Italy Through a Castle Window: September 2008
arthisto July 14th, 2008
“Rome became my home as soon as I saw it. I was born that moment. That was my real birthday.” Federico Fellini
Gathered here are some compelling reasons why you might consider becoming a part of Art History Alive’s upcoming trip to Tuscany and Rome; “Italy Through a Castle Window”. (Day to day itinerary below article)
The thoughts below, I adore, as they put into words my exact feelings, and those of so many others that have traveled to Italy. With some written two centuries ago and some written as recently as last week, the sentiments are the same. The first few quotes are by Johann Goethe who lived in Rome, Naples, and Sicily for two life changing years. The latter two quotes were written recently by a very intelligent and well traveled woman, Ellie Trevarthen, and a friend, just after his first trip to Italy, Walter Schuppe. May I suggest that as you read, you take a moment after each one and consider thoughtfully the wisdom and excitement within. Strong feelings all.
“In Rome you learn to see with an eye that feels and feel with a hand that can see.” Goethe, 1786
“These paintings are like friends with whom one has long been acquainted through correspondence and now sees face to face for the first time.” Goethe, 1787
“Nothing, above all, is comparable to the new life that a reflective person experiences when he observes a new country. Though I am still always myself, I believe I have been changed to the very marrow of my bones.” Goethe, 1788
“In this place, whoever looks seriously about him and has eyes to see is bound to become a stronger character: he acquires a sense of strength hitherto unknown to him.” Goethe, 1788
” Despite the weak dollar, my decisions to vacation in Italy are conscious and carefully considered. The travel experience has vastly more value and affects my life perspective more profoundly than the value of the dollars it costs to get the experience. My trips to Europe in recent years have changed my world view dramatically — there’s nothing I could buy with the same amount of money at home that would derive an equal amount of intangible value. For me, it truly is the “cost of living” life, rather than not living it. ” Trevarthen, 2008
What is it about this country that gets so deeply into it’s guests and has them dreaming of their return? For those of you who have been fortunate enough to visit, I would love to hear your thoughts on this question via email or the comments box at the bottom of this page. Who knows, one day you may find a request from AHA to publish your quote.
September is one of the most gorgeous months to be in Italy. Warm days, cool nights, beautiful and haunting hilltowns and scenery, delicious food, welcoming people and fantastic wines. All of this is Tuscany and Rome in September.
Here is a final quote from a very happy traveler, a philosopher he is not.
“. . . . Rome was our favorite. The history was incredible and the food was magnificent. I’d like to move to a small village to speak Italian and eat pasta every day. We were so tired after our 5 days we needed to be carried to the plane.” Schuppe, 2008
Art History Alive’s trip, “Italy Through a Castle Window”, which is a very nice eight day Tuscany /Rome blend in September, can be a life changing opportunity. Applications can be easily filled out online, or email AHA and let’s get going.
Italy Through a Castle Window: September 23 - 30, 2008
Eight days Tuscany and Rome
Price: $3,500.00*
9/23/08 Day one - Arrive Rome and drive to Castello di Proceno, via the beautiful hilltop town of Orvieto where you will roam around and see the world famous Cathedral. Then off on the short drive to Proceno and check in to our castle rooms, meet Pucci, Giovanni, and Roberto. Celebration dinner at Gianfranco’s!
9/24 - 26/08 Days two-four - The hilltowns of Tuscany. We will explore the pretty towns of Sorano, Pitigliano, Sovana, and the haunting Civita di Bagnoregio. We will lunch in Pienza and visit Montipulciano in the heart of “Brunello land”. Beautiful churches, sunwarmed stone walls with overflowing window boxes a bloom with red geraniums. Delicious Tuscan food, velvety wines (well most of the time) and an opportunity to meet our lovely Italian friends of many years.
9/27/08 Day five - Morning departure for Roma. After check in to the Hotel Forte we will wander this ancient city to include The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Dinner together in our favorite place, Il Corallo, just steps from Piazza Navona.
9/28 and 29/08 Days six and seven - Rome! St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican Museum, The Borghese Gallery, the Coliseum, Forum, and some of the coolest restaurants you’ll ever experience.**
9/30/08 Day eight - Arrivaderci Roma
*Price includes everything except your roundtrip airfare to Rome. Meals in our favorite places, house wines, all “in country” transportation, all museum admissions, and travel insurance. Everything paid for before departure for an absolutely worry free travel experience.
**All AHA itineraries are totally flexible. If there are other sites, than those listed, that you would like to see, just let us know. Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, whether your wish to see the “must sees” or you wish to go deeper under the surface, we love this country and want to share it with you. Plain and simple.
on the Left Bank of Paris. Then there is the quiet tucked away hotel in Rome on the street where Federico Fellini lived, the monumental Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite (right) with it’s walk in fireplaces, huge scale, gigantic beams, and Native American decor, or the grand dame of them all, the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki beach. On California’s Pacific Coast, up in the Gold Rush Country, or in the heartbeat of New York City, we will share with you our favorite hotels and you will not be disappointed.