Page 19 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2021
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Italy for the
continuing on to the delightful town of Lucca and the rugged Lugurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita.
In the port of La Spezia, admire the beauty of Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most scenic landscapes, and enjoy magnificent views
as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Then, venturing northward, there’s opportunity to explore the lovely Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where alpine scenery combines with lush subtropical vegetation. In the evening, escape to the charming and tranquil island of isola del Pescatori, a short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Legendary Verona captures the hearts of visitors. So splendid was medieval Verona that it inspired Shakespeare to set two plays – “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Today, the well-preserved Roman arena is still used for opera performances. Going from the serene to the mighty, explore the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. Walk through the pristine alpine wilderness or take a thrilling cable car ride to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking 360-degree views.
Then descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice, where you will be ferried past canals lined with ornate palaces to St. Mark’s Square. See the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Walk through narrow alleys and across the curved bridges of this picturesque city, lined with shops where famous Venetian glass and lace are on display. Take a gondola ride, sip an espresso at a sidewalk café, and experience the unique atmosphere that makes Venice one of the most visited cities in the world.
Romantic at Heart
By Judie Karhan
It doesn’t take long to fall in love with seductively scenic and culturally enriching Italy, where fine art, romantic music and exquisite cuisine are truly a way of life, aptly described by the Italians as dolce vita, or sweet life. Capture the romance and beauty of this country on a wonderful springtime tour hosted by AAA Central Penn President and CEO, Jodie Daubert, which encompasses many of Italy’s most iconic sights.
Rome, the Eternal City, sets the pace for exploration. This
city has influenced art, architecture, literature and government throughout the Western world for more than 2,200 years. Today, it is a sprawling metropolis with ancient monuments, palaces, parks and bustling piazzas. Visit the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and enter the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling. Learn about Rome’s ancient past at the Colosseum. And be sure to see the famous Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.
In dream-inspiring Tuscany, see medieval Siena where narrow cobbled streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions lead to Piazza del Campo. Hilltop San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers that scrape the azure Tuscan sky. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of the world campion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli.
Florence is known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance” for the art and architecture that flourished here between the 13th and 16th centuries. Venture inside the famous Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s original “David.” Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture.
A patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses typify the Chianti hills, your next destination. Head for Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble, before
TRAVEL
Hosted by AAA Central Penn’s President & CEO, Jodie Daubert
PRESIDENT’S TRIP
AAA Central Penn President’s
Italian Elegance Tour
May 26 – June 8, 2022 • From $6,299 per person, double occupancy
HIGHLIGHTS
Rome I St. Peter’s Basilica I Vatican Museums I Sistine Chapel I Florence I Tuscany San Gimignano I Pisa & Lucca I Portofino I Verona – home of Romeo & Juliet I The Cinque Terre – UNESCO World Heritage Site I Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District, retreat of the rich and famous I Isola dei Pescatori Dinner
Cortina d’Ampezzo & The Dolomites I Venice with Gondola Ride
For reservations and information, contact your local AAA Travel Agent at 888-743-2844.
Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 15 passengers.
Airfare is currently not included in the price of the trip. Airfare will be added when rates and schedules become available. Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 passengers.
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