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Italy

Living and Learning on the Amalfi Coast: Independent Stay and Study

Program No. 24821RJ
Have you dreamed of living like a local along Italy’s Amalfi Coast? Stay in your own apartment, take daily Italian language classes and discover the region on this six-week adventure.

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45 days
44 nights
13 meals
2B 7L 4D
3
Historic Sorrento
Sorrento (NA)
5
Lectures
Maiori (Salerno)
7
Italian Language Lesson
Maiori (Salerno)
8
Italian Language Lesson
Maiori (Salerno)
9
Amalfi
Maiori (Salerno)
12
Free Day
Maiori (Salerno)
18
Free Day
Maiori (Salerno)
19
Free Day (Holiday)
Maiori (Salerno)
20
Lecture, Ravello
Maiori (Salerno)
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy’s historic Amalfi Coast has served as a getaway for ancient Romans, as inspiration for creatives like John Steinbeck and as a one-of-a-kind residence by locals today. Over the course of six weeks, live like a local in this iconic region that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience apartment living in the beach-side town of Maiori — famous for its limoncello — while taking daily language classes to improve your Italian. Immerse yourself in Italian culture and history during field trips to archeological sites like Pompeii and Paestum and a boat excursion to Capri. While you experience living in a new country independently, you’ll be supported by a Road Scholar Group Leader who’s always on call to help.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Get around mainly on foot; you’re likely to walk at least two miles per day over uneven terrain with slopes. On field trips, walking up to three miles daily with cobblestones, very steep slopes and stairs without handrails.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Live like a local in independent apartment accommodations in Maiori and become familiar with local markets, restaurants and more.
  • Join your Group Leader for field trips to Ravello and Caserta, home to the Villa Rufolo and the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy a boat excursion to the island of Capri and marvel at its history, romanticism and charm.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Alessandra Sarappa
Alessandra Sarappa was born and raised in Rome. She studied English at Rice University in Texas before spending seven years in the UK. She was part of the cabin crew at British Airways for 25 years, and worked with English customers in Sorrento as a customer resort helper for Jet2Holidays for one summer. She then became a group leader for companies including AG Boutique in Rome, Laser Jet in Riccione, and the Aloschi Bros cruise agency. Her interests range from art to nature and gastronomy.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Alessandra Sarappa
Alessandra Sarappa View biography
Alessandra Sarappa was born and raised in Rome. She studied English at Rice University in Texas before spending seven years in the UK. She was part of the cabin crew at British Airways for 25 years, and worked with English customers in Sorrento as a customer resort helper for Jet2Holidays for one summer. She then became a group leader for companies including AG Boutique in Rome, Laser Jet in Riccione, and the Aloschi Bros cruise agency. Her interests range from art to nature and gastronomy.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program No.
24821
Duration
45 days
Program Begins
Sorrento (NA)
Program Concludes
Maiori (Salerno)
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
At a Glance
Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy’s historic Amalfi Coast has served as a getaway for ancient Romans, as inspiration for creatives like John Steinbeck and as a one-of-a-kind residence by locals today. Over the course of six weeks, live like a local in this iconic region that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience apartment living in the beach-side town of Maiori — famous for its limoncello — while taking daily language classes to improve your Italian. Immerse yourself in Italian culture and history during field trips to archeological sites like Pompeii and Paestum and a boat excursion to Capri. While you experience living in a new country independently, you’ll be supported by a Road Scholar Group Leader who’s always on call to help.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Live like a local in independent apartment accommodations in Maiori and become familiar with local markets, restaurants and more.
  • Join your Group Leader for field trips to Ravello and Caserta, home to the Villa Rufolo and the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy a boat excursion to the island of Capri and marvel at its history, romanticism and charm.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Alessandra Sarappa
Alessandra Sarappa was born and raised in Rome. She studied English at Rice University in Texas before spending seven years in the UK. She was part of the cabin crew at British Airways for 25 years, and worked with English customers in Sorrento as a customer resort helper for Jet2Holidays for one summer. She then became a group leader for companies including AG Boutique in Rome, Laser Jet in Riccione, and the Aloschi Bros cruise agency. Her interests range from art to nature and gastronomy.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Get around mainly on foot; you’re likely to walk at least two miles per day over uneven terrain with slopes. On field trips, walking up to three miles daily with cobblestones, very steep slopes and stairs without handrails.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 7 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Year
2025
  • 2025
Date
Oct 22 - Dec 05
  • Feb 12 - Mar 28
  • Apr 02 - May 16
  • Oct 22 - Dec 05
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2025
  • 2025
Oct 22 - Dec 05
  • Feb 12 - Mar 28
  • Apr 02 - May 16
  • Oct 22 - Dec 05
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Tour Length
45 days
44 nights
What's Included
13 meals
2 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
4 Dinners
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, hand out train and bus timetables, and answer questions. Educational content will be provided by a local expert and our knowledgeable Group Leader. Program-related travel will be primarily via motorcoach — requiring ascending and descending a few steps — unless specified otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine and will include wine, coffee, and water with other beverages available for purchase. Periods in the daily 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.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles approximately 1/2 hour; even and uneven terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore this Italian paradise by the sea. As we walk, we’ll observe volcanoes, sample limoncello, and learn about Greek legends and Italian traditions.
Lunch:
At a farmhouse in Sorrento.
Afternoon:
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 35 miles approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to the residence. After getting your apartment, take some time to freshen up and relax before our lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
The Group Leader will acquaint us with the local bakery, cleaners, market, drugstore, and all of the other services needed for our time in Maiori. The Group Leader will also discuss how to create a connection with the local community by pursuing a personal interest or hobby during our stay. We will then explore with the Group Leader the city center on foot and get familiar with the public transportation system.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local expert who will give us a lecture on Campania's culture, art, and traditions.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
We will be joined at the residence by a local expert who will give us a lecture on Mediterranean diet. The remainder of the afternoon will be free.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our first Italian language lesson. The participants will take a placement test to define their linguistic level.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; driving about 8 miles, less than 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Amalfi for an expert-led walking field trip through the town narrow streets and Arabic districts. We will visit the Sant'Andrea Cathedral, in Arab-Norman style and the “paper museum,” a small but very unique and well-preserved museum dedicated to the art of paper making.
Lunch:
Independent meal in Amalfi.
Afternoon:
We will then return to Maiori. Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at the residence. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 73 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 2.5 miles throughout the day; cobblestone paths.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and head to Pompeii. On arrival, we’ll set out on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore this ancient city. One of the most preserved examples of Roman civilization, Pompeii provides us an amazing opportunity to witness the daily life of ancient Romans.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Pompei
Afternoon:
Then, we will ride to Ercolano. On arrival, we will set out on a walking field trip to explore the Ville Vesuviane. With our Group Leader, we’ll learn how the villas were inspired, both in their architecture and wall paintings, by the excavation of Roman Herculaneum. We will then return to the residence.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at the residence. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 13 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local expert who will give us a lecture on Neapolitan traditions and the Neapolitan music.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
We will board the motorcoach and ride to Ravello. We will enjoy a crazy panoramic view of the sea. We will visit the beautiful Villa Rufolo. Built by a wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, the villa has a rich and storied past. We will ride back to Maiori.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 71 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 3 miles; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Naples. We’ll set out with our Group Leader on a walking field trip to explore the historic center of Naples. As we walk, we’ll learn more about the history of this beautiful city. We will visit with our Group Leader the Cristo Velato — the Veiled Christ — one of the greatest sculptures of all time in the Sansevero Chapel.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Naples.
Afternoon:
We will then visit the National Archeological Museum. As well as containing finding of excavations at Pompei, the museum holds finds from the Graeco-Roman age as well as ancient Egyptian and Etruscan antiquities. We will then return to Maiori.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at the residence. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach traveling about 96 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 2.5 miles; generally flat terrain. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Caserta. We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to visit the Royal Palace, an UNESCO heritage site and the largest royal palace in the world.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Caserta.
Afternoon:
We will return to Maiori, and the afternoon will be free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a jet boat; approximately 2 hours speed ferry to Capri. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2 hours with several stops; smooth, flat terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach, ride to the dock, and get into a jet boat that will take us to Capri. On arrival, we’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the historic Santa Teresa district. We’ll learn about the history of the village and how it’s been influenced by Arabic culture.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Capri.
Afternoon:
We will then return to Maiori after our field trip.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 1 hour throughout the day; uneven terrain, cobblestone.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and ride to Paestum. We will stop at the Masseria Eliseo for a cooking demonstration of traditional recipes of Campania with the Baronessa Cecilia Baratta.
Lunch:
At the farmhouse, we will enjoy the meal we observed being prepared.
Afternoon:
We will have an expert-led walking field trip of the archaeological site. Paestum was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it comprises three of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. We will ride back to Maiori.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at the residence. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will be joined at the residence by a local professor for our Italian language lesson.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice. Walking about 0.5 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Residence check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program's “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Independent meal. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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 another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!





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