2010 Maize Genetics Hotel and Travel Information:

Deadlines:

Travel Information:

1. For international travelers, the closest large airports to Riva del Garda are Milan (Malpensa) and Venice. While the airport at Verona is smaller it is the closest to Riva del Garda and also well connected to travel from other European cities. As a result, travelers interested in obtaining the best fare and willing to consider connecting flights should include flying into Verona among their possible itineraries.
2. European travelers might also try the airports at Bergamo and Milan (Linate) which have low cost fares from many European cities.
3. Attendees are advised to book travel early to secure reasonably priced fares.
4. Participants travelling long distance are encouraged to arrive in Italy one day prior (March 17) to the start of the conference.

Transportation to Riva del Garda:

1. The conference site is not located near major transportation routes, therefore Rivatour has organized a shuttle service from the main airports and railway stations to Riva del Garda. For your convenience, all participants are strongly encouraged to use the organized shuttle service for transportation to Riva del Garda. The shuttle can be booked on the Rivatour website by clicking the �Transfer Request� button.
2. Prior to booking your shuttle reservation, you must already have booked your flight to Italy as your flight information is required when making the shuttle reservation.
3. The cost for a given shuttle will be split evenly amongst the passengers; therefore Rivatour will work to coordinate multiple travelers per trip to keep costs reasonable. Thus, travelers might have to wait until additional flights arrive to fill shuttles.
4. Shuttle costs are variable but the cost for transport from Milan (Malpensa) will be listed on the Rivatour webpage, as this is the most distant airport.
5. Payment for the shuttle will be by credit card or bank transfer through a secure web site on the Rivatour site (see hotel payment below).
6. Currently the shuttle is scheduled for:
   1. From Milan (Malpensa) to Riva del Garda, Wed. March 17 and from Riva del Garda to Milan, Mon. March 22.
   2. From Verona (Valerio Catullo to Riva del Garda, Wed. March 17 & Thur. March 18 and from Riva del Garda to Verona, Sun. March 21 and Mon March 22.
   3. Shuttle times will be arranged according to passengers� arrival/departure times.
   4. Other dates are available by request; please submit your arrival/departure times by clicking the �Transfer Request� button

Hotel Reservations:

1. TheRivatour Travel Agency is managing lodging at Riva del Garda. Participants must use the Rivatour link to book their hotel.
2. When participants make their initial hotel reservation, no credit card information is required. Within 48 hours, participants will receive an email offer from the Rivatour Agency specifying the details of the reservation, including payment and cancellation policies. At that time, an advance payment of �50.00 (ca. $75.00 US) is required within 72 hours of receiving the email offer to secure the accommodations. Costs for lodging must be paid in full at least 10 days prior to arrival in Riva del Garda. All payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer through a secure web site on the Rivatour site.
3. For room reservations, �twin� = 2 single beds for 2 people, �double� = 1 double bed for 2 people and �double as a single� = 1 double bed for 1 person.
4. Breakfast is included in the cost of lodging and served at the hotels. Lunch, dinner and coffee breaks will be served at the Congress Centre.
5. A short tour of the city of Riva del Garda will be organized for the morning of March 18 (Thursday). Those wishing to participate are kindly requested to book his/her participation on the Rivatour website. The tour costs approximately � 3.00 to �5.00/person (currently equivalent to ca. $4.50 to $7.50 U.S.).
6. All hotels are located a very short distance (walking distance) from the Congress Center within downtown Riva del Garda, which is a very safe area. Only Astoria and Flora are 900 meters away from the congress centre, while the distance for all the others is less them 500 meters. Liberty is the closest at 200 meters.
7. Reservations will be accepted after the Jan. 29 deadline but choices may be limited and are not guaranteed.

Roommate Bulletin Board:

Visa/Passport Information:

1. Apply for travel visas three months prior to when they are needed. International scientists/students within the U.S. may require a visa for travel to Europe. For further information, visit the State Department web site or the International Visitors Office web site. As part of enhanced security procedures, applications for visas are sent to the U.S. State Department for a security review. Because of the number of visas being processed and the need to be thorough with the reviews, this can take as much as eight to twelve weeks. Therefore, we advise participants to apply for their visa as early as possible (at least three months before the visa is needed). Please check with your local U.S. consulate or embassy to find out the earliest that you may apply.
2. U.S. citizens require a valid passport to travel to this conference.

International Attendees:

Riva del Garda local weather: