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DATES
September 10-18, 2007
COSTS
$2895 + RT International Air
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Light to Medium
TRIP SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATIONS
& TRANSPORTATION
RECOMMENDED READING
TRAVEL INSURANCE
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
GAUCHO GETAWAYS
PH: 805.893.4775
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Itinerary

Day 1, September 3, 2008: Departure
Depart your gateway city for Rome, Italy, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air-inclusive participants only. )

Day 2, September 4, 2008:
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the ancient Umbrian town of Spoleto and the Hotel dei Duchi. (Transfer provided for air-inclusive participants only.) Tonight, attend a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3, September 5, 2008:
Educational Focus: A Celebration of Two Worlds - the Spoleto Festival. Excursion: Spoleto Orientation. Surrounded by a sweeping panorama of Apennines range foothills and valleys, Spoleto is a splendid town of picturesque streets and fairy-tale medieval architecture. Discover its historic and scenic highlights during a leisurely tour. See the layered limestone city walls, the Romanesque Church of San Greggorio Maggiore and the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater. Admire the majesty of the Rocca, a former Papal fortress, and the beauty of the 12th-century Duomo.

Day 4, September 6, 2008:
Educational Focus: The Lands of Umbria. Excursion: Gubbio. Journey through the peaceful Umbrian countryside to the medieval town of Gubbio set on the slope of Mt. Ingino. Stroll through its Roman Amphitheater, located just outside the town walls, and the impressive Palazzo dei Consoli, the signature landmark. Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Educational Focus: Brother Sun, Sister Moon. A screening of this 1972 film by Italian director Franco Zeffirelli tells the story of St. Francis and St. Claire and offers unique insight into life in Umbria in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Day 5, September 7, 2008:
Excursion: Assisi and Montefalco. Visit the magnificent walled city of Assisi, renowned as the home of St. Francis. Experience the ambiance of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Montefalco, one of Italy's loveliest towns, where the churches house stuffing works of art. Local Flavor: A winery near Montefalco hosts you for lunch. Savor the opportunity to sample some of the local vintages.

Day 6, September 8, 2008:
Excursion: Todi. According to legend, Todi was built by Hercules. A walking tour showcases the highlights of this unspoiled medieval town perched atop a formidable rocky hill overlooking the Tiber River, including the 13th-century Palaeo-Christian temple of San Fortunato. Independent Exploration: Return to Spoleto for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 7, September 9, 2008:
Cultural Immersion: Italian Cooking OR Italian Pottery. Choose to prepare traditional Italian dishes with a renowned chef from nearby Orvieto, or try your hand at making pottery in Deruta with a local artisan. Educational Focus: Meet the People.

Day 8, September 10, 2008:
Independent Exploration: Enjoy a final day at leisure for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
This evening, attend a Graduation Ceremony, followed by your Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 9, September 11, 2008:
After breakfast, transfer to the Rome airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Provided for air-inclusive 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.

Exclusive Highlights

* Enjoy seven nights in charming Spoleto, host to the annual Festival of Two Worlds, celebrating the performing arts.
* Delight in the architecture of the ancient town of Gubbio.
* Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Assisi, the home of St. Francis, and Montefalco, rated one of the loveliest towns in Italy.
* Witness the history and beauty of Todi.
* Take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore an important aspect of Italian culture by participating in a demonstration of either local cooking or pottery.
* Sample local cuisine and wines in typical Umbrian restaurants.

Included Features

* Round-trip schedules jet service to and from Rome, Italy.*
* Motorcoach transfers, round-trip, from the Rome airport to the ancient Umbrian town of Spoleto, including baggage handling at the hotel.*
* Seven nights in Spoleto at the First-Class, family operated Hotel dei Duchi.
* An extensive meal plan, including a breakfast buffet each morning, three two-course lunches and six three-course dinners. Enjoy tea or coffee with all meals and wine with dinner. Take advantage of opportunities to sample the local cuisine at your leisure.
* Some meals are served at local restaurants and feature a culinary experience of authentic regional specialties.
* A Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
* A festive Graduation Ceremony followed by a special Farewell Reception and Dinner.
* Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region.
* All excursions included.
* Consultation services of Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
* Services of a professional Campus Director and Expert English-speaking Local Guides throughout your stay.
* Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning.
* Deluxe travel wallet.
* All domestic and foreign governmental airport/departure taxes and fees.*
* Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI International, subject to policy terms.*

*Provided for air-inclusive participants only.

Accommodations

Hotel dei Duchi

Located in the heart of Spoleto, the Hotel dei Duchi overlooks a lush, green valley; vibrant gardens; and the town's famous Roman Amphitheater. Comfortable guestrooms are styled with contemporary furnishings and provide a full range of amenities, including satellite television, direct-dial telephone and mini bar. The hotel restaurant serves delicious regional specialties, while the hotel offerst the best in Italian hospitality with a friendly staff dedicated to ensuring that your stay will be memorable and enjoyable.