Download the conference brochure and registration form

Discounted registration and conference activities available until 17th December 2010

invitation to attend

You are invited to attend ‘Imaging in Italy”, a unique medical imaging conference being held in the romantic city of Lucca, situated in the heart of Tuscany. Our optional 3-day pre-conference tour starts in central Rome and delivers you to the conference venue after a journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The residential conference package includes additional tours in and around Lucca, including Pisa and the Marble Mountains. After the conference, spend a day in the Cinque Terre, a unique coastal part of Italy.

We hope you can join us for this unique learning experience. Register before 17th December 2010 to take advantage of discounted rates for all conference activities.
 

conference program

Medical imaging technology is rapidly changing. This conference will focus on the appropriate use of current and emerging imaging techniques for the diagnosis of disease. The content will be of interest to medical imaging professionals as well as all health professionals who refer patients for medical imaging tests. The course will consider all aspects of medical imaging, including CT, MRI and ultrasound. Whether you are a specialist or generalist, you will find the program valuable.

program at a glance

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conference venue

Lucca is an ancient walled city situated in the northern part of Tuscany. Traffic is restricted within the city walls, which makes walking the narrow cobbled streets a peaceful and delightful activity; in fact the whole town seems to come out for a leisurely social stroll each evening. The Roman influence is seen in the ordered grid pattern of the streets, which makes it easy for the visitor to find their way around. Unlike many of the Tuscan hilltop cities, Lucca is flat. You can hire a bicycle and circumnavigate the city along the wide, tree-lined avenue on top of the ramparts. There is something for everyone in Lucca: history, art, fashion, food, wine, chocolate, leather, bargains…. all within easy walking distance.

The conference sessions will be held in the sixteenth century Villa Bottini, located adjacent to Hotel Ilaria. Built by the family Buonvisi, it was bought in the early nineteenth century by Napoleon's sister Elisa Bonaparte. The stunning villa is set in a picturesque garden.

inclusions at a glance

3-day pre-conference tour

Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy as we travel from Rome to our conference destination through Umbria, Tuscany and the Chianti wine growing regions.

Day 1 Sunday 8^th May

Our tour begins in Rome with a guided walk, taking in prominent landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and Novona Square. We will stop for real coffee at the famous Sant'Eustachio café followed by a traditional three course lunch at ‘Tre Scalini’ restaurant. We then transfer via private deluxe air-conditioned coach through Umbria to Orvieto, which sits high on a volcanic tuff and boasts some of the most picturesque vistas of Italy. There will be time to walk around the beautiful cobbled streets for some sightseeing and shopping. In the evening, savour typical Umbrian cuisine at ‘Da Maurizio’ restaurant, located in a beautiful mediaeval building within walking distance of our overnight accommodation at the Grand Hotel Italia. Inclusions: guided tour of Rome, whisper earphone service, 3 course lunch with ¼ wine ½ water and coffee, coach transfer, 4 course dinner with ¼ wine, ½ water and coffee, bed and breakfast and porterage.
 

Day 2 Monday 9^th May

After breakfast, we depart Orvieto, travelling to Montepulciano, an ancient Etruscan city built along a narrow limestone ridge at 605m above sea level and encircled by walls and fortifications. Inside the walls, the streets are crammed with Renaissance-style palazzi and churches. Scenes of the cult movie New Moon were filmed here. After a guided tour of the highlights of the town, we move through the beautiful countryside to Siena, famous for its medieval walls, narrow streets and exceptional boutiques. We will also see the main architectural wonders: the Duomo, Public Square "Piazza del Campo" famous for the Palio horse race and the Tower of Mangia. Feel like a true local with a traditional take-away lunch of fresh panino. Spend some time at leisure strolling the streets or visiting the ruins or boutiques. Our next stop is Badia di Coltibuono, The Abbey here was founded in 1051 by the Benedictine monks. The Abbey garden has been restored to give a beautiful example of the ancient walled garden. Step down into the huge underground cellar and taste their own wines. This is a stunning location, built high on the hill and surrounded by white firs. Relax as we make our way to Florence and our accommodation, the unique Hotel Cellai, a family run property, located in a beautifully restored 18th century building in the centre of the city. The hotel has the magical atmosphere and charm of living in a Florentine home, just a short walk to all museums and shops. This exclusive hotel offers a multitude of amenities, such as a winter garden, La Terrazza honesty bar, a library wine-cocktail bar, wireless Internet access & a billiard room. Each room had been personally and individually decorated. It was at one time a nunnery and the many corridors lead to nooks and crannies full of rare memorabilia. Dinner tonight will be at Boccanegra restaurant, a cosy and very Italian pizzeria. Inclusions: guided tour of Montepulciano, light panino lunch, guided tour and wine tasting at Badia di Coltibuono, coach transfer, 3 course dinner with ¼ wine, ½ water and coffee, bed and breakfast.
 

Day 3 Tuesday 10^th May
 

After a leisurely breakfast we set off on a walking tour of Florence, including a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. There will be time for some personal shopping and sightseeing. In the afternoon we transfer to Lucca, our conference destination, situated on the river Serchio in a fertile plain near the Ligurian Sea. The rectangular grid of its historical center preserves the Roman street plan, and the Piazza San Michele occupies the site of the ancient forum. Traces of the amphitheatre can still be seen in the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. After settling in to your hotel we meet with our local guide for a walking tour of this 13th century walled city to conclude the tour. Inclusions: guided tour of Florence, entrance fee to Uffizi Gallery, coach transfers, guided tour of Lucca
 

1 day post-conference tour to Cinque Terre

Saturday 14^th May

Departing from Hotel Ilaria, we board the coach with our English speaking guide for a full day excursion to the Cinque Terre. Located in the Liguria region, you will enjoy the lovely views of the Mediterranean Sea & will visit some of the small and colorful villages of the '5 lands' : Vernazza, Rio Maggiore, Monte Rosso & Manarola. The five quaintly distinctive fishing villages stretch along five miles of rocky Ligurian coastline. The villages are not easy to get to but there are a number of choices to see these lovely towns and the magnificent coast. We shall take the local coastline train which travels between each town & also walk between 2 villages using the path that has been cut through the rock known as "Passeggiata dell'Amore” - Lovers walk & have a beautiful view of the coast from a ferry boat. Lunch at one of the quaint coastal villages is included. We depart at 4pm to return to Lucca by coach.

Inclusions:
Tour only- coach, train and ferry transfers, entrance fee to dell’Amore, guide services, lunch
Tour + B&B- as above plus bed and breakfast at Hotel Ilaria
 

general information

Children and triple share: Prices for children or for triple share are available on request.

Dress Code:Smart casual wear is suitable for all conference activities, including the Welcome Reception and Farewell Dinner.

Insurance: Registrants are strongly advised to arrange health and travel insurance. Phoenix Conferencing and Conference Link will accept no liability for loss or injury.

Travel arrangements: It is the responsibility of individual delegates and companions to arrange their own travel and documentation, including visas and transfers. Travellers are strongly encouraged to visit the Australian Government's SmartTraveller website for updates on travel conditions prior to travel.

Cancellations: The following cancellation fees apply for all components of the conference and related activities, including pre- and post-conference tours. Delegates are strongly advised to arrange health and travel insurance in the event of forced cancellation due to illness or other circumstances.
- Cancellations made before 14th February 2011 will receive a full refund
- Cancellations made after 14th February and up to 10th April will receive a refund of 50% of the total cost of the booking
- Cancellations made after 10th April: no refund

Disclaimer: The conference, tour or activities programs may change without notice.