2003 Umbria Jazz Festival Tour

This July, Randall Kline, Executive Director of SFJAZZ, will again host a group of adventurous jazz lovers on a never-to-be-forgotten trip to Perugia, Italy for the 2003 Umbria Jazz Festival.  There, they ll experience one of the best jazz festivals in the world, in one of the most romantic places on earth. Featuring dozens of the top names in jazz, performing in breathtaking indoor and outdoor settings, the Umbria experience is a must for serious jazz enthusiasts.

In addition to the fantastic music, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating town of Perugia and its environs, with excursions to Assisi, Orvieto and other nearby points of interest. Guests will be treated to luxury accommodations at the five-star Hotel Brufani Palace, the best in the region, and will enjoy incredible meals at the area s finest restaurants. Not only that, but they ll have exclusive opportunities to talk with some of the Festival s performers, journalists and organizers. World-class jazz in the heart of Umbria is a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Setting

Just east of Tuscany, and only an hour and a half from Rome, Umbria is a beautiful region of rolling hills, woods and valleys - a less discovered version of Tuscany. The capital city of Perugia boasts a stunning medieval center, hinging on the Corso Vannucci, a broad pedestrian thoroughfare that is constantly buzzing with activity. The city has much to offer, from upscale shopping to Etruscan art treasures. As in all of Italy, the food is incredible, and here you will find the home of Italy s best chocolate, Perugina.

The Music

The Umbria Jazz Festival is considered by many jazz musicians and aficionados to be, quite simply the best in the world. The spectacular setting and ambiance of Perugia, the stunning venues like the Teatro Morlacchi and the Giardini del Frontone, the two free outdoor stages, and the world-class talent that assembles every year make it a jazz lover s dream. The lineup for the 2003 festival has not yet been announced, but last year featured the likes of Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Wayne Shorter, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Dave Holland, Enrico Rava, Jane Monheit and many more.

The Sightseeing

When not enjoying the great jazz, there will be plenty of time to explore the city of Perugia and its breathtaking environs, with expert local guides. Excursions include the nearby cities of Assisi - with its extraordinary frescoes by Giotto in the Basilica di San Francesco, and Orvieto - where the Duomo is one of the greatest Gothic buildings in all Italy.

Your Hosts

Randall Kline and his wife Teresa will act as your hosts for the trip. Randall is the founder and Executive Director of SFJAZZ, which has grown over its 20 year history into one of the largest and most respected jazz presenting organizations in the United States. Teresa is a native of Italy, and together they will offer you an unequaled insider's view of the region and the Festival.

General Info

Deposit and Payments: A $1,000 deposit is required at the time of booking. Balance is due June 1, 2003.

Single Room Supplement: The basic price is based on twin/double bedded rooms. The single room supplement is $500.

Credit Card Payments: Applicable service fees will be added for charges made by credit card.

Exchange Rate and Price Increase: The tour is based on the conversion rate being 1.03 euros to the dollar. Should the value fluctuate, the price may be adjusted.

Not Included in Tour Price: Passport fees, medical and cancellation insurance, concerts, meals and beverages not specifically stated, and all items of a personal nature.

Tour Dates
July 10 - 19, 2003
Cost per person : $3,995

Includes:

• Round-trip airfare

• Eight nights in the five-star Brufani Palace Hotel

• Buffet breakfast daily

• Six Umbria Jazz Festival concerts

• Three lunches

• Three dinners

• Walking tour of Perugia

• Guided excursions to Orvieto, Assisi and a third destination TBA.

• All transfers to and from Rome Airport

• Tax-deductible donation to SFJAZZ

(Tour without airfare: $2,795)
(Single room supplement: $500)

For questions or further information, please visit www.sfjazz.org or contact Dave Barrett, Director of Development at:
phone: 415.398.5655, ext. 106
fax: 415.398.5569
email: dbarrett@sfjazz.org

Edited by Dave Shultz

Back to TravelLady Magazine