FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

*Travel Packages include Round-trip Airfares from JFK in NYC*

(WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 3, 2008) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) continues its popular travel programs to Italy by offering its latest trip to Tuscany beginning February 2009. “Enchanting Tuscany” is a nine-day/seven-night tour departing from New York City. Costs range from $1,999 to $2,499 per person, based on double occupancy and month of departure.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

“Enchanting Tuscany” visits the cities of Cortona, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, and Volterra. Guests will stay at a five-star hotel in Montecatini Terme. Participants may choose from 26 departure dates starting February 16, 2009 and running through November 16, 2009. There are no departures scheduled during July and August.

The travel package includes round-trip airfare from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City to Florence, airport transfers in Italy, seven buffet-style continental breakfasts, seven dinners at the hotel with wine and mineral water included, one lunch at an Agriturismo farm, English-speaking guides, and all entrance fees.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence

NIAF is also sponsoring a Heritage Tour to the Region of Calabria and will visit the cities of Altomonte, Capo Vaticano, Catanzaro, Crotone, Gerace, Locri, Paola, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria, Tropea, and Vibo Valentia. Guests will stay at a four-star hotel. Costs range from $1,899 to $2,449 per person, based on double occupancy and month of departure. The package includes round-trip airfare from JFK to Lamezia and all amenities included in the Tuscany program. Departure dates in 2008 are September 22 and November 10. In 2009, weekly departures extend from February 16 through June 15. Other U.S. cities of embarkation are also available for both travel programs at an additional charge and are subject to availability and scheduling. The tour programs, which have been sold out every year for the past 12 years, are offered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. For more information, visit www.niaf.org.

For a brochure and reservation form, write to Italy Travel, c/o Unitours, 3010 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10557. Call toll-free at 888-846-6423 or 914-253-9177, fax to 914-253-9001, or e-mail Marianna Pisano at mpisano@unitours.com.

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. To learn about our programs/events, visit www.niaf.org.