About This Journey

Explore the cultural gems of Northern Italy, Europe’s leader in art, fashion and finance. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Theatre and other historic landmarks in Milan. Bask in the tranquility of Lake Como, where you’ll glide along its shimmering waters by boat and take in the breathtaking scenery of luxurious lakeside villas set against a backdrop of mountainous landscape. Fly to the eternal city of Rome, where ancient history, vibrant culture, and exquisite art converge. Spend a day at leisure exploring landmarks such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City. Then, embark on the Odyssey of the Seas for a leisurely 14-night transatlantic cruise with stops in Spain, Gibraltar, and the Azores. From the historic wonders of Milan and Rome to a relaxing transatlantic voyage, this Journey will be one for the ages.

Visits: Odyssey of the Seas, 39016, Milan, Lake Como, Rome, Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar, Ponta Delgada, Cape Liberty

Included Features

• International airfare, transfers and baggage handling
• Airfare from Milan to Rome, including transfers and baggage handling
• 5-night pre-cruise land program in Italy
  • Milan, Italy: 3-night hotel stay
    • Welcome dinner
    • Half-day city tour
    • Full-day tour to Lake Como
  • Rome, Italy: 2-night hotel stay
• Tour Leader throughout pre-cruise land program and Local Tour Hosts during included tours
• Most meals while on tour (see itinerary highlights) and all meals while onboard
• 14-night sailing aboard the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas
  • 10% off shore excursions (see “special offers”)

What to Expect on Your Trip

Pacing

3 out of 5 – Land Program Includes a Mix of Guided Tours and Free Time

The overall pace is moderate. This Journey includes a balanced mix of guided tours and free time for you to explore on your own. Your tour escort will be available to offer suggestions of things to do nearby. Guests should be prepared to walk a couple miles per day while on full-day tours. Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Some additional meals may be included, while other meals will be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining.

During the cruise you will have a mix of relaxing days at sea and exciting days on land to explore the port cities. You may choose from optional shore excursions, which will allow for cultural immersion, exotic meals and numerous activities.

Physical Activity

The land portion of the trip should be considered moderate. Guided tours may include a considerable amount of walking, while free time allows you to explore on your own at your own pace.

Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed.

Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program.

For the cruise portion of the trip, passengers will board and leave the ship up stairways and gangways, and you may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to train, bus and car stations. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.

Cultural Focus

Italy is an enchanting region where terrain reaches from snowy heights to seaside lagoons, with farms, villages and trend-starting cities in between. Food and wine take on a new meaning for many visitors as they taste slow-cooked items made from scratch, and taste wine less than 100 yards from where the grape was grown. Masterpieces that have changed the world, including art, architecture, music and fashion, originated here.

You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before, and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches, and cities themselves can be crowded, especially while on the cruise.

Unique Factors

If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.

Transportation

While on tour:

Milan to Rome: 1-hour flight

Please note that these times are approximate and only reflect the transportation time. Our trip may be longer due to stops for sightseeing along the way.

International Airfare:

Included international airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.

Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $100 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $100 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.

Special Offer—Ends 10/31: Sail with up to $200 Onboard Credit and a $200 Visa Gift Card. Call for details!

1-night Milan Extension (pre)

Want an extra day to adjust to the new time zone? With this optional extension you will arrive to Milan a day early and have one extra day to relax at the hotel before the tour starts. Note: tours are not included. Price of $320 per person (based on double occupancy) which includes:

• 1-night hotel accommodations in Milan with daily breakfast
• Private transfer from airport to hotel (applicable when air is booked through Enrichment Journeys)

The following hotel list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.

Bianca Maria Palace Hotel Milano

Viale Bianca Maria 4, 20129 Milan, Italy

Tel: +39 02 83427500

The building that hosts Bianca Maria Palace Hotel has been, since the mid-20th century, the home of historical companies, and is still an authentic example of the famous Milanese architecture of the 1940’s. The restructuring works that gave life to our Milan charming hotel were strictly compliant with the precious materials, in particular marbles, that can no longer be found.

Grand Hotel Palatino Rome

Via Cavour, 213/M – 00184, Roma, Italy

Telephone: +39 06 4814927

Email: info@hotelpalatino.com

Located in Rione Monti, a dynamic and lively neighborhood in the centre of Rome, Grand Hotel Palatino is the best choice for a comfortable, relaxing and rewarding stay in Rome.

Its extraordinary position, located in front of the famous Borgia staircase, allows you to quickly reach the capital’s main points of interest, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Colle Oppio, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as well as Termini Station and not forgetting the convenient Metro line B ‘Cavour’ stop, a short walking distance from the hotel, allowing you to easily reach all parts of the city.

Hotel Palatino is a modern 8 story building with 200 rooms of various types, including Executive Rooms on the top floor from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the city. The reception and large lobby, with bar area, are on the ground floor with entrance onto Via Cavour and on the same floor are our three dining rooms.

The courteous and professional staff, at your disposal 24 hours a day, add to the experience of your Roman stay at the Grand Hotel Palatino.

Odyssey of the Seas

There’s never been a cruise ship that maxes out memory making like Odyssey of the Seas℠. Whether you’re taming waves on the FlowRider^®, kicking back at the totally reimagined pool deck, savoring bold global flavors onboard, or turning up the party vibes late at night—you’ll never run out of things to do onboard Odyssey of the Seas℠.

Before You Go

Money Matters

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

ATM Machines

These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.

Foreign Banks

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.

Credit Cards

During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.

Incidentals

Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.

Packing Guidelines

Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.

What to pack

Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.

Here are a few key items to take on your trip:

• Raincoat/poncho
• Hooded jacket/fleece pullover
• Pants with pockets
• Skirt with pockets
• Hat with visor & sunscreen/bug spray
• Warm socks
• Sturdy sandals
• Practical shoes for walking/easy hiking
• Extra pair of prescription sunglasses and/or glasses (if needed)
• Camera(s)

Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.

Luggage Screening Process

To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.

Labeling

Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.

Carry-on items

In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit www.tsa.gov for a list of items that cannot be packed.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.

Cell phones

Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.

Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment

Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.

The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.

Medical Issues and Handicaps

As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.

Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.

If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.

Briefing sessions

A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.

Hotels

All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.

Regional Information

eJourney Guide

• Detailed Destination Information
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Preparing for Your Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Local Cultural Information
• Recommended Readings
• And so much more!

As always, our friendly and dependable Personal Vacation Managers are committed to assisting you every step of the way.