The breathtaking beauty of timeless Italy is now available through an exciting and affordable program introduced by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce this month. Travelers depart Oct. 2, 2014, returning Oct. 11.
In partnership with member travel agency Maritime Travel of Kelowna, and with professors at the University of British Columbia, the chamber announces “Discover Italy” – nine days in Tuscany and Rome, with a side trip to Leonardo da Vinci’s Florence. Pre-trip lectures will be offered in the spring and summer to chamber travelers.
First, on the classical and contemporary art of Italy by Dr. Robert Belton,associate professor of art history and visual culture at UBC Okanagan, and then, on rural sustainability through the agriturismo movement by Dr. Donna Senese, associate professor, geography, UBC. Both will expand and enhance the travel experience.
Frances Mayes made the world fall in love with Tuscany. On this trip, travelers will fly to Rome from Kelowna (one-stop with Air Canada) and become acclimated to Italy with a welcome reception and tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and Rome’s antiquities before departing for a week in the Tuscan hills in Montecatini.
“All the wonders of an uninterrupted stay in the heart of the Italian art cradle, northern Tuscany, with a side trip to Florence – what a wonderful way to spend a week that is both relaxing and exhilarating,” says chamber CEO Caroline Grover. “Side trips to Pisa, and San Gimignano – the ‘medieval Manhattan’ – with shopping for local delicacies and the beautiful hand-painted pottery. We are delighted to offer this trip to our members, and non-members alike at a great price.”
Another new partnership with the Hudson’s Bay Company allows chamber travelers to Italy to pay for their trips over 12 or 24 months, interest free, using their Bay cards.
“This trip is such a great way for businesses in Kelowna to partner with each other, learn from some of the world’s experienced educators, and encounter different climates and cultures,” says Terry Armstrong, group publisher & vice president of The Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group. Armstrong is once again joining forces with the Kelowna Chamber to bring new opportunities for enjoying Chamber travel to his readership.
Trip details and booking information can be found on www.kelownachamber.org/travelandlearn/italy or, at www.maritimetravel.ca/kelowna. There is an early bird pricing discount good until March 26 of $3,859, including all fees, tours, hotels, flights, 13 meals and taxes. Single supplements are available.
