PARLA PRESTO Vacanze All'Italiana...
"Vacation Italian Style"

Another of Parla Presto's fabulous ideas - won't you come away with us!!

How much does this trip cost?
Well, it depends, like the past two years you’ll have so many choices that you can actually pick your package and your price.

Note that again this year, for the many of you who wish to travel on your own before or after our trip or use airline miles, I have not included the airfare as part of the Parla Presto package.

PACKAGE #1 - VENGO ANCH’IO - $2,050
This is typically recommended for the “friends of Parla Presto,” spouses or friends that you, my student, might want to take along.

This package includes a 10 night stay at the Hotel Terme San Filippo, breakfast and dinner daily (wine with dinner and taxes are included), free admission to the thermal pool and...the joy of being with us in another amazing Italian setting.

PACKAGE # 2 - L’INTERESSATO – $2,250
This is the student package.

This package includes a 10 night stay at the Hotel Terme San Filippo, breakfast and dinner daily (wine with dinner and taxes are included), free admission to the thermal pool and ONE HOUR of class a day.

PACKAGE # 3 - IL SUPERSTUDENTE - $2,400
This is a package for those of you who, in addition to being on vacation and having a great time (as usual), want to take advantage of your stay in Italy to work harder on your language skills.

This package includes a 10 night stay at the Hotel Terme San Filippo, breakfast and dinner daily (wine with dinner and taxes are included), free admission to the thermal pool and TWO HOURS of class a day.

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DEADLINE FOR RESERVATION is February 9 th 2009. Please note that the sooner you make your decision the easier will be to accommodate you since the spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

DEPOSIT - A $350 deposit for each traveler is due at the time of your reservation. Please note that the deposit is not refundable.

STUDYING IN Bagni San Filippo
You will have the choice of one or two hours of class instruction a day and you can choose to study grammar or culture, or both.

The grammar class, as we did in the past years, will probably be taught by a local teacher. The class will cover different grammar topics depending on your level and you will be engaged in drills and exercises. You will need your text book “Prego” for this class.

I’ll teach the cultural class which will be conversational and it will be based on your level of knowledge of the language. You can expect to read the local newspaper, to learn about the traditions of Tuscany or, for the most advanced, we’ll have a course in literature.

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STAYING IN Bagni San Filippo
Bagni San Filippo is a beautiful small “Borgo Medioevale” in the north Maremma in Tuscany. It is situated at the foot of the Mt. Amiata in the middle of the spectacular artistic and natural park of the Val d’Orcia. I chose this area keeping in mind that I had to find a corner of unexplored Tuscany: a very hard task! But as popular as it is, Tuscany is one of the most old and charming regions in Italy, so I knew there must have been a special place for my special people!

I have been around that “valle” many times and I have wonderful memories, but what really sold me this specific tiny town was the comment of a friend of mine. I am quoting her because I am sure her words will make you dream of this place:

“Ho trovato Bagni San Filippo un luogo veramente bello, quasi magico, per il paesaggio definito dalle acque. L’albergo è gestito da due sorelle e ha il fascino dei luoghi frequentati dalla borghesia negli anni ’30. Tutta la zona è strepitosa! Anche per me che sono fiorentina e che quando posso ci scappo! Intorno c’è un paradiso...”

Gabriella Bartalesi

Please, feel free to check the hotel website at: www.termesanfilippo.it

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About Bagni San Filippo
Since during the past few years all of you enjoyed the experience of being in the center of a town, this time I have picked again a hotel so you can experience the pace of a little town together with the warmth of the local people… However, please know that this is a “borgo”: a very small village.

I always suggest to rent a car, and this year I recommend it more then ever. The closest train station is in Chiusi- Chianciano, thirty minutes away from the hotel and can be reached by local buses from S. Fiora or by taxi.

You all know about Tuscany, and its treasures. We will be in a secret corner, in a thermal area with natural water falls and limestone caves. The Mt. Amiata and the natural park are wonderful hiking locations. There are plenty of eno-gastronomic itineraries that can be put together the Val d’Orcia is famous for olive oil, wine, cheese, chestnut and honey.

We will also be only 45 minutes from the coast and literally surrounded by many small historic villages worth a visit, such as: Abbadia San Salvatore, S. Fiora, Rocca d’Orcia.

Siena and Orvieto are not far as well as other towns like Saturnia or Pienza. I think there will be plenty to do and everybody will be happy!

The closest airport is Rome, only 90 miles away from our hotel. Florence is another possibility, but usually it is cheaper to fly to Rome.

If you have traveled with me before, you know that I always facilitate various activities. I come up with different ideas and I pass them to you. If you are interested I’ll put together an event for the group. You will always be told in advance about what to expect and the price of whatever we will be doing..

Please know that my job over there is to make your vacation special, so don’t hesitate to ask me any questions: I will try my very best to make you happy!

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SOME EXTRA COSTS TO EXPECT:

• Approximately two glasses of wine “vino della casa” per person and water will be served with dinner and is included in your package.

• You will have a mini bar in your room so that you may store your own food or drinks in it.

• Coffee, liquors and wine different from the “vino della casa” will be additional.

• 30 Euro per person for tipping the breakfast and dinner wait staff for your entire stay and 5 Euro (single room) or 10 Euro (double room) to tip the maid the day you leave.

• Single supplement 15%.

• Car rental.

• Any extra activity you choose to participate in at the price that will be arranged on location.

• Usually on the last night, we’ll go for dinner to a special restaurant in the area, to celebrate and say goodbye. I will arrange the menu and the price onsite and announce it to you during the trip.

We will discuss the many other details later. Right now, I ask you to give this Parla Presto adventure some thought and to let me know ASAP if and when you want to join us.

Again: the deadline for reservation is February 9 th 2008. Please note that the sooner you make your decision the easier it will be to accommodate you since the spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

I will ask for a $350 deposit at the time of your reservation. Please note that the deposit is not refundable.

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CANCELLATION POLICY:

For cancellation from 30 days to 15 days prior the departure a fee of $450 per person will be charged in addition to the not refundable deposit.

No refunds will be given on cancellations received less than 14 days prior to departure .

Since we had the experience that unexpected events may occur, I strongly encourage all of you to purchase a travel insurance policy with companies such as Travelex , Insurance Services for your own protection.

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