The Magic & Mythology of the Amalfi Coast With Your Family

After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our first group activity. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. The Group Leaders will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related transportation will be via shuttle or private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings, including the hotel dining room and local restaurants. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Along with a local expert, we will set out for a short walk into town to see the location of banks, pharmacies, and grocery stores. We’ll then circle back to the hotel for a “Welcome to the Amalfi” reception where we will meet our Group Leaders and fellow Road Scholars.

In the hotel restaurant.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

In the hotel meeting room, our Group Leader will conduct a class on the basics of the Italian language. This session serves as a stepping stone to acquire critical expressions and phrases that we will utilize throughout our week in Italy. Italian, with its rich and fascinating history, finds its roots in the Tuscan dialect, largely thanks to the cultural influence of Florence during the Renaissance period. Its earliest known forms can be traced back to the 9th century in the form of various regional dialects of Vulgar Latin. In the 14th century, great Italian writers such as Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, and Boccaccio began writing in their native dialects instead of Latin, effectively contributing to the formation of the modern Italian language. Dante's The Divine Comedy, written in the Florentine dialect, is widely recognized as the cornerstone of the Italian language. The language continued to evolve over the centuries, and in 1861, when Italy unified, Tuscan became the official language of the country, now known as Standard Italian. Today, Italian remains a language of immense cultural importance and is spoken by nearly 85 million worldwide. After a short break, we’ll take our shuttle and set out with our Group Leader for a walking field trip to explore Sorrento. Among the highlights will be the Marina Grande, the characteristic old port where it’s not uncommon to see fishermen bringing in the day’s catch or repairing their nets. Note: Please be aware that encountering crowded conditions while walking through town is possible.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Shuttle service will be available to go back to the hotel.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We'll embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Sorrento countryside in the late afternoon. Our first stop will be at an "agriturismo" farm restaurant, where we'll witness a fascinating cheese-making demonstration, including crafting caciotta and mozzarella from fresh milk and rennet. Here, our gracious hosts will enlighten us about the intricate process of producing olive oil and wine. As we explore the farm, we'll also have the chance to visit with the friendly farm animals and wander through the bountiful vegetable garden, sampling local products along the way. Afterward, donning our provided aprons, we'll roll up our sleeves and join in the fun of pizza-making, customizing our creations with an array of delicious and traditional toppings. Additionally, we'll have the unique opportunity to learn the lively art of the tarantella, a beloved traditional folk dance of southern Italy.

At the agriturismo, a sampler of appetizers and an aperitivo will start off our enjoyment of dinner and watch everyone show off their new tarantella dance moves!

We will return to our hotel by bus, after which the evening will be at leisure.

At the hotel.

Our journey begins just outside the hotel, where we will board our comfortable bus to transport us to the awe-inspiring ancient city of Pompeii. Led by a local expert, we will explore this remarkable archaeological site tragically preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE. Once a bustling and vibrant city, Pompeii lay buried for centuries until its rediscovery in the late 16th century. Since then, meticulous excavations have been carried out continuously, uncovering a vast area spanning more than 170 acres, with approximately 120 acres already revealed to the world. During our time in Pompeii, we will stroll through the streets frozen in time, offering an immersive glimpse into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants. We will venture into the impressive amphitheater, where gladiators once honed their skills, and leisurely wander down Via Abbondanza, the city's bustling main street. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to observe fascinating 1st-century political graffiti, providing a unique insight into the beliefs and concerns of the time. Our expert-led field trip will unfold over approximately two-and-a-half hours, allowing us to absorb the rich history and captivating stories that Pompeii holds within its ancient walls. Please be aware that due to the large number of visitors, it may be challenging to have an unobstructed view of the most renowned works.

At a local restaurant.

After the field trip, we'll hop back on our bus and journey towards Mt. Vesuvius. Our Group Leader will lead us on an adventure along the volcano's slopes. Our bus will transport us two-thirds of the way up the crater, and then we'll continue the ascent on foot. It's a thrilling opportunity to climb Mt. Vesuvius, take in breathtaking views, and finally reach the magnificent crater at the summit. Mt. Vesuvius is one of the world's most iconic and historically significant volcanoes. Located in the Campania region of Italy, it is renowned for its catastrophic eruption in 79 CE, which buried the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and pumice. Vesuvius remains an active volcano and is closely monitored due to its potential threat to the surrounding area, including the bustling city of Naples. Despite its destructive history, Vesuvius also offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding landscape, making it a unique and captivating natural landmark. Upon returning to Sant'Agata by bus, there will be some time to relax and dip in the pool to cool off after a busy day. While the adults enjoy a social hour of drinks and snacks by the pool, teens will have their own exclusive activity, allowing them to engage and have fun together in a space tailored just for them.

On your own to enjoy what you like. Shuttle service will be available for those wishing to dine in Sorrento.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will gather in the hotel meeting room for an enriching lecture on mythology with a local expert, delving into the captivating tales and legends associated with the Sorrentine Peninsula. Learn about the ancient myths that have shaped the cultural landscape of this region, from stories of gods and goddesses to mythical creatures that once roamed these lands. Discover how these myths intertwine with local folklore and traditions, shedding light on the deep-rooted beliefs of the Sorrentine people. Delve into tales of sirens seducing sailors along the Amalfi Coast with their enchanting songs and explore the legend of the mythical hero Odysseus, who encountered various trials and tribulations during his epic journey through these waters. From our hotel, we will take a bus to Punta Campanella, the extreme point of the Sorrentine peninsula, to hike to the remains of a Greek temple and Saracen Tower. The cults of Athena and Minerva have their imprints along this stretch of coastline. According to legend, Ulysses built the temple on the furthest edge of the peninsula as a sign of gratitude for protection during his journey, particularly in assisting his escape from the Sirens. During the 14th century, a tower was built on the site of the former temple to help guard the area from pirates. Our bus will then pick us up to return to our hotel, where we will have some independent time for a swim or relaxation.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Late in the afternoon, we will gather in the hotel conference room for a lecture on critical issues facing Italy today, followed by Q&A. We’ll learn about the country's healthcare system, education, religion, political system, and women’s issues. We’ll also hear about how Italy underwent rapid economic and societal changes from the 1860s, when the country was unified through fascism and World War II, to Berlusconi and the latest government coalition.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel restaurant.

We’ll take a short bus ride to the Sorrento marina, then board a jetfoil to the island of Capri for a full day on the Mediterranean’s most lush island while roaming intricate cobblestone lanes and chic neighborhoods. From the dock in Capri, we’ll board a private boat with our local expert to begin our visits to some of the island’s famous grottoes, entering through the Faraglioni Rocks. During our visits to the White, Red, and Green Grottoes, we learn about their formation and stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural wonders. From the Capri marina, we'll ride the funicular, or cable railway, up to the town of Capri, where we’ll stop for lunch. Note: Please be aware that encountering crowded conditions while walking through town and aboard the boat and funicular is possible.

At a local restaurant.

We'll take a scenic stroll to Punto Tragara, where breathtaking vistas await. We'll marvel at panoramic views stretching out before us, capturing the essence of Capri's natural beauty. Here, we'll have the option to continue our journey through a verdant forest, leading us to the magnificent natural arch, a stunning geological formation that is a testament to the island's ancient allure. Alternatively, we can immerse ourselves in the tranquil surroundings of the Gardens of Cesare Augusto, a verdant oasis of lush greenery and vibrant blooms, offering a serene escape into nature's embrace. We will gather in the main square of Capri town at a designated time to catch the funicular back to the docks in Capri. From there, we'll board the jetfoil, which will return us to the mainland by late afternoon. Finally, a bus will be waiting to take us back to the hotel, concluding our day's journey.

On your own to enjoy what you like. Shuttle service will be available for those wishing to dine in Sorrento.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We’ll enjoy a final adrenaline-filled morning as we venture out for a walk along the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). Our bus will take us to the start of the trail, beginning in the mountainside town of Agerola, trekking all the way down to Nocelle, a town situated above Positano. During our three-hour walk, we will trek along a dirt or rock pathway that winds alongside the mountainside, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and islands below. Our trek along the Path of the Gods concludes in the charming village of Nocelle. Those who opt out of the hike can consult the Group Leaders for suggestions on how to spend their free time. Alternatively, for those interested, there's an optional walk down to Positano, and you can return to Sorrento independently using the local bus or public boat. Please note that the Path of the Gods hike is not recommended for individuals suffering from vertigo. Being well-prepared for the trail is crucial, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes with good traction, ample water supply, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and carrying a small backpack with all the essentials.

At the hotel restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, we'll board our shuttle to Sorrento to visit the Tarsia Museum, where we'll meet with the owner and master woodworker for an engaging hands-on woodworking activity. Here, we'll have the opportunity to interact with a skilled artisan who continues the tradition of crafting exquisite wooden objects and sculptures. Exploring the museum onsite, dedicated to woodworking and Sorrentine history, will provide valuable insights.

On your own to enjoy to sample the local fare.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will begin the day by boarding a bus to Regina Giovanna beach, accessible via a pathway leading down to the sea, presenting an awe-inspiring view of the captivating bay and the remains of a Roman Villa constructed in the 1st century BCE. We'll walk through olive groves to the sea for a swim, embracing the entire bay from Vesuvio to Ischia and Capri and exploring the remains of the Roman Villa Pollio Felice and Baths of Queen Giovanna. The location offers magnificent 160-degree panoramic views of the bay from a flat area, ideal for taking stunning photographs. Those who prefer not to venture down to the sea can stay at the top and enjoy the beautiful scenery from there. Before lunch, we'll return to our hotel in Sant'Agata by bus.

On your own to enjoy what you like. Shuttle service will be available back to the hotel.

Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In the late afternoon, we will board a bus to take us to our restaurant for our Farewell Dinner.

At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!