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NOTES FROM THE TRAVEL DESK
Phone: 919-676-0222 • e-mail: LeRoyKing@DickensDestinations.com
The exciting and happy news from Dickens Destinations is the
announcement of:
THE RICHES OF NORTHERN ITALY: The Veneto and Lake Como
May 15 – May 25, 2008 and May 28 - June 8, 2008
The sad news is that it is time for retirement and this is the final
foreign tour to be offered. For Dr. Engel it is well earned after 25
years and 50 tours. I am very grateful to have been involved in the
planning and birthing since 1996 of 28 of the 50. Keeping on the bright
side, please consider the following highlights of a very exciting and
very special tour!
The Veneto is the name of one of the three most northeastern provinces
or states of Italy. It comprises the cities of Venice, Padua, Vicenza,
Triviso, Verona, and the village of Asolo. Mantova, Bergamo, Lake Como
with Bellagio, and the city of Milan are in Lombardy which is also most
northern but central. As you know, the big three travel destinations to
Italy are usually Rome, Florence, and Venice. Our unique tour will
reveal architectural, historic, and cultural sites not as frequently
visited and therefore all the more precious for their singular charms.
The plan is to begin this tour at the Marco Polo Airport, Venice; to
make that easier we will have a group fare booked on US Airways non-stop
flight from Philadelphia to Venice. US Airways has for the last couple
of years run a non-stop flight beginning in May. US Airways will of
course bring you from your home city to Philadelphia and return. The
tour will not include Venice for several reasons, but primarily due to
the fact that moving groups around the narrow passages and crossing
waterways is a nightmare. Venice is a beautiful and romantic city and
lends itself to more intimate visits. If you have never visited Venice
or wish to see it again, now is the opportunity. I suggest that you go
early before meeting the group as we will plan to fly out of Milan. The
last portion of the tour on Lake Como and Bellagio is only 1½ hour drive
to Malpensa Airport, Milan.
Please take note of the deposit amount of $875.00. It is a change
required by Access America, our travel insurance carrier. The
announcement of insurance cost and a designated premium constitutes and
birthed a date of purchase of the insurance which must be within two
weeks of the first deposit or payment for the tour to obtain a waiver of
pre-existing illnesses. Fulfilling that obligation eliminates any
“pre-existing” medical clause in the insurance contract which could lead
to denial of benefits. It is not an added cost - - the cost of the
travel insurance has always been included and is included in the cost of
this tour. The only change is that the premium amount is named
separately, and special note is made that it is being collected with the
deposit.
The great prosperity of the northern regions brings the highest prices
in the country. The price of the tour must reflect the high costs that
prevail in this rich section of the country plus the atrocious currency
exchange with the US dollar. Also, this tour is one day longer than
previous ones to allow you one extra day and night at the most
extraordinary hotel we’ve ever booked: the five star deluxe Villa
Serbelloni on Lake Como. As always we promise the greatest value for
your vacation dollars. Here it is—a marvelous tour! We offer it with the
greatest of Great expectations.
And take heart, travellers! as I mentioned above, we’ve only retired
foreign tours. Future newsletters will contain exciting news about
broadway weekends, literary conferences, and tours to destinations
within the good ole USA—where there are no worries.
Phone: 919-676-0222 or
EMail
Dr. LeRoy King |
