14th Greek/Australian International Legal & Medical Conference

TUSCANYThis trip offers the opportunity to visitmany of the highlights of Tuscany, mostof which, even if you have visited the areamany times before, you will probably havemissed as they require a good deal of localknowledge and independent transport.Enjoy great culinary delights, wonderfulwine and a relaxed pace of life like onlythe Italians know how to “do”. To assistyour enjoyment one hotel (Il Chiostro diPienza) is used throughout the tour andour Guides Barbara & Ugo are charmingand very knowledgeable re all matters Tuscan.Tour numbers are strictly limited to amaximum of 21 participants. To take partin this tour it is essential that participantsare ready to depart from the Hilton Hotelat Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport notlater than 10.00am on Sunday 22nd May2011. No provision can be made for latearrivals. For those arriving earlier, rooms atthe Hilton can be booked by contacting theSecretariat.DAY 1 Sunday 22 MayThe tour will depart from the foyer ofthe Hilton Hotel, Rome airport at 10amsharp!. Delegates can book their travel toarrive directly on SQ366 or other airlinesto be ready to depart punctually to driveto Pienza visiting villages to en-route. Aftersome time to unpack and relax, visit LaRagnaia a magnificent garden createdby Sheppard Craig, before returning toPienza for aperitifs and welcome dinner onthe hotel terrace overlooking the hills andvalleys of TuscanyDAY 2 Monday 23 MayAfter a leisurely start, drive from Pienza toVignoni Alto, visit to the ‘borgo’, then thecemetery, followed by a picnic-style lunchat Poggio al Vento with Roberto’s winesincluded. After lunch proceed to BagnoVignoni allowing those who want, to takethe option of a swim in the thermal pool(additional cost for entry to pool) –fornon-swimmers there is the option of astroll around the charming shops and barsof this pretty village., Then there is a visitto Montichiello, for a stroll, and aperitifbefore returning to Pienza around 6.00pmfor dinner about 8.00pm at a local taverna.DAY 3 Tuesday 24th MayDepart the hotel for a full day visit toSiena, enjoying the Tuscan hill landscapesen-route. Once in Siena there will be awalking tour of the walled city with localguide. Lunch is at own arrangement, withthe afternoon allowing time at leisure toexplore the shops, visit any of the manymuseums that will be highlighted but notvisited during the walking tour, beforemeeting for an aperitif and gourmet dinnerprior to returning to PienzaDAY 4 Wednesday 25th MayAfter breakfast head for a morning cookinglesson and lunch at Il Colle includingvisits to the Chapel, the Villa, spectaculargardens and hear the story behind Il Collebefore going into the production andmaturing cellars for tasting of Chianti andother local wines. These will be chosen inrelation to the lunch menu. After lunchvisit “La Foce” the wonderful gardens createdby author Iris Origo on the way backto Pienza. Dinner at own arrangement inPienzaDAY 5 Thursday 26th MayThe tour commences with a visit to a localcheese factory for a tasting before headingto Montepulciano to visit local markets,and then a wine tasting lunch at Gattavecchito taste Vino Nobile. After lunchwalking past the Cathedral and the PiazzaGrande there is the opportunity to do a bitof shopping, enjoy coffee and cake and theviews of the lakes at Café Poliziano. Thena country drive and stunning scenery onthe way to Pienza. Dinner at own arrangement.DAY 6 Friday 27th MayAfter breakfast drive from Pienza, alongthe back roads to the monastery of MonteOliveto Maggiore to view the famousfresco cycle begun by Luca Signorelli andfinished by Sodoma (Giovanni Bazzi). Herethe monks produce their own wine, honeyand various herbal remedies. Next headingto Sant Antimo where monks still worshipusing the Gregorian chant. Then move tothe hilltop town of Montalcino, famousfor its Brunello wines and ‘La Rocca’,an ancient fortress, which dominates theentrance to the town. Take a stroll throughthe town, have a snack, and then in theafternoon a tasting of the famous Brunellowines at the vineyard. In the evening enjoya Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.DAY 7 Saturday 28th MayDepart the hotel to drive to Rome airportand flights Rome-Athens-Kos. On arrivalin Kos transfer to Neptune Hotel.Cost:Single AUS $6500.Twin Share AUS $5900.ppAbove prices include: Transfer from HiltonHotel, Rome Airport to Pienza, Tuscany privateair-conditioned bus, professional Englishspeaking guide and entrance fees for all sightsdescribed. 6 night’s superior accommodationon a bed and breakfast basis, lunches on days2, 4, 5, 6. Dinner on nights 1, 2, 3, & 6.Drinks (wine) are provided at all wineryvisits but are otherwise at own cost. FlightsRome-Athens- Kos, transfers Rome to Pienzaand return as well as to conference hotel inKos are included. Personal expenses are notincluded. Note: Order of tour may changewithout notice.pre-conference tours11