FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC– July 8, 2002) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) announces its newest Italy travel program to the region of Puglia with a series of seven-day tours, from October 2002 through May 2003 with costs ranging from $1,339 to $1,579 per person, based on double occupancy and month of departure. Tours will visit Alberobello, Bari, Brindisi, Castel del Monte, Castellana Grottoes, Egnazia, Lecce, Locorotondo, Mt. S. Angelo, Ostuni and San Giovanni Rotondo (shrine of Padre Pio).

Participants receive round-trip airfare from NYC/JFK to Bari on Alitalia Airline; seven nights’ accommodations at a four-star hotel (double occupancy); seven buffet-style breakfasts and seven dinners; and transfers to and from the airport and hotel. Cost per person, double occupancy, depends on time of travel; for example: November/February/March is $ 1,339.00; October is $ 1,539.00; April/ May is $1,579.00. Admission fees to museums and local guides are included in the travel package. At an additional charge, other cities of embarkation are possible, subject to availability and scheduling. The tour program, which has been sold out every year for the past five years, is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The travel program is supported and partially underwritten by the Puglia Tourist Board and the European Community.

Three full-day escorted excursions to Alberobello/ Locorotondo, San Giovanni Rotondo / Mt. S. Angelo and Castel del Monte, and three half-day trips to Castellana Grottoes/Egnazia, Ostuni and Bari are part of the program. An English-speaking tour director will escort each group. A special lunch on a farm and video presentation of Puglia are also planned. Participants may choose from 24 departure dates beginning October 1, 2002 through May 27, 2003.

For a brochure and reservation form, write to

ITALY TRAVEL, c/o Unitours,
3010 Westchester Avenue,
Purchase NY 10577.

Tel: (914) 253-9446(914) 253-9446
Fax: (914) 253-9001
Toll Free: (888) 846-6423(888) 846-6423.