Guided tours of Rome have arty touch

Secret Walks in Rome is the name of a cultural association that offers more than 30 guided tours through that city. Organized by English and American scholars and artists, the association has devised itineraries that include a tour of the Aventine Hill and a Talking Statues of Rome walk, which includes visits to the Mastro Pasquino statue, dating from the third century B.C., and the Marforio statue, dating from the first century A.D. There is also a wine-tasting tour.

The guided walks, which are conducted in English, average two to three hours and are conducted by art historians, actors and musicians. Reservations are not required. Visitors can call the organization to get information on where a particular walk will begin. Each tour costs about $10.

The group also offers guided daylong bike tours through Rome on Sundays. The five-mile tour will touch on major historical sites, from the early 19th-century Piazza del Popolo to the winding alleys of the Trastevere neighborhood. Tickets cost about $30 (including bike rental), about $14 for children under 15 if accompanied. Reservations are necessary. For more information contact Secret Walks in Rome, call (6) 39728728, 6 Via dei Quattro Cantoni, 00184, Rome.

Club Med in China

Club Med, that one-price, all-inclusive vacation society, is building its first resort in China. The organization forecasts an early-1995 opening for this resort, on the island of Hainan, off the southeastern coast. Special amenities include an 18-hole golf course, casino and theater. For information, call (800) 258-2633.

Automap, the sequel

Those who flunked Map Folding 101 will cheer the newest version of the computerized Automap Road Atlas, for Windows and DOS.

Automap, Version 3.0, not only tells you where to go but also how to get there, between any two points in the United States, Canada or northern Mexico. An on-screen map provides the quickestor more scenic routes, and the program prints out detailed maps and a comprehensive take-along driving guide.

New in this version are an overview window and gas-consumption estimates, among other features. The program sells for $99.95, or $39.95 for an upgrade package. It's available at computer stores, or can be ordered from Automap, (800) 440-6277.