Italy
Beyond the View: The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento
Program No. 18213RJ
Explore the ruins of Pompeii, enjoy a cooking class in Sorrento, see the gardens that inspired Wagner’s "Parsifal" and revel in the sites as you take a deeper look at the Amalfi Coast.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Sorrento
Program Concludes
Naples
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
26 (
11B, 7L, 8D
)
Activity Level
The cliff-top road along the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches in the world, but this sun-kissed region has so much more to offer than just a scenic drive. Experience life in the artisan’s paradise of Sorrento and the tiny town of Minori, see the pride and skill that goes into intarsia woodworking and the making of the infused liqueur known as limoncello, and, yes, have your breath taken away as you drive and boat along the rugged coastline.
Best of all, you'll...
- Appreciate the picture-postcard view of the houses and gardens clinging perilously to the cliffs via boat excursion along the Amalfi Coast.
- Investigate the lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum for frozen-in-time structures and valued artifacts.
- Step inside the famous Villa Rufolo with its perfect synthesis of Arabic, Sicilian and Norman architecture and lovely gardens that inspired Wagner as he penned "Parsifal."
Jan Gilbert
Jan Gilbert has been coordinating Road Scholar programs in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast since 1990. A native English speaker, Jan has lived most of her adult life in the Sorrentine peninsula. She has the unique ability to present just enough facts of her beloved slice of Italy to Road Scholar explorers so they can make their own discoveries of the magnificent natural beauty and charm of people of the Amalfi Coast.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Linda O'Brien
Linda O'Brien taught art history for the European Division of the University of Maryland and lectures in Road Scholar programs in Florence and Sorrento. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, and then moved to Brussels, Belgium to continue her studies. She was awarded an advanced degree in art history and archaeology with honors from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. She completed post-graduate work in symbolic anthropology at Stanford University and the Sorbonne.
Michela Porcelli
Michela Porcelli was awarded an advanced degree in linguistic anthropology from the University of Naples. Fluent in English, Swedish, Spanish and French, Michela studied in the U.S. at the University of California Santa Barbara. Currently, she lives in Naples where she is involved in several research projects in linguistics at the university there.
Vincenzo Coppola
Vincenzo Coppola is an ethnomusicologist and licensed guide for the Amalfi Coast area. He has a passion for music in the Neapolitan tradition. A lecturer at Naples University and Conservatory of Music, his seminars include Opera and Oriental Traits in Neapolitan popular music and the Japanese Theater of Noh.
Michelle Bassett
Michelle Bassett was born in England and has spent most of her adult life there. She has a degree in applied social science from the Open University and is a qualified human resources professional. In 2011, Michelle moved to Italy and began working as a group manager and event planner. She and her husband live on a small farm near Sorrento with olive and lemon groves, a vegetable garden, and a dog. Michelle enjoys working on the farm, running, and reading.
Enrica Guida
Enrica Guida studied at a classical lyceum and earned a degree in Political Science and Economy with honors from the University of Naples. She honed her English language skills at Cambridge University, England, and is also fluent in French and Spanish. She continued studies in Greek and Roman history, archaeology of Magna Grecia, and Pompeian antiquities at the University of Naples. She is a member of the Amici di Pompeii Association. Licensed by the Region of Campania, Enrica loves sharing the region’s history and culture.
Sabina Gargiulo
Sabina Gargiulo resides in Piano di Sorrento, and is a licensed regional guide specializing in the Campania region. Holding a degree in law from the esteemed Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Sabina possesses a diverse professional background encompassing legal consultancy, sales management, and event coordination. Her profound love for exploration and adventure fuels her passion for travel, with a particular focus on unraveling the rich tapestry of history, art, and culture that Campania has to offer. Sabina speaks Italian, English, Spanish, and French.
Giorgia Montella
Giorgia Montella, born in Torre del Greco near Naples, has been in the tourism sector for about 20 years, primarily as a group leader for Italian and international clientele. Her extensive experience includes group and individual management, problem solving, and collaborating with agencies and travel operators to craft innovative itineraries in Campania. She has recently ventured into travel designing for bespoke expeditions in Italy's leading travel destinations. Her passion for psychology, writing, and Eastern philosophies complements her professional pursuits.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to four miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Dress accordingly for visits to open-air archeological parks. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus, boat, convertible, and funicular. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
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
(10 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
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.