The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas is offering a nine-day private Rome tour in May next spring. The deadline for an initial deposit on the trip is Friday, Dec. 8.

The trip is organized in partnership with the U of A Study Abroad Office and the U of A Rome Center. It is open to OLLI members, students, faculty, staff and the public.

Tom Paradise, professor in the Department of Geosciences in the J. William Fulbright College Arts and Sciences, will guide the trip through both some of the most recognizable sights and lesser-known areas of beauty, history, architecture, food, wine and shopping.

"Since I have lived and worked in Rome over the years, this is a rare and fun opportunity to share my experiences of the Eternal City with our unique OLLI students from Arkansas," Paradise said. "This tour will focus on strolling tours of famous and unusual architecture and art history, Rome's cuisines and wines, secret shopping spots, and private tours of the Vatican Museum and the Villa d'Este. We'll leave the tourists behind, and see this beautiful city and its masterpieces from the unique perspective of a Roman. With OLLI, you'll fall in love with the Eternal City."

Participants will take part in programs and courses prior to the trip and while in Rome. An itinerary, approximate cost and other information are available on the OLLI website.