Pope High School
Gary Gribble, Directorof Bands
December 27, 2014–January 2, 2015
Inclusions – 7 Day Tour
September 10, 2013
Transportation
Round-trip air transportation between Atlanta and Rome
Air taxes and fuel surcharges (estimated at $630.00)
Deluxe motorcoach transportation for all transfers and touring in Italy
One instrument truck or trailer on days 2, 4, and 7
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations in superior three-star hotels – 5 nights
Montecatini – 2, Rome – 3
Continental breakfasts – 5
Lunch – 1
Dinners – 5, including special New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration
Performances
Rome New Year’s Parade
Public Performance as a part of holiday celebrations in a town in Tuscany such as Montecatini
Sightseeing
All sightseeing and events as shown in itinerary
City tour with local guides in Siena, Rome and Vatican City
Attractions: Siena Cathedral, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Various other operational sundry items are covered as well, including English speaking companions assigned from the travel agency to be the band at all times.
Price – 7 Day Tour
Price based on 150 passengers traveling
Price per person
Land Price: $1,550.00
Airfare: $1,650.00
Total Tour Price: $3,200.00
Single Room Supplement: $199.00
The price is subject to the guidelines in the “Terms and Conditions.” The land prices are based on vendor rates available on 8/22/13 and are subject to increases imposed by vendors. The prices and events in this proposal can only be confirmed upon receipt of a tour application and booking of activities. The price is subject to change according to the number of passengers.
Air rates will not be available until 11 months prior to your departure. This estimated airfare is based on a rate available on 8/22/13, and includes estimated air taxes and fuel surcharges. Air taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until tickets are issued, approximately 60 days prior to departure.
The price is based on a foreign exchange rate in effect on 8/22/13.
The price is based on double occupancy. Passengers desiring a single room will pay a single supplement.
Please Note: Your initial invoices will show an estimated distribution of passengers at the double and single room rates, resulting in an estimated total balance. When we receive your final rooming list we will adjust your invoice to reflect your actual distribution and actual final balance. Your final balance must be paid in full 45 days prior to departure.
Proposed Itinerary – 7 Day Tour
Day One – Saturday, December 27, 2014 Depart Atlanta
Depart Depart Atlanta today to participate in the event of a lifetime, the Rome New Year’s Parade in Vatican City.
Day Two – Sunday, December 28, 2014 Arrive Rome – Montecatini
Arrival Arrive today in Rome, Italy. Meet your Gateway Tour Manager and your English-speaking European guides (one per coach), who will be with you for your entire tour to handle travel and performance arrangements. A trailer or truck will be available to transport large instruments for today, day 4 and day 7.
Tuscany After departing the airport, travel north to the beautiful region of Tuscany. Arrive in Montecatini, a charming town in the heart of Tuscany known for its thermal spas and convenient location near Florence. Check into your hotel upon arrival.
Meals Dinner
Overnight Montecatini
Day Three – Monday, December 29, 2014 Florence – Montecatini
Florence Transfer into Florence for a visit of the city prior to tonight’s performance. You will have time this morning for exploring on your own. Florence’s many highlights include the Cathedral with its immense dome, Giotto’s Belltower, and the Baptistery’s “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Be sure to see Ponte Vecchio as well, the iconic bridge over the Arno River. Florence is known for its leather goods and fine jewelry, and its outdoor markets offer plenty of chances to hone your bargaining skills.
Free Time You will have time for lunch on your own before departing Florence this afternoon.
♫ Celebration Perform as a part of holiday celebrations in a city in Tuscany such as Montecatini. Your band will be welcomed by city officials and crowds of well wishers who have turned out to see and hear you perform.
Meals Continental breakfast; dinner
Overnight Montecatini
Day Four – Tuesday, December 30, 2014 Montecatini – Siena – Rome
Siena City Tour Visit Siena en route to Rome today. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps. At its heart is the Piazza del Campo – an enormous, shell-shaped piazza famous for its annual horse-race called the Palio. Local guides will show you the highlights of Siena on a walking tour. Your tour includes entrance to the Siena Cathedral.
Rome Continue on to the “Eternal City” of Rome, the capital city of Italy and home to more than 2.7 million residents. Today it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world – its incalculable number of archaeological and artistic treasures, charming traditions, beautiful geography, and magnificent villas attract between 7 and 10 million tourists every year. Rome had a major impact in music history and continues to be an important musical center to this day. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Meals Continental breakfast; dinner
Overnight Rome
Day Five – Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Rome
Vatican Tour Today’s tour brings you to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you will have the great opportunity to admire Michelangelo’s restored masterpiece painted on the ceiling. Local guides will take you through the museum while focusing on the highlights. Finish the tour in magnificent St. Peter’s Square. You will also visit St. Peter’s Basilica today.
Free Time Enjoy free time this afternoon for sightseeing and shopping in small groups. Your Italian guides will be available to point you in the right direction.
New Year’s Eve Gather for a New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration.
Meals Continental breakfast; New Year’s Eve dinner and dance
Overnight Rome
Day Six – Thursday, January 1, 2015 Rome
♫ Rome New Year’s
Parade This morning, participate in the Rome New Year’s Parade – a European-style parade in conjunction with the World Day of Peace. Bands will assemble outside Castel Sant’Angelo, located on the Tiber River. Process along Via della Conciliazione to St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands of people from all over the world gather to hear the New Year’s Blessing by the Pope. After the blessing, bands will have a stationary performance in the square before marching back to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Lunch Lunch is provided today after the parade.
Baroque Rome Tour Enjoy a guided tour of Rome this afternoon. While the Renaissance left its mark in Rome, it was the florid and fanciful creations of the 17th century High Baroque period that defined the modern appearance of the Eternal City. Stunning examples include the Piazza Navona – featuring Bernini’s Fountain of the Moor, Fountain of Neptune and Fountain of the Four Rivers – and the Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin over your shoulder will ensure your eventual return to Rome. See the Spanish Steps, former site of the Spanish Embassy and an 18th century meeting place for artists, models and poets. A stop will also be made at the Pantheon, a magnificent and stunningly preserved domed building dating from 125 AD.
Meals Continental breakfast; lunch; farewell dinner
Overnight Rome
Day Seven – Friday, January 2, 2015 Depart Rome – Arrive Atlanta
Departure Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States. You will arrive in the U.S. later today.
Meals Continental breakfast