Hiking in the Italian Swiss Alps August 15-22, 2009

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EXPEDITION SUMMARY

Hike in the sunny Ticino! From your base in Intragna, a picturesque village above Lago Maggiore, venture forth each day to hike a surprising variety of trails; through wooded forests and narrow valleys or high up in the Alps. The small village of Intragna, where cars are banned, features an historic core of stone buildings and narrow lanes.

Intragna is located above Locarno where the narrow Centovalli and Onserone Valleys meet. This small village once thrived on its wool trade with the higher remote valleys, until in the late 19th and early 20th century the inhabitants began to immigrate; even to Inverness and the Carmel Valley, California! Today little has changed. Famous for its church and campanile, Intragna remains a quiet unspoiled village perched above the Centovalli Railway station. The historic church sits next to the hotel and the campanile. Nearby is the excellent local museum of this traditional mountain region.

Hikers and those in search of the quiet pleasure have long loved the Hotel Antico. A traditional stone Ticinese mountain hotel, it is just steps away from dozens of mountain trails. A small hotel owned by a Swiss couple, its charm is in its location in a village and in the hotel’s excellent cuisine. After a long day on the trail hikers can enjoy a glass of wine under the pergola overlooking the valley or take a swim in the pool. The village has an important church and an excellent museum of the Centovalli.

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EXPERIENCE

The Ticino offers every level of active adventure from easy walks in the foothills to high alpine treks on Switzerland’s well marked trails. The Yale Hiking in the Italian Swiss Alps program has been especially designed for both fit walkers and more advanced hikers who want a challenge. Each day choose from a four to five mile hike with modest altitude gain or longer treks with significant changes in altitude. Anyone who is fit and exercises and walks frequently will enjoy the variety of trails offered.

A typical day might find you at the paneteria before breakfast to buy rolls or trail food for the days outing. We will use the ever present Centrovalli Railroad or the Post Bus to reach the trail head to begin each day’s hike. You can choose either an easy hike or one that calls for more energy. There is no need to carry a heavy pack for all that you will need is your rain gear, a warm jacket (like Polar Tec), trail lunch and water bottle. Spend much of the morning reaching the top in time to enjoy the view and pause for a trail lunch before returning to Intragna. There will be time for a shower or a swim in the pool and relaxing on the terrace before an excellent dinner.

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HOW STRENUOUS IS THIS HIKE?

Hiking in the Italian Swiss Alps is designed both for those who enjoy the challenge of mountain trails as well as those who wish to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery at a more leisurely pace. Each day’s hike is designed with that in mind. You should be fit, hopefully following an exercise regimen, and have walked or hiked before. All but one hike are at low or moderate altitudes and you can choose each day whether to follow a less demanding trail or challenge yourself by trekking higher and farther. Both groups will be led by expert hike leaders.

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TEMPERATURE / WEATHER

The Ticino lies on the south side of the Alps and, as a consequence, the weather can be quite hot at times, while on other days it is mildly pleasant.

In general, the average daytime temperature in Intragna during August is 76° Fahrenheit; the average nighttime temperature is 59°. The region averages about 11 days of rainfall during August usually late in the afternoon.

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CLOTHING AND PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Outdoor excursions are best undertaken in comfortable clothes appropriate for walking. You should, however, have available a complete waterproof outfit (jacket and trousers), as well as a hat. It is vital that each participant bring a pair of hiking boots. To avoid the risk of turning your ankle your boots or shoes should have lug soles such as Vibram, and should provide ankle support. You should also bring a light backpack for carrying rain gear, water or other items. It is advisable to have your day pack, outdoor garments, and camera clearly marked with your name. For welcome and farewell dinners you may want to pack a dressier outfit.

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TRIP DETAILS

Dates:
August 15-22, 2009

Cost:
Land arrangements, double occupancy — $3,495 per person
Single room supplement— $325

Includes:

Does Not Include:

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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

August 15: USA to Milan
Depart from your home city for Milan.

August 16: Milan and Intragna
Arrive this morning at Milan's Malpensa Airport and transfer by private coach to the village of Intragna and the Hotel Antico. (D)

August 17: The Rasa Ridge
The narrow gauge Centovalli Railroad that connects Locarno with Domodossola in Italy is famous for its spectacular journey through this rugged winding valley. Walk down to the station to board the train for the short ride to Verdasio and a lift that takes you up to Rasa (898m), a tiny village so remote that it can only be reached by foot or lift. A slow steady hike takes one up and along the ridge overlooking Lago Maggiore. Below lie Ascona and Locarno, the Bernina range is off in the distance to the east, and Italy to the west. You may either continue the short distance down to Porera (1060m) for the bus down to Ascona and on to Intragna or hike down the steep trail back to Intragna via the Ponte Romana. This afternoon join Eva Gubbio, Intragna's historian and chronicler, on a walking tour of the village and museum. (B,D)

August 18: The Contraband Trail
Hike along the historic trail where in centuries past smugglers made their way along the narrow Centovalli between nearby Italy and Intragna. Today, the train takes you to Camedo to begin walking high up along the side of the valley past remote villages that can only be reached on foot. The trail crosses small streams and passes old mountain farms that are now often restored vacation homes and ends passing through the vineyards of Intragna. Before dinner enjoy a talk on the German-speaking Walsers and their great alpine migrations in the Middle Ages. (B,D)

August 19: Valle di Mergeseia
Ride the Centovalli train into busy Locarno where, after shopping for your trail lunch, take the lifts up to Cimetta (1671m) where on a clear day you can see the sweep of the Alps above. Intrepid hikers can climb up to Cima della Trosa for even greater vistas. One can head down the remote Valle di Mergeseia to Mergoscia (731m) and the bus back to Locarno or hike part way down to Locarno. There will be time to explore Locarno the lively regional center and traditional resort on the shore of Lago Maggiore. When you are ready you can board the now familiar Centovalli train back to Intragna. This evening dine at the lovely nearby Ca Ri Restaurant. (B,D)

August 20: Bosco Gurin
Today is your chance to sample one of Switzerland's most isolated and historic mountain communities. Situated high up on a remote side valley of the Valle Maggia, Bosco-Gurin (1503m), was settled by German speaking "Walsers" who crossed the Alps in the 14th century in search of land. The Walsers are famous in Swiss and Alpine history for their treks from the Valais to settle high mountain pastures across the Alps from Switzerland to Italy, Austria and Germany. Strong hikers will climb up to Usser Stafal (2038m) under Pizzo d'Orslia (2664m) before descending to Cerentino (980m) while others will explore the trails around this remote village. The ever present yellow Swiss Post bus will whisk you back to Intragna. (B,D)

August 21: The Onserone Valley
Just above Intragna and the Centovalli lies the even more remote Onserone Valley. For centuries the only access was the old mule track from Intragna to Loco. We will travel by bus to Aurigeno to hike up to the Passo della Garina before descending into the Onserone Valley from the north to join the historic trail back to Intragna. An alternative is to take the Post bus to Loco for the hike back to Intragna. Tonight we celebrate the end of our Swiss-Italian adventure with a special Ticinese apero and dinner. (B,D).

August 22: Milan to the USA
A private coach takes us to Milan and Malpensa Airport for the return flights to the USA. (B)

 

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Terms and Conditions

Trip Price Per Person
The trip price is quoted in U.S. dollars per person.

Trip Price Includes
The trip price includes the cost of your trip guide; accommodation; meals as indicated on trip itinerary; group airport transfers; all special visits and excursions; all transportation and sightseeing with expert guides as set forth in the itinerary; the assistance of a representative of the Association of Yale Alumni and the services of an ATA tour manager; baggage handling for one bag plus one carry-on bag per person; pre-trip notes and guidelines, service charges, taxes and basic gratuities.

Trip Price Does Not Include
The trip price does not include international air tickets and related fees; passport photos and fees; visa fees; meals not specified above; personal items such as wines, liquors, a-la-carte orders, room service, and valet/laundry charges; expenses incurred by Academic Travel Abroad in making individual travel arrangements before or after the program; and other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Single/Shared Rooms
A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Academic Travel Abroad will assist persons requesting a roommate. However, neither a single room nor a share can be guaranteed. Participants will be notified if we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable roommate. In this case, the single supplement will be charged.

Payment Schedule
$500 deposit upon application. Balance due upon receipt of invoice, 90 days before departure. Credit cards may be used only for reservation deposits and airfare. If final payment is not received by 60 days prior to departure, your space is subject to cancellation.

Cancellations and Refunds
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to the Association of Yale Alumni. After confirmation on the tour, a nonrefundable processing fee of $200 per person will be charged upon written cancellation. Written cancellation between 90-61 days of departure: full refund, minus your deposit (including nonrefundable processing fee). Written cancellation between 60 and 31 days prior to departure: 50% refund of the tour price. Written cancellation within 30 days prior to departure: no refund. Reservations are not transferable without the explicit approval of the Association of Yale Alumni and Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. Airfare is fully refundable up to time of ticket issuance, generally three to four weeks before departure. Thereafter tickets are nonrefundable and no changes are allowed except in case of death or hospitalization of passenger.

Cancellation on day of departure or after tour departs: no refund. No refund for unused portions of tour, including, but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights and sightseeing. Cancellation of program by Association of Yale Alumni and Academic Travel Abroad: full refund. Cancellation of the program after departure by Association of Yale Alumni or Academic Travel Abroad: full refund of all land fees, less the cost of service up to the time of the group's return. NOTE: Neither Association of Yale Alumni nor Academic Travel Abroad accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable domestic ticket to the tour departure city and return. We strongly urge applicants to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

A Note About the Itinerary
While every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned, the itinerary as described is subject to modification and change by the Association of Yale Alumni and Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.

Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. We will send you a brochure from Travel Insurance Services, or you may obtain coverage through a company of your choice. $150,000 of flight insurance is automatically provided with each ticket written by Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.

Health Recommendations
To enjoy your travels to the fullest you should be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diets, or treatment must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the enjoyment of other participants.

Responsibility
Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. and the Association of Yale Alumni act only as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotels, and all matters of reservations and tour operation. We and our agents accept no responsibility for loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or irregularity, expense or liability caused by the defect of any vehicle or negligence or default of any independent contractors, their employees, agents, or representatives. Nor do we accept responsibility for losses or delays arising from sickness, pilferage, acts of terrorism, weather conditions or acts of God. All such losses or expenses shall be borne by the tour participant. We reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. We likewise reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any tour participant at any time without being under any obligation to assign any reason therefor. In the event of the exercise of this right, we shall be under no liability to such person(s) except to refund such amount as our absolute discretion deems reasonable to attribute to the uncompleted portion of the tour. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk entirely. It is understood that air, ship or train tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and carrier concerned. The airlines and all other transportation companies involved in this tour are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board their plane or conveyances. All services are subject to the laws of the country in which they are rendered. The tour participant agrees on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the above conditions and to release and hold harmless, Academic Travel Abroad, Inc., and any of their representatives from any and all liability for any delays, damage, loss, injury or death occurring in relation to this tour.

California Seller of Travel Program
CST #2059002-40
ATA is a participant in the California Seller of Travel program. California law requires that certain sellers of travel have a trust account or bond. ATA has a trust account. ATA is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation.