News from Cross-Culture: Mt. Holyoke's Art Museum's Rome Trip

DATELINE: July 11, 2008
CONTACTS:
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
413-733-7095 or MGAuerbachPubRel@aol.com
Marianne Doezema
Florence Finch Abbott Director
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum
413-538-2245 or mdoezema@mtholyoke.edu

Mount Holyoke College Art Museum and Cross-Culture Journeys Present Travel Program to Rome..."Sites and Sensibilities: Walks in Rome and Environs". Mount Holyoke Art Historian and Travel Writer John Varriano to Lead October Trip

The Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, in association with Cross-Culture Journeys, is offering an 11-day travel program to Italy, Sites and Sensibilities: Walks in Rome and Environs on October 3-11, 2008. Mount Holyoke College art historian John Varriano, author of the travel guide "Rome: A Literary Companion" (chosen by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the best guidebook for walks in Rome), has designed the tour with Cross-Culture Journey's travel professionals; Varriano will lead the tour and some of the unique walks through the historical neighborhoods and sites that blanket the Eternal City.

Rome has been, for centuries, a center of Western civilization; largely unscathed by World War II, it has remained a living center of art and antiquities, surrounded by the vibrancy of a modern capital and "la dolce vita". Professor Varriano and local guide Nancy De Concilis will illuminate daily encounters with Ancient Rome, the great artists of the Italian Renaissance, and the powerful baroque works of Bernini and Borromini whose vision permeates the city to this day. The tour visits ancient ruins, museums, piazzas and fountains, the Vatican, and several of the villas that grace Rome’s environs. The tour also includes visits to the charming towns of Tivoli and Frascati, as well as the beautiful outlying area known as the Castelli Romani. There's time to savor some of Rome’s delightful restaurants, and spend several afternoons exploring the city independently or sketching with John Varriano. All travel participants will receive a copy of Varianno's book.

The Sites and Sensibilities: Walks in Rome and Environs tour includes: 9 nights accommodations at the centrally-located Ponte Sisto Hotel (four-star) in Rome, daily buffet breakfasts and meals as listed in the itinerary, excursions, admissions, and travel as listed in the itinerary, For those purchasing group air transportation through Cross-Culture Journeys, Rome airport transfers are included. Prices (per person, double occupancy) are: $4,995 land-only; $5,795 with air from Boston and/or New York. Airline ticket taxes, surcharges, and fees are extra. For a complete itinerary, registration form, and additional information, contact Cross-Culture Journeys at 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

The Mount Holyoke College Art Museum in South Hadley, founded in 1876, is one of the nation's leading collegiate art museums. Its comprehensive permanent collection of 14,000 objects features Asian art, 19th and 20th century European and American paintings and sculpture, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art; Medieval sculpture, early Italian Renaissance paintings, and an extensive collection of works on paper. For information on the Museum's exhibitions and programs: 413-538-3185 or http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/artmuseum/general_info.html. For recent news about the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/artmuseum/whatsnew.html

Cross-Culture Journeys has been offering a world of travel opportunities and new experiences for over 20 years. For sophisticated and curious travellers, Cross Culture Journeys features all-inclusive, small-group, in-depth cultural travel programs to over 40 unique destinations from Antarctica to Zagreb. From traditional to emerging destinations, from World Heritage sites to picturesque villages, from small-ship cruises to hiking and cycling; Cross-Culture Journey's distinctive itineraries showcase a region's peoples and cultures through their landmarks, museums and fine cuisines. Cross-Culture Journeys customizes itineraries for individuals, families, and groups. Cross-Culture Journeys, long a group travel partner for public broadcasting stations including WFCR in Western New England, WAMU in Washington, DC and KUER in Cincinnati, has developed a series of itineraries for some of the nation's most prestigious college and university alumni travel programs for partners UCLA, Texas A&M, Williams College, Penn State, University of Georgia, and Duke University. For information, visit Cross-Culture Journeys' website at www.ccjourneys.com or call 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

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