Art History Alive

arthisto January 8th, 2009

TUSCANY AND THE AMALFI COAST
SEPTEMBER 16–24, 2009
9 DAYS GROUP SIZE: 6
PRICE PER PERSON $5,000.00

This incredible trip to Italy will be the first time I have paired these two destinations and what an awesome combination it will be! We’ll start in Tuscany’s tiny cobbled hilltowns, during the grape harvest, no less, and end in the warm aqua blue waters of the Mediterranean. Oooo, can’t wait for this one!

After arriving in Rome and having our first cappuccino in Italy together, we will gather into our spacious, panoramic-windowed van and travel toward the tiny hill town of Proceno, in southern Tuscany. However, on our way, we will drive up a hill to soaring Orvieto for a delicious lunch and the first of many an awe inspiring wander. No one actually knows the age of Orvieto, however we do know that around 750 B.C. the Etruscans thrived here, inheriting it from their Iron and Bronze Age ancestors. How exciting it is to visit a city that has survived for thousands of years, with its bustle interrupted only once, in the 14th century, by the Black Plague. We will meander at our own pace through Orvieto’s crown jewel, her Cathedral, with its brightly colored mosaic facade. Built over a mere 300 years, it holds precious art that I love to visit and share. So, within two hours of landing in Italy you will be immersed in its ancient beauty, and this will just be the beginning.

Forty minutes deeper into beautiful Tuscany and we will arrive at Castello di Proceno. This castle/fortress was built in the 11th century and has been creatively redesigned into several beautiful apartments. This is my favorite landing spot in all of Tuscany. Once we check in and relax a bit, we will take a walk around town so that you can get your bearings. It isn’t difficult as it is tiny, but the views, in all directions are dreamlike, no, actually they are “calendarlike”. I will introduce you to Pucci and Giovanni, the owners of the castle, Roberto the grocer, where you can buy anything from locally made salami, to bedroom slippers, and Gianfranco, of Trattoria da Gianfranco. The castle will be our home for the next four days as we explore more picturesque hilltowns and savor some of the most delicious food and wine you will have ever tasted.

On the list of must sees, in these first four days, are the cathedral of Sovana, that took so long to build that it actually spans two architectural periods. So, as we sit in the back of the church you will see that two of its three aisles are Romanesque and the third is Gothic. Amazing! The hilltown hamlet of Pienza that was, luckily for us, caught in a time warp. During the first half of the 1400’s, Pope Pius II, responsible for the revitalization and redesigning of his beloved hometown, was called away to raise troops for a crusade to the Holy Land. He left a Papal Bull, in beautiful Latin, that stated nothing should be touched until his return. Unfortunately, in 1465 he died while away, and Pienza dutifully has left everything just as it was. Because of this, a visit to Pienza gives us a real time snapshot of Tuscan life in the 1400’s. Pienza was miraculously spared during World War II bombing raids, however the machine gun holes in the exterior side wall of the cathedral are a reminder of what happened here when both Germans and Americans took turns occupying Pienza and the surrounding towns. This is a fascinating area with lots to explore, learn and taste. Brunellos come from here as does a most delicious soft, not salty, pecorino cheese.

And who can be in this area and not visit the most haunting of all hilltowns, Civita di Bagnoregio? Not me! Civita sits a top a rock spur, built entirely of rock taken from the spur, it appears to be something organic that simply grew out of the mountain. However, because of earthquakes over the centuries much of the spur and city have dropped away, leaving Civita sitting like a diamond nestled in a round solitaire setting. There is one approach to the city, a walking bridge that spans the gorge that encircles Civita. Often, in the morning, the city is engulfed in clouds or fog and it appears that the bridge leads to no where. Sometimes the fog fills just the gorge with Civita above as if floating in the sky. This is like nothing else you would have seen up to this point, and you will remember it always. Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a hefty appetite are a must for Civita da Bagnoregio.

Eventually, we will have to say goodbye to our castle and Tuscany, and head south to Rome where we will jump a fast train and travel further south to the dramatic Amalfi Coast. This is the land of old lemon trees, heavy with the fruit that will lend itself to that delicious, yellow, after dinner concoction, limoncello. The land of soft buffalo milk mozzarella, and fresh fish. While here we will divide our time between Sorrento and Positano. Even though they are only separated by a one hour drive, they are so beautiful and unique unto themselves, that I want you to experience both. Sorrento is built high above the Mediterranean on a flat plateau, where you can walk to the edge and look straight down into the warm, see-through water. Positano is built in a cove and its villas, hotels, shops and restaurants look like pastel building blocks tumbled down a hill. Here, overlooking the aqua waters of the Mediterranean, where centuries ago pirates marauded, we will wander, shop, visit Pompeii, Capri, and maybe even Amalfi, mostly by sea. With all the fresh seafood and crispy white wines you can take in, you will ask yourself, “Can it get any better than this?” Nope!

Which will be your favorite? Cobblestoned Tuscany, with its full o’flavor wines and where you met the locals and stayed in a castle, or the warm seafront terraces and fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast? These will be ongoing comparisons that may never have a definitive conclusion. As for me, after 20 years of loving these places, I could say it’s like comparing apples and oranges, but it’s not, it’s cobblestones and lemons.
Physical level: Moderately Strenuous

• Art and History , Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (2)

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.

• Art and History , Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (0)

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

• Art and History , Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (1)

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.

• Trip Advice
• Comments (0)

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.

• Art and History , Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (0)

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

• Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (0)

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

• Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (0)

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 produced in this area.  Leave it to me to discover relaxing spa treatments in an historical building built in 1895. Now, that is cultural immersion! Built after the gold rush, this classic western boomtown style building with its wooden sidewalks, was the very necessary Mundorf Hardware store with the Mundorf family living above. They would probably be shocked to know that within the rooms where they raised their children, today, soft music and candle light beckon clients into the sunny,warm and private treatment rooms.

Our spa treatments will be divided between a one hour body massage that is designed by you, and another glorious hour-long European facial. Whether you prefer a Swedish, sports, or lighter aromatherapy massage, it will be tailored to your achieving an all over “wet noodle” experience. I have spoken at length with, and experienced first hand these professionals, and they understand completely what my goal is for each of you traveling with me on this trip. Pampered excellence and a long lingering memory of travel with Art History Alive.

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.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” John Muir

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.

• Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (0)

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

• Destination Updates , Upcoming Trip
• Comments (2)

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

• Art and History
• Comments (0)