ART HISTORY ALIVE
Newsletter
January 2007
Happy New Year!
Here we are again, poised for the start of a new and fresh year. For Art History Alive, 2006 was wonderfully satisfying, closed with an ever growing number of new friends that started out as clients, and great memories of stimulating visits to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Nothing would make me happier than to simply be able to say the same thing at the start of 2008. To that end we have planned four more great trips for our clients to choose from, and my daughter Wai-ling, has taken on the redesign of the entire AHA website. New, fresh, easy to navigate, and full of information, we hope you will enjoy your next visit.
TRIPS FOR 2007:
Upon arrival in Rome we will pick up our van and drive north to the Castello di Proceno, which will be our home for the four days that we explore the hilltowns of Tuscany. Sandwiched between Pienza, and Montepulciano, and the lesser known Sovana and Civita de Bagnoregio, will be vistas and meals that are unforgettable. Cooking classes at the castle are a fun option available to clients on this itinerary. Then we are off to Rome, the city to which all roads lead. Rome is the caretaker of, and caregiver to, the most magnificent art and architecture in the world. Here four more days will be enjoyed in, under, and around, this Eternal City, from the Roman Forum, to the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon . . . . The wonder that is Rome goes on and on, and will forever.
This itinerary is very simple, seven days in this sophisticated, energetic city exploring the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and so much more. In Paris we will stay on the left bank at a classic little French hotel with overflowing flower boxes at each window. Our hotel is within walking distance to almost everything that Paris has to offer, which is why we love it. In The City of Light, Paris, we will split our time between viewing the spectacular art collections and slowly meandering the streets with their beautiful little shops. Paris's great bistros, brasseries, and restaurants will refresh and rejuvenate as needed. We will culminate this trip by visiting Monet’s garden in Giverny on our last afternoon where the rhododendrons and azaleas should be in full bloom, and the lavender wisteria will be heavily draped over the Japanese Bridge. Breathtaking to see in real life!
This trip will begin with four warm days spent in Rome. We will wander the Forum and Coliseum, we will be staggered by the immense and powerful beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. We will go two levels below the Basilica, and 2000 years back in time, to the excavation area of the grave of St. Peter on an amazing tour arranged through Vatican City offices. Following our time in Rome we will pick up our van and drive north into the hills of Tuscany where we will check into our castle accommodation for the next four days of vineyards, hilltowns, wine tasting and more. Too fun! Take a moment ot visit the "Friends and Acquaintances" page on the AHA site. There you will see photos of some of our Italian/Tuscan friends that you will meet on this trip.
This relaxing week will be spent between beautiful Sorrento and gorgeous Positano. During our time in Sorrento we will take a day trip to the historic and amazing Pompeii, and another to the Isle of Capri, with late afternoon returns to poolside at our hotel in Sorrento. Sorrento is teeming late into the night which makes it really fun for wandering its narrow alleys on your own and for shopping as well. Then it's off to Positano which clings to the cliffs over the aqua waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Even the approach to Positano, on the dramatic Amalfi Drive, is spectacular. This was a favorite vacation spot for Roman Emperors and you will see for yourself, the reason why. Your room will have a cozy balcony that looks out over the “see through” water and where you can watch the sunset each evening, if you choose. Stunning!
A fantastic line-up for 2007 which has me counting the days. Many of you are already booked on one of these trips. Let me thank you in advance for your enthusiasm and confidence, and assure you of a magical time abroad. These are my favorite places in the world, and I love sharing them with new and returning friends.
For those of you who decide that one of these trips is a must, just drop me an email or give me a call and let me know which one strikes your fancy. Talk with your friends and relatives to gather a small group of about 6, and one of these trips can become your own private “escape”.
AHA trips are flexible, intimate, and sooo fun. I would love to have any of you jump in so let’s explore these places together!
Ciao,
Cynthia Quist
Art History Alive
Email: aha@arthistoryalive.com
850 Park Avenue 14B
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 475-3807