In this issue: • April 2009 Featured Excursion details
• 'Economic stimulus' for American travelers: dollar rises
Lake Albano
> 2009 Featured Excursion:
The Alban Hills and Lakes
13-19 April (7 days /6 nights)
Nemi
Signup deadline January 31. Book early - excursion limited to six participants.
Roman mosaic, Albano
Nemi B&B
For 3000 years the natural beauty and mystical ambience of the Alban Hills have attracted both the pious and the rich. The pious came to pray: even before recorded history there were renowned religious sanctuaries. The rich came to build: elegant villas and fortified castles from many eras show us that this has long been desirable real estate. Here Ascanius, son of Aeneas of Troy, is said to have founded the town of Alba Longa, cradle of Latin culture and mother of Rome itself.
Today the Alban Hills are famous for wine and cuisine, and a vast regional park offers a labyrinth of woodland paths – some are Roman roads with splendid original paving stones still in place. Volcanic craters tucked into the wooded slopes hide mysterious lakes, and countless promontories offer scenic vistas of the Apennines, the Mediterranean and nearby Rome. Lively towns boast fascinating remains from every period and restaurants that draw visitors from far and near.
We’ll spend three nights at Palazzola, a beautiful former monastery on the wooded slopes of Lake Albano’s crater, and three nights at a lovely bed and breakfast in picturesque Nemi. We’ll visit the colorful towns of Albano, Frascati, Rocca di Papa and Genzano, and the ruins of Roman Tusculum. Our wooded walks will include panoramas of two spectacular volcanic lakes, several elegant Renaissance villas, and numerous holy places from the remote past. We’ll tread on Roman roads, peek into ancient aqueducts and go inside the only still-functioning Roman cistern in Europe – an eerie and breathtaking experience.
Average daily walk: 6 miles. Longest walk: 9 miles. Somewhat hilly terrain. Walkers should carry a knapsack with water, extra clothing, raincoat, camera, etc.
Cost: 1530 Euros per person, double room occupancy, 1680 Euros single. As of 20 November 1 Euro = US$1.25 (value subject to fluctuation). Includes six nights in comfortable accommodations, three meals a day, transportation within Italy and admission to selected historical sites. Air fare to Rome not included. Book by January 31, 2009 – a $300 deposit will hold your space. Note: price is for rooms with bath. Palazzola also offers rooms without bath with a price reduction of 15 Euros per person per night (45 Euros for the three nights).
Excursion departs from Rome 10am on 13 April 2009, returning 19 April.
A small silver lining to the financial meltdown is the 20% rise in the US dollar against the Euro compared to last summer’s low point. As of this writing, the Euro is at US$1.25, which is about where it was two years ago. Americans will find Europe more affordable in 2009 if the trend holds.
Optional days in Rome and other locations can be arranged on request. I strongly suggest you plan to arrive in Rome at least two days early to rest up from your flight and make contact with the group, allowing for flight delays or other glitches.
Rome
For booking or more information:
• email Dave
• call Dave at 831-425-3709 (California)
• call Brian at 250-653-9778 (British Columbia)
