Italy In Low Season
Italy In Low Season
Italy In Low Season
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Florence, Milan, Trento, Venice, Bologna
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITLS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the charm of Italy in the low season with this immersive tour that takes you through the heart of the country. Begin your journey in Rome, exploring iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Savor authentic Italian cuisine and wine as you travel through picturesque cities such as Florence, Milan, and Venice. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the historic center of Parma, and the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and culinary delights, all while staying in comfortable 2, 3, and 4-star hotels. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable Italian adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Benvenuti a Roma! Your Italy in Low Season tour begins this morning in one of the world’s most beloved capital cities. Check into the hotel and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. After a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary, get ready to explore Rome! Set off on a guided tour and see multiple top sights and famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum! After the tour, enjoy some free time to discover this magical city on your own or grab some lunch and get your first taste of Italian cuisine. Tonight, join back up with the group and get to know your new travel buddies over a welcome dinner.
Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! Your walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide will give you a great start for further exploration in your free time. See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi), the Spanish Steps, and the other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world!
Welcome dinner in Rome: It’s the start of the tour so that calls for celebrations! Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner where you can taste delicious Italian food and get to know your tour leader and the rest of your group at a local Roman restaurant.
Day 2: Rome - Orvieto - Florence
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say “farewell for now” to Rome and hop back on the coach towards Florence. En route, enjoy a visit to Orvieto. This hidden gem of a city in the Umbria province is perched on a cliff and boasts incredible scenery. Take the funicular to the city centre and take some time to wander around. Admire the Cathedral of Orvieto and the Papal Residence! Then, travel onwards to the magnificent Tuscany region. Before arriving in Florence, look forward to a tasting of one of Tuscany’s most celebrated exports - wine! Taste delicious wine at a local wine estate and sample olive oil and charcuterie from the region. After, head to the hotel in Florence and settle in for the evening.
Orientation tour of Orvieto: Explore some of the sights of this city perched on top of a rock cliff. Take a trip to the top using the funicular. Enjoy free time to find something to eat, see the streets, and visit the top sights including the Cathedral of Orvieto, the Papal Residence and the Albornoz Fortress.
Tuscan wine tasting: Wines from Tuscany are celebrated all over the world and this tasting will showcase why! Taste a variety of wines from a local estate and sample local olive oil and charcuterie from the region.
Day 3: Florence
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Buongiorno Florence! Look forward to a full day in the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. As one of Italy’s three “art cities” and the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is teeming with artistic masterpieces and cultural delights to discover. Discover many of Florence’s most iconic sights on a guided tour such as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. After, visit a local leather factory and learn all about the impressive craftsmanship behind bespoke Italian leather goods. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Tonight, why not get a Taste of Tuscany with an optional, family-style meal of delicious local dishes?
Guided tour of Florence: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Florence. You’ll be introduced to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, Florence is endowed with a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.
Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!
Day 4: Florence - Pisa - Parma - Milan
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid Florence farewell after breakfast this morning as the tour travels to a true highlight of all Italy tour packages - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get a few fun pictures of this legendary tower. The next stop is Parma, a university city that is probably best known for its ham and parmesan cheese! However, this city is so much more than its delicious produce. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival and experience the impressive architecture and charming atmosphere of Parma’s historic centre. Of course, you can’t leave Parma without trying some of its renowned food! Delight in a tasting and demonstration of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma before travelling onwards to tonight’s accommodation in Milan.
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Visit Pisa to see one of Italy’s most iconic monuments; the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Make the most of photographic opportunities during the visit. A photo of you ‘holding up’ the tower is a classic!
Explore the historic centre of Parma: Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader of Parma’s historic centre. This university city is home to a number of architectural and artistic delights. The Parma Cathedral features frescoes from Correggio as is the Camera di San Paolo, a former convent. Wandering Parma’s picturesque streets will reveal a variety of charming cafés and colourful buildings.
Taste Parma ham and Parmesan cheese: Parma is best known for its famous produce - Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (Parmesan) and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham). Experience a tasting and demonstration of these delectable local foods.
Day 5: Milan
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals! Begin this full day in Milan with an insightful, locally guided tour. Join an expert local guide in discovering this dazzling city’s attractions. The most spectacular landmark in Milan is certainly the striking Duomo di Milano, one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world! Other notable sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world‘s oldest shopping malls, the impressive La Scala opera house, the historic Piazza Mercanti and much more. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Choose to explore one of Milan’s many fascinating museums or take a stroll along Navigli, the canal district. The choice is yours!
Guided Tour of Milan: Discover the many marvellous sights of Milan and learn more about this cultural hub on a guided tour with an expert local guide. Tick off Milan’s most beloved sights including the exceptional Duomo di Milano (which offers sweeping views from its rooftop), the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the impressive La Scala opera house and much more.
Day 6: Milan - Sirmione - Trento
Location: Trento
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Look forward to a day full of breathtaking natural scenery! Today’s first stop is Sirmione, an enchanting town at the southern tip of Lake Garda - a gem of the Italian Lake District. Soak up the serene surroundings and historic sights on an orientation tour. Next, travel to the city of Trento which is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains. Discover the city’s unique blend of Austrian and Italian influences on an orientation tour. Then, take a funicular to Sardagna, a mountain village which offers an awe-inspiring view of the city below and the snow-capped Dolomites beyond! Tonight, sit down for a delicious three-course menu in the Trento city centre.
Visit Sirmione: Embark on an orientation tour of this beautiful city located at the southern tip of Lake Garda. Discover the tranquil scenery of the Italian Lake District and learn about the history of Sirmione. Marvel at the 13th-century Scaliger Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus, one of Northern Italy’s most important archaeological sites
Experience Trento: Some of Italy’s most majestic scenery awaits in Trento - a city set against the backdrop of the dreamy Dolomite Mountains. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader before taking a funicular to Sardagna. Prepare for panoramic views of both Trento and the Dolomites which are at their snow-capped best in winter!
Day 7: Trento - Verona - Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Trento this morning after breakfast and get ready for another day of Italy travel highlights! Start the day with a trip to Verona, best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s great tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. During an orientation tour of this romantic city, see Juliet’s balcony, the UNESCO-listed old town and the 2,000-year-old city gates! In the afternoon, travel to Venice, home to famous landmarks including St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Market. This evening, join the An Evening of Venice optional excursion to experience the twinkling lights of Venice from a water taxi and gondola on the iconic canals before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant!
Visit Verona: Stop in Verona and enjoy an orientation tour of this romantic and historic city. Admire Juliet’s balcony - where Romeo is said to have wooed Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy.
Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!
Day 8: Venice - Ferrara - Bologna
Location: Bologna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say “arrivederci” to Venice and set off on an adventure through more of Northern Italy’s gems. This morning, visit Ferrara, a city rich in Renaissance architecture and medieval history. Discover Ferrara’s historic centre, which is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spot the 14th-century Castello Estense and admire the impressive facade of Duomo di Ferrara on an orientation tour. This afternoon, arrive in Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. This historic city is home to the oldest university in Europe and is known as the culinary capital of Italy! Get acquainted with some of the city’s artistic, cultural and architectural highlights on an orientation tour. The evening is free to explore at your own pace.
Discover Ferrara: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this hidden gem in the Emilia-Romagna region. Ferrara is a city rich in Renaissance architecture, art and cultural highlights. Gaze up at the towering Castello Estense, a 14th-century moated castle, and admire the facade of the Roman Catholic Duomo di Ferrara.
Explore Bologna: Spend an evening in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Learn more about this captivating city which is home to Europe’s oldest university and is known as Italy’s culinary capital! Set off on an orientation tour beginning in the Piazza Maggiore, right in the heart of the city. Explore the historic centre and see top sights including the Two Towers which dominate the skyline and the historic University of Bologna.
Day 9: Bologna - Perugia - Assisi - Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Bologna after breakfast this morning and head to the Umbria region, stopping in Perugia, the region’s capital city. Discover the defensive walls, admire the medieval Priori Palace, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and stroll the streets of the charming Centro Storico district. Then, it's on to Assisi. St. Francis was born in this medieval town in 1181 making it Italy’s most popular religious pilgrimage site. Marvel at top sights including the UNESCO-listed Basilica of St. Francis and the picture-perfect Piazza del Comune. Finally, travel to Rome for the final night of the tour. Sit down for a farewell dinner with the group at a local restaurant.
Visit Perugia: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Perugia, capital of the Umbria region. Perugia is a lesser-known Italian jewel and is full of palaces, most notably the Gothic Priori Palace, and fascinating historic sites. Perugia is also famous for its chocolates - an excellent souvenir idea!
Explore Assisi: Discover this famous medieval town where St. Francis was born in 1181. As one of Italy’s most popular religious pilgrimage sites, Assisi boasts a number of breathtaking basilicas, cathedrals and churches. Explore some of these, including the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an orientation tour.
Farewell dinner in Rome: Make a toast to the last night on tour at the final group dinner. Enjoy great food, and swap memories from an incredible Italian adventure.
Day 10: End Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 10 days of exploring iconic Italian cities, hidden gems and sweeping scenery, this unforgettable Italy in Low Season tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to swap contact details with your fellow travellers before heading to your next destination. Buon viaggio from all of us at Expat Explore!
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability).
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Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard. Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days).
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Meals
9 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners. Vegetarian options available for all meals on request.
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Experiences
Discover Rome on a walking tour. Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome. Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff. Enjoy a Tuscan wine tasting. Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments. Explore the historic centre of Parma. Taste authentic Parma ham and Parmesan cheese. Soak up the scenery in Sirmione on Lake Garda. Marvel at the Dolomite Mountains in Trento. Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona. Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city. Discover the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Ferrara. Explore Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Visit Perugia, capital of the Umbria region. Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome.
What's Not Included
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International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights. -
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort on a modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a toilet onboard. Public transport may also be used as part of the tour, excluding free days.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room, subject to availability.
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Discover Rome on a walking tour
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
Visit Orvieto; a historic city perched on a rocky cliff
Enjoy a Tuscan wine tasting
Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa; one of Italy’s iconic monuments
Explore the historic centre of Parma
Taste authentic Parma ham and Parmesan cheese
Discover Milan on a guided tour
Soak up the scenery in Sirmione on Lake Garda
Marvel at the Dolomite Mountains in Trento
Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Discover the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Ferrara
Explore Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region
Visit Perugia, capital of the Umbria region
Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Rome
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a toilet onboard. Any public transport used as part of the tour is also included, except on free days.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in 2, 3, and 4-star hotel accommodations in twin rooms with private bathrooms for 9 nights. Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room, subject to availability.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Vegetarian options are available for all meals upon request.
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What are some of the key experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of experiences such as a walking tour of Rome, a welcome dinner in Rome, a visit to Orvieto, a Tuscan wine tasting, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, exploring the historic center of Parma, tasting Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, soaking up the scenery in Sirmione on Lake Garda, marveling at the Dolomite Mountains in Trento, visiting Juliet's balcony in Verona, exploring Venice, discovering the UNESCO-listed historic center of Ferrara, exploring Bologna, visiting Perugia, exploring the ancient sites of Assisi, and enjoying a farewell dinner in Rome.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, all passengers traveling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover. You are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
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What should I know about the fitness level required for this tour?
The tour is fast-paced and designed to help you see the most a destination has to offer. It includes walking tours in most cities, which can last up to 3 hours and may involve cobbled streets and stairs. The tour is not designed for people traveling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues. You will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own, and not all hotels have lifts, which means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
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What happens on the first day of the tour in Rome?
On the first day, you will check into the hotel and meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. After a brief overview of the itinerary, you will set off on a guided tour of Rome, seeing top sights such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. In the evening, you will join the group for a welcome dinner.
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What activities are planned for the day in Florence?
In Florence, you will have a guided tour to see iconic sights such as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You will also visit a local leather factory to learn about Italian leather craftsmanship. The rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish.
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What can I expect during the visit to Milan?
In Milan, you will have a guided tour with an expert local guide to see attractions such as the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala opera house, and Piazza Mercanti. The rest of the day is free for you to explore museums or stroll along the canal district.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Trento?
In Trento, you will enjoy an orientation tour of the city, set against the backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains. You will also take a funicular to Sardagna, a mountain village offering panoramic views of the city and the Dolomites. In the evening, you will have a three-course dinner in the Trento city center.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.