Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Malta aboard Le Bougainville: Postponed until 2021

Discover an intriguing mix of cultures on this seven-night cruise from Rome to Valletta, aboard the exclusively chartered, 5-star, Le Bougainville. Experience Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, superbly excavated Pompeii, Sicily’s storied Taormina, the colorful seaside town of Sorrento, and the rich history of Malta. Optional extensions in Rome and Malta.

Dates
May 24 - Jun 1, 2020  (9 Days)
Cost

from $4,595, per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Sunday, May 24
    Depart the U.S.
    Monday, May 25
    Rome, Italy / Civitavecchia

    Arrive in the former seat of the Roman Empire, UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Rome, today the historic heart of Italy. From the iconic Colosseum and the Vatican to the Spanish Steps and the Catacombs, Ancient Rome continues to amaze modern visitors. Embark the Five-Star Le Bougainville in Civitavecchia.
    Le Bougainville (D)

    Tuesday, May 26
    Sorrento for Pompeii

    Quaint Sorrento is an outpost of the ancient Roman Republic and the scenic gateway to Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii. This seaside town of rose‑flushed buildings was built into picturesque cliffs high above the Tyrrhenian Sea and, as the world’s limoncello capital, is abundant with fragrant lemon and orange groves. Continue to Pompeii, which was engulfed by the tephra of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79, rendering the city frozen in time. Excavated 17 centuries after petrification, the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated ruins intimately reveal Roman daily rituals during Emperor Titus’s reign. On the walking tour, see the wealthy Vetti family estate and the extraordinary amphitheater— the earliest surviving stone amphitheater of the Roman world—and Temple of Jupiter. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception on board the ship this evening.
    Le Bougainville (B,L,R,D)

    Wednesday, May 27
    Sorrento for Amalfi Coast / Isle of Capri

    Admire the natural splendor of the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Amalfi Coast and experience the allure of the Mediterranean seaside with secluded villages, opulent villas and sun‑drenched beaches. Explore the winding, delightful streets of the cliffside, coastal village of Positano on your own. Enjoy a walking tour of captivating Capri, the island where, legend has it, Homer’s Odysseus resisted the alluring call of the sirens. Visit the Augustus Gardens, a series of serene, flower-filled terraces that afford breathtaking panoramas of the Faraglioni rock formations rising from translucent waters and the craggy peak of Mt. Solaro, the highest point on the island.
    Le Bougainville (B,L,D)  

    Thursday, May 28
    Naxos for Taormina, Sicily

    Be on deck this morning to view the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Aeolian Island of Stromboli, the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”—a volcano mildly active for over two millennia. From charming Taormina, the medieval center of Sicilian culture and commerce, enjoy stunning panoramas of the Calabria coastline and snowcapped Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tour the remarkably preserved third‑century B.C. Greco‑Roman theater, the most dramatically sited Greek theater in the world and still in use today. See the 14th‑century Gothic‑Catalan‑style Corvaia Palace and the Roman Odeon, the “small theater” built in 21 B.C., and visit the medieval Baroque portal of the Cathedral of St. Nicola. Stroll along Taormina’s distinctively Mediterranean pedestrian thoroughfare, Corso Umberto.
    Le Bougainville (B,L,D)

    Friday, May 29
    Syracuse

    Extolled for its grandeur since classical antiquity, enchanting Syracuse reached its zenith of influence as an intellectual milieu under Dionysius the Elder 350 years after Greek colonists first settled here in 734 B.C. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an open‑air museum of well‑preserved classical monuments. Visit the storied Greek Theater, where Aeschylus once spoke to ancient Siracusans, still in use today; the Roman Amphitheater, where gladiators competed for the crowds; the Altar of Hieron II; the limestone Ear of Dionysius cave; and the Archaeological Museum. Stroll the hallowed small island of Ortygia, Syracuse’s maritime heart, where the most ancient Doric temple in Sicily, the sixth‑century B.C. Temple of Apollo, stands in the remains of Piazza Pancali. The city’s Baroque cathedral incorporates the ruins of a fifth‑century B.C. temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, where you can admire the unique baptismal font, an ancient Greek marble krater (large vase) dating from the 13th century. The landmark Piazza Archimede showcases the dazzling, Baroque‑style Fountain of Diana, adorned with rearing horses, charging tritons and maternal sea nymphs.
    Le Bougainville (B,L,D)

    Saturday, May 30
    Porto Empedocle for Agrigento

    The classical Greek world is reanimated in Agrigento’s UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples). The landscape features eight Doric shrines dating from the fifth century B.C., including the Temple of Hera, with its graceful northern colonnade, and theTemple of Concordia, one of the most beautifully preserved Greek monuments, having survived almost entirely intact since its construction in 430 BC. See the temples honoring Zeus and Heracles and the Sanctuary of the Chthonic Deities—mythological lords of Earth and the underworld. Visit the Agrigento Archaeological Museum, which preserves Sicily’s finest collection of Greek, Etruscan, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman artifacts.
    Le Bougainville (B,L,D)

    Sunday, May 31
    Valletta, Malta

    Cruise to the picturesque capital city of Valletta. Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world’s earliest planned cities. Malta has held a strong connection to Italy and Sicily since A.D. 60, when a shipwrecked St. Paul brought Christianity to the tiny archipelago. Today, this 2018 European Capital of Culture showcases incredible high Baroque, neoclassical and modern architecture. See St. John’s Co‑Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, exemplifying Baroque architecture with two large bell towers looming over the cathedral. Tour the 16th‑century Barrakka Gardens, and enjoy vistas of Valletta’s Grand Harbor. Visit the underground Lascaris War Rooms, Britain’s top-secret command in Malta during WWII. Tour the interiors of the Grandmaster’s Palace, the former residence of the Order of the Knights of St. John and the seat of Malta’s parliament until 2015. A member of the de Piro family of Maltese nobility leads your private tour through the 430-year‑old Casa Rocca Piccola, the family’s ancestral home and a display of historical Maltese aristocracy. Attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception on board the ship this evening.
    Le Bougainville (B,L,R,D)

    Monday, June 1
    Valletta / U.S

    Disembark and continue on the Timeless Malta Post‑Cruise Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

    Map
    Eternal Rome: May 21 – 25

    Capital of the ancient Roman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the “Eternal City” of Rome showcases centuries as a nucleus of culture, religion and political power through its ancient landmarks. Visit the iconic Colosseum, the historic Roman Forum and the fifth-century Church of St. Peter in Chains, which houses Michelangelo’s famed sculpture of Moses. Enjoy a tour of remarkable St. Peter’s Basilica and walk through the opulent Vatican Museums, including the famous Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes. Accommodations are for three nights in the deluxe Westin Excelsior Rome, ideally located within walking distance of the grand Via Veneto, one of the most elegant streets in all of Rome.

    Timeless Malta: Jun 1 – 3

    The extraordinary island of Malta is referred to as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.” Walk the medieval streets of the beautifully preserved walled town of Mdina, where settlement pre-dates 4000 B.C., and visit the Mosta Church. Experience Malta’s fabled Blue Grotto (weather permitting), a sea cave illuminated by the brilliant blue reflection of glistening sunlight. Tour the opulent interiors and magnificent gardens of the family-owned, 18th-century Palazzo Parisio, known as a “miniature Versailles.”  Discover the lavishly ornamented interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral and see Caravaggio’s only signed work, the dramatic Behading of John the Baptist.  Accommodations for two nights are in a local hotel.

    Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

    8 - $4,595 Picture window, single door onto private, partial-wall balcony, Deck 3 forward (limited availability) 
    7 - $5,495 Picture window, single door onto private, partial-wall balcony, Deck 3, midship
    6 - $6,295 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, forward
    5 - $6,995 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, midship
    4 - $7,595 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5 & 6, aft (limited availability)
    3 - $7,995 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, forward (limited availability)
    2 - $8,595 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, midship
    1 - $8,995 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 6, midship
    Deluxe Suite - $10,295 Suite with expansive sliding glass door, larger private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Decks 3, 4, 5 & 6 (limited availability)  
    Prestige Suite - $11,295 Two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, larger private balcony, two bedrooms, two closets, large sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability) 
    Privilege Suite - $11,795 Large suite with expansive sliding glass door, larger private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Decks 5 & 6 (limited availability)  
    Grand Deluxe Suite - $12,895 Extra-large two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private balcony, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath, sitting area with sofa, Deck 6 (limited availability)
    Owner’s Suite - $13,395 Extra-large two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private terrace with outdoor jacuzzi, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional bath, sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability)

    Single occupancy cabins are available in category 5 at $11,895 and in category 2 at $14,595 on or before January 13, 2020.

    Prices above reflect the Early Booking Discount. Add $1,000 for reservations made after January 13, 2020.
    Taxes are an additional $465 per person and are subject to change.

    Included
    Seven nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star Le Bougainville; Cruise from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Valletta, Malta, featuring port calls at Sorrento for Pompeii and Amalfi Coast; Isle of Capri; and Naxos for Taormina, Syracuse and Porto Empedocle for Agrigento, Sicily, Italy; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic available throughout the cruise; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting); All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad if your arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship; Complimentary bottled water in your accommodations and on excursions; Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre-departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

    Not Included
    International airfare; Taxes of $465 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($15 per person, per day); Hotel staff gratuities (Pre-/Post-Cruise Options) ($1 to $2 per person per day) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access (unless otherwise stated); Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section.

    Eternal Rome: May 21 – 25  
    $1,695 per person, double occupancy
    $2,695 single occupancy

    Timeless Malta: June 1 – 3
    $845 per person, double occupancy
    $1,145 single occupancy

     

    What to Expect

    This is a moderately active tour and participants must be able to keep up with an active group of travelers. Many of the cities and towns being visited were founded centuries ago, and the terrain is rugged.  For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants who plan to join all the excursions must be able to:

    • Walk on excursions covering distances of 1-2 miles, and approximately 2-3 hours in length.
    • Walk confidently on a number of surfaces, including narrow cobblestone streets, stone floors and uneven and/or slippery terrain.
    • Stand for up to 2 hours at a time each day.
    • Climb and descend flights of stairs (some without railings) without assistance.
    • Get off and on tour vehicles without assistance. The ship may either dock in port or tender ashore by small boat (tenders). Tenders involve a dry landing (participants step from the tender vessel directly onto land or a dock).

     Hear from guest lecturers aboard the ship throughout the voyage.

    Trip Educators

    Cancellations
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s)) 
    From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
    From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 50% of the published full regular tariffs
    59 days or less prior to departure: No refund

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.  In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply. 

    Discounted Reservations
    Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by January 13, 2020. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.  

    Trip Insurance
    We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed on the Travel Insurance Services website.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Airfare
    Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.