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Reservations and Phone Numbers
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Important Phone Numbers
US Traveler
Emergency phone number1.617.210.6194
Boston Office(Main US):
|
International Tours
|
|
1.888.310.7120
(Toll-Free within the U.S.)
1.617.210.6150
(Outside the U.S.)
|
|
USA & Canada Tours
|
|
1.888.310.7101
(Toll-free within the U.S.)
1.617.210.6191
(Outside the U.S.)
|
|
Customer Service
|
|
1.888.310.7121
(Toll-free within the U.S.)
|
|
Program Consultant
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|
Cara Bolin
|
Phone:1.888.310.7120
Ext.:181
|
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 (April 03) Overnight Flight
Day 2 (April 04) Ciao Florence
Meet your Tour Director, travel to Florence & check into hotel
Dinner en route to Florence
Day 3 (April 05) Florence Landmarks
Florence guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Palazzo Vecchio
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Piazza della Signoria
Ponte Vecchio
Duomo visit
Leather workshop
Gates of Paradise
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Dante's house
Optional Pisa guided excursion
Day 4 (April 06) Florence
Accademia visit
Free time to explore Florence on your own
Optional Cooking class
Day 5 (April 07) Florence--Rome
Travel to Rome via Assisi
St. Francis' Basilica visit
Rome city walk
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Day 6 (April 08) Vatican City
Vatican City guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel visit
St. Peter’s Basilica visit
Day 7 (April 09) Imperial Rome
Rome ancient city guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Colosseum visit
Forum Romanum visit
Piazza Venezia
Catacombs & Gladiator center optional excursion
Day 8 (April 10) Start Extension to Sorrento
Travel to Sorrento via Pompeii
Cameo workshop
Pompeii guided excursion
Day 9 (April 11) Sorrento--Rome
Travel to Rome via Capri
Blue Grotto visit (weather permitting)
Day 10 (April 12) End Tour
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Flight Information
| Flight |
Departing |
Arriving |
| AIR FRANCE 051 |
CHICAGO on 4/3/2009 5:15 PM |
PARIS on 4/4/2009 8:35 AM |
| AIR FRANCE 1714 |
PARIS on 4/4/2009 1:20 PM |
MILAN on 4/4/2009 2:50 PM |
| AIR FRANCE 2305 |
ROME on 4/12/2009 7:20 AM |
PARIS on 4/12/2009 9:30 AM |
| AIR FRANCE 050 |
PARIS on 4/12/2009 10:30 AM |
CHICAGO on 4/12/2009 12:35 PM |
Accommodation Information
| Duration |
Hotel |
Comments |
| 4/4/2009 to 4/7/2009 |
Hotel Nord Florence/ven
Via F.Baracca 199/a
Florence 50127
Italy
Telephone: 011 39 055431151 |
Only 10 mn bus ride to downtown Florence, this hotel offers 73 rooms, a restaurant, bar, meeting hall.Rooms have Sat TV, hairdryer, AC. |
| 4/7/2009 to 4/10/2009 |
Hotel Rouge et Noir
Via Cosimo de'Giorgi 8
Rome 00158
Italy
Telephone: 011 39 06416009 |
Located in the North of Rome, near metro B Pietralata, the modern Rouge et Noir Hotel complex is perfectly positioned at the top of a hill with a wonderful view of Rome. This hotel has been totally renovated, the 200 rooms at Rouge et Noir are confortable, well furnished, all equipped with bathroom, terrace, telephone and air conditioning. There is a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. |
| 4/11/2009 to 4/12/2009 |
Hotel Rouge et Noir
Via Cosimo de'Giorgi 8
Rome 00158
Italy
Telephone: 011 39 06416009 |
Located in the North of Rome, near metro B Pietralata, the modern Rouge et Noir Hotel complex is perfectly positioned at the top of a hill with a wonderful view of Rome. This hotel has been totally renovated, the 200 rooms at Rouge et Noir are confortable, well furnished, all equipped with bathroom, terrace, telephone and air conditioning. There is a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. |
| 4/10/2009 to 4/11/2009 |
Ailime Hotels
.
Sorrento .
Italy
Telephone: . . . |
We have a wide range of hotels, from busy downtown Sorrento to quiet suburban hotels with breathtaking views on the gulf and on Capri, all located on the famous Costiera Sorrentina, the peninsula where Sorrento is located. The name of your hotel will be posted closer to your departure date. |
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TripMate Contact Details:
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Explorica’s insurance options are administered by TripMate.
|
|
|
|
Plan assistance while on Tour (if you have purchased Travel Protection)
1-800-555-9095 (Within USA and Canada)
1-603-894-4710 call collect
On Call Group Number: 433E
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|
Certificate of Coverage:
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Pre-departure Checklist
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|
Departure
|
|
Confirm your group’s departure time directly with the airline 24 hours prior to departure—and arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight.
|
|
Baggage
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|
Each Explorica traveler is allowed only one standard-size suitcase and one carry-on bag. All luggage must fit on the airplane, tour buses, ferries, trains, hotel elevators, & hotel rooms. Any participant who brings additional luggage will not be allowed to board the Explorica bus and will be required to reach each tour destination by taxi or public transportation at his/her own expense.
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Tipping
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Like other members of the service industry, Tour Directors and bus drivers depend on tips to make a living. Group Leaders are advised to collect these tip amounts from participants in advance to avoid confusion or lack of money at the end of the tour.
|
|
Tour Director
|
|
Each participant is expected to give the Tour Director at least 3-5 euros per day on European tours, and $4 USD per day (or local equivalency) on all other tours.
|
|
Bus Driver
|
|
Each participant is expected to give the bus driver 1-2 euro(s) per day on European tours, and $1-2 USD per day (or the local equivalency) on all other tours.
|
|
Local Tour Guides
|
|
Tipping local tour guides is at your discretion. If you would like to tip the local tour guides, please make sure you collect this money in advance as well.
|
|
Cruises
|
|
On Greek cruises, each participant must tip an additional 7-9 euros per day. This tip should be left in the room to be distributed among the ship staff.
|
|
|
Arrival
|
|
After claiming luggage and clearing Customs, meet your Tour Director or other Explorica representative, who will bring your group to your first hotel. Look for an Explorica sign to help spot them in a crowd.
If you do not see an Explorica representative right away, please be patient. He or she will be there shortly. Please DO NOT leave the airport without notifying Explorica.
Should you have any questions or concerns, contact Explorica Emergency at 1.617.210.6194.
|
|
In case of emergency, here are some tips:
|
|
Flight issues
|
|
Miscellaneous Flight Issues
|
|
(Such as delays, cancellations, or missed connections due to mechanical failures, strikes or weather) These are common issues that need to be handled at the airports between you and the airline agent. Do not wait for Explorica to respond. We will work in conjunction with you, but you’ll always be able to fix an issue faster in person with the airline employees.
Take the following measures:
- Speak with airline agent at airport. The airline agent should seek re-protection with the same or an alternate airline based on availability.
- Call Explorica Emergency and inform them of your group’s situation and any updated flights.
- Note, in cases of extreme weather, the airline will not pay for meals and accommodations
- Contact TripMate, if applicable.
|
|
Particpant arrives late at the airport and misses a flight.
|
|
Explorica cannot make any changes to the ticket if any travelers miss a flight. You should handle the situation at the airport with the airline agent and advise Explorica of the resolution.
|
|
Flight booking errors
|
|
Contact Explorica Emergency as soon as possible.
|
|
Lost paper ticket
|
|
If you lose a paper ticket, you must fill out a Lost Ticket Application (LTA) with the airline at the City Ticket Office or at the airport. You will be responsible for all costs incurred.
- Call the airline if more information is needed.
- Call your Program Consultant to for the original ticket number if needed.
|
|
Lost luggage
|
|
If your luggage is lost, you and your Tour Director should handle the matter at the airport with the airline.
- Complete a lost luggage form (“Baggage Service Record”) with a description of the luggage and provide an address where the luggage can sent when found.
- Refer to TripMate if applicable.
|
|
Problem with tour director
|
|
Contact your Program Consultant and report the issue.
|
|
Family emergency at home in US/CANADA
|
|
If you or any of your travelers have to leave the tour for personal reasons, contact TripMate, if applicable. Please note that each passenger is responsible for all costs incurred for changing or replacing an airline ticket.
|
|
Illness
|
|
Medical emergencies on tour are handled by TripMate insurance, if applicable. Otherwise, contact your Program Consultant and Explorica will secure alternate air transportation at the passenger’s own expense.
|
|
Passport issues while traveling
|
|
In the event that a traveler’s passport is lost or stolen, please take the following steps:
- Inform your Tour Director immediately.
- Contact the closest passport office to see how long it will take to process a replacement passport.
- File a police report.
- If it’s the day of departure, also contact the airline to seek alternate flights/routings.
- Once a new passport is obtained and new flights are scheduled, contact your Program Consultant to let Explorica know which itinerary the traveler will be on.
Contact Trip Mate to inform them of the incident for those who have purchased Travel Protection.
|
|
|
|
|
Important Phone Numbers
US Traveler
Emergency phone number1.617.210.6194
Boston Office(Main US):
|
International Tours
|
|
1.888.310.7120
(Toll-Free within the U.S.)
1.617.210.6150
(Outside the U.S.)
|
|
USA & Canada Tours
|
|
1.888.310.7101
(Toll-free within the U.S.)
1.617.210.6191
(Outside the U.S.)
|
|
Customer Service
|
|
1.888.310.7121
(Toll-free within the U.S.)
|
|
Program Consultant
|
|
Cara Bolin
|
Phone:1.888.310.7120
Ext.:181
|
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 (April 03) Overnight Flight
Day 2 (April 04) Ciao Florence
Meet your Tour Director, travel to Florence & check into hotel
Dinner en route to Florence
Day 3 (April 05) Florence Landmarks
Florence guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Palazzo Vecchio
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Piazza della Signoria
Ponte Vecchio
Duomo visit
Leather workshop
Gates of Paradise
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Dante's house
Optional Pisa guided excursion
Day 4 (April 06) Florence
Accademia visit
Free time to explore Florence on your own
Optional Cooking class
Day 5 (April 07) Florence--Rome
Travel to Rome via Assisi
St. Francis' Basilica visit
Rome city walk
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Day 6 (April 08) Vatican City
Vatican City guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel visit
St. Peter’s Basilica visit
Day 7 (April 09) Imperial Rome
Rome ancient city guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Colosseum visit
Forum Romanum visit
Piazza Venezia
Catacombs & Gladiator center optional excursion
Day 8 (April 10) Start Extension to Sorrento
Travel to Sorrento via Pompeii
Cameo workshop
Pompeii guided excursion
Day 9 (April 11) Sorrento--Rome
Travel to Rome via Capri
Blue Grotto visit (weather permitting)
Day 10 (April 12) End Tour
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flight Information
| Flight |
Departing |
Arriving |
| AIR FRANCE 051 |
CHICAGO on 4/3/2009 5:15 PM |
PARIS on 4/4/2009 8:35 AM |
| AIR FRANCE 1714 |
PARIS on 4/4/2009 1:20 PM |
MILAN on 4/4/2009 2:50 PM |
| AIR FRANCE 2305 |
ROME on 4/12/2009 7:20 AM |
PARIS on 4/12/2009 9:30 AM |
| AIR FRANCE 050 |
PARIS on 4/12/2009 10:30 AM |
CHICAGO on 4/12/2009 12:35 PM |
Accommodation Information
| Duration |
Hotel |
Comments |
| 4/4/2009 to 4/7/2009 |
Hotel Nord Florence/ven
Via F.Baracca 199/a
Florence 50127
Italy
Telephone: 011 39 055431151 |
Only 10 mn bus ride to downtown Florence, this hotel offers 73 rooms, a restaurant, bar, meeting hall.Rooms have Sat TV, hairdryer, AC. |
| 4/7/2009 to 4/10/2009 |
Hotel Rouge et Noir
Via Cosimo de'Giorgi 8
Rome 00158
Italy
Telephone: 011 39 06416009 |
Located in the North of Rome, near metro B Pietralata, the modern Rouge et Noir Hotel complex is perfectly positioned at the top of a hill with a wonderful view of Rome. This hotel has been totally renovated, the 200 rooms at Rouge et Noir are confortable, well furnished, all equipped with bathroom, terrace, telephone and air conditioning. There is a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. |
| 4/11/2009 to 4/12/2009 |
Hotel Rouge et Noir
Via Cosimo de'Giorgi 8
Rome 00158
Italy
Telephone: 011 39 06416009 |
Located in the North of Rome, near metro B Pietralata, the modern Rouge et Noir Hotel complex is perfectly positioned at the top of a hill with a wonderful view of Rome. This hotel has been totally renovated, the 200 rooms at Rouge et Noir are confortable, well furnished, all equipped with bathroom, terrace, telephone and air conditioning. There is a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. |
| 4/10/2009 to 4/11/2009 |
Ailime Hotels
.
Sorrento .
Italy
Telephone: . . . |
We have a wide range of hotels, from busy downtown Sorrento to quiet suburban hotels with breathtaking views on the gulf and on Capri, all located on the famous Costiera Sorrentina, the peninsula where Sorrento is located. The name of your hotel will be posted closer to your departure date. |
|
TripMate Contact Details:
|
|
Explorica’s insurance options are administered by TripMate.
|
|
|
|
Plan assistance while on Tour (if you have purchased Travel Protection)
1-800-555-9095 (Within USA and Canada)
1-603-894-4710 call collect
On Call Group Number: 433E
|
|
Certificate of Coverage:
|
|
|
|
Pre-departure Checklist
|
|
Departure
|
|
Confirm your group’s departure time directly with the airline 24 hours prior to departure—and arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight.
|
|
Baggage
|
|
Each Explorica traveler is allowed only one standard-size suitcase and one carry-on bag. All luggage must fit on the airplane, tour buses, ferries, trains, hotel elevators, & hotel rooms. Any participant who brings additional luggage will not be allowed to board the Explorica bus and will be required to reach each tour destination by taxi or public transportation at his/her own expense.
|
|
Tipping
|
|
Like other members of the service industry, Tour Directors and bus drivers depend on tips to make a living. Group Leaders are advised to collect these tip amounts from participants in advance to avoid confusion or lack of money at the end of the tour.
|
|
Tour Director
|
|
Each participant is expected to give the Tour Director at least 3-5 euros per day on European tours, and $4 USD per day (or local equivalency) on all other tours.
|
|
Bus Driver
|
|
Each participant is expected to give the bus driver 1-2 euro(s) per day on European tours, and $1-2 USD per day (or the local equivalency) on all other tours.
|
|
Local Tour Guides
|
|
Tipping local tour guides is at your discretion. If you would like to tip the local tour guides, please make sure you collect this money in advance as well.
|
|
Cruises
|
|
On Greek cruises, each participant must tip an additional 7-9 euros per day. This tip should be left in the room to be distributed among the ship staff.
|
|
|
Arrival
|
|
After claiming luggage and clearing Customs, meet your Tour Director or other Explorica representative, who will bring your group to your first hotel. Look for an Explorica sign to help spot them in a crowd.
If you do not see an Explorica representative right away, please be patient. He or she will be there shortly. Please DO NOT leave the airport without notifying Explorica.
Should you have any questions or concerns, contact Explorica Emergency at 1.617.210.6194.
|
|
In case of emergency, here are some tips:
|
|
Flight issues
|
|
Miscellaneous Flight Issues
|
|
(Such as delays, cancellations, or missed connections due to mechanical failures, strikes or weather) These are common issues that need to be handled at the airports between you and the airline agent. Do not wait for Explorica to respond. We will work in conjunction with you, but you’ll always be able to fix an issue faster in person with the airline employees.
Take the following measures:
- Speak with airline agent at airport. The airline agent should seek re-protection with the same or an alternate airline based on availability.
- Call Explorica Emergency and inform them of your group’s situation and any updated flights.
- Note, in cases of extreme weather, the airline will not pay for meals and accommodations
- Contact TripMate, if applicable.
|
|
Particpant arrives late at the airport and misses a flight.
|
|
Explorica cannot make any changes to the ticket if any travelers miss a flight. You should handle the situation at the airport with the airline agent and advise Explorica of the resolution.
|
|
Flight booking errors
|
|
Contact Explorica Emergency as soon as possible.
|
|
Lost paper ticket
|
|
If you lose a paper ticket, you must fill out a Lost Ticket Application (LTA) with the airline at the City Ticket Office or at the airport. You will be responsible for all costs incurred.
- Call the airline if more information is needed.
- Call your Program Consultant to for the original ticket number if needed.
|
|
Lost luggage
|
|
If your luggage is lost, you and your Tour Director should handle the matter at the airport with the airline.
- Complete a lost luggage form (“Baggage Service Record”) with a description of the luggage and provide an address where the luggage can sent when found.
- Refer to TripMate if applicable.
|
|
Problem with tour director
|
|
Contact your Program Consultant and report the issue.
|
|
Family emergency at home in US/CANADA
|
|
If you or any of your travelers have to leave the tour for personal reasons, contact TripMate, if applicable. Please note that each passenger is responsible for all costs incurred for changing or replacing an airline ticket.
|
|
Illness
|
|
Medical emergencies on tour are handled by TripMate insurance, if applicable. Otherwise, contact your Program Consultant and Explorica will secure alternate air transportation at the passenger’s own expense.
|
|
Passport issues while traveling
|
|
In the event that a traveler’s passport is lost or stolen, please take the following steps:
- Inform your Tour Director immediately.
- Contact the closest passport office to see how long it will take to process a replacement passport.
- File a police report.
- If it’s the day of departure, also contact the airline to seek alternate flights/routings.
- Once a new passport is obtained and new flights are scheduled, contact your Program Consultant to let Explorica know which itinerary the traveler will be on.
Contact Trip Mate to inform them of the incident for those who have purchased Travel Protection.
|
|
|
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