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NECA Eastern Region '09 Pre&Post Rome Tours

Dear NECA Eastern Region Italy Travelers,

Planning pre & post Rome tours that enable you to see more of Italy at affordable prices has been a challenge! We feel the following programs accomplish the mission while still offering the quality travel experiences NECA members have become accustomed to over the last 20 years. The tours are compact but filled with touring and activities. Another reason for brevity of the post-tours is that they extend into the Easter week.

We're using good hotels. Once the Medici family palace, the Westin Grand Hotel Florence is a 5-star property and part of Starwood's Luxury Collection. The Brufani Palace in Perugia is less grand but also deluxe and enjoys a location in a small, less touristy town. On the post-tour to Sorrento, the Grand Hotel La Pace is a short walk into Sorrento. And, for those going to Venice, the recently renovated Luna Baglioni is also deluxe with a great location just off St. Marks Square.

You are welcome to arrive early in Rome or Florence to recover from flying and or extend in Venice to further enjoy Italy. The pre-tour is designed to bring you to Rome late Sunday afternoon so you'll be ready to begin seeing Rome Monday morning.

Please join us!

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NECA Eastern Region '09
Pre - Rome Tour
Orvieto * Florence * Perugia * Assisi
March 25 - 29

25 March Wed. Individual departures
  • Departures from your home cities for your overnight flight to Rome. Please note everyone is responsible for making their international air reservations. Please call your local travel agent or favorite airline. If you need help booking your air, American Travel recommends Gail Shoop 888-626-7872.

    • 26 March Thu. Rome/Orvieto/Florence (B,R)
  • Arrival at Rome's International Airport, Fiumicino.
  • Breakfast has been organized at the Airport Hilton. After clearing customs and entering the arrivals hall, simply follow the pedestrian walkway (and signs) that that connects the Hilton to every terminal. All the flights from the east coast should arrive in Rome within an hour or two of each other.
    Note: Please try to schedule your flights to arrive at Fiumicino by 9:00am. If that's not possible, not to worry, we'll make the logistics work. You're also welcome to arrive a day or two earlier; let American Travel know on the Reservation Form.
  • Once everyone arrives, we depart by motorcoach for Orvieto.
  • Surrounded by a beautiful landscape, medieval Orvieto rises on a plateau of volcanic turf. On arrival we'll give everyone time to explore a bit and have lunch on their own; there ae a variety of restaurants from which to choose. Thereafter, we'll enjoy a guided tour.
    • 5:00pm Arrival in Florence and check into the 5-Star Westin Grand Hotel. The Grand is within easy walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and the famous shopping streets and piazzas of Florence.
    7:00pm Welcome reception at the Grand.

    27 March Fri. Florence (B)
    9:30am Our morning tour visits the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery, famous for it's 3 bronze doors, one of which was designed by Michelangelo. At the Piazza della Signoria, we see a copy of Michelangelo's David in the Palazzo Vecchio. Our tour also includes the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge. The Church of Santa Croce is another architectural marvel and the burial place of such illustrious persons as Galileo, Michelangelo and Machiavelli. The leather industry was begun by the Monks of Santa Croche, and they manufacture (and sell) their goods there today.
    2:30pm We tour the Academy of Fine Arts, which houses a collection of Michelangelo's artworks and sculptures (including David) and the Medici Chapel.
  • The balance of the afternoon and evening are free to shop and explore. The local guide can tell you where else to tour, shop and have dinner.

    • 28 March Sat. Florence/Perugia (B,D)
    9:00am Depart by coach for the countryside of Umbria. Our route takes us through Tuscany stopping in Siena, Italy's most perfect Medieval town. Here we'll tour the city center and the Campo, one of Italy's most glorious and historic town squares. After the tour, there will be time for lunch and exploring.
  • Late afternoon arrival in Perugia and check in to the Brufani Palace Hotel.
    • 6:30pm
  • Enroute to dinner, we enjoy a brief walking tour of Perugia, a charming hilltop town.

    • 29 March Sun. Perugia/Assisi/Rome (B)
    9:00am We're off to Assisi, which retains a mystical air and is the site of holy pilgrimages. Assisi is forever linked with its native son, St. Francis, the man who made God accessible to commoners. After a guided tour, enjoy open time for lunch and exploring.
  • Late afternoon arrival in Rome for check-in at the Westin Excelsior on the Via Venito.

    • Tour Inclusions
    * Three nights deluxe hotel accommodations
    - 2 nights Westin Grand Hotel Florence
    - 1 night Hotel Brufani Palace, Perugia
    * Hotel taxes and porterage
    * Full buffet breakfast daily
    * Welcome reception at the Grand in Florence
    * Dinner in Perugia including wine, coffee, tea or soft drinks on March 28
    * Transportation between cities by air-conditioned motorcoach
    * Tours of Orvieto, Florence, Perugia and Assisi with local English speaking guides
    * Fodor's (or similar) Guide of Italy
    * Final Advice Memo containing details on clothes, currency, weather, and more&
    * Services of an experienced Tour Coordinator throughout

    (B=breakfast, L=lunch, R= reception, D=dinner - meals included in the tour)

    Tour Cost
    $1,598 per person double occupancy
    $2,199 per person single occupancy

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    NECA Eastern Region '09
    Post - Rome Tour
    Florence & Venice
    April 3 - 6

    3 April Fri. (B,R)
  • Early morning transfer to Rome's Termini Station for our first class express (1hr.36mn.) train-ride to Florence.
  • Note: Please make your air reservations into Rome home from Venice.
    • 11:30am Arrival in Florence and check into one of Florence's very best, the 5-Star Westin Grand Hotel Florence. The Grand is within easy walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and the famous shopping streets and piazzas of Florence.
    http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=45
    2:30pm After time for check-in and lunch, our walking tour visits the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery, famous for it's 3 bronze doors, one of which was designed by Michelangelo. At the Piazza della Signoria, we see a copy of Michelangelo's David in the Palazzo Vecchio. Our tour also includes the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge. The Church of Santa Croce is another architectural marvel and the burial place of such illustrious persons as Galileo, Michelangelo and Machiavelli. The leather industry was begun by the Monks of Santa Croche, and they manufacture (and sell) their goods there today.
    7:30pm Welcome reception at the Grand.

    04 April Sat. Florence (B)
    9:00am Our guided walking tour visits the Academy of Fine Arts, which houses a collection of Michelangelo's artworks and sculptures (including David) and the Medici Chapel.
  • Balance of the afternoon and evening are free to shop and explore.

    • 05 April Sun. Florence to Venice (B,R)
  • Mid-morning transfer to Florence's SNM Station for our express (2hr.28mn.) train ride to Venice; again we're in first class.
    • 1:06pm Arrival in Venice and check into the Luna Hotel Baglioni. A member of "Leading Hotels of the World," the newly renovated Luna has a perfect location on the Grand Canal and within 2 blocks of St. Marks Square.
    http://www.lhw.com/property.aspx?id=396
    3:00pm Depart from the lobby with our local guide for a walk through historic Venice. We begin in majestic St. Mark's Square, the next stop is St. Mark's Basilica, an 11th century building mixing Byzantine and Western Style. Our walk continues to the Doges Palace, the symbol of Venetian power and residence of Doges, rulers of the city of Venice. In the Palace are the original seat of the government, law courts and prisons. Here we'll also see famous artworks by major masters, of particular note is Tintoretto's Paradise, the world's largest oil painting. The famous bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doges Palace with the prisons, concludes the walking portion.
  • Now, we experience one of Venice's highlights, a romantic gondola ride.
    • 7:00pm Gather for a reception following which the evening is open to explore the narrow allies, shops and restaurants of Venice.

    06 April Mon. Venice to Home (B)
  • As the departure flights vary, everyone is on their own arrangements to transfer to the airport for your flights home. The hotel Concierge can organize the water taxi.
    Note: The trip spends only 1 night in Venice. You are welcome to extend and further explore and enjoy Venice; the room rate including tax and breakfast is $490 (see Reservation Form).

    • Tour Inclusions
    * Three nights deluxe hotel accommodations
    - 2 nights Westin Grand Hotel, Florence
    - 1 night Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice
    - First Class train tickets Rome/Florence/Venice * Hotel taxes and porterage
    * Full buffet breakfast daily
    * Welcome reception at the Grand in Florence
    * Farewell reception at the Luna Hotel in Venice
    * Guided walking tours with local English-speaking guides
    * Fodor's (or similar) Guide of Italy
    * Final Advice Memo containing details on clothes, currency, weather, and more&
    * Services of an experienced Tour Coordinator throughout

    (B=breakfast, L=lunch, R= reception, D=dinner - meals included in the tour)

    Tour Cost
    $1,666 per person double occupancy
    $2,285 per person single occupancy

    Train/Luggage Note: Packing judiciously is needed as your suitcases must be stored in the overhead rack above your seats on the trains. First class has more space, and you may find additional space at the end of the car; however, that's not certain and you will be well served to have one suitcase per person plus one carry-on. You will have to transport your suitcases to the train and lift them up into the car and into the overhear rack. There is a service that enables you to ship suitcases from Rome to Venice, or you can ship unneeded clothes home by UPS or Fed. Ex.

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    NECA Eastern Region '09
    Post - Rome Tour
    Pompei * Sorrento * Amalphi Coast
    April 3 - 6

    03 April Fri. Rome to Sorrento (R)
    9:30am We travel by bus south through the Campania countryside to the southern resort town of Sorrento, which overlooks the bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Enroute we tour the excavated ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79AD.
    7:00pm Welcome reception at our deluxe hotel, the Grand Hotel La Pace.

    04 April Sat. Sorrento (B)
    9:30am Today we drive along one of Europe's most dramatic shorelines, the Amalfi Coast. Enroute we'll see houses dating to the 10th century, and we'll stop to explore world famous Positano.
  • Balance of the afternoon and evening are open to enjoy Sorrento. The La Pace is a short walk from town where you can enjoy shopping and restaurants.

    • 05 April Sun. Sorrento to Rome (B)
    8:30am This morning we travel by jet-boat to the Isle of Capri. Famous for it's "high style" and natural beauty, Capri is a must-see. Our tour features the Villa San Michele, built in the late 19th century atop the ruins of a Roman palace.
    4:00pm This afternoon we return to Rome, where we'll overnight at the airport Hilton Hotel. Generally, flights returning to the U.S. leave early in the morning, which means you need to be there quite early Monday

    06 April Mon. Return Home
      Everyone is on their own to get to their homeward bound flights.

    Tour Inclusions
    * Three nights deluxe hotel accommodations
    - 2 nights Grand Hotel La Pace, Sorrento
    - 1 night Airport Hilton Hotel, Rome
    * Hotel taxes and porterage
    * Full buffet breakfast daily in Sorrento
    * Welcome reception in Sorrento
    * Transportation and tours by deluxe motorcoach, with local English speaking guides
    * Jet-boat transfer to Capri
    * Guided tours of Pompei, the Amalphi Coast and Capri with local English speaking guides
    * Fodor's (or similar) Guide of Italy
    * Final Advice Memo containing details on clothes, currency, weather, and more&
    * Services of an experienced tour escort throughout

    (B=breakfast, R= reception included in the tour)

    Tour Cost
    $1,299 per person double occupancy
    $1,529 per person single occupancy

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    NECA Eastern Region '09
    Pre-and-Post Tour Registration and Conditions

    Features Not Included in Any Tour: International airfare; items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks at meals, telephone and mini-bar charges; meals not specifically included; tips to local guides, drivers and porters.

    CONDITIONS

    Reservations and Payment: Reservations are confirmed by American Travel Association (ATA), upon receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. Reservations require a $350 per person deposit to accompany the Coupon. Receipt of final payment is due in the office of ATA no later than February 2nd, 2009. For reservations received after February 2nd, full payment is due with the Reservation Form. All payments must be made by check payable to American Travel Association or by Visa, MasterCard or American Express Card.

    Cancellation: Land Package: A $150 per person cancellation fee for the pre-and-post tours will be charged regardless of the reason for cancellation. Penalty on cancellations received between February 2nd and 20th is equal to 50% of the tour price; after February 20th 100% of the land cost per person, depending upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom payment had been sent. There will be no refunds once a tour has begun. Cancellation fee are charged to offset non-refundable payments made on behalf of the tour participants by AmericanTravel. Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA. To avoid discrepancies, ATA will not act on information given over the phone until written notice has been received.

    Health: The Participants represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. This program involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at locations that are not handicap accessible. A letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition which may require medical attention or special equipment (wheelchair, for example) must be enclosed with the Reservation Form.

    Airline Contract: The usual passage contract when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the tour participant. ATA shall not be liable for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing non-refundable tickets.

    Insurance: Trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance coverage is available for purchase through a form sent to you by ATA or your local insurance representative. We encourage everyone to consider some form of insurance. Last minute emergencies and illnesses do occur, and the insurance helps offset non-refundable air, hotel, and operator charges. You should also check with your local insurance agent to see what is covered under your homeowners policy. There is a pre-existing condition waiver if Access America (the form sent by ATA) receives the form within 2 weeks from the date of departure. If you use another policy, please check the pre-existing conditions clause.

    Weather: Rome is on the same latitude as New York City. The average high temperature in late March is 62, the low 48 and 7 days of the month average some rain. It is spring and like New York were subject to warm and cold fronts.

    Responsibility: American Travel Association (ATA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and/or their agents, act only on behalf of the owners and contractors providing means of transportation or other services to purchasers of this tour and their travel companions (Participants), subject to any and all items and conditions under which any transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such owners and contractors. ATA and NECA, their affiliates and their employees and agents (collectively ATA and NECA) shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for the acts or omissions of the aforesaid owners and contractors supplying transportation or other services hereunder, including but not limited to breach of contract, intentional or negligent delay or bodily or property loss, injury or damages. ATA and NECA shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for any loss, injury or death, or other damages caused by or resulting from acts of God, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of governments and other authorities, wars, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics or quarantines, monetary crisis, diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. Participants shall have the responsibility to be aware of and determine the validity of any travel advisories, which may exist. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on any invoice or reservation itinerary, ATA and NECA do not guarantee any of such suppliers' rates, bookings or reservations. The Participants' retention of air tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms and conditions. In addition, Participants shall be responsible for conveying the terms and conditions hereunder to travel companions. If, due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend additional nights before or after the tour, participants will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs.

    Travel Advisories/Warnings: It is the responsibility of the Participant to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should The Traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the Participant assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

    Prices: The tour prices are subject to change due to airfares, land cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation. ATA reserves the right to change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants (40) upon which the tour costs are based. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on June 25, 2008.

    Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required for travel. You can now apply for a passport at your local post office or the U.S. Passport Agency nearest you. Please be sure your passport validity extends 6 months beyond your arrival date in Italy. Visas are not necessary for American citizens traveling to Italy.

    Tax Deductibility: Current U.S. tax regulations allow deductibility for travel and subsistence expenses incurred in travel related to trade or business. It is the responsibility of the traveler to become familiar with and adhere to the specific reporting requirements imposed.

    Contact Information
    American Travel Association
    2126 Piedmont Lake Road
    Pine Mountain, GA 31822
    Phone: 800-656-4206 or 706-663-2171
    Fax: 706-663-2445
    e-mail: travelata@aol.com


    NECA Eastern Region Rome '09 Pre-Post Tour Registration

    Name(s) ___________________________________________________
    * If children coming please give ages and if they will share your room.
    * Please correspond to the following __ office __ home address:

    Company (If corresponding to office) __________________________________
    Street _________________________________________ Apt/Suite__________
    City __________________________ State __________ Postal Code_________
    Office Telephone __________________________ Fax _______________________
    Home Telephone___________________________
    e-mail __________________________________________________________
    First or preferred name/s for badge ___________________________________
    Emergency Contact Name/s ____________________________ Phone # ___________
    e-mail address ____________________________________Relationship ___________

    Hotel Rooms __ King or Queen ___ Two-Bedded Room
    (preferences will be requested, but cannot be guaranteed)

    Please Register Me/Us For The Following Tours
    ___ Pre-Tour to Orvieto * Florence * Assisi
    ___ Post-Tour to Florence * Venice
    ___ Post-Tour to Sorrento * Capri

    Early Arrival in Florence For Pre-Tour I/we plan to arrive March _____________
    Venice Extension I/we wish to extend at the Luna Hotel for _____ nights

    Deposit A deposit of US$350 per person is due with the Reservation Form. Payments can be by check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card. Enclosed is a check payable to American Travel Association in the amount of _______________.
    ** If you wish to wish to use Visa, MasterCard or American Express card:
    Name on card __________________________________________________
    Number _______________________________________________________
    Expiration date ______ 3 or 4-Digit Security Code __________

    Billing address of cardholder (if different from above) ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

    Signature ____________________________________________________

    I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure. Reservations will not be accepted without signature here __________________________________________.

    Return form to: American Travel Association, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, fax 706-663-2445