* * ITALIAN OPERA SPLENDOR *
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Milan, Genoa, Florence, Rome, Naples, Palermo
December 5 - 19, 2001
All the splendors of Italy in anticipation of Christmas!
Wednesday, December 5 - NEW YORK
Leave New York's Kennedy Airport with ALITALIA Flight #605 at 6:50 PM. Dinner and breakfast on board.
Thursday, December 6 - MILAN
Arrive Milan's Malpensa Airport at 8:30 AM. Immediate transfer to the HOTEL DE LA VILLE, set in a quiet, yet central location near La Scala. The appealing rooms, decorated with fine Italian silk fabrics, feature air-conditioning, bath or shower, hair dryer, remote-control color cable TV and in-room safe. The hotel also has a gym with sauna and steam room as well as a bar, restaurant and breakfast room.
Get a first glimpse of Milan with a short walking tour that includes the famous GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II. It was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1864 and links Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. Since then this magnificent glass-roofed arcade has housed some of Milan's most fashionable bars and restaurants. Visit the LA SCALA MUSEUM (Museo Teatrale alla Scala). Established in 1901, the museum traces the history of theater, opera and La Scala through the vast collection of masks, costumes, scenery, musical instruments and scores, with two rooms containing Verdi memorabilia. And finally, a visit to the DUOMO, the third largest cathedral after St. Peter's in Rome and the cathedral of Seville, Spain. Work began in 1386 and continued for several centuries. Its architecture is a mixture of styles: the apse is Gothic, the facade combines Baroque, neo-Classical and neo-Gothic. On the highest of the 135 spires stands the gilt statue of the Madonnina (12ft high), the symbol of Milan. The detail of the facade gives way to a sober interior divided into five naves, separated by 52 columns and illuminated by stained-glass windows with ornate tracery.
At 7:30 PM a welcome reception in the hotel's lounge followed by welcome dinner in the hotel's CANOVA restaurant.
Friday, December 7 - MILAN
This morning a guided, pre-booked tour of SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE to see the famous, completely restored "THE LAST SUPPER" by Leonardo da Vinci, painted between 1485 and 1497 at the request of Ludovico il Moro. Visit the CASA DI RIPOSO, a must for all Verdians. On the way back, a visit to SANT'AMBROGIO, Milan's most important basilica. It was founded in 379 by the city's patron saint, Saint Ambrose, and is his last resting place. Sant'Ambrogio is one of the finest examples of medieval sacred architecture. The pulpit, carved in 1080 and set on a late Roman sarcophagus, is a medieval masterpiece. Two other treasures grace the sanctuary: the 9th-century ciborium (freestanding vaulted canopy over the high altar), supported by four porphyry columns, and the high altar (835), encrusted with enamel, gold, silver and precious stones and attributed to Volvinio.
Luncheon in the Grand Hotel et de Milan's VERDI SUITE. Return to the hotel about 2:30 PM.
Walk from the hotel to the Teatro alla Scala, the world-famous opera house, which was built by Giuseppe Piermarini on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala, and inaugurated in 1778. Please note that the theater will close for renovations at the end of December for about three years.
Verdi's OTELLO (Teatro alla Scala - 8:30 PM) O P T I O N A L OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE (Placido Domingo, Barbara Frittoli, Leo Nucci; Riccardo Muti). Tickets are expected to range in price from $2,000 to $2,500 each.
Saturday, December 8 - GENOA
Depart by motorcoach for GENOA at 9:30 AM. Before leaving Milan, stop for a visit to SAN LORENZO MAGGIORE, a basilica founded in the 4th century, which has undergone extensive alteration, though its original octagonal design has been preserved. The beautiful 4th century Capella Sant'Aquilino is the highlight of the church and contains a splendid mosaic representing Christ with His apostles. Opposite the basilica stands a row of 16 Roman Corinthian columns: COLONNE DI SAN LORENZO. They are the ruins of an ancient Roman temple and were transferred here in the 4th century to form a portico, which no longer stands. Beside the columns is a copy of a Roman statue of the Emperor Constantine.
Next visit SANT'EUSTORGIO. The foundations of the basilica go back to the 7th century. It was rebuilt in 1278 and a campanile was added in 1309. The side chapels where built in the 15th century and are decorated with early Renaissance art. The facade was rebuilt in 1862-65. One of the chapels is dedicated to the MAGI; their supposed relics were brought to Milan by Saint Eustorgio and carried off to Cologne by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in 1164.
Upon arrival in PAVIA, about 12:30 PM, visit SAN MICHELE, a splendid Romanesque church, a reconstruction of an earlier Lombard church founded in 661. Its structure and somber interior have much in common with Milan's Sant'Ambrogio church. In 1155 the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa was crowned King of Italy here.
Lunch at VECCHIO MULINO restaurant (Certosa di Pavia) serving traditional Lombard cuisine in a converted mill.
Following lunch, a visit to the CERTOSA DI PAVIA, the Carthusian Monastery in Pavia. The "Gra-Car", Gratiarum Cartusia (Charterhouse of the Graces), is one of the most remarkable and characteristic examples of Lombard art. It was founded as a family mausoleum in 1396 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan. Most of the monastery was built in the 15th and 16th centuries to the plans of successive architects. The interior has a certain solemn grandeur and, although it is essentially Gothic, the beginnings of the Renaissance can be detected in the transept and the chancel. There are numerous works of art, the most prominent of them being 15th century frescoes by Bergognone, who was also responsible for a Crucifixion and an Ecce Homo, the latter in the north transept, as well as the famous reclining figures (1497) of Ludovico il Moro and Beatrice d'Este by Cristoforo Solari.
Arrive in Genoa about 7:00 PM. Accommodations at the newly renovated BRISTOL PALACE HOTEL, a traditional hotel, built in 1910 and located within walking distance of the opera house. The hotel features spacious, well-furnished rooms with bath, phone, air-conditioning, color TV, radio and minibar as well as Old World-style public rooms, Breakfast Room, Bar and Café. Evening at leisure.
Sunday, December 9 - GENOA
At 10:00 AM leave for a visit to VIA GARIBALDI with its palazzi. This street of palaces, once known as Via Aurea, was built to designs by Alessi in the 16th century. It is one of the loveliest streets in Italy. The TOWN HALL, the former Palazzo Doria Tursi, at No. 9, has a lovely arcaded courtyard. The collections include the violin of Paganini and manuscripts of Christopher Columbus. PALAZZO ROSSO at No. 18 contains a picture gallery with works by Titian, Veronese and Tintoretto, a canvas by Duerer and some remarkable portraits by Van Dyck. Next visit PALAZZO SPINOLA GALLERY. The beautifully decorated apartments of the 16th to 18th century mansion with their period furnishings make an ideal setting for the works of art. The art collection comprises works by painters of the Italian and Flemish Renaissance (Antonello da Messina, Joos Van Cleve, Brueghel the Younger, Strozzi, Castiglione and Van Dyck). Return to the hotel about 1:00 PM.
Walk from the hotel to Teatro Carlo Felice for Saint-Saens' SAMSON ET DALILA (Teatro Carlo Felice 3:30 PM). Afterward walk back to the hotel.
Walk from the theater to restaurant ENOTECA PALLAVICINI for dinner.
Monday, December 10 - GENOA
At 10:30 AM begin a walking tour of Genoa to include the beautiful SAN LORENZO CATHEDRAL, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture in Liguria, SAN MATTEO CHURCH, followed by a visit to the CHIESA DEL GESU and the PALAZZO DUCALE.
Transfer to restaurant SANTA CHIARA, located in the BOCCADASSE district of Genoa, for lunch.
Return to the hotel about 3:00 PM with the balance of the day at leisure to explore this wonderful city some more on your own.
Tuesday, December 11 - FLORENCE
At 10:00 AM depart from the hotel by motorcoach for FLORENCE, arriving about 2:00 PM. Accommodations at the GRAND HOTEL VILLA MEDICI, an elegant hotel located in a building dating from 1760. The hotel features spacious rooms with climate control, bath and shower (hair dryer), phone with bath extension, radio, remote-controlled satellite TV, frigobar and safe.
Leave for a sightseeing tour at 3:30 PM to include a visit to the CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEI FIORE, its CAMPANILE and BAPTISTERY. The DUOMO, as it is usually referred to, is one of the largest cathedrals in the Christian world and is a symbol of the city's power and wealth in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and was consecrated in 1436. Also visit the PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA, which was and still is, the political stage of Florence, with a wonderful backcloth formed by the PALAZZO VECCHIO, the LOGGIA DELLA SIGNORIA and the GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI/UFFIZI MUSEUM.
Dinner tonight in the hotel's LORENZO DE' MEDICI restaurant.
Wednesday, December 12 - FLORENCE
At 9:00 AM leave for a sightseeing tour of SAN GIMIGNANO with its many medieval towers standing on a hilltop in the rolling Tuscan countryside where vineyards and olive groves predominate. Its numerous towers of nobility have earned it the nickname of "San Gimignano of the fine Towers".
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour to encompass PIAZZA DELLA CISTERNA, PIAZZA DEL DUOMO, a visit to the 12th century Romanesque COLLEGIATE CHURCH, the People's Palace (PALAZZO DEL POPOLO), dominated by a tall tower, from the top of which unfolds an unusual view over the brown roofs and towers of the town, the Governor's Palace (PALAZZO DEL PODESTA) and the nearby 13th century PALAZZO CHIGI. Next visit the Church of St. Augustine (SANT'AGOSTINO). Lunch at a local restaurant in San Gimignano.
Return to the hotel in Florence about 3:00 PM.
Walk from the hotel to the Teatro Comunale for Britten's DEATH IN VENICE (Teatro Comunale - 8:00 PM).
Thursday, December 13 - ROME
At 9:00 AM depart from the hotel by motorcoach for ROME, arriving about 12:30 PM. Accommodations at the QUIRINALE HOTEL, an imperial-style 5-story hotel (1886) with a private entrance to the Opera House. The hotel features rooms with climate control, antiques, high ceilings, phone with bathroom extension, refrigerator, color TV, private safe and minibar. Limited Room Service. Bar, marble columns, fireplaces and paintings in public areas. A favorite with performers.
Rome is perhaps the most compelling of all Italy's historic cities. There's arguably more to see here than in any other city in the world with the remains of a two thousand year past superimposed upon a modern European capital. There are of course the classical features of the old empire alongside relics from the early Christian period in ancient basilicas. The fountains and churches of the Baroque period go a long way towards determining the appearance of the city center, most notably in the work of Bernini, but it really is hard to know which way to look. Renaissance palazzi and Rococo fountains crowd atop medieval churches, houses and apartment blocks incorporate fragments of eroded Roman columns and the cobbled streets follow the lines of ancient stadiums and amphitheaters.
This afternoon, a guided orientation tour of Rome by private motorcoach, including the CAPITOLINE HILL and CAMPIDOGLIO, one of Rome's most elegant squares. Designed by Michelangelo, it also features some of the city's primary classical sculpture and museums. A view of the FORUM ROMANUM, the center of ancient Rome; the COLOSSEUM, one of the most awe-inspiring monuments of the ancient world in surprisingly good repair, the site of Roman gladiatorial games, and the ARCH OF CONSTANTINE.
At 7:30 PM transfer from the hotel to TRASTEVERE for dinner at restaurant CHECCO ER CARRETIERE.
Friday, December 14 - ROME
At 9:00 AM depart for a tour of the VATICAN including the museums, the SISTINE CHAPEL and the VATICAN GARDENS.
Lunch in the restaurant of the HOTEL COLUMBUS.
Following lunch, drive past CASTEL SANT'ANGELO, built in 135 AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Then on to SANTA MARIA SOPRA MINERVA, a Gothic 13th century art-treasure church crammed with the tombs of wealthy Romans and priceless frescoes. Followed by visits to PIAZZA NAVONA, the PANTHEON, built by the architect emperor Hadrian two thousand years ago whose huge domed roof houses the tomb of Raphael, FONTANA DI TREVI, PIAZZA DI SPAGNA and VIA VENETO with MARGHERITA'S PALACE (American Embassy). Return to the hotel about 5:00 PM.
Walk through the hotel's private entrance to the Opera House for Verdi's UN BALLO IN MASCHERA (Teatro dell'Opera - 8:30 PM).
Saturday, December 15 - NAPLES
Depart by private motorcoach for NAPLES at 9:00 AM arrving about 12:00 noon. Accommodations at the GRAND HOTEL SANTA LUCIA. This charming hotel is located directly by the sea, in a quiet section of Via Partenope in front of CASTEL DELL'OVO. All rooms have air-conditioning, bath or shower and telephone.
At 3:00 PM leave for a guided tour of the lively old part of the city, including the CONVENTO DI SANTA CHIARA, the CHIESA DEL GESŮ church and the characteristic area of SAN GREGORIO ARMENO, famous for its "presepi", (Christmas creches). Next visit the city's festive CHRISTMAS MARKET.
Walk from the hotel to the nearby restaurant TRANSATLANTICO, a fascinating place specializing in seafood, for dinner. Afterward, return to the hotel.
Transfer by private coach from the hotel to the Teatro San Carlo.
Debussy's LE MARTYRE DE SAINT-SEBASTIEN (Teatro San Carlo - 8:30 PM).
Sunday, December 16 - NAPLES
9:00 AM drive to PAESTUM, ancient Greek colony, to see three excellently preserved Greek TEMPLES standing dramatically in a bower of aromatic herbs, asphodel, cypress and oleander. Visit the MUSEUM with 34 famous metopes, 6th century BC low reliefs in the Doric style, and excellent examples of 5th century BC WALL PAINTINGS.
Luncheon at HOTEL CARUSO BELVEDERE in RAVELLO, where Wagner contemplated the AMALFI coast. Caruso specialties will be served.
Following lunch, return to Naples along the Amalfi coast with brief stops in picturesque POSITANO and SORRENTO.
Return to the hotel approximately 6:30 PM with the evening at leisure.
Monday, December 17 - PALERMO
At 10:15 AM transfer by private coach from the hotel to Naples Airport for the departure at 12:35 PM of ALITALIA Flight #AZ 1856 for PALERMO. Arrive Palermo at 1:25 PM and transfer to the GRAND HOTEL ET DES PALMES. An Art Nouveau-style hotel housed in a building dating from 1856, it is located in the center of Palermo. The hotel features air-conditioned rooms with private bath, hair dryer, color TV, radio, phone and minibar.
This afternoon a tour of PALERMO to include visits to the ROYAL PALACE, the PALATINE CHAPEL, the CATHEDRAL and the GALLERIA REGIONALE.
Dinner tonight in the hotel's restaurant.
Tuesday, December 18 - PALERMO
At 9:00 AM depart for a guided tour of one of the most perfectly preserved monuments to survive from antiquity, the TEMPLE OF SEGESTA, standing in majestic solitude on a hill surrounded by a deep valley. Built in 430 BC, the temple is a Doric building of extraordinarily harmonious proportions. We also visit MONREALE, including the CATHEDRAL and the BENEDICTINE MONASTERY. Return to the hotel about 4:00 PM.
Transfer from the hotel to the Teatro Massimo for Verdi's RIGOLETTO (Teatro Massimo - 6:30 PM).
Following the performance, transfer to either LO SCUDIERO or IL RISTORANTINO restaurant for our farewell dinner.
Wednesday, December 19 - NEW YORK
At 9:00 AM transfer by private motorcoach from the hotel to the Palermo Airport for the 10:55 AM departure of ALITALIA Flight #AZ 1782 to Rome-Fiumicino Airport; arrive Rome-Fiumicino at 12:00 noon. At 1:30 PM depart Rome-Fiumicino on ALITALIA Flight #AZ 610 for New York's Kennedy Airport. Lunch and a snack on board. Arrive New York's Kennedy Airport at 4:55 PM.
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Land Arrangements: $6,755.00
Single Room Supplement: $1,625.00
(Land price includes the flight from Naples to Palermo on Dec. 17)
Non-Refundable Economy Class Air: $707.70
Business Class Air: Upon Request
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Deposit to hold space on this tour is $950.00 per person.
LAND ARRANGEMENTS PRICE INCLUDES:
* Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 6 dinners. * Accommodations at leading hotels. * All performance tickets. * Flight on Dec. 17 from Naples to Palermo. * All taxes, entrance fees. * All transfers where necessary. * Wine with all included lunches and dinners. * Gratuity to the Dailey-Thorp tour director. Land arrangements price is based on sharing a twin/double hotel room. Land Arrangements Price does NOT include: Items of a personal nature; accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; ticket for the performance of OTELLO at La Scala on Dec. 7; we will advise the exact price as soon as possible.
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
The fares published here are the lowest available at the time of publication and are subject to availability; higher fares may apply. The routing is New York-Milan/Palermo-Rome-New York. A 10% senior discount may apply; please inquire when booking. All tickets are subject to a $20.00 non-refundable service fee.
CANCELLATION OF TOUR:
LAND ARRANGEMENTS: For cancellation by the client, these charges apply: Cancellations received 60 days or more prior to commencement of the tour = $200.00 per person; 59-22 days prior = 30% of land arrangements price; 21-8 days prior = 50% of land arrangements price; 7 days prior through completion of tour = 100% of land arrangements price. In the event of cancellation by the client, the price of the performance tickets is not refundable.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Cancellation of AIR FLIGHTS will be subject to the cancellation policy of the airline. The $20.00 air agent service fee for all air tickets issued is not refundable; in addition a $35.00 processing fee applies if ticket is cancelled or reissued. All cancellations must be in writing. All tour programs subject to change.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HEARTILY RECOMMENDED!
#2191 --- 4/30/01
