ARCIDOSSO is a typical Medieval Tuscan town. It is located approximately 2-1/2 hours from Rome and Florence, in the Mt. Amiata recreation area. The population is small, approximately 2,500 people. One may walk from one end of town to the other without difficulty in about 30min. The workshop will be held in Aldobrandescan Castle, situated at the top of the gently sloping hill around which the town is built; the opening talks will be held in the Theater, located adjacent to the Castle. The weather in Arcidosso is mild in September. A lightweight jacket is sufficient for comfort; bringing a rain jacket or umbrella is suggested. The people are very friendly and helpful and the restaurants are excellent. The atmosphere in Arcidosso is relaxed, perfect for both contemplation and relaxation. If you have further questions you may contact Melinda Laraneta.
TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM ARCIDOSSO, by Bus, will be provided at convenient times for participants and their companions arriving at/departing from Rome Fiumicino Airport and Florence Train Station: Sunday, September 1: Depart Rome (Fiumicino) Airport at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00; Depart Florence Train Station at 14:00, 17:00. Friday, September 6: Depart for Rome (Fiumicino) Airport at 18:00 (change from original schedule).Saturday, September 7: Depart for Rome (Fiumicino) Airport 07:00, 14:00 (change from original schedule); Depart for Florence Train Station: 09:00, 14:00. Please make your plans accordingly and let Melinda know as soon as possible which busses you would prefer to travel on since the size of the bus will be determined by the number of seats requested; please include your air or train itinerary. Don't forget to include companion information.
COMPANION TOURS are planned to points of special interest near Arcidosso. There will be a charge (to cover the cost of the bus). Tickets may be purchased at the time of registration.
SPECIAL EVENTS are planned throughout the length of the workshop to include: an evening concert by the Choir of Arcidosso, presented in the lovely church of San Leonardo which is over 900 years old; a concert by local musicians performed in the Theater; an afternoon tour of local area highlights for both participants and companions. All of these events are at no extra cost to participants and their companions.
MEALS during the workshop will be provided for participants as follows: Reception Sunday: at Aldobrandescan Castle. A welcoming reception is planned by the Town and Region as a festive opening to our workshop. It will be held from 17:00-19:00. Breakfast: not provided. Coffee Breaks Mon-Fri: at the Castle. Lunch Mon-Fri: at the Castle. A wonderful buffet lunch will be served daily during the workshop. Companion tickets for this meal will be available at registration. Dinner Mon-Fri: local restaurants. Meal coupons will be issued to each participant. These coupons are good for an excellent dinner at the local restaurant of your choice. Companion coupons may be purchased at the time of registration as well as during the workshop. A fabulous Banquet is planned on Wednesday night that is the gift of the town to our participants.
LODGING is available in and outside of town. All room costs include continental breakfast. Please choose your hotel carefully as your reservation is a commitment to the hotel of your choice; reservation changes may incur a penalty. In town: Hotel Toscana: restaurant, bar and meeting room. 45 rooms with bath, TV and telephone, 40 one room studios with kitchenette, bath and telephone: Single at L. 70K, Double at L. 50K - per person, Triple at 40K - per person. Outside town (you will need a car): Azienda Agroturistica I Rondinelli: 3km from town; 7 Doubles with bath, TV and phone at L. 60K - per person; Hotel Contessa: 10km from town; restaurant and meeting room/bar. 29 rooms with bath, TV and phone: Singles at L. 70K, Doubles at L. 50K - per person, Triples at L. 40K - per person. If you choose to stay at any other hotels in the area you must make your own arrangements.
REGISTRATION will be held in Aldobrandescan Castle, the site of the workshop. All busses will stop at the Castle for registration before taking you on to your hotel. Please be prepared to purchase companion tickets for tours, lunches, and dinners at this time.
FUTURE MAILINGS will all be sent by email so we must have your internet email address; if you have no email address then a fax number is required. Please send your request for information to Melinda at laraneta@physics.ucla.edu or fax: (310) 206-1091.