Local expert to guide Rome trip Oct. 3-11

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. See Rome with the experts 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. 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. Your tour will include: The "Sites and Sensibilities: Walks in Rome and Environs" tour includes: nine 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 more information For a complete itinerary, registration form, and additional information, contact Cross-Culture Journeys at 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.