| Day 1 | U.S.A. / Zürich |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | St. Moritz |
| Day 3 | St. Moritz |
| Day 4 | St. Moritz / Tirano |
| Day 5 | St. Moritz / Como |
| Day 6 | Como |
| Day 7 | Como / Milan |
| Day 8 | Como / Barromean Islands |
| Day 9 | Milan / Return |
Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps
September 6–14, 2009
Faculty: Lisa Reilly, Associate Professor, Department of Architectural History
Price: $3,450 per person, double occupancy, land only*
Air from Washington Dulles estimated at $1,329
Book now and receive $200 off per person!
Please call us toll free at 866-765-2646.
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Registration is Open |
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Overview
Literary luminaries in the 19th century heralded the idyllic treasures of Italy and Switzerland in praise-filled travelogues. Since then, not much has changed in this pristine part of Europe. Elegance reigns supreme in the hideaway village of St. Moritz where weathered wooden chalets bedecked with red geranium boxes stand in bright contrast to lushly turfed valleys and snow-capped peaks. Board the famous Bernina Express, the highest rail crossing of the Alps, and enjoy a spectacular scenic journey. Cruise Lake Maggiore to the beautiful Borromean Islands and explore cosmopolitan Milan with its magnificent architecture. Join U.Va. alumni and friends as we experience the timeless magic of mountain vistas and glacial lakes!
Program Highlights
- Indulge in the cosmopolitan ambience of the jet-set resort town of St. Moritz nestled in an Upper Engadine valley underneath Piz Nair.
- Visit the village of Zuoz and admire traditional Swiss mountain culture.
- Board the historic Bernina Express and travel a scenic Alpine rail route to Tirano, Italy.
- Cruise Lake Como.
- Visit fashionable Milan and admire Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper.
- Cruise the three picturesque Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore from the charming village of Stresa.
Accommodations
Hotel Schweizerhof – St. Moritz: Built in 1896, the legendary Hotel Schweizerhof is ideally situated in the center of elegant St. Moritz. Amid the ambience of a traditional family-run inn, it offers four quaint restaurants serving Alpine specialties, a rooftop wellness center with sauna and massage services and picture-perfect lake and mountain views. Spacious guestrooms are rendered in bright, contemporary décor and fitted with crisp white linens.
Hotel Barchetta Excelsior – Como: Set in the heart of the city on the Piazza Cavour, the grand Hotel Barchetta Excelsior overlooks Lake Como and is just minutes from the domed Renaissance Cathedral. Its two restaurants serve fine Mediterranean cuisine. Recently renovated guestrooms are tastefully appointed and offer a full complement of modern amenities.
^ back to topMeals
Enjoy an extensive meal program, including seven breakfasts, three lunches and five dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner. Take advantage of leisure time to try the local cuisine independently.
^ back to topFaculty
Lisa Reilly, Associate Professor, Department of Architectural History
Lisa Reilly's chief research interest is in the history of Norman architecture in England, France, and Italy. Ms. Reilly publishes and lectures chiefly on Norman architecture and is currently preparing a book on Norman visual culture throughout the Romanesque world. With Karen Van Lengen, Ms. Reilly wrote Campus Guide: Vassar College for Princeton Architectural Press. She is also a resident fellow at the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the University of Virginia and teaches introduction to architecture, courses on Norman art and architecture, Sicily, the Concept of the Medieval, and Durham Cathedral. Ms. Reilly held the NEH/Horace Goldsmith Distinguished Teaching Chair of Art and Architectural History from 1999-2002. She co-teaches a course entitled Renaissance Art on Site in Florence and Rome during U.Va.'s January term.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - U.S.A. / Zürich
Depart your gateway city for Zürich, Switzerland, aboard scheduled jet service (provided for Air Inclusive Program participants only).
Day 2 - St. Moritz
Upon arrival, we transfer to St. Moritz and the Hotel Schweizerhof (transfer provided for Air Inclusive Program participants only). This evening, we'll attend a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - St. Moritz
Today is our introduction to Switzerland, as we travel to Zuoz, a picturesque Upper Engadine village. A walking tour showcases its beautiful cobblestone square lined with brightly painted buildings, many built in the 13th century. We'll enjoy a lunch of regional specialties served at a restaurant in Zuoz. The afternoon and evening in St. Moritz are at leisure. Use a gondola pass to ascend by tram to the top of Piz Nair (10,026ft./3056m) for spectacular views!
Day 4 - St. Moritz / Tirano
We'll board the Bernina Express for a two-hour scenic journey that traces one of Europe's most impressively engineered rail routes. Of Switzerland's four major scenic train journeys, the Bernina Express is both the highest rail crossing the Alps and the only Swiss rail route to traverse the range from north to south. A narrow-gauge line of the Rhaetian Railway, it ascends to a height of 7,391 ft. (2,253m) at the Bernina Pass along switchback tunnels and graded spirals. The Brusio Viaduct loops into a 360-degree curve and gains maximum height in the smallest possible space. The entire trip – a virtual journey through the seasons – is narrated. On the stretch from St. Moritz via Pontresina to Tirano, Italy, the train's carriages pass Morteratsch Glacier, the Grüm Alp and picturesque Poschiavo Valley. This amazing route has been nominated for inclusion by UNESCO as one of the organization's esteemed World Heritage List of cultural sites. At journey's end, we explore Tirano,Italy, and browse in the shops displaying fine locally made silk wares.
Day 5 - St. Moritz / Como
We depart St. Moritz for Como, Italy, traveling by motorcoach alongside Lake Como to Menaggio, situated on the western shore. We'll embark on a scenic cruise on Italy's deepest lake from Menaggio to Bellagio and Como, and enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Bellagio. Upon arrival in Como, we check into the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior.
Day 6 - Como
Today, we'll take a walking tour of the walled Old Town featuring the Baradello Tower, Tempio Voltiano shrine and the impressive Duomo in the Piazza Cavour with its Gothic façade and Renaissance dome. Then we visit the Silk Museum for insight into this prolific regional industry. We'll pursue individual interests during leisure time this afternoon.
Day 7 - Como / Milan
In Italy's most fashionable city, we visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie and its rectory to see da Vinci's magnificent work, The Last Supper. We'll tour the museum at La Scala, Italy's premier opera house, and the 14th-century Duomo, a Gothic masterpiece ornamented by 2,244 marble saints and nearly 100 gargoyles. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Milan. There will also be time to explore Milan on our own.
Day 8 - Como / Barromean Islands
We journey to Stresa for a short walking tour before embarking on a cruise on Lake Maggiore. The first stop is Isola Madre and its 16th-century villa. Then we sail to the rustic fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. On Isola Bella, we'll explore the baroque palace and gardens. We'll savor a delicious lunch in a local restaurant on one of the islands and enjoy free time on Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. Tonight, we gather with fellow travelers for a farewell reception followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 9 - Milan / Return
Transfer to the Milan airport for the return flight to a gateway city (provided for Air Inclusive Program participants only).
NOTE: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
Many Included Extras
- Consultation services of a Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
- Services of a professional Campus Director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout our stay.
- Tipping of all guides and drivers.
- Detailed travel and destination information to assist in planning.
- Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI Travel, subject to policy terms.*
* Provided for Air Program participants only.
Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land-Only Program. AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing round-trip scheduled jet service from North America to Zürich, Switzerland, with a return from Milan, Italy. Those participating on these flights will enjoy motorcoach transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the hotels, including baggage handling. Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your final invoice approximately 90 days before departure. Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges. AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.
^ back to topProgram Fees
Price: $3,450 per person, double occupancy, land only*
Air from Washington Dulles estimated at $1,329 and will be determined at time of booking
Single supplement $900 to the per person, double occupancy rate.
(* Does not include E.U. value added tax of $95)
Please call us toll free at 866-765-2646.
^ back to topHow To Register
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us toll free at 866-765-2646. Or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve your spot. Deposits can be made by check payable to AHI International or by using MasterCard or Visa.
Final invoicing will be done approximately 90 days (June 8, 2009) prior to departure. Reservations to be paid in full by 75 days (June 23, 2009) prior to departure.
^ back to topGeneral Terms & Conditions
Not Included: Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas; personal gratuities; laundry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters and meals not mentioned in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; all items of a strictly personal nature.
Mobility and Fitness to Travel: The right is retained to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion of the total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodations be refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance.
Air Transportation: The price of this trip is based on an Advance Purchase Excursion fare. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or cancelled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.
Cancellation: In addition to airline cancellation penalties, all cancellations for any reason whatsoever will be subject to a $150 per person cancellation fee. Cancellation from 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 10% of the entire cost of the trip per person; 60-31 days, 30%; 30-15 days, 50%. Cancellation from 14 days up to the time of departure will result in forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI International Corporation.
Baggage: General airline regulations allow two checked pieces per passenger for which the total sum (length+width+height) should not exceed 107 inches. No single piece may exceed the three-dimensional sum of 62 inches nor a maximum weight of 50 pounds. One piece of carry-on luggage is allowed per passenger for which the total sum should not exceed 45 inches, nor a maximum weight of 40 pounds and must fit completely underneath aircraft seat. More restrictive baggage allowances may apply, depending on program carrier. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. Liability is clearly stated on the passenger contract. In no event shall liability exceed the actual loss incurred, subject to proof of the amount lost.
Responsibility: AHI Travel and Cavalier Travels act only as agents for the suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other service and have no responsibility for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in good faith and based on tariffs, exchange rates and other information current at the time of printing, are subject to change 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, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract. 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. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip.
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