How would you like to live in a modernized 13th century castle in Italy for a full week with 50 good friends? Well, here’s your chance.
As a part of the Swedish Covenant Hospital Gala 2001 called Romanza, the benefit committee is organizing a trip to Italy, the highlight of which is staying at the 13th century Castello di Gargonza in Tuscany. In essence, the entire trip entails two days on Lago Maggiore in northern Italy, a week at the castle, and the last day and night in Rome. The trip leaves the night of Wednesday, July 3, and returns Sunday, July 14. Because of the Fourth of July weekend, many will only be away from work for one week.
This is a unique tour personally organized and led by SCH resident Italophiles, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Plunkett, ably assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Newton.
The trip is intended to reflect the gracious style of Italian living. The object is not to count how many monuments you have seen in a day but rather to spend a relaxing day in the beautiful countryside (or magnificent cities) interacting with Italy’s life, culture, and cuisine. One rule seems to sum up the philosophy of the trip: no more than one church and one museum in one day—as many restaurants and sidewalk cafes as you can handle.
The fun begins Nov. 10 at the Gala. The committee is auctioning the week at the Castle in a fashion that should be stimulating, exhilarating and money-saving. The auction is going to be a so-called “Dutch auction,” whereby the more bidders there are the more the price falls and at the end everyone pays the same lowest price.
To be specific, the auction begins with auctioneer Don Hoganson starting the price of the full week at the castle at $1,000 per person. As hands go up and the first person signs on, the price drops by $5 and continues to drop by $5 for each person who signs on. If all 50 places are filled, the price for the week at the castle will fall to $750 per person. So each person, no matter at what price they signed on, pays the last, lowest price.
Additionally, arrangements are being made for a group airfare, full transportation in Italy, several group banquets, hotel accommodations in Lago Maggiore and Rome and some special side tours. The price of this transportation and meal package is $1,800. This, combined with what the final price of the week, would make a price for the whole trip that is guaranteed to be less than $2,800 and more likely near $2,550 per person. Sun Travel will assist in tour and documentation arrangements as they have in the past. However, if some people want to make their own travel arrangements (frequent flyer tickets, etc.) and want to drive their own auto, they can and all they have to pay is the week at the castle and what common meals they attend.
Guarantee your place at the castle by calling Nikki Bonamarte and sending a deposit. If this explanation of the trip totally befuddles you, feel free to give Dr. Plunkett a call at home at (847) 742-2777. He likes nothing better than to talk about Italy.
Printable Version