ITALIAN GETAWAY A JOURNEY TO ROME AND THE SORRENTO AREA

DESIGNED AND OPERATED BY CLUB EUROPA FOR

MAP CONNECTIONS WATERLOO, IOWA

View from the top of St Peter’s Basilica

Day 1 Transatlantic flight from the United States to Rome, Italy

Apr 9 06:00 am: Flight DL2876 departs Cedar Rapids CID

Mon 09:04 am: arrival at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport ATL

06:55 pm: flight DL064 departs Atlanta (inflight meals)

Day 2 ARRIVAL / ROME

Apr 10 10:30 am: arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport FCO

Tue Plenty of time for exchanging money at the airport !

Meet and greet by multilingual assistant

Service of private motorcoach for transfer to the city

En route into the city: visit of the Catacombs of San Sebastiano (entrance fee and

guided tour included at xx:xx pm – (Catacombs are closed from noon until 2:00 pm) The Catacombs of San.Sebastiano are among the greatest and most important of Rome. They originated about the

middle of the second century and are part of a cemeterial complex. In it were buried tens of martyrs, 16 popes

and very many Christians.

Transfer from the Catacombs to the hotel in the city center - time to relax and unwind

xx:xx pm: dinner at Restaurant ‘Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’ (included)

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxxxxx / ROME

Day 3 ROME

Apr 11 Breakfast at hotel

Wed xx:xx am: local guide to meet group at hotel for panoramic sightseeing tour of Rome

(including Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish

Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Repubblica, etc ...)

A visit will be included to at least one of the major Basilicas, such as Santa Maria

Maggiore and / or St John Lateran

(This is largely a WALKING TOUR ! Please wear comfortable shoes !)

Free time for lunch (on own)

The afternoon is free for further sightseeing and exploration, shopping etc….

Dinner is on own

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxxxx / ROME

Day 4 ROME > SORRENTO

Apr 12 Breakfast at hotel and early departure

Thu The total distance for the day will be around 160 miles / 3 hrs

En route: visit of the Palace and Gardens of Caserta, located near Naples

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/549

Lunch (en route) is on own

Late afternoon / early evening arrival in Sorrento

07:30 pm: dinner and musical show at Teatro Tasso in Sorrento (included) On the stage of the Tasso Theatre, the tradition of two centuries of Neapolitan dances, costumes and music

transforms into an impressive musical. Magical songs such as “Torna a Surriento” fascinate spectators and carry

them back in time through a historically accurate scenery, recounting the daily life of southern Italians.

http://www.teatrotasso.it/en/

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxx / SORRENTO

The Palace and Gardens of Caserta

The Royal Palace of Caserta is a former royal residence outside of Naples, constructed for the Bourbon kings of

Naples. It is one of the largest palaces erected in Europe during the 18th century. In 1997, the palace was designated a

UNESCO World Heritage Site; its nomination described it as "the swan song of the spectacular art of the Baroque,

from which it adopted all the features needed to create the illusions of multidirectional space". In terms of volume, the

Royal Palace of Caserta is the largest royal residence in the world with over 2 million cubic meters and covering an

area of about 235,000 square meters .

The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, stretches for 120 ha, partly on hilly terrain. It

is also inspired by the park of Versailles. The park starts from the back façade of the palace, flanking a long alley with

artificial fountains and cascades. There is a botanical garden, called "The English Garden", in the upper part designed

in the 1780s by Carlo Vanvitelli and the German-born botanist, nurseryman, plantsman-designer, John Graefer. It is an

early Continental example of an "English garden" in the svelte naturalistic taste of Capability Brown.

The fountains and cascades, each filling a vasca (basin), with architecture and hydraulics by Luigi Vanvitelli at

intervals along a wide straight canal that runs to the horizon, rivalled those at Peterhof outside St. Petersburg.

The coastline at Sorrento

Day 5 SORRENTO and the AMALFI COAST

Apr 13 Breakfast at hotel

Fri Private coach for day excursion

Leisurely drive from Sorrento along the spectacular scenery of the Amalfi Coast

Lunch (on own) in one of the picturesque seaside towns, such as POSITANO or AMALFI

A stop will be made at one of the leading Limoncello producers in the area – tasting included Lemons are one of the most important staples in the food of Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast, in Capri and

Naples. Because of this, the city’s most famous product is their famous Italian Limoncello. Families in Italy

have passed down recipes for generations, and every family has their own Limoncello recipe. In fact, this lemon

drink is now considered the national drink of Italy and can be found in stores and restaurants all over.

Served well chilled, This lemon drink is wonderful as a palate cleanser or as an after-dinner drink. The

ingredients are simple and few, and making it does not require much work, but it needs to steep for eighty days.

Late afternoon return to Sorrento

Dinner is on own

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxx / SORRENTO

Facing north over the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is situated towards the end of the mountainous Sorrentine peninsula, over the

hills from the famous resorts of the Amalfi Coast. In mythology, this area is often identified as the land of the sirens, beautiful

maidens of the sea whose song lured mariners to their doom. Sorrento is built on a historic site settled from prehistoric times

onwards; there was a Greek town here, and then the Roman town of Sorrentum. A few relics of these times can be seen in the

town museum. This was an obvious site to build a settlement; surrounded by cliffs on one side and ravines on the other, it had a

natural ring of defences, as well as access by sea and a fertile hinterland. Nowadays parts of the ravine are filled in - a bridge

and town gate were demolished to make way for the modern town's heart, Piazza Tasso. But even without these physical

defences, Sorrento has managed to keep its historic town centre reasonably intact.

A typical view of a section of the Amalfi Coast

Day 6 SORRENTO

Apr 14 Breakfast at hotel

Sat About half way through the trip a day of rest and leisure will probably welcome, and

the town of Sorrento with its countless stores and street cafes is one of the best

places to practice some real Italian “dolce vita”

If you prefer some more sightseeing activities, an optional trip can be arranged - for

example - to the spectacular Temples at PAESTUM, the most important Greek

site on the Italian mainland The Greeks who founded this ‘colony’ in the 6th century BC knew it as Poseidonia, the town of Poseidon.

Today Paestum is visited for three massive Doric Temples in excellent condition: the Temple of Hera, the

Temple of Neptune, and the Temple of Ceres

Lunch (on own)

Dinner is on own

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxx / SORRENTO

Twenty miles from Naples, rising abruptly out of the azure gulf, is the little island of Capri, its shape something like a

gigantic hour glass. It seems to exercise a peculiar fascination on all visitors to Naples, and few can withstand the

temptation of braving the not always pacific Bay of Naples, in order to visit the island which has inspired so many pens.

The special characteristic of the Capri climate is the softness and mildness of the atmosphere. Without being actually

relaxing, it is not so stimulating as the Riviera climate. It is also very equable, and there is no unwholesome chill at

sunset, as in the former place, or even at Naples, only twenty miles off.

from: MacMillan’s Guide to the Western Mediterranean, 1901

Day 7 SORRENTO and CAPRI

Apr 15 Breakfast at hotel

Sun Transfer or walk to the port of Sorrento (Marina Grande)

Boat transfer to the Island of CAPRI (round trip fare included), an island enjoying a

well-deserved reputation as a Garden of Eden

Lunch (on own), perhaps in the town of Capri or Anacapri

SUGGESTIONS for visits: Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele and / or Villa Jovis,

Emperor Tiberius’ most important island residence

http://villasanmichele.eu/en/

Both sites are reachable by public minibus or taxi (not included in this proposal)

Late afternoon: return boat transfer from Capri to Sorrento

Dinner is on own

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxx / SORRENTO

This is a Sunday: details regarding Mass in the Sorrento will be advised

Day 8 SORRENTO > ROME

Apr 16 Breakfast at hotel and check-out

Mon After breakfast: short drive from the hotel to POMPEI

Guided tour through the ruins and excavations of the town buried by the nearby volcano

Vesuvius in 79 AD (entrance fee and guided tour included) The most memorable volcanic eruption in the history of civilization began about noon on 24 August 79 A.D.

The mountain of Vesuvius awakened with unimaginable force 17 years after the devastating earthquake of

62 A.D. There had been no real warning of the explosion, though wells had suddenly gone dry 10 days earlier

and the cows grazing on the slopes of Vesuvius were behaving strangely. Ironically, a pagan feast was celebrated

anually on August 23 to Vulcan, the god of subterranean fire. Drive from Pompei to Rome (160 miles / 3 hrs)

Lunch on own (en route)

On the way to Rome, a stop will be made at one of the leading Frascati wineries in Lazio –

wine and olive oil tasting included

Continuation from the winery to the hotel in the city center - time to relax and unwind

Dinner is on own

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxxxx / ROME

A fresco in Pompei

The most memorable volcanic eruption in the history of civilization began about noon on 24 August 79 A.D.

The mountain of Vesuvius awakened with unimaginable force 17 years after the devastating earthquake of

62 A.D. There had been no real warning of the explosion, though wells had suddenly gone dry 10 days earlier

and the cows grazing on the slopes of Vesuvius were behaving strangely. Ironically, a pagan feast was

celebrated anually on August 23 to Vulcan, the god of subterranean fire.

It is mainly thanks to the eye-witness account of the younger Pliny (a Roman administrator and poet, whose

many detailed letters have been preserved), that we have an understanding of what happened. Pliny's account

leaves no doubt that everyone was caught unprepared. His uncle, known as Pliny the Elder, was stationed in

command of the imperial naval base at Misenum, on the north-west extremity of the Bay of Naples. He was not

only the senior military officer in the district, but possibly one of the best informed living Roman on matters of

natural science. His 37-volume Natural History is the longest work on science in Latin that has survived from

antiquity. But for all his science and his seniority, his nephew tells us that the elder Pliny was relaxing, after a

bath and lunch, when Vesuvius started to erupt. And the sighting of a column of smoke 'like an umbrella pine'

on the far side of the Bay triggered a response more of curiosity than of alarm in him. He and his companions

were evidently not anticipating such an event.

Day 9 ROME

Apr 17 Breakfast at hotel

Tue xx:xx am: transfer to the Vatican by private coach

xx:xx am: sightseeing with licensed guide at the the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine

Chapel (entrance fee, earphones and guide included) Built between 1475 and 1483, in the time of Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, the Sistine Chapel originally served as

Palatine Chapel. The chapel is rectangular in shape and measures 40.93 meters long by 13.41 meters wide, i.e.

the exact dimensions of the Temple of Solomon, as given in the Old Testament. It is 20.7 meters high and is

roofed by a flattened barrel vault, with little side vaults over the centered windows.

The architectural plans were made by Baccio Pontelli and the construction work was supervised by Giovannino

de' Dolci. The first Mass in the Sistine Chapel was celebrated on August 9, 1483.

Michelangelo Buonarroti was commissioned by Pope Julius II della Rovere in 1508 to repaint the ceiling; the

work was completed between 1508 and 1512. He painted the Last Judgement over the altar, between 1535 and

1541, being commissioned by Pope Paul III Farnese. Free time for lunch (on own)

The afternoon is free for individual or group activities – suggestions will be provided

Dinner is on own

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxxxx / ROME

Day 10 ROME Apr 18 Breakfast at hotel

Wed 06:30 am: Pickup of breakfast box at hotel

07:00 am: walk or transfer to the Vatican (gates open at 7:30 am)

Public Audience with the Holy Father (tickets will be provided by Club Europa) Note: although this event is scheduled for every Wednesday, there are circumstances (for example if the

Holy Father is out of town) which may keep it from taking place

Free time for lunch (on own)

The afternoon is free for individual or group activities

SUGGESTIONS: perhaps a visit of the Park and Gallery of Villa Borghese, a visit of the

Capitoline Museums….further suggestions and assistance will be presented by escort

xx:xx pm: farewell dinner at Restaurant “xxxxxxxxxx” is included

Overnight at Hotel xxxxxxxxxxxxx / ROME

The Forum in Rome was the religious, political, and commercial center of the city.

Day 11 RETURN TO THE U.S.

Apr 19 Breakfast at hotel and check-out

Thu 09:00 am: private coach and local assistant for transfer to Fiumicino Airport

Return flight to the U.S.:

12:20 pm: flight DL065 departs Rome Fiumicino Airport FCO (inflight meals)

05:30 pm: arrival at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport ATL

09:05 pm: flight DL564 departs Atlanta

10:20 pm: arrival at Cedar Rapids Airport CID

PLEASE NOTE:

THE USE OF MOTORCOACHES WITHIN ALL EUROPEAN CITIES

– ESPECIALLY IN ITALY –

IS DRAMATICALLY RESTRICTED, IF NOT ALTOGETHER IMPOSSIBLE.

THE DISTANCES TO BE COVERED ON FOOT CAN BE CONSIDERABLE.

COMFORTABLE SHOES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!

INCLUDED ARE :

NINE overnights at superior tourist /moderate first class hotels, centrally / conveniently

located, twin or double occupancy, all rooms with private facilities

Brochures and / or websites of the hotels will be presented prior to final reservations

All breakfasts, buffet style

Three dinners

Experienced, multilingual Club Europa escort for the entire duration of the tour

Services of local, licensed guides for sightseeing as noted

Services of deluxe motorcoach (equipped with A/C) as noted

(all highway tolls, parking fees, drivers’ expenses and city permits included)

Entrance fees as noted in the itinerary

Both airport transfers (Rome)

All applicable local taxes

Gratuities to coach drivers and local guides

Round trip air: Cedar Rapids > Rome > Cedar Rapids, coach

(taxes and fuel surcharge as of July 2017 also included)

The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Rome’s Piazza Navona

The fountain designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini is surmounted by a

Roman obelisk topped by the papal dove. The obelisk was brought here

from the Circus of Romulus. It is a "Roman" obelisk in the sense that it

celebrates the emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian and it was

initially erected in this area (then called Campo Marzio) before being

moved by Maxentius to the circus built in honor of his son Romulus.

Bernini had not been invited to submit a project for the fountain, as the

Pope reproached him for his too close connection with his predecessor

Urbanus VIII and for the technical failure of his attempt to erect St

Peter's bell towers. Bernini found a way to have a model of the fountain

seen by the Pope and he immediately got the commission. By the way,

the reaction of the Romans to this new fountain was not very

enthusiastic....

(The four rivers represented are the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and

the Rio de la Plata)

NOT INCLUDED ARE :

Meals other than mentioned

Drinks with dinners (please note that table water is not always free of charge in Europe)

Luggage handling at hotels (not included for cost savings) Expenses of personal nature (such as passport, laundry, insurance, souvenirs etc...) Airport transfers in the United States

Gratuities to escort ($ 4.00 or EU 3.50 per person per day for the escort is standard)