cedars, magnolias, cork oaks, sago palms, heliotrope, camellias, and
oleanders.
Nearing lunchtime, you boat back to the mainland and the lakeshore town of
Stresa. Following time for an independent lunch and exploration, you are picked
up by a private boat to cross the lake to the town of Laveno, from where you
embark on an approximately two-hour coach transfer to the tiny town of
Cadenabbia, situated on the western shore of Lake Como. From here you board
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a ferry to the picturesque town of
Bellagio, “the pearl of Lake Como” and
your home for the next three nights.
Set magnificently on the promontory
where Lake Como and Lake Lecco meet,
you are positioned to experience the best
these elegant lakes have to offer. Setting
off directly from the ferry dock, a short
stroll down a scenic waterfront path
brings you to the magnificent Villa Melzi, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco
Melzi d’Eril, assistant to Napoleon, and now home to a distinguished
Lombardian family. Following a visit to the manicured lawns and luxuriant
gardens of this heavenly white villa, you make your way to your hotel via a
shorter 20-minute walk, or a longer 2½-mile option, exploring some of
Bellagio’s hamlets.
The elegant Hotel Belvedere, owned and run by five generations of women from
the same family since 1880, is tranquilly located a few minutes’ walk above the
shops, restaurants, and traffic-free waterfront of Bellagio, and overlooks the
crystal-blue waters of Lake Como and surrounding mountains. The hotel’s
private gardens, with a heated outdoor swimming pool and large panoramic
Jacuzzi and spa, are yours to enjoy over the next few days. Dinner, at your resort
hotel, rounds off an inspiring day.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
A comfortable, family-run resort hotel comprised of several separate villas.
Extensive grounds include an outdoor swimming pool that offers stunning views
of Lake Como and the surrounding hills.

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DAY 5
Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello; 4.5
miles, moderate with a 30-minute
ascent. Additional option: Madonna del
Soccorso; 2 miles, moderate with a 25minute steep ascent, elevation gains
range from 300-800 ft.

The day begins with a ferry ride to the
resort town of Tremezzo, situated on the
stunning western side of Lake Como. Here you tour the 17th-century Villa
Carlotta, whose famous works of art and terraced gardens of rhododendrons,
azaleas, and camellias have inspired poets and travelers for centuries. Ascending
the gentle hills above the lake, you walk through ancient villages and along
terraced footpaths that seem a world away from the elegant lifestyle of the
lakeside resort towns. Following a short break, you have the option to descend
to the quaint fishing village of Lenno where, after some time to explore the
town’s narrow, cobblestone streets, you enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the
many fine restaurants or cafés gracing the waterfront promenade. Alternatively,
those inspired to walk a little farther, by way of a cobblestone pilgrimage
pathway marked with chapels symbolizing the Mysteries of the Rosary, will be
graced with a magnificent view of the lake from the vantage point of the
Madonna del Soccorso sanctuary. If choosing the latter option, a light lunch,
perhaps a tasty panino, is served at the sanctuary before you descend to Lenno,
where you reunite as a group.
This afternoon, you embark on a private boat ride to Villa del Balbianello,
situated at the tip of a small wooded peninsula overlooking Lake Como, almost
opposite Bellagio. Built for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in 1787, the villa now
belongs to the National Trust of Italy. It was here that one of the recent “Star
Wars” films was shot, as well as a number of other feature films including “A
Month by the Lake” and “Casino Royale.” Following a guided visit to the villa’s
elegant gardens and interior, you return to Bellagio with time to enjoy your
hotel’s amenities and appreciate the late-afternoon sun as it casts shadows on the
hills over the lake. This evening, your guides provide ideas for dinner on your
own in town; the restaurant or trattoria menu may offer traditional polenta or
pasta with porcini mushrooms and the fresh catch of the day—likely the local
lake fish, lavarello or missoltin.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
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DAY 6
Varenna to Vezio; 5 miles, moderate with a 30-minute steep ascent

Following an enticing breakfast of homemade baked goods and preserves, eggs,
cured meats and cheeses, you board a local ferry to Varenna, an attractive village
on a small promontory. Considered by many to be the most picturesque town on
Lake Como, Varenna boasts charming rustic houses, flower-filled balconies,
winding alleyways, and a lovely lakeside promenade. The Sentiero del Viandante
(Wayfarer trail) takes you through the rugged hills above Lake Lecco, passing the
Fiumelatte, a unique stream that (seasonally) is “the color of milk” as it froths
over rocks and descends to the lake. Ascending through the forest, the trail
traverses northward and enters the hamlet of Vezio, whose collection of ancient
stone homes is inhabited by just 20 families. Cobblestone pathways lead to the
ruins of the Castle of Vezio, perched high above the lake in a strategic position,
providing views of the lake and the distant Alpine ranges one last time.
Descending the steep, cobblestone pathway to Varenna, you arrive at a charming
lakeside restaurant in time for a lunch of local delights.
Following a mid-afternoon ferry ride back to Bellagio, there is time for some
last-minute shopping, exploration, or relaxing poolside before gathering again
for an aperitivo on the panoramic terrace of your hotel; peanuts, olives, caper
fruit, and savory puff pastries are accompanied by a selection of sparkling, white,
and red regional wines. This evening’s farewell feast is on the cozy outdoor
terrace of an award-winning restaurant tucked away up one of Bellagio’s many
steeply stepped cobblestone lanes; the menu, based on innovative variations of
traditional specialties, features delicious homemade pasta and lake delicacies
finished off with creatively presented, sumptuous desserts.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
DAY 7
Departure from Milan

After enjoying a final group breakfast, a private coach brings you to the train
station in Milan for connections to your next destination.

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ITINERARY CHANGES
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites,
and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or
transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary, since tour
arrangements are made up to a year in advance and unforeseen circumstances
may arise that mandate change. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
For more than 35 years, CW has been a leader in active travel, with responsible
tourism an integral part of our core values. Our tours reflect our dedication to
best travel practices—and to the preservation of indigenous cultures and the
environment. CW has made a donation on behalf of every traveler to the CW
Travelers Fund, which supports designated projects in the communities and
habitats in which we travel. We invite you to learn more about our efforts and
giving-back initiatives.
Here’s just one example that highlights our sustainable practices:
A Woman’s Touch: On this unforgettable tour of the Italian Lakes, we’ve
chosen historical accommodations that are all locally owned. Imagine…lifting a
glass of renowned Piedmont wine on the outdoor terrace of Hotel Verbano
(your home for one night on Isola dei Pescatori) as the moon reflects off the
surface of Lake Maggiore. Or dining in the acclaimed restaurant at Hotel
Belvedere (run by the same family—and five generations of women—since
1880) and delighting in signature Italian dishes, regional wines, and an unrivaled
view of Lake Como below. Throughout the tour, we support the locals working
at the hotels—and the small businesses that supply each establishment with
goods and provide outsourced services.

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Tour Facts at a Glance
TOUR LENGTH
7 days, 6 nights
DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
MEETING POINT
Hotel Sanpi Milano (lobby), Milan, Italy, 1:00 p.m.
DEPARTURE POINT
Milan’s Central Train Station, Milan, Italy, 11:00 a.m.
TOUR PRICE
$4,598 (Single+$950)
ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour is one of our Guided Walking Adventures, rated moderate with
challenging sections, with an average of 4 to 9 miles per day. There are daily
ascents and descents. The Italian Lakes tour has a combination of gradual and
steep ascents, descents, and a few valleys. The climbing time on the ascents
ranges from 15 to 45 minutes. There are very few long, flat stretches of trail. The
terrain is a combination of hiking trails, narrow gravel roads, ancient cobblestone
ways, and some single-track trails with loose stones or gravel. The pace on this
tour is leisurely to allow for stops en route to explore villages, or to visit cultural
and historical sites.

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INCLUSIONS
» Two expert, local guides (for groups of 8 or more), with you 24/7
» All meals except for two lunches and one dinner; local wine included
» All accommodations while on tour
» Transportation from the meeting point to the departure point
» Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary
» The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the CW staff
GRATUITIES
Gratuities for all hotels, meals, and services that are included in your tour price
will be paid by CW. Should you wish to tip your CW guide(s), the standard in the
industry ranges from $10 to $15 per person, per day (or $20 to $30 per couple,
per day), and can be paid in USD or local currency. Gratuities for your bus
driver are included in the tour price, but additional tips are always welcome.

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Traveling To and From Your Tour
TOUR MEETING POINT AND TIME
Hotel Sanpi Milano (lobby), Milan, Italy, 1:00 p.m.
Your guide(s) will be wearing a CW shirt. Please be dressed for an afternoon
walk.
MOST CONVENIENT AIRPORT
Milan’s (Milano) Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Linate Airport (LIN)
sea-aeroportimilano.it

Please refer to the Italian Government Tourist Office website, enit.it, for
additional information about Italian airports and transportation to and from the
airport. You may also wish to visit the Italian Tourism Official Website at
italia.it.
GETTING TO THE MEETING POINT
From downtown Milan:
By taxi: A taxi from the center of Milan to the Hotel Sanpi Milano costs
approximately 15 euros and takes about 15 minutes.
From Milan’s Malpensa Airport:
By taxi: A taxi from Milan’s Malpensa Airport to the Hotel Sanpi Milano costs
approximately 95 euros and takes one hour (or more).
By shuttle and taxi: Airport coach shuttle service from Malpensa to the Milan
Central Train Station costs approximately 10 euros and takes about 60 minutes.
A taxi from the Central Train Station to the Hotel Sanpi Milano costs
approximately 10 euros and takes about 10 minutes.
By train and taxi: The Malpensa Express Train (malpensaexpress.it) links
Malpensa Airport to Milan’s Cadorna (also called North, or Nord) Train Station
and to Milan’s Central Train Station (Milano Centrale). Trains leave every 20-30
minutes for the 40-60 minute journey. A taxi from either station to the Hotel
Sanpi Milano costs approximately 10 euros and takes about 10 minutes.

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From Milan’s Linate Airport:
By taxi: A taxi from Milan’s Linate Airport costs approximately 40 euros and
takes about 45 minutes.
By shuttle and taxi: Airport coach shuttle service from Linate to the Milan
Central Train Station costs approximately 10 euros and takes about 20-30
minutes. A taxi from the Central Train Station to the Hotel Sanpi Milano costs
approximately 10 euros and takes about 10 minutes.
RAIL INFORMATION
Approximate travel times for train travel to Milan’s Central Train Station from
various Italian cities are as follows: from Florence: 1¾-2 hours; from Rome: 3½
hours; from Venice: 2½-3½ hours; from Turin: 1½-2 hours.
Please note: the above travel times are dependent upon train type and speed.
Additionally, some of these journeys require station changes. For further rail
information including reservations, schedules, and up-to-date fares, please
contact either Rail Europe at 800.622.8600 or raileurope.com, or Trenitalia at
trenitalia.com (Trenitalia operates most train services in Italy).
PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATIONS
We suggest arriving in Italy at least one day prior to the start of your tour. This
will give you time to rest and recover from any effects of jet lag.
You may choose to stay at the Hotel Sanpi Milano, the meeting point for your
tour, where we have a limited number of rooms blocked for the night before
each tour (with the exception of pre-tour nights June 14 and August 30, 2014).
Please note that the hotel will hold our block of rooms until 30 days prior to
your tour’s start date. To reserve a blocked room, please contact the hotel
directly, indicating that you are with the CW group, and refer to the date prior to
your tour’s start date. Offer your credit card number as a guarantee when making
the reservation, and request a written confirmation. The hotel staff speaks
English, so you should not have a problem communicating with them. We
suggest making a hotel reservation as soon as possible.

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Hotel Sanpi Milano
Via Lazzaro Palazzi, 18
(Corso Buenos-Aires/Porta Venezia area)
I-20124 Milan, Italy
Tel 011 39 0229 513 341
Fax 011 39 0229 402 4 51
Email [email protected]
hotelsanpimilano.it

Hotel Sanpi Milano is a modern, four-star boutique hotel, located in the heart of
Milan, near the Stazione Centrale (Central Train Station) and a 15-minute walk
from the renowned shopping area of Corso Buenos Aires. Most rooms overlook
a private garden and feature air-conditioning, high speed Internet, and satellite
TV.

Room rates are seasonal and include tax and breakfast: standard double-forsingle-use (recommended for solo travelers), 115-138 euros; standard double,
115-138 euros. Our blocks of rooms are confirmed a year in advance and we
obtain the best rate available at that time. Less expensive rates may be found on
the Internet.
DELAYS AND LATE ARRIVALS
If you are delayed while traveling, or for any other reason miss the scheduled
group meeting, please call the Hotel Sanpi Milano and leave a message for your
guide(s) as to your estimated time of arrival. Since you will likely be traveling on
a weekend for this tour, and due to the time change, it is not advisable to leave
this message at the CW office. Your first hotel in Orta San Giulio is about a onehour drive from Milan. If you arrive late for any reason, you will need to take a
taxi at your own expense to the first hotel; approximately 130-150 euros.
TOUR DEPARTURE POINT AND TIME
Milan’s Central Train Station, Milan, Italy, 11:00 a.m.
Please note: Depending on traffic, we cannot guarantee arrival at Milan’s Central
Train Station prior to 11:00 a.m. If your travel plans necessitate an earlier
departure, you may choose to arrange a private transfer (at your own expense) or
taxi from the last hotel in Bellagio to Milan. A taxi from Bellagio to Milan’s
Malpensa Airport takes approximately 1½ hours and costs about 165 euros.

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CW Information & Policies
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
CW guarantees the departure of every tour*—no exceptions and no
disappointments! From the moment you make your deposit, you can start
preparing for your adventure. We take care of all the details to ensure a seamless,
small-group experience (with an average of 6 or 7 guests per guide). For best
availability, reserve your trip today!
*except in cases of force majeure
RESERVATIONS
Reservations for this tour may be made by calling CW at 800.464.9255. We can
confirm your reservation with a deposit of $500 per person. Final tour cost is
due 90 days prior to tour departure date. As arrangements are confirmed at least
a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change.
GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES
Each guest has the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to his/her abilities
and interests and to prepare for the trip by carefully reading the confirmation
materials. To join this trip, you must be in good health and capable of
completing activities as described in the day-to-day itinerary. Our in-house
experts welcome the opportunity to discuss the tour in more detail. In order to
help us meet your needs and preferences, please note any health or physical
conditions on your Guest Information Forms and return them to CW by 90 days
prior to the tour start date.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received 91 days or more prior to the tour start date will incur a
loss of $100; cancellations received between 90 and 61 days prior to the tour
start date incur a loss of 25 percent of the tour price; there are no refunds within
60 days of the tour start date. You may transfer your reservation, depending on
availability, from one trip to another (in the same calendar year) by notifying us
in writing 91 days prior to the trip for a transfer fee of $50 per person, after
which time our cancellation policy applies.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE
We offer guests the opportunity to purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please
contact us for details.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Air or other travel arrangements to and from your tour are not included in the
price of your trip. We encourage you to contact your local travel agent, or Better
Travel, a Vermont-based agency (800.331.6996 or
[email protected]), for any additional air, hotel, rail, or transfer
arrangements you may need.

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Select Experiences
CW Selects are active and cultural explorations handcrafted to immerse you in
and showcase the best of a city, region, or combination of the two. Combine
them with other CW trips or enjoy them as a stand-alone interlude, to complete
or complement your travel experience. Please call for details.

FLORENCE | PRE/POST-TOUR SELECT
Florence delights with its combination of the
city’s best-known art, history, culture, and
cuisine—from your base in a luxurious hotel a
stone’s throw from the Arno River within
walking distance of Florence’s main attractions.
A customized walking tour gives you an in-depth
perspective on the city’s artistic and historical
past and charming present. Equally crucial (on the 3-night stay), a half-day class
in the art and taste of Tuscan cuisine and wine (with expert chef and sommelier)
is an easy lesson to attend and includes a local market tour and wine testing.
3 days, 2 nights / from $1,298 (Single from +$625)
4 days, 3 nights/from $1,798 (Single from + $795)

ROME | POST-TOUR SELECT
Discover the timeless enchantment of Rome on
this four-day stay, touring its best-loved
monuments and hidden treasures, one day on
foot with an expert guide...and the next day, on a
chauffeured Vespa with a safe and steady driver
to do the navigating! An elegant four-star
boutique hotel, perfectly situated, is your base to
venture out to the nearby Spanish Steps, the Piazza del Popolo, and the Via
Condotti, within walking distance of a plethora of shops, restaurants, and
theaters.
4 days, 3 nights / from $1,498 (Single from +$390)

800.464.9255 / CWadventure.com

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© 2014 Country Walkers

VENICE | POST-TOUR SELECT
A four-day stay in Venice—the quintessential
pedestrian city— enchants from your luxurious
hotel close to iconic St. Mark’s Square and the
Doge’s Palace. A guided walking tour starts
beneath St. Mark’s winged lion and winds over
arched bridges to Renaissance palaces and lesserknown narrow streets. A wine tasting at an
authentic osteria showcases the excellent wine and
cuisine of the Veneto region. And, a guided tour by private water taxi takes you
to three islands in the Venetian archipelago—brimming with history and artisan
traditions.
4 days, 3 nights / from $2,298 (Single from +$1,000)

800.464.9255 / CWadventure.com

20

© 2014 Country Walkers

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