Italy
New Year's in Sorrento
Program No. 22188RJ
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New Year's in Sorrento
New Year's in Sorrento
1 of 7
Itinerary
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.
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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.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
Included
16 meals (
7B, 5L, 4D
)
3 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Sorrento
New Year's in Sorrento
Dec 28, 2026 - Jan 5, 2027
Program Number
22188
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Sorrento, Check-in, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Hotel check-in is from 3:00 p.m. Transfer from Naples Airport to the hotel is 35 miles (a 60-minute ride). Walking is approximately 1 mile.
Afternoon:
Check-in and settle in. At 4:30 p.m., we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. 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, and answer questions.
Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase.
Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions.
Transportation will be provided primarily by bus and regional train.
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 might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding.
Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).
Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase.
Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions.
Transportation will be provided primarily by bus and regional train.
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 might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding.
Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Orientation, Sorrento Walk, Roman Archaeology, Cooking Demo
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 16 miles, approximately 1 hour total riding time. NOTE: The ride out is approximately 50 minutes via a scenic winding road; the ride back is direct, about 10 minutes. Walking about 2 miles, uneven terrain, steps, and inclines from the bus drop-off point to the farm restaurant. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal preference.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following breakfast, we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. 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, and answer questions.
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 might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding.
After Orientation, we set out with a local expert to explore Sorrento's history and culture on foot. The walk highlights the town's architecture, landscapes, and role as a historic port.
We begin at the Vallone dei Mulini, viewing the ravine and the ruins of the old mills from above. We continue to the Crypt of the Basilica di Sant'Antonino, home to the relics of Sorrento's patron saint and an example of early Christian architecture. Next, we visit the Chiostro di San Francesco, a 14th-century cloister with calm gardens and notable details. We finish at the Marina Grande overlook, taking in expansive views of the harbor as fishing boats move below.
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 might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding.
After Orientation, we set out with a local expert to explore Sorrento's history and culture on foot. The walk highlights the town's architecture, landscapes, and role as a historic port.
We begin at the Vallone dei Mulini, viewing the ravine and the ruins of the old mills from above. We continue to the Crypt of the Basilica di Sant'Antonino, home to the relics of Sorrento's patron saint and an example of early Christian architecture. Next, we visit the Chiostro di San Francesco, a 14th-century cloister with calm gardens and notable details. We finish at the Marina Grande overlook, taking in expansive views of the harbor as fishing boats move below.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant.
Afternoon:
Before we head to Pompeii, we'll meet in the hotel's meeting room for a session with a local expert who will walk us through the basics of Classical Greek and Roman art and architecture—what to look for, how sites were built, and why they mattered.
In the afternoon, we board the bus for a scenic drive through the Sorrento countryside, with wide views over orchards and hills. Our destination is an agriturismo—a working farm with a restaurant—set among lemon and olive groves.
On site, we watch a mozzarella demonstration from milk and rennet to soft curds and stretching. Our host explains the basics of olive oil and wine production and answers questions about harvest, pressing, and storage. Then we tie on aprons and help prepare a few regional dishes, learning practical techniques we can use at home. We finish by tasting what we've made alongside the farm's products.
In the afternoon, we board the bus for a scenic drive through the Sorrento countryside, with wide views over orchards and hills. Our destination is an agriturismo—a working farm with a restaurant—set among lemon and olive groves.
On site, we watch a mozzarella demonstration from milk and rennet to soft curds and stretching. Our host explains the basics of olive oil and wine production and answers questions about harvest, pressing, and storage. Then we tie on aprons and help prepare a few regional dishes, learning practical techniques we can use at home. We finish by tasting what we've made alongside the farm's products.
Dinner:
At the agriturismo.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Pompeii, Free Time, New Year's Eve, Ciuccio di fuoco
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 16 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 4 miles, approximately 4 hours; uneven cobblestone and dirt paths, steps, inclines, slippery when wet. Except at the entrance/exit, there are no benches or other places to sit in the archaeological park.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our bus outside the hotel and travel to Pompeii for an expert-led visit of the ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Once a thriving port, Pompeii lay hidden for centuries until its rediscovery and ongoing excavations revealed an extensive site—over 170 acres, with much already uncovered.
On site, we walk the stone streets to see daily life preserved in homes, shops, baths, and public spaces. Highlights include the amphitheater and Via dell'Abbondanza, the main thoroughfare lined with bars and workshops, where we can spot 1st century CE political graffiti. The field trip lasts about four hours.
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.
On site, we walk the stone streets to see daily life preserved in homes, shops, baths, and public spaces. Highlights include the amphitheater and Via dell'Abbondanza, the main thoroughfare lined with bars and workshops, where we can spot 1st century CE political graffiti. The field trip lasts about four hours.
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.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll reboard our bus and return to the hotel.
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel a special New Year's Eve dinner and celebration.
Evening:
Celebrate the New Year like a local in the lively main square of Sorrento, where the town comes alive with festivities, music, and excitement. Alternatively, enjoy a more intimate experience by watching the spectacular fireworks display from the hotel, offering breathtaking views of the sparkling sky over the Bay of Naples.
Day
5
Free Time, New Year's Day Lunch
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Walking to up 1 mile. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal preference.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Felice anno nuovo! 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.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Capri, Gardens, Villa San Michele, Italy Today & Politics
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 1 mile from hotel to marina. Getting on/off the ferry to the island of Capri, boat ride 1 hour total. Funicular to the town of Capri, taxis to the town of Anacapri. Driving 8 miles, 20 minutes riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, cobblestones, inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We take a short minibus ride to Marina Piccola and board a boat to Capri. On arrival, we continue by limo cars up to Anacapri.
Perched above Capri, the Villa San Michele welcomes us for an expert-led visit. Built by Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe after his first trip in 1885, the house blends classical and Mediterranean elements and reflects his vision of a home “open to the sun, wind, and sea.” We walk through terraced gardens, quiet pathways, and panoramic viewpoints, and see a curated collection of antiquities and artworks that speak to Capri’s long history. Afterward, we have some free time to explore on our own.
At the designated time, we continue by limo cars to Capri town. With our local expert, we walk to the Giardini di Cesare Augusto for expansive views over the coast.
Note: Please be aware that crowded conditions are possible while walking through town and aboard the boat.
Perched above Capri, the Villa San Michele welcomes us for an expert-led visit. Built by Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe after his first trip in 1885, the house blends classical and Mediterranean elements and reflects his vision of a home “open to the sun, wind, and sea.” We walk through terraced gardens, quiet pathways, and panoramic viewpoints, and see a curated collection of antiquities and artworks that speak to Capri’s long history. Afterward, we have some free time to explore on our own.
At the designated time, we continue by limo cars to Capri town. With our local expert, we walk to the Giardini di Cesare Augusto for expansive views over the coast.
Note: Please be aware that crowded conditions are possible while walking through town and aboard the boat.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After our lunch, we will meet back down to the marina, reboard the public boat to Sorrento, and return to the hotel by bus in the late afternoon.
We meet in the hotel meeting room for a session on Italy today with a local expert. We look at regional differences, the role of national institutions, and how recent economic and social changes affect daily life.
After a coffee break, our Instructor leads a clear overview of Italian politics and history—from unification in the 1860s through fascism and World War II to postwar governments and recent coalitions. We trace major turning points, key figures, and the structures that shape politics now.
We meet in the hotel meeting room for a session on Italy today with a local expert. We look at regional differences, the role of national institutions, and how recent economic and social changes affect daily life.
After a coffee break, our Instructor leads a clear overview of Italian politics and history—from unification in the 1860s through fascism and World War II to postwar governments and recent coalitions. We trace major turning points, key figures, and the structures that shape politics now.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Amalfi Coast, Positano, Ravello
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus, driving about 20 miles, riding approximately 1.5 hours. Getting on/off a boat, riding approximately 3/4 hour. In the event of bad weather that prevents the boat from leaving, we will walk up the hill along town sidewalks to the bus parking lot and board our bus to Ravello. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, steps, inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We travel by bus along the Amalfi Coast to Positano, following a scenic, narrow road cut into the cliffs above the sea. Known for its white and pastel houses stacked along the rock face, Positano was founded in the Roman era and later grew into a busy maritime trading hub. After a long decline in the 19th century, the town found new life in the mid-20th century as one of the coast’s premier seaside destinations. On arrival, we have free time to explore independently.
We then board a private boat to Amalfi for coastal views of terraced houses and gardens. The bus continues to Amalfi and meets us after the boat ride.
Note: Please be aware that encountering crowded conditions while walking through town is possible. Also, please note that the boat operates only when the weather suits safe navigation.
We then board a private boat to Amalfi for coastal views of terraced houses and gardens. The bus continues to Amalfi and meets us after the boat ride.
Note: Please be aware that encountering crowded conditions while walking through town is possible. Also, please note that the boat operates only when the weather suits safe navigation.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We ride by bus up the winding road to Ravello, a medieval hill town high above Amalfi with views over the coast. With a local expert, we begin at Villa Rufolo: a short introduction, then time for a self-directed visit through its 13th-century terraces and gardens. Neglected for centuries, the estate was restored after 1851 by the Scottish botanist Francis Neville Reid; its setting later inspired Richard Wagner during his 1880 visit. Ravello's annual festival has since earned it the title "la città della musica."
The bus will return to the hotel in Sorrento.
The bus will return to the hotel in Sorrento.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Herculaneum, Free Time
Location:
Sorrento
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Michelangelo
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles; uneven terrain, dirt and gravel paths with slight inclines and some unavoidable steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We ride by bus to Herculaneum. Legend links the town to Hercules, but historically it was a prosperous seaside resort until Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. Rediscovered in 1707 and excavated from 1738, Herculaneum preserves upper stories, wood, and everyday objects with exceptional clarity—quite different from Pompeii's ash fall. Highlights include elite houses, baths, shops, and the Villa of the Papyri, where about 1,800 carbonized scrolls were found (the villa inspired the Getty Villa in California).
After the visit, we return by bus to our hotel in Sorrento.
After the visit, we return by bus to our hotel in Sorrento.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Travel Information” regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel depending on departure time. This concludes the 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 rewarding programs 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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