Insight > Italian Escapade

Italian Escapade
14 Days starting from $3,199

Countries Visited:
Italy

 

Length: 14 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Italy and Sicily
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E937
   
 
About This Tour


This is a perfectly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Florence, the Italian lakes, Venice and Sorrento, and one-night in Assisi. All travelling days are of a reasonable length with interesting stops for refreshments and photo opportunities.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 14

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
  • 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

14 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland

Tour Pace
This is a perfectly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Florence, the Italian lakes, Venice and Sorrento, and one-night in Assisi. All travelling days are of a reasonable length with interesting stops en route for refreshments & photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome, one of the greatest centres of Western Civilisation, thickly studded with ancient monuments. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. Relax or spend the rest of the day exploring this wonderful city. As evening falls, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Radisson SAS/Grand Beverly Hills.

DAY 3 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, visit the Vatican Museums, the treasure house of the Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance art. Continue to the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Michelangelo’s fresco skills. Then enter St Peter’s Basilica to see Bernini’s ‘Popes’ Altar’ above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Afterwards, cross the River Tiber to ancient classical Rome and visit the world’s largest Roman arena, the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and overlook the Forum, the centre of ancient public life. The afternoon sees time set aside for sightseeing at your own pace. As night falls, why not enjoy a night out with splendid Italian food and wine. (BB)

DAY 4 – ROME – FLORENCE
Travel north to the picturesque medieval town of Siena and stroll through its cobbled streets to the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place amid great festivities. See the ‘Fountain of Joy’ and then walk up to the black and white striped cathedral. After some free time, continue through the cypress clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to Florence.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour takes you inside the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s original statue of David, then continue to the Cathedral to see Giotto’s belltower and the ‘Gates of Paradise’ adorning the Baptistery. Visit the political stage of Florence, Signoria Square, filled with works of art, and finally see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo in Santa Croce Basilica. After watching a leatherwork demonstration, you have spare time to shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)

DAY 6 – FLORENCE – ITALIAN LAKES
Travel to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, the white marble cathedral and Baptistery before heading north to Milan to admire the Gothic Cathedral and famous La Scala Opera House. After some time here, head to the beautiful Italian Lake District for a two-night stay at a lakeside holiday resort on Lake Maggiore.
Hotel: Simplon. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – ITALIAN LAKES AT LEISURE
The day is set aside to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights this beautiful lakeland area has to offer. Why not take a cruise over to Isola Bella, one of the picturesque Borromean Islands? (BB,D)

DAY 8 – ITALIAN LAKES – VENICE
Briefly enter Switzerland to visit the mountain ringed resort of Lugano. Take time to stroll by the lake’s shores and shop for watches or fine chocolate. Continue to Verona to see Juliet’s balcony and the ancient Roman Arena. Then it’s off to romantic Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
Hotel: Continental/Dei Dogi. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
What better way to see Venice than from our private launch, cruising past palazzos and churches to St Mark’s Square? See the Basilica, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Watch a demonstration of glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. Spend time at leisure exploring at your own pace. As night falls, why not enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner with music? (BB)

DAY 10 – VENICE – ASSISI
Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy’s most important rivers, the Adige and Po, before approaching the city of Ravenna. Stop to visit the Church of St Apollinaris in Classe with its dazzling mosaics. Then the scenery changes dramatically as you drive through the Apennines to Assisi to see the Church of St Mary of the Angels and enjoy a guided visit inside the Basilica of St Francis.
Hotel: Grand Hotel/Subasio. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – ASSISI – SORRENTO
Drive past the vineyards of Frascati and Castelli Romani to the Commonwealth Cemetery in the shadow of the brooding hilltop monastery of Cassino. Continue along the clifftops to the picturesque holiday resort of Sorrento, which bustles with life until late each night.
Hotel: Corallo/Crowne Plaza di Stabiae (Pozzano). (BB)

DAY 12 – ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
Visit Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso and watch the art of ‘intarsio’ wood inlaying. Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway. There is time to explore before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – SORRENTO – ROME
Drive to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Walk with a local guide through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Return to Rome where you enjoy a last night celebration Highlight Dinner including pasta, wine and music.
Hotel: Marriott Park/Radisson SAS/Tiberio. (BB,HD)

DAY 14 – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with complimentary transfers to Rome Airport. (BB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/20/2008 - 5/3/2008
$3,375
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4/24/2008 - 5/7/2008
$3,575
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4/27/2008 - 5/10/2008
$3,375
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4/29/2008 - 5/12/2008
$3,499
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5/4/2008 - 5/17/2008
$3,599
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5/6/2008 - 5/19/2008
$3,599
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5/8/2008 - 5/21/2008
$3,599
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5/11/2008 - 5/24/2008
$3,599
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5/13/2008 - 5/26/2008
$3,599
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5/15/2008 - 5/28/2008
$3,599
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5/18/2008 - 5/31/2008
$3,599
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5/20/2008 - 6/2/2008
$3,599
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5/22/2008 - 6/4/2008
$3,599
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5/29/2008 - 6/11/2008
$3,599
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6/5/2008 - 6/18/2008
$3,599
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6/8/2008 - 6/21/2008
$3,599
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6/10/2008 - 6/23/2008
$3,599
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6/15/2008 - 6/28/2008
$3,599
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6/19/2008 - 7/2/2008
$3,599
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6/22/2008 - 7/5/2008
$3,575
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6/24/2008 - 7/7/2008
$3,575
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6/29/2008 - 7/12/2008
$3,399
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7/1/2008 - 7/14/2008
$3,375
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7/6/2008 - 7/19/2008
$3,375
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7/8/2008 - 7/21/2008
$3,375
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7/13/2008 - 7/26/2008
$3,375
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7/20/2008 - 8/2/2008
$3,375
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7/27/2008 - 8/9/2008
$3,375
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7/29/2008 - 8/11/2008
$3,375
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8/5/2008 - 8/18/2008
$3,375
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8/10/2008 - 8/23/2008
$3,375
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8/21/2008 - 9/3/2008
$3,375
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8/24/2008 - 9/6/2008
$3,375
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8/26/2008 - 9/8/2008
$3,425
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8/31/2008 - 9/13/2008
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9/2/2008 - 9/15/2008
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9/4/2008 - 9/17/2008
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9/7/2008 - 9/20/2008
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9/9/2008 - 9/22/2008
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9/11/2008 - 9/24/2008
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9/14/2008 - 9/27/2008
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9/16/2008 - 9/29/2008
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9/18/2008 - 10/1/2008
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9/21/2008 - 10/4/2008
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9/23/2008 - 10/6/2008
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9/25/2008 - 10/8/2008
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9/28/2008 - 10/11/2008
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9/30/2008 - 10/13/2008
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10/2/2008 - 10/15/2008
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10/5/2008 - 10/18/2008
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10/7/2008 - 10/20/2008
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10/9/2008 - 10/22/2008
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10/12/2008 - 10/25/2008
$3,550
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10/19/2008 - 11/1/2008
$3,550
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10/26/2008 - 11/8/2008
$3,450
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3/1/2009 - 3/14/2009
$3,199
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Hotels
There is a diverse mix of hotel styles, with the modern Sheraton in Florence contrasting with the Venice Continental, built on the Grand Canal in the 15th century, and the tranquil setting of the Simplon hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore.

Fellow Passengers
This popular itinerary suits both the first-time traveler looking for a well-paced and comprehensive tour of mainland Italy, and the seasoned traveler who wishes to really concentrate on one country. It also suits lovers of history, art and architecture.

Highlights
There are many highlights: walking through the cobbled streets of Pompeii; the ancient and religious history of Rome; the artistic heritage of Florence; the beauty of the Italian Lakes; the waterscape of Venice; and the stunning beauty of Assisi and Capri.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Tour St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City
  • See Siena’s striped cathedral, Fountain of Joy & vast Campo Square
  • See Florence’s Duomo, ‘Gates of Paradise’ & Signoria Square
  • Visit the tomb of Michelangelo in the Church of Santa Croce, Florence
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the equally impressive cathedral & baptistery
  • See La Scala Opera House and Gothic cathedral in Milan
  • Visit the Swiss lakeside resort of Lugano
  • See Juliet’s Balcony and the ancient Roman Arena in Verona
  • Venice cruise to St Mark’s Square to see the Basilica, Bridge of Sighs & Doges’ Palace
  • Visit the mosaics of St Apollinaris in Classe
  • Guided visit to Assisi’s Basilica of St Francis & see the Church of St Mary of the Angels
  • Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino
  • Demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing
  • Demonstration of traditional leatherwork in Florence
  • Demonstration of ‘Intarsio’ inlay woodwork in Sorrento
  • Scenic drives – Apennine Hills, Italian Lake District, Cliff top drive to Sorrento

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in Rome, Florence, Assisi & Pompeii
  • Orientation tours in Siena, Milan, Lugano, Verona, Venice & Sorrento

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 14

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
  • 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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