Art History Alive

arthisto December 4th, 2008

ALOHA CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 2-9, 2009
8 DAYS GROUP SIZE: 6-10
PRICE PER PERSON $3,175.00

What could be better than four great days in and around sparkling San Francisco? Days that will include Chinatown, oozing with culture, a boat ride and a tour of haunting Alcatraz, a visit to picturesque Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the majestic Muir Woods. How about four more days on Waikiki Beach at the recently remodeled Royal Hawaiian Hotel? Here we will be pampered to the max by the staff of the famous “Pink Palace”, we will spend our days between the beach, pool, shopping, and spa. We will drive out and spend one day wandering the Polynesian Cultural Center where we will experience the history and culture of the ancient Islanders. This dancing is amazing! The views of Diamond Head, from our hotel, the warm trade winds, the fragrance of plumaria leis on the air, and perhaps a mai tai, will make you want to stay forever.

Let’s go back a bit and delve deeper into what we will share on this tour. Chinatown, in San Francisco, is famous for being the most authentic “step into culture” that there is in the United States. Having lived in Hong Kong for almost five years, I heartily agree! The architecture, the faces, the smells, the colors, instantly take me back to the streets of Hong Kong. Vibrant, energetic, and fascinating! We will visit a dingy little fortune cookie factory on an alley, a bustling market place, and a Buddhist Temple high in a sky scraper. Chinatown is crammed, cramped, and packed with fun, all decorated in Chinese “lucky red”.

Alcatraz Prison is so very eerie. There is just no other way to describe it. We will take a tour with earphones enabling us to hear the prisoners talking and eating, as we walk through the prison, in and out of cells that held some very famous inmates. Then on across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods, named for the naturalist, John Muir. This is home to probably the tallest trees you will ever see in your life! It is almost silent here as we walk the paths through these giants. Being here, as in Yosemite, always puts my life back into perspective, and I love that.

What can you say about the Royal Hawaiian Hotel? It is one of the twelve surviving, truly grand, American hotels, has a wonderful history of its own, and is therefore, perfect for an Art History Alive trip. Built in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian opened just two years before the stock market crash of 1929, and its target market stopped traveling. She was struggling to come back when Japanese bombs exploded nearby at Pearl Harbor, and the Royal’s beautiful pink facade was surrounded by barbed wire. During the balance of WWII, she was used as a rest and relaxation retreat for U. S. sub sailors. Finally, she got her chance to shine when, at wars end, “mainlanders” remembering the beauty of Hawaii, even in war time, began returning to enjoy the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” sans the barbed wire. There is a reason why the Royal’s guest register is full of famous visitors throughout the years, The Royal Hawaiian is a destination in and of itself. The views and gardens will astound you, the lobby is wide open to the warm trade winds and ocean, and upon arrival at the Royal you are greeted with a lei of orchid blooms. As you can imagine, everything here is of the highest quality and their spa is wonderful.*

I will enjoy taking our little group, out on a drive, to spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu’s most popular attraction. The Cultural Center is a living museum. Here a series of recreated villages, representing the various tribes of Polynesia, are established so that visitors can wander from one to the other, noting the difference in cultures. The architecture, the decoration and deities are unique to each native group. Of course we will sample island delicacies, and enjoy Polynesian music and dance along the way. A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is perfect for Art History Alive travelers, because it enables us to become acquainted with Polynesian Island history, and therefore, return home with more than just a tan. This is the AHA way.

This trip will end in Hawaii from where your flights for the mainland will depart.

Physical level: Easy

*Optional spa treatments are available by appointment and are not included in the price of our trip.

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arthisto November 21st, 2008

ITALY – ROME AND FLORENCE
JUNE 11 – 19, 2009
9 DAYS GROUP SIZE: 4-8
PRICE PER PERSON $5,000.00

NOTE: Below is a good example of just what travel is like with ART HISTORY ALIVE. If you find that this post does not pique your interest, then you may not be a good fit for AHA, but if you begin reading and find yourself wanting to read and learn more, it is ten times better when we are there. Cynthia

All roads should lead to the awesome city of Rome at least once in a lifetime. Jim and I have traveled far and wide in this world, but since our discovery of Italy in 1987, we return every chance we get. And in all of that little boot, Rome has the strongest draw for us. Accumulativley, we have spent over 4 months in that city, and still we keep going back. Of everywhere we have been, Rome holds for us the richest and most stimulating bounty of art, history, architecture (which is an art), and culture, hands down.

On this trip we will literally spend time in, under, and around Rome. Our tiny group of travelers will go down into a hidden, lesser-known catacomb under the bustling Roman streets on a guided tour where you can ask all the questions you need to fully understand. We will wander the Forum and Coliseum, explore St. Peter’s Basilica and experience the art of Michelangelo, Bernini, and Caravaggio. Along the way and over delicious meals, these questions and more will be answered:

On warm evenings we will sit in outside cafés on cobblestone alleys and watch the most interesting people in the world stroll by. We will shop, rest and, overall, catch the Spirit of Rome which, you will want to take home with you.

Following our stay in Rome, we will hop the fast train north to Florence for four more days in this walkable gem of the Renaissance. Florence rose to its zenith following the fall of Rome and the ensuing 1,000 years, once referred to by the poet Petrarch as ” The Dark Ages”. Here, in Florence, in the late 14th century man began to question his place in this world and the long standing tradition that sons will automatically go into the family’s business. For example, why did a baker’s son have to be a baker simply because he was born into many generations of bakers? Why did he have to be a baker when he exemplified talent in math, science, languages or drawing? It was at this time in history that the baker, and thousands of his peers, not only in Florence but all over Italy, France, Germany and more, made what would become a world-changing decision. What did the baker do? He decided to educate his son! Not only to become learned in one subject but in many, simultaneously. This had not been done on this level for over 1,000 years. That generation of common laborers broke an age-old tradition, and these young men were educated by philosophers, poets, artists, and astronomers. The ensuing discussions in which freedom of thought was encouraged, new ideas were born and cultivated, detailed treatises written, copied and sent around the known world, changed it forever. Florence’s 200 year long Renaissance, and what is now known as the Humanist Movement, have benefited mankind ever since.

In Florence today, art and culture abound and their history can mesmerize. As you walk the streets you will witness the expression of the Renaissance and its enlightened thought all around you. The innovative architecture, the sculpture, and paintings. Even though little Florentine shops have modern conveniences and gorgeous displays in their windows, these same shops once housed the bakery, fabric stores, butchers, paper, and candle makers of the Renaissance. I will immerse you in the city that is Florence, I will show you the very spot where Michelangelo carved The David, Florence’s symbol of strength and, arguably, the most famous piece of High Renaissance sculpture in the world.

Whether you are experiencing Rome and Florence for the first time or are returning to visit “two old friends”, Italy continues to cast its spell. Don’t miss this under-the-surface adventure.
Physical Level: Moderate

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arthisto November 11th, 2008

Hello Everyone,

I am happy to say that the Specials and Discounts page is up so take a look. This is my way of saying thank you, in a meaningful way, to my wonderful clients that return and often bring friends with them, as well as my new clients for planning ahead. That is such a compliment to Art History Alive.

Happily, some of you have already realized a savings by booking your trips early for 2009. That is so smart and thank you. Once you have submitted your Application and sent your deposit, you enter the dreamy stage. The “I can’t believe I’m going to ___________”, stage. This becomes a wonderful period of anticipation. Even during Thanksgiving and Christmas you’ll have a little something that you’ll be looking forward to on the other side. Too fun!

So, to all of my returning clients, and early booking clients, let the fun begin, and this is my thank you for your continued confidence in Art History Alive.

Early Booking Benefits

Our most popular 2009 tours and dates will fill fast, so you may want to take advantage of the special early booking benefits that come with sending your deposit soon:

• Your seats will be reserved immediately.
• Your 2009 price will be locked-in and guaranteed.
• If you have taken an Art History Alive tour in the past, reserve by November 30, 2008, and we will add an extra $50.00 to your Tour Alumni Discount!
• If you change your mind for any reason, you can get your entire deposit refunded up to and including January 31, 2009.

Tour Alumni Discounts

• $50.00 off for each prior AHA tour. (one time only, of course)

Alums Who Bring Friends

• $50.00 off for each new traveler that you bring along on an AHA tour.

Private Tour

• 6 people make up and AHA group. If they are your friends and family you have a private tour.
• AHA will work together with you to design the trip of your dreams.

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arthisto October 30th, 2008

PARIS IN SPRINGTIME
JUNE 3 – 9, 2009
7 DAYS GROUP SIZE: 6-8
PRICE PER PERSON $3,700.00
I love Paris in its prettiest season, springtime. Of course we will spend a week exploring this gorgeous city; its museums, shops, and bistros, but pictured here is Claude Monet’s garden in the season in which we will visit. Who of you have stood in front of a Monet painting, of his beloved garden, and wondered if it was as beautiful as he saw it? On this trip we will stand in his garden and you will see for yourselves. For those of you, like me, who have been to this marvelous place before, together we will spend a few leisurely hours wandering not only his enormous garden, but his home as well. Left as it was, it appears that he has just stepped out to pick some herbs to be incorporated into the family dinner. The dining room table is set, fresh flowers abound, and all is ready for a family gathering. Here in this beautiful and gracious home, Monet thrived from 1883 until the time of his death in 1926. I never, never tire of Giverny.
While in Paris, our home will be a tiny, very French hotel on the Left Bank, where I have been staying for years. I am well acquainted with the neighborhood and its restaurants and really look forward to showing you around. The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and on and on and on.

Below is a sampling of how I like to spend my days in Paris. Why not join me? Apply to travel to Paris and let’s start planning.

Physical Level: Moderate

DAY 1

Arrive Paris and check into our hotel, Calais des Pais, in the late morning. This day will begin in the center of historic Paris with a visit of Notre Dame Cathedral and the pristine Gothic chapel of St. Chapelle. We will enjoy a relaxed evening with a delicious dinner within walking distance of our hotel.

DAY 2
A slow morning with breakfast at the famous Café Flore. We will travel to the outskirts of Paris to visit the Palace of Versailles, and its beautiful gardens. Then onto Monet’s beloved home and garden in Giverny. Another easy evening.

DAY 3
This morning we will explore the Musee de Cluny. This museum holds the foremost collection of medieval art in the world within a renaissance mansion, built over the ruins of a huge Roman bath. Extraordinary! Free afternoon wandering the streets of Paris.

DAY 4
In the morning, we will visit the Musee d’Orsay with its collection of paintings and sculpture beginning in the late 1800’s. Monet, Renoir, VanGogh, and Latrec are all here. In the afternoon, we will enjoy the Eiffel Tower, its magnificent views of Paris, dinner, and a night time boat ride on the Seine.

DAY 5
This will be a free morning. At midday we will meet for lunch in the famous Tuillerie Gardens of the Louvre Palace. After lunch we will visit this most famous museum. We will enjoy the museum’s highlights including, of course, DaVinci’s, Mona Lisa. Following this experience of inside art immersion, we will go outside on to Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine stood during the French Revolution, and walk the beautiful Boulevard Champs-Elysees.

DAY 6
Today we will have another lazy morning and then decide how we would like to spend our last day in Paris. We might want to travel to Chateau Vincennes, a leisurely day trip, we might decide to split up with some returning for a second dose of a favorite museum and others doing some shopping. No matter what we choose to do, we will all be in Paris together for our final evening, that might just call for some Champagne.

DAY 7
Travel back to the United States or elsewhere. I am going on to Rome, care to join me?

Shopping and rest time are built into this itinerary, and all is done at a leisurely pace.

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arthisto October 9th, 2008

NEW YORK CITY SHOPOVER
MAY 28 – JUNE 1, 2009 ~ 5 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 4-8
PRICE PER PERSON $2,500.00

This is a quickie to NYC during a perfect time of year. We will stay at The Belvedere Hotel, in mid-town Manhattan, where we can shop, museum hop, and take in a show on Broadway. Were you aware that the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the top three museums in the world? It is huge, amazing and can be overwhelming; however, being a member of the Met for many years taught me how to divide and conquer this fantastic collection. No matter what your interest, from Greek and Roman sculpture to 20th century European paintings, from a silver teapot poured by Paul Revere to the Egyptian Temple of Dendur to a Stradivarius violin, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a National Treasure to be sure. After wandering the collections, a glass of champagne on the museum’s mezzanine to live chamber music is one of my very favorite NYC things to do, so we’ll do that too. I love shopping in SoHo and we will share delicious meals at my favorite restaurants and dives, and altogether slip into “That New York State of Mind”. The Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, Time Square, Central Park and more. For me this is a wonderfully fun shopover as I will be on my way to gorgeous Paris, why don’t you come with me?
Physical Level: Moderate

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arthisto September 30th, 2008

CALIFORNIA COAST, CASTLE AND CABERNET
MAY 14 – 21, 2009 ~ 8 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6
PRICE PER PERSON $2,800.00
After two days in pretty San Francisco, our little group will travel south to picturesque Carmel. Here we will visit this quaint town and its gorgeous mission. We will stay at Clint Eastwood’s, Mission Ranch Inn, which is oh, so Californian! Traveling south on the Pacific Coast Highway, the ocean views will astound you as we wind our way through Big Sur. Arriving in the adorable town of Cambria, we will explore the many shops and sleep at pretty Moonstone Beach in the shadow of Hearst Castle. After breakfast we will drive up to the castle and enjoy a movie depicting the life of William Randolph Hearst, then with some understanding of this man, we will tour his magnificent castle. In the afternoon we will turn our backs to the Pacific, drive through a pretty valley stopping along the way to taste some very delicious wines produced right there. Then turning north, we will arrive into the “gentleman rancher” town of Paso Robles where we will stay at the famous Paso Robles Inn. After breakfast it is on to Santa Cruz via historic San Juan Batista and her lovely mission. Arriving in Santa Cruz, we will check into our inn which sits on a cliff overlooking the famous Beach Boardwalk with its historic roller coaster and merry-go-round. We will spend the evening enjoying Surf City USA. Our last full day is a fantastic one. Beginning with a light breakfast overlooking the Pacific, we will drive about 30 minutes to a State Park where the Giant Pacific Redwoods are protected. Here we will wander the paths under these enormous trees, some reaching a height of an 18 story building, until we are hungry for our private picnic lunch. Here in the shade of these giants it is very quiet. Then it’s off to San Francisco and our little hotel in the hills where we started our trip. That evening, we will toast our new and renewed friendships at the Carnelian Room on the 52nd floor of a soaring skyscraper. With its 360 degree view of “The City”, we’ll say goodbye to San Francisco just before we go off to another delicious dinner. So, think of it, from the crashing Pacific Ocean to the silent Giant Redwoods, to soaring above San Francisco, and this is just one day in beautiful California!
Physical Level: Moderate

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arthisto September 22nd, 2008

CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH WINES, AND YOSEMITE
APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2009 ~ 7 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 4-6
PRICE PER PERSON $2,535.00
This tour’s focus is pampering first and then regaining perspective. Designed with working professional women in mind, and yet not exclusive, we will begin in beautiful San Francisco wandering colorful Chinatown, a back alley fortune cookie factory as well as a Buddhist Temple located in a skyscraper, and on to the glamorous shopping area of Union Square. Then we take a drive to the slower paced heart of the California Gold Rush, Sonora.  Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains, we will spend two days between relaxing professional spa treatments, and tasting some of the best wines of California.  And then, on day 5 we will drive into Yosemite National Park and check into our beautiful rooms at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. This beautiful hotel, built in 1926 and like no other in its massive grandeur, still cannot compete with the drama and majesty of Yosemite Valley.  You will feel your life slip into perspective as we quietly walk the pathways of Yosemite with its enormous granite cliffs surrounding us and as its magnificent waterfalls crash; all outside troubles and pressures seem to morph back into perspective where they should be.  All my life I have been visiting this natural cathedral and always have the same response to it.  It makes me quiet, thoughtful and enormously thankful.  If you have been before, maybe it is time to go again, if this will be your first time, brace yourself for a powerful experience.

From Yosemite we will drive back to sparkling San Francisco for our final night.  Within walking distance of our hotel we will toast our new friendships at the Carnelian Room on the 52nd floor of a soaring skyscraper with a 360 degree view of San Francisco before a delicious dinner and our farewells and flights home the next day.

Physical Level: Moderately Strenuous.

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arthisto September 12th, 2008

A CHILD’S ROME
APRIL 10-17, 2009 ~ 8 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6-8
PRICE PER PERSON $2,800.00
Want to do something fantastic with your children or grandchildren this Spring? How about an age appropriate week together in Rome, culminating with Easter Sunday in Saint Peter’s Square? This very valuable Art History Alive tour was designed with parents, grandparents and their young people in mind. While we are there, on the spot, we will draw and discuss a simple time line of Ancient Rome so that everyone understands how and when Rome began and what contributed to its fall. We will wander and make sense of the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and walk where Julius Cesar walked. We will visit the Vatican Museum and experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling together. I personally will show you hidden pictures that Michelangelo included in his paintings, but kept a secret. I will show you the only marble statue that he ever signed and explain why he did so, and why he never did again.

Easter Sunday morning we will walk to Saint Peter’s Square and gather with thousands of people from around the world to watch the pageantry and listen to the beautiful music. Picture the steps up to the facade of the Basilica completely carpeted with bright green lawn. Add to that, huge terracotta urns full of mature azelea’s blooming in all shades of pinks and purples. Tulips, daffodils, gladiolas, and on and on. The crowd that gathers in the square, many of whom have traveled thousands of miles to be there on Easter, often wear their native costumes representing such far away places as Africa and Tonga, Turkey and Ireland. Many groups bring with them their precious religious icons and present them, via musical procession, to the Pope for his blessing. Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square is “a happening” and resembles a U.N. Exposition. Do not miss this amazing opportunity with your children.

As an important part of experiencing the Italian culture, each day we will have delicious lunches and dinners, tasting pastas, pizzas, and of course, gelato.

An age-appropriate Study Journal will be provided for each student prior to travel. These spiral bound booklets include:

• Note-taking pages listing each site we will see
• Heavy sketching paper
• A brief history of Rome
• A packing list
• A pre-travel (optional) reading list
• Diary pages
• An autograph page for email addresses of new friends made along the way
• A pocket page for mementos

Your child’s Study Journal and pencil will be with him/her each day for note-taking and sketching. When our time together in Rome is over, this booklet makes a wonderful enrichment tool, something to share at school, and a keepsake.

An AHA week in Rome with your child or grandchild is something that you will never forget! I promise!

Physical Level: Moderate

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arthisto September 4th, 2008

We are happy to announce that our DVD, “Art History Alive Presents Italy” is now embedded here on the blog. If you haven’t seen it yet, we hope that you will enjoy it as much as we do, and if you would like a complimentary copy to share with friends, just let me know.

This DVD is pretty but its significance lies in the fact that this IS AHA’s Italy, as every photo included, with the exception of the wedding pictures, was taken while traveling with our lovely clients. Many of which are featured in the DVD. Sorry, no kick-backs guys.

In case you are wondering why we chose ” The Flower Duet” from Madama Butterfly, an opera set in
Japan . . . . . . No, I think I’ll let you take a guess at why it is appropriate. Any ideas? Use the comment box below!

Enjoy,

Cynthia

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arthisto August 28th, 2008

Art History Alive is so excited to offer eight destinations in 2009! More places than ever to visit, more interesting things to learn, and each is described below. Over the next few weeks I will post on each tour individually and include a few more details. I hope that you will enjoy this line up and share it with friends and family.

As you can see we are going to have a fabulous year of traveling both far and near and we are very happy to announce:

• Early booking benefits
• Alumni discounts
• Refundable deposits

I will post explanations of these NEW money saving opportunities very soon. These trips will fill up fast so the early booking benefits are important.

Now is the time to look over the line-up and start dreaming about where you would like to go! I will be looking for your comments and questions, which you can post in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

A CHILD’S ROME
APRIL 10-17, 2009 ~ 8 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6-8
PRICE PER PERSON $2,800.00
Want to do something fantastic with your children this Spring? How about a week together in Rome? This very valuable tour is designed for parents and young people. We will wander the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and walk where Julius Cesar walked. Easter Sunday morning we will gather with thousands of people from around the world in St. Peter’s Square to watch the pageantry and listen to the beautiful music. Do not miss this amazing opportunity with your children. Study journals provided.
Physical Level: Moderate

CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH WINES, AND YOSEMITE
APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2009 ~ 7 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 4-6
PRICE PER PERSON $2,535.00
This tour is all about pampering and regaining perspective. Designed with working professional women in mind, we will begin in beautiful San Francisco wandering colorful Chinatown, the glamorous shopping area of Union Square and more. Then we drive to the slower paced heart of the California Gold Rush. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains, we will spend two days between enjoying amazing spa treatments and tasting some of the best wines of California. And then, to put our lives in perspective, we will walk the quiet pathways of Yosemite National Park, with its enormous granite cliffs surrounding you, its waterfalls crashing; all outside troubles seem small and very manageable.
Physical Level: Moderately Strenuous.

CALIFORNIA COAST, CASTLE, AND CABERNET
MAY 14 – 21, 2009 ~ 8 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6
PRICE PER PERSON $2,800.00
After two days in pretty San Francisco our little group will travel south to picturesque Carmel. Here we will visit the town and its mission. Oh, so Californian! Traveling south on the Pacific Coast Highway, the ocean views will astound you. Arriving in the adorable town of Cambria, we will explore the many shops and sleep at pretty Moonstone Beach in the shadow of Hearst Castle. After breakfast we will tour this magnificent castle and turn north through beautiful countryside to the “gentleman rancher” town of Paso Robles. Then on to Santa Cruz via some hidden spots along the way. Our little inn in Santa Cruz sits on a cliff overlooking the Beach Boardwalk, with its historic roller coaster and merry-go-round. Our last day includes a light breakfast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a private picnic lunch in the mountains among the giant redwoods, and dinner in a chic restaurant in the hills of San Francisco. This is just one day in California!
Physical Level: Moderate

NEW YORK CITY SHOPOVER
MAY 28 – JUNE 1, 2009 ~ 5 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 4-8
PRICE PER PERSON $2,500.00
This is a quickie to NYC to shop, museum hop, and take in a show on Broadway. Are you aware that the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the top three museums in the world? It is amazing and can be overwhelming; however, being a member for many years taught me how to divide and conquer this fantastic collection. Champagne on the museum’s mezzanine to live chamber music is one of my very favorite NYC things to do. We will share delicious meals at my favorite places, and get into “That New York State of Mind”. I will be on my way to Paris, why don’t you come with me?
Physical Level: Moderate

PARIS IN SPRINGTIME
JUNE 3 – 9, 2009 ~ 7 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6-8
PRICE PER PERSON $3,700.00
I love Paris in its prettiest season, springtime. We will spend a week exploring this city; its museums, shops, and bistros. Our home will be a tiny, very French hotel on the Left Bank, where I have been staying for years. I know the neighborhood and its restaurants well and really look forward to showing you around. The Louvre, Giverny, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and on and on and on. Physical Level: Moderate

ITALY – ROME AND FLORENCE
JUNE 11 – 19, 2009 ~ 9 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 4-8
PRICE PER PERSON $5,000.00
All roads lead to the awesome city of Rome. We will spend four days in, under, and around Rome. Literally. We will go down into hidden catacombs under the bustling city streets; we will wander the Forum and Coliseum, explore St. Peter’s Basilica and see the art of Michelangelo, Bernini, and Caravaggio. We will sit outside in cafés on warm evenings and watch the most interesting people in the world stroll by. Then, we will hop the fast train north to Florence for four more days in this walkable gem of the Renaissance. Florence where art and culture abound. Whether you are experiencing these for the first time or returning to visit “your old friends”, Italy continues to cast its spell.
Physical Level: Moderate

ALOHA CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 2-9, 2009 ~ 8 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6-10
PRICE PER PERSON $3,175.00
What could be better than four days in and around San Francisco? Days that will include Chinatown, Alcatraz, beautiful Sausalito, the Golden Gate, and the majestic Muir Woods. How about four more days on Waikiki Beach at the recently remodeled Royal Hawaiian Hotel? Pampered to the max by the Pink Palace, we will spend our days between the beach, pool, shopping, and spa. The views of Diamond Head, warm winds, the fragrance of plumaria leis on the air, and perhaps a mai tai, will make you want to stay forever.
Physical level: Easy

TUSCANY AND THE AMALFI COAST

SEPTEMBER 16–24, 2009 ~ 9 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE: 6
PRICE PER PERSON $5,000.00
After arriving into Rome and having our first cappuccino in Italy together, we will travel to the tiny hill town of Proceno. Here we will check into our castle apartments, that we will call home for the next four days. We will explore more ancient hill towns of Tuscany, we will savor some of the most delicious foods and wines you have ever tasted, and you will become acquainted with our friends of many years, Pucci, Giovanni, Roberto, and Gianfranco. Then we will jump a train and travel south to the beautiful Amalfi Coast and stay in both Sorrento and Positano for the final four days. Here, overlooking the aqua waters of the Mediterranean, where centuries ago pirates ruled, we will wander, shop, visit Pompeii and Capri. With all the fresh seafood and crispy white wines you can take in, you will ask yourself, “Can it get any better than this?”
Physical level: Moderately Strenuous

ALL TRIPS INCLUDE: Hotels, lunch and dinner daily with house wines, ground transportation, museum admissions, travel insurance, and many memorable moments.

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