September 15 - 27, 2020

We invite you...If you’ve ever dreamed about staying in a private villa in Tuscany it’s time to turn your dream into reality. Join us for a wonderful 12 nights in Italy with 8 nights in our own private villa surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. BEadventurous as we enjoy outings to nearby Panzano and visits to several Chianti hill towns including San Gimignano, Siena and beautiful Cortona, made popular by the filming of “Under the Tuscan Sun”. BErelaxed at the villa and enjoy the spectacular countryside and private pool during leisurely days. BEfulfilled with the culinary delights of local chefs, cooking demonstrations and wine pairing. BEspontaneous in the local markets and shops and BEeducated as you immerse yourself in the history of Ancient Rome and Renaissance Florence.

Located in the beautiful and serene countryside near Panzano in Chianti, the heart of Tuscany, our villa is exactly halfway between Florence and Siena. Immersed in a natural setting of vineyards and olive groves, this rural retreat offers lovely and comfortable apartments, large gardens, a swimming pool, barbecue as well as wonderful views of the Tuscan countryside. The farmhouse villa is divided into apartments which are tastefully decorated in a lovely combination of original antique and rustic Tuscan styles complete with stone walls and wooden beams. Each unit is uniquely furnished with all offering comfort and a peaceful place to stay.

Included• Coach and van transportation as per the itinerary• Airport transfers based on group arrival/departure• 3 nights superior 4-star accommodation Rome• 8 nights villa accommodation at Il Palagio Villa• 1 night superior 4-star accommodation Florence• Breakfast daily• 9 dinners (including a glass of wine)• 2 lunches (1 local restaurant, 1 cooking class)• Welcome basket of food & wine in each apartment• Guided tours of Rome, Panzano, Chianti Hills, Lucca, Pisa, Siena• ½ day visit to San Gimignano• Guided tour of Il Palagio Organic Vineyard & olive grove with wine tasting

& local cheese• Visits and Admissions – Colosseum, Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, St

Peter’s Basilica• Service of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager throughout • All applicable taxes and service charges as of this booking date • 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. Emergency Contact Number while on

tour

Not Included• International airfare – inquire with us about group space• Beverages and meals other than mentioned above• Hotel luggage handling• Incidentals• Driver and local guide gratuities• Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the

governments or our suppliers• Passport photos, government processing fees and visa fee if required

Optional• Group air from Toronto/Florence return – pricing and flight time to be

advised • Broad Escapes strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance

coverage for Cancellation and Interruptions insurance and Comprehensive Assistance, Health coverage, Individual Accident Coverage

Payments• Deposit $700.00 CAD + insurance due at time of booking• Balance due June 12, 2020

$4750.00 CADTwin occupancy(Classic)$5050.00 CADTwin occupancy(Deluxe)

$950.00 CAD Single supplement

A Tuscan Villa Holiday

(Minimum of 12, maximum of 16 travellers)

BErejuvenated

Gather your girlfriends and choose to book a private apartment or travel solo and join like-minded women for this villa holiday through the enchanting hillside towns of Tuscany. Don’t delay, this small group is limited to 16 travellers.

Day 1 – Tuesday, September 15 – Arrive Rome D*Independent arrival at Rome AirportWelcome to Rome Italy, the showcase of civilization! Upon arrival meet our private group transfer and check in to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon enjoy an orientation stroll through the streets and surrounding neighbourhood. Gather in the evening for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will have a designated group flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.

Overnight in Rome – Hotel Quirinale or similar – 3 nights

Day 2 – Wednesday, September 16 – Rome full day B/DExperience this magnificent city with a half day guided excursion of Ancient Rome and the Colosseum, Rome’s most recognizable building. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 72, the Colosseum is a classic example of Roman engineering and the largest amphitheater built by the Roman Empire. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon exploring the sites of Rome with your Broad Escapes leader or simply relax in an outdoor café with a cappuccino.

Day 3 – Thursday, September 17 – Rome full day BToday we have another full day in this fascinating city with a half day guided excursion to the Vatican Museums. Originally a group of papal palaces, they contain a truly awe inspiring and diverse collection of artwork, highlights of which are the Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica the richest and grandest church in the world. Built on the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion and over his tomb, it’s the epicenter of the Catholic Church and the burial place of many popes. Your afternoon and evening at leisure for personal exploration.

Day 4 – Friday, September 18 – Rome – Cortona – Il Palagio Villa B/DSay farewell to Rome and depart for our private villa in Panzano. On our way enjoy time in Cortona and a short walking tour. Beautiful on its own but made popular by movies such as ‘Life is Beauitul’ and ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, this walled town sits on a hillside and hosts stunning views of the fertile land below. Here we’ll discover the piazzas and the many majestic buildings of this Etruscan town. Continue on to our final destination II Palagio Villa, our home for the next 8 nights. Expect a warm welcome from the villa owners and staff and a wonderful dinner, including local wines, in the comfort of our villa.

Overnight Panzano – Villa Il Palagiao– 8 nights

Villa Il Palagio is located within walking distance to the town of Panzano in Chianti, in the heart of Tuscany and is halfway between Florence and Siena. Immersed in its natural settings made of vineyards and olive groves, the villa offers five lovely and comfortable apartments, large gardens, a swimming pool, barbecue as well as a wonderful view of the Tuscan countryside. This rural retreat has been renovated but maintains the original stone walls, ceilings and

wooden beams. Its rustic Tuscan style combines functionality and comfort with authentic beauty. Each apartment is uniquely furnished, some with balconies, others with terraces or garden areas. Since it’s a farmhouse, some apartments are on the main floor and others on the second floor. Some are larger than others, but all have a nice living room, a well-equipped kitchen, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms with showers and all have the unique characteristics of a traditional Tuscan Farmhouse. The villa has a lovely community room where breakfasts and group dinners will be served.

Day 5 – Saturday, September 19 – Il Palagio Villa – day visit to Panzano B/L/DAfter breakfast depart with our English-speaking local guide for a day of discovery in Panzano and the surrounding Chianti Hills. Visit churches with beautiful artistic treasures, the medieval castle of Panzano and spectacular villages with hidden treasures in this stunning Tuscan countryside. After a memorable day return to the villa for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Day 6 – Sunday, September 20 – Il Palagio Villa B Enjoy a leisurely breakfast served at the villa. Today is a day of exploration in and around the villa. It’s also market day in Panzano (08h00 – 18h00) complete with locally-grown organic food, local products, art and crafts. You’ll want to spend some of your day with the locals in this quaint hillside village. For those who are energetic, hike to Greve or rent a bike and cycle along the countryside. Or simply sit by the pool and enjoy a good book. The day is yours to explore!

Day 7 – Monday, September 21 – Il Palagio Villa – Lucca – Pisa B/DMeet our English-speaking local guide and board our private coach for a full day excursion to Lucca and Pisa. Our first stop is to the charming and quaint walled city of Lucca. It is here that Julius Caesar and his partners Crassus and Pompey formed the First triumvirate to rule Rome in the first century BCE, and it is also here that the great composer, Giacomo Puccini was born. Enjoy free time admiring this impressive town before continuing in the afternoon to Pisa to see the famous “Leaning Tower”. Although it was designed to be perfectly vertical, it started to lean during construction and is considered one of the most remarkable architectural structures from medieval Europe. Conclude the day with dinner, including local wines, served in the comfort of the villa.

Day 8 – Tuesday, September 22 – Il Palagio Villa B/LEnjoy the morning at leisure at the villa. Later, partake in a private cooking class with a local chef who will teach the secrets of Tuscan and Chianti cuisine. Afterwards enjoy the delightful dishes for lunch accompanied by Chianti wines, oil and honey from the Il Palagio Estate. The afternoon and evening are at leisure at the villa or stroll into town and visit the shops in the piazza.

Day 9 – Wednesday, September 23 – Day visit to Siena B/DAfter breakfast meet our English-speaking local guide and board our private coach for a full day guided excursion to Siena. This charming town and UNESCO world heritage site is famous for its medieval cityscape, its museums, its cuisine and “The Palio”, a horse race

A Tuscan Villa HolidaySeptember 15 - 27, 2020

which is run right through the middle of town twice a year. Here you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour and then have the remainder of the day at leisure to meander through the shops, the outdoor market (Wednesdays only) and sites of Siena or relax in an outdoor café and watch the world go by. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant before returning to our villa. Day 10 – Thursday, September 24 – Il Palagio Villa B/DToday we have a fantastic day planned for you at the villa. We begin a half day tour of the Il Palagio organic vineyard and olive grove complete with wine tasting and local cheeses. Learn the process of how they create their award-winning organic estate wines in the Chianti Classico world of wine. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Conclude the day with a group dinner, including local wines, served in the comfort of the villa.

Day 11 – Friday, September 25 – Il Palagio Villa – day visit to San Gimgnano B/D Board our private coach for a half day visit to the hill town of San Gimignano, home to 14 medieval towers. Enjoy the town sites, with time for lunch (at own expense), or sip a glass of the famous light and fruity Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine in an outdoor café. Return to the villa for leisure time to rest, relax and freshen up for dinner. Tonight, we have our final villa dinner. Enjoy the culinary delights prepared and illustrated by a local gourmet chef.

Day 12 – Saturday, September 26 - Il Palagio Villa - to Florence B/DThis morning we say farewell to the villa and board our private coach to depart for the renaissance city of Florence. Upon arrival at our hotel, store luggage, and the remainder of the day will be at leisure for personal exploration. Choose to visit the sites or the famous museums, Uffizi or Accademia (advance reservations recommended for both), shop for leather in San Lorenzo Market or simply sit in in one of Florence’s many outdoor cafés. (Florentine shopping hours: daily 9:30am to noon or 1:00pm and 3:00pm or 3:30pm to 7:30pm, though many shops are staying open over that mid-afternoon “riposo”). Tonight, enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reminisce with fellow BE travellers about the fabulous memories shared in Italy!

Overnight Florence – Hotel Pierre, or similar – 1 night

Day 13 – Sunday, September 27 – Depart Florence BIt’s time to bid farewell to Italy, with a private group transfer to the Florence Airport.

Departure from hotel will connect with the designated group flight, with check-in 3 hours prior. Those flying at a similar time as the designated group flight are welcome to transfer to the airport with the group. Arrangements for those departing at a different date/time can be arranged at an additional cost.

B - Breakfast / L- Lunch / D - Dinner denote meals included in tour cost

Please note that an average/moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Trip activities include walking, sometimes on uneven ground, climbing stairs and getting on and off buses etc. Comfort-able accommodations in the 13th century farmhouse are located on the 1st and 2nd floors and most units have some stairs to climb. As a courtesy to fellow travellers all Broad Escape tours are considered non-smoking in that smoking will not be permitted during group activities or on board the bus.

**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**

TERMS & CONDITIONS Reservations: To reserve space on this tour, contact your Ellison Travel & Tours Travel Advisor. Deposits & Payments: A deposit is due at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit varies according to the tour booked. Final payment depending on the tour is due 60 to 120 days prior to departure. Both deposits and final payments are non-refundable at time of payment unless covered by insurance. Forms of Payment: Ellison Travel & Tours will accept payment in the form of cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Cheques must be made payable to Ellison Travel & Tours. If the credit card sale is declined, the customer will be informed immediately, and payment will be considered not received. Verbal authorization of the use of your credit card commits you to your reservation whether or not you have signed a credit card draft. Refunds will be processed in the form they were received. Goods & Services Tax: The Canadian Government's G.S.T. and/or H.S.T. may apply to the cost of your tour. Your vacation advisor will advise of the additional G.S.T./H.S.T. charges, if any, that apply to the cost of your tour. Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to pass any Government changes to the tax structure on to the consumer. Price Guarantee: Once the deposit is paid, the tour cost is guaranteed. Prices are however subject to change to cover any unexpected costs over which Ellison Travel & Tours has no control, such as fuel surcharges, government taxes and country visas. In the event of a surcharge tour members and/or vacation consultants will be advised of any surcharge on their tour. If a rate increase of more than 7% is necessary, clients may cancel with no penalties. No surcharges will be added within 30 days prior to departure. Departure Points and Times: Motorcoach Transportation is included in the tour price. Departures are from points indicated on your itinerary and are subject to change as required. Insurance: Ellison Travel & Tours strongly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage, and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. See your agent for details. Proof of Citizenship: Canadian Citizens are asked to carry a passport for tours to the United States. For international travel a valid passport is required. Citizens of other countries or landed immigrants should check with their travel agent for requirements for travel outside Canada. Passengers must have valid passports for travel abroad and visas for some countries. Note: Passports may be required to be valid for a period of time beyond your return date. Ellison Travel & Tours does not accept responsibility for passengers who do not meet correct visa and passport requirements. Currency: All prices are shown in Canadian Dollars. Permission to Use Digital Images: Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to use all photographs, video or other digital transmissions for promotional material. These include those provided to us by the group leader or other members of the group participating in one of our tours. Baggage: Passengers travelling by air are allowed one checked bag per passenger. First checked bag fees may apply (see applicable airline baggage terms). Luggage fees introduced or altered by the airline prior to travel is the passengers’ responsibility. Maximum baggage allowance on motorcoach tours is one large suitcase per person. All hand luggage must be carried personally aboard the motorcoach. Although the Tour Manager and Coach Driver supervise the transfer of luggage to and from the motorcoach and every effort is made to handle luggage as carefully as possible, Ellison Travel cannot assume liability for loss, theft, damage due to breakage, fire, water. Accommodation: All hotels listed in itineraries have been confirmed at the time of printing, but are subject to change. On most tours, TWIN refers to two persons sharing one room with two beds; however, in some areas, only one double bed may be available, so please specify at time of booking if you wish two separate beds. TRIPLE or QUAD usually refers to three or four persons sharing one room with two double beds, all with private bath. Please keep in mind that in some areas local customs may mean that there is a change in the accommodation. Items not included: Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges and drinks with meals other than noted in the tour Inclusions. Responsibility: Ellison Travel & Tours acts solely as organizer of the tours outlined in this brochure and is responsible for making all reservations and charting the routes as outlined but it is expressly understood and agreed between the tour organizer and the passengers that Ellison Travel & Tours or its agents shall not be held responsible for: a) non-performance on the part of any hotel or other accommodation for any act or omission that cannot be directly attributed to the neglect of the tour organizer; b) any delays, misconnections, loss, damage or injury to persons or property or for mechanical defects or failure, however caused or for any substitution of hotels or carrier equipment beyond the control of the tour operator, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby; c) any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical or mental however caused, except where caused directly by the tour operator; d) any additional costs incurred or any ancillary loss sustained as a result of cancellations or delays of tours caused by inclement weather conditions, acts of God, or any other event, which result in one or more persons being unable to continue or complete the tour through no direct fault of the tour organizer. The tour organizer reserves the right to make any changes before or during the tour for the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers and it is agreed and understood that any increase in costs occasioned by such change shall be paid by the passengers or any decrease in costs occasioned by the change shall be refunded to the passenger. All tour itineraries are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tour managers are subject to substitution where deemed necessary. Ellison Travel & Tours shall have no responsibilities beyond their refund of all monies paid by the passenger which is deemed to constitute full settlement. The tour organizer reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the tour at any time before or during the tour should such person's presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort and enjoyment of the other tour members. Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services. Ellison Travel & Tours, its agents and all passengers agree that conditions set out herein are part of the terms between the passenger and the tour organizer. Acceptance of the ticket for the tour or any deposit given to the tour organizer represents acceptance by the passenger of all the aforementioned conditions.