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We believe that the most enduring travel impressions are forged when you directly have the ability to meet or mingle with the local people as they go about their daily lives and to experience first-hand the unique aspects of the local culture. In this manner, our Cross-Cultural Connections provide an opportunity to journey beyond the traditional tourist experience and to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for the life, people and customs in your chosen destination (traditions of the country that you are visiting). Some examples of Cross-Cultural Connections in that Casterbridge can arrange include:

"LITERATURE ON LOCATION"
The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons & Harry Potter

Explore many of the sights featured in some of the most popular books and movies of our time on one of Casterbridge's Literary on Location programs. As well as being intriguing, thematic touring experiences, these programs also provide a unique opportunity to discover the historical and cultural wonders of some of the world's great destinations.

Unlocking the Secrets of the "Da Vinci Code"

Starting at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, we journey to the Church of Saint Sulpice and other Parisian landmarks, as we explore the themes and locations featured in the best selling novel. We continue to London where we visit the Temple Church and the memorial to Sir Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey. Our own journey of intrigue concludes in Scotland at Roslyn Chapel to view firsthand the symbolic sculptings and depiction's described in the concluding portions of the book.

Art, "Angels and Demons"

Earth, Air, Fire and Water…we discover Rome and all the elements of science in a truly unique fashion by visiting the sites featured in the novel "Angels and Demons." The art, tombs and architecture described are all factual and can still be seen today. In the course of 6 days in Rome, we visit the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica,Vatican City and the four churches outlined on the "Path of Illumination." As in the novel, "Angels guide us on our lofty quest" as we explore Piazza Navona and Castel St Angelo, settings for two of the final scenes in the dramatic work.

Harry Potter Revisited

The Harry Potter movies have featured many of the most spectacular settings in Britain as the backdrop for the scenes. Groups traveling in the summer can take the same steam train used in the film and journey over the Aqueduct featured in the famous car scene. Our tour also includes the castle and cathedral that formed the setting for Hogwart's School, where Harry and his pals embark upon many of their adventures.

THE ART OF DIEGO RIVERA & FRIDA KAHLO
IN MEXICO CITY

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were two of the finest artists of the Twentieth Century and their work can be seen throughout Mexico City. Casterbridge has designed a spectacular new Art Itinerary featuring sights and works associated with Rivera, Kahlo and the other 20th century master Muralists. Ask us for a Quick Quote of our "20th Century Art in Mexico" itinerary or custom-design a program to include any or all of the major attractions associated with Rivera and Kahlo:

Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso
Palacio Nacional
Secretaria de Educacion Publica
Museo Estudio Diego Rivera
Museo de Arte Carrillo-Gil
Museo Frida Kahlo
Sala de Arte Sequeiros
Museo De Arte Moderno
Museo Mural Diego Rivera
Palacio de Bella Artes
Museo Nacional de Arte
Polyforum Siqueiros
Teatro de los Insurgentes

The South of France:
History, Mystery, Legend and Literature

Southern France offers a unique variety of attractions for any custom-designed tour of France. Ask our experienced staff to include any of the following visits or activities to your custom-designed program.

Visit the Villa and Gardens Ephrussi of Rothschild, which resembles the large Renaissance houses of Venice and boasts gardens that rival those in Versailles.

Explore the pre-Roman village of St- Cézaire-sur-Siagne, where the walls and towers of the village are reminders of its feudal past, and visit the Grottes de St-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, iron rich caves filled with beautiful rock crystallization.

Journey to the coastal city of Cassis to take a Calaques Boat Tour through deep narrow inlets in the rocky cliffs along the coast between Cassis and Marseilles.

Take a leisurely Boat Ride from the Old Port of Marseilles to the little Island of If, and visit the Chateau d'If, the famous prison that housed the "Man in the Iron Mask," and "The Count of Monte Cristo."

Board The Little Yellow Train, a roofless carriage steam train that winds its way on narrow-gauge tracks through gorges, mountain tunnels, and across towering viaducts in the Cerdage Mountains.

Explore the medieval walled-city of Carcassone and discover the legends and history of the Cathars and Templars in the region.

GERMANY & AUSTRIA:
MUSIC AND MOUNTAINS

A truly unique variety of educational and recreational activities can be experienced on our "Taste of Germany and Austria" itinerary. This tour includes: a Cruise on the Rhine River, a Nightwatchman's tour of the Medieval City of Rothenburg, Ascent to the heights of the Zugspitze Mountain by cable car, A unique downhill Luge Ride, A moving visit to Dachau Concentration Camp, The museums of Munich, Mozart's Salzburg, including Hohensalzburg Castle and a "Sound of Music" Tour, Hapsburg Vienna, including an ascent of the tower in St. Stephen's Cathedral and a training session of the renowned Spanish Riding School

Our Guides Facilitate Unique Experiences Casterbridge Tour Manager/Guides accompany all of our groups 24 hours a day and are always available to suggest and accompany evening or spare time activities. Often these personal touches and additions can serve as the unforgettable highlight of any trip.

"BAND OF BROTHERS" TOUR

The 101st airborne division of the US Army was the first paratrooper division in the history of the United States military. The amazing story of "Easy Company" was first brought to us in Stephen Ambrose's magnificent book Band of Brothers, and most recently in the HBO mini-series of the same title. From D-Day to VJ-Day, "Easy Company" served with honor and distinction as soldiers, liberators and peacemakers. Contact Casterbridge to receive a detailed itinerary that follows in the footsteps of "Easy Company" from their first stop in Britain to their last post in Austria.

We would also be happy to provide you with a custom-designed thematic program that focuses on the World Wars in Europe. Let our experienced staff provide an itinerary that allows you to bring the tragic and heroic events off the pages and into your students minds forever.

DESTINATIONS TO BE DISCOVERED

Finally, do not miss out on our Interactive Itineraries and Featured Destinations sections. Our quarterly newsletters often explore particular destinations in depth. You will find these articles here on our website as well, with the added benefit that you have the chance to visit related websites while reading our descriptions!