Additional Information
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels (4****) for this tour have been carefully selected for their charm, historic ambiance, and central location. Although covering quite a bit of ground, the itinerary has been designed to allow multiple night stays in our chosen hotels. This will afford us a deeper immersion in the places we visit. In Italy older and more historic hotels have a rustic charm about them. They sometimes lack the convenience of a modern hotel but what they lack in convenience they make up for in charm.
BACKGROUND TALKS
We will have 7 guides other than myself who will bring Italy to life for us. To get the most out of a visit to a town, site, or building, it is important to go beyond the historical data that most tours offer and plunge into an immersive experience of the place. Only then can a deeper process of self-discovery unfold. Therefore, an important component of the tour is a series of talks given by me that will help guide this process. The language of instruction will be ENGLISH.
WEATHER & CLOTHING
Italy is exquisite in the late summer with an autumnal tinge. It is not too hot yet not cold either. Temperatures range from 15 at night to 26 during the day. There are also chances of the occasional shower in September, especially the closer we get to the Alps. Although it will be too cold to swim outdoors, one of our hotels has a lovely indoor pool if you would like to take a dip. So bring your swimmers!
FITNESS
To fully enjoy the cities, towns, museums, and countryside on this tour we will have to take long walks. Older towns and villages are often located on hilltops so this often involves stairs and steep gradients, as well as cobbled and uneven surfaces. A comfortable pair of shoes or boots with a good grip is essential. You should be fit enough to stroll for periods of up to 2 hours with only short breaks.
Our Vatican visit will take almost 3 hours to complete and there are no places to sit or rest. We will then walk back to the hotel. All in all this will involve a lot of walking. Our Alps hike will also require a good degree of fitness, as it will involve hikes up steep slopes and along medium gradients. This will be a full day of walking with stops for breaks and lunch. 
COSTS
$US 5,300 per person(based on twin share accommodation) ► Single accommodation is $US 1,150 extra►The number of sites visited, the rich spiritual, intellectual, and historical content, and is unrivalled in any other comparable tour.
INCLUDED
Hotel accommodation at 4 **** hotels or equivalent based on sharing a twin or double roomAirport-Hotel pickups and drop offs (provided flights arrive and leave at fairly close times on the same morning or afternoon)Air-conditioned bus for transfer from city to cityAll boat transfers & water taxis where listedAll breakfastsOne group dinnerOne Tuscan estate wine tasting, lunch and cheese tastingOne Opera concertHotel city tax (the Italian government levies a tax on tourists per person per night. It ranges from 2.4-5 euros per night per person depending on the city). One group gondola boat ride in the water canals of VeniceLocal guide fees for tours (7 local guides):
- Walking tour inside Coliseum & Roman Forum with guide
- Walking tour inside Vatican with guide
- Walking tour of Assisi including main cathedrals with guide
- Walking tour inside Uffizi and Pitti Palace with guide
- Day tour of Tuscany with guide
- Walking tour of Venice (St. Marco & Doge Palace) with guide
- Walking tour of Alps with 2 guides
All admissions to all of the following sites and venues, which require tickets:
There are 12 other sites we will visit which do not require tickets but which I will cover myself as guide.
- Castello Sant’ Angelo
- Coliseum
- Roman Forum
- Vatican (including St. Peters, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael Rooms)
- Pantheon (Free)
- Basilica di San Francesco (St. Francis Basilica)
- Cathedral of San Rufino
- Villa Bomarzo
- Villa Lante
- Uffizi Gallery
- Pitti Palace
- Siena Cathedral
- Doge Palace
- St. Marco Cathedral
- Isola Madre (island & villa)
- Isola Bella (island & villa)
- Santa Caterina del Sasso
- Day hike with 2 guides & 2 buses
There are 12 other sites we will visit which do not require tickets but which I will cover myself as guide.
NOT INCLUDED
- Visas (if you require one)
- Travel insurance (it is compulsory to purchase travel insurance. It costs between $25-35, which will cover any medical emergencies for the duration of our trip)
- Airport-Hotel pickups and drop offs if flights are too far apart
- Single room supplements (extra $1150/person in case you want a single room no share)
- Lunches (except for the one Tuscan estate lunch)
- Dinners (except for one group dinner),
- Additional meals
- Gratuities (it is customary to pay tips to drivers and local guides)
- Other daily personal expenses
FREEBIES
1. You will get a 48-page Discover Yourself in Italy Guidebook for daily readings, my daily reflections, and exercises.
2. You will get an elegant Discover Yourself in Italy Journal Notebook & Pen.
3. You will receive the following talks by your Ciceroni:
4. You will get post-journey meet-ups, calls, or emails if you want to discuss issues that have come up. People usually find it difficult to re-adjust to normal life after a transformative experience.
5. 10% discount on all future MCA trips
- The Inner & Outer Landscapes: The Art, Philosophy, & Psychology of Travel
- The Eternal City: Rome, Classicism, & Stoic Philosophy of Mindfulness
- Gardens of the Soul: Renaissance Garden Design & the Hermetic Tradition
- Florentine Humanism: Renaissance Philosophy & Symbolism
- Wandering and Wondering: Finding Yourself with Nietzsche
- Goethe & Henry David Thoreau on Immersion in Nature
- Returning Back to Reality: Tips on Keeping Your Journey Alive
4. You will get post-journey meet-ups, calls, or emails if you want to discuss issues that have come up. People usually find it difficult to re-adjust to normal life after a transformative experience.
5. 10% discount on all future MCA trips
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT
- A first deposit payment of US $1,000 is due by March 2nd, 2018 to secure place.
- A second payment of US $2,300 is due by May 4th, 2018.
- The final balance of US $2,000 is due June 8th, 2018.
- Enrolment is on a first-come first-serve basis.
- Payments must be made promptly on the due dates.
- There will be a cancellation fee of USD $ 750.
- No cancellation is possible and no refund after June 8th.
CONTACT
For more information about this trip, tailor made trips just for you, or for any other information please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to have a sit down info session with anyone of you over coffee or over the phone to plan your dream educational escape.
PRIVACY POLICY
This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their 'Personally Identifiable Information' (PII) is being used online. PII, as described in US privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.
What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our website?When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information or other details to help you with your experience.
When do we collect information?We collect information from you when you place an order, subscribe to a newsletter, fill out a form or enter information on our site.
How do we use your information?We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to a survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways: • To quickly process your transactions. • To follow up with them after correspondence (live chat, email or phone inquiries)
How do we protect your information?Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible.
We use regular Malware Scanning.Your personal information is contained behind secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of persons who have special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential. In addition, all sensitive/credit information you supply is encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.We implement a variety of security measures when a user places an order to maintain the safety of your personal information.All transactions are processed through a gateway provider and are not stored or processed on our servers.
Do we use 'cookies'?We do not use cookies for tracking purposes.You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser settings. Since browser is a little different, look at your browser's Help Menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.If you turn cookies off, Some of the features that make your site experience more efficient may not function properly.
Third-party disclosureWe do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your Personally Identifiable Information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when it's release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others' rights, property or safety.
Third-party linksWe do not include or offer third-party products or services on our website.
GoogleGoogle's advertising requirements can be summed up by Google's Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users. https://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en We have not enabled Google AdSense on our site but we may do so in the future.
California Online Privacy Protection ActCalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law's require any person or company in the world that operates websites collecting Personally Identifiable Information from consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals or companies with whom it is being shared. According to CalOPPA, we agree to the following:Users can visit our site anonymously.Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page or as a minimum, on the first significant page after entering our website.Our Privacy Policy link includes the word 'Privacy' and can easily be found on the page specified above.You will be notified of any Privacy Policy changes: • On our Privacy Policy Page
Can change your personal information: • By emailing us
What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our website?When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information or other details to help you with your experience.
When do we collect information?We collect information from you when you place an order, subscribe to a newsletter, fill out a form or enter information on our site.
How do we use your information?We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to a survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways: • To quickly process your transactions. • To follow up with them after correspondence (live chat, email or phone inquiries)
How do we protect your information?Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible.
We use regular Malware Scanning.Your personal information is contained behind secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of persons who have special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential. In addition, all sensitive/credit information you supply is encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.We implement a variety of security measures when a user places an order to maintain the safety of your personal information.All transactions are processed through a gateway provider and are not stored or processed on our servers.
Do we use 'cookies'?We do not use cookies for tracking purposes.You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser settings. Since browser is a little different, look at your browser's Help Menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.If you turn cookies off, Some of the features that make your site experience more efficient may not function properly.
Third-party disclosureWe do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your Personally Identifiable Information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when it's release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others' rights, property or safety.
Third-party linksWe do not include or offer third-party products or services on our website.
GoogleGoogle's advertising requirements can be summed up by Google's Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users. https://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en We have not enabled Google AdSense on our site but we may do so in the future.
California Online Privacy Protection ActCalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law's require any person or company in the world that operates websites collecting Personally Identifiable Information from consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals or companies with whom it is being shared. According to CalOPPA, we agree to the following:Users can visit our site anonymously.Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page or as a minimum, on the first significant page after entering our website.Our Privacy Policy link includes the word 'Privacy' and can easily be found on the page specified above.You will be notified of any Privacy Policy changes: • On our Privacy Policy Page
Can change your personal information: • By emailing us
How does our site handle Do Not Track signals?We honor Do Not Track signals and Do Not Track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.
Does our site allow third-party behavioral tracking?It's also important to note that we do not allow third-party behavioral tracking.
COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13 years old, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, United States' consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children's privacy and safety online.We do not specifically market to children under the age of 13 years old.
Fair Information PracticesThe Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.
In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:We will notify you via email • Within 7 business days
We also agree to the Individual Redress Principle which requires that individuals have the right to legally pursue enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or government agencies to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.
CAN SPAM ActThe CAN-SPAM Act is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.We collect your email address in order to: • Send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions • Process orders and to send information and updates pertaining to orders. • Market to our mailing list or continue to send emails to our clients after the original transaction has occurred.
To be in accordance with CANSPAM, we agree to the following: • Not use false or misleading subjects or email addresses. • Identify the message as an advertisement in some reasonable way. • Include the physical address of our business or site headquarters. • Monitor third-party email marketing services for compliance, if one is used. • Honor opt-out/unsubscribe requests quickly. • Allow users to unsubscribe by using the link at the bottom of each email.
If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you can email us at:samirmahmoud.mca@gmail.com and we will promptly remove you from ALL correspondence.
Contacting UsIf there are any questions regarding this privacy policy, you may contact us using the information below.
Mediterranean Cultural Academy50 Cantrell StreetYagoona, New South Wales 2199Australiasamirmahmoud.mca@gmail.com
Last Edited on 2017-11-13
Does our site allow third-party behavioral tracking?It's also important to note that we do not allow third-party behavioral tracking.
COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13 years old, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, United States' consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children's privacy and safety online.We do not specifically market to children under the age of 13 years old.
Fair Information PracticesThe Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.
In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:We will notify you via email • Within 7 business days
We also agree to the Individual Redress Principle which requires that individuals have the right to legally pursue enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or government agencies to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.
CAN SPAM ActThe CAN-SPAM Act is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.We collect your email address in order to: • Send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions • Process orders and to send information and updates pertaining to orders. • Market to our mailing list or continue to send emails to our clients after the original transaction has occurred.
To be in accordance with CANSPAM, we agree to the following: • Not use false or misleading subjects or email addresses. • Identify the message as an advertisement in some reasonable way. • Include the physical address of our business or site headquarters. • Monitor third-party email marketing services for compliance, if one is used. • Honor opt-out/unsubscribe requests quickly. • Allow users to unsubscribe by using the link at the bottom of each email.
If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you can email us at:samirmahmoud.mca@gmail.com and we will promptly remove you from ALL correspondence.
Contacting UsIf there are any questions regarding this privacy policy, you may contact us using the information below.
Mediterranean Cultural Academy50 Cantrell StreetYagoona, New South Wales 2199Australiasamirmahmoud.mca@gmail.com
Last Edited on 2017-11-13