Italy

Sorrento & the Breathtaking Amalfi Coast

Program No. 23156RJ
Discover fascinating Roman and Arab history, delicious Italian delicacies and breathtaking scenery along the Amalfi coast and Sorrento when the crowds have left and the weather is mild.

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At a Glance

Explore the idyllic Amalfi coast and Sorrento, where colorful houses are carved out of cliffs and sailboats bob on the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. Uncover the hidden history, art and customs of the ancient Romans and Arabs as you explore underground cities and captivating ruins with local experts. Explore the treasures of this Italian gem and learn about its unique culture while taking in the magnificent, uninterrupted landscapes.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two and a half miles; some uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs without railings. Standing for at least one hour and a half.
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore a city frozen in time as you weave through the ruins of Pompeii with a local expert who will provide insight on art, customs and trades from centuries ago.
  • Revel in the beauty of the Island of Capri as you learn from an expert about its unique geology and long history.
  • Get to know Naples like a local as you navigate this lively city’s history-laden streets with your local expert.
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 Ilaria Fiore
Ilaria Fiore View biography
Ilaria Fiore was born in Milan, where she studied languages (English, German, Spanish) and graduated in art history at the State University with a thesis focused on the Cathedral of the City (Duomo) in the Napoleonic period. She decided to turn her passion for travel into a profession, obtaining licenses related to leading groups as well as a master's degree in food and wine tourism. She has also taught art and literature as a substitute teacher, and is an amateur actress.
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.
Profile Image of Flavia De Gennaro
Flavia De Gennaro View biography
Flavia De Gennaro was born and raised in Sorrento in the province of Naples. In 2019, she started leading groups all over Italy and in Europe. She leads groups in Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Naples. She previously worked as a travel agent with her sister's agency. Flavia’s passions include art, history, world cultures, and traveling.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Oct 06 - Oct 15 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 06 - Oct 15 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 13 - Oct 22 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 20 - Oct 29 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 27 - Nov 05 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Nov 10 - Nov 19 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Nov 17 - Nov 26 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Dec 01 - Dec 10 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Oct 06 - Oct 15 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 06 - Oct 15 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 13 - Oct 22 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 20 - Oct 29 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Oct 27 - Nov 05 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Nov 10 - Nov 19 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Nov 17 - Nov 26 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
  • Dec 01 - Dec 10 (Sorrento (NA) to Maiori (Salerno))
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.
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10 days
9 nights
17 meals
8 B 6 L 3 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Naples, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Sorrento (NA)
D
Grand Hotel Aminta

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 03:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously)

Afternoon: After checking in at 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, and answer questions. Educational content will be provided by our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts. Program-related travel will be primarily via motorcoach — requiring ascending and descending a few steps — unless specified otherwise. Meals 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. During the winter months, some stores are closed during the afternoon hours. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/ weather conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then enjoy a welcome drink together before dinner.

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.

DAY
3
Sorrento, Piano di Sorrento, Free Time
Sorrento (NA)
B,L
Grand Hotel Aminta

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours; cobblestone paths.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will set out with a local expert on a walking field trip to explore Sorrento. As we go, we’ll learn about the history and the culture this Italian paradise by the sea, volcanoes, limoncello, Greek legends, and Italian traditions.

Lunch: At a farmhouse in Colli di San Pietro (Sorrento).

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to the comune of Piano di Sorrento with our local expert. We will explore a coffee roasting factory followed by the tasting. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be free. This period of time has been set aside for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us 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: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Capri Island
Sorrento (NA)
B,L
Grand Hotel Aminta

Activity note: Getting on/off a jet boat; riding approximately 2 hours. Getting in/out of mini-vans. Walking up to 1.5 miles, approximately 2 hours with stops; generally smooth, flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach, ride to the dock, and get into a jet boat that will take us to Capri. We will board the motorcoach and ride to Anacapri, where we will visit with our Group Leader the Villa San Michele. The Villa was built by the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe on the ruins of an ancient 10th century chapel dedicated to St. Michael We will then ride to a local farmhouse.

Lunch: At a farmhouse in Anacapri.

Afternoon: We’ll then ride to Capri and set out on a walking field trip in the historic town center of Capri, the Santa Teresa district. We will learn from a local expert about the Arabic-influenced history of this village resulting from the Amalfi Republic’s links with Byzantium and Jerusalem. Our expert will also tell us about the islands geology, history, and historical finds. We will visit the Giardini di Augusto, once known as the gardens of Krupp. The gardens are a series of flowered terraces. We will then return to Sorrento after our field trip.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Naples, Free Time
Sorrento (NA)
B,L
Grand Hotel Aminta

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 1.5 mile, approximately 2 hours; generally flat terrain, cobblestone paths.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Naples, where we will have an expert-led exploration of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale — the National Archaeological Museum. As well as containing findings of excavations at Pompei, the museum holds finds from the Graeco-Roman age as well as ancient Egyptian and Etruscan antiquities.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Naples.

Afternoon: We will continue with our Group Leader on a walking field trip to explore the historical center of Naples. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Pompeii Field Trip, Lecture, Neapolitan Song
Sorrento (NA)
B,L
Grand Hotel Aminta

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; cobblestone paths, no benches along the way.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Pompeii for an expert-led walking field trip through the most significant remaining example of Roman civilization. It provides us an amazing opportunity to understand the life of normal Romans, frozen in time. We will ride back to Sorrento. Our Group Leader will give us a onsite lecture on canzone napoletana — Neapolitan song.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Sorrento. During the lunch, we’ll have the pleasure of hearing music performed by a local guitarist.

Afternoon: We will return to the hotel. Free Time.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and and transfer in the morning.

DAY
7
To Maiori, Positano, Free Time, Amalfi
Maiori (Salerno)
B,D
Sole Splendid Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 2 hours throughout the day; hill trail, uneven terrain, some steps with no railing. Getting on/off a ferry; riding approximately 1 hour. Getting in/out of mini-vans.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and transfer to Maiori, where we will check in at our hotel. We will stop en route at Positano on the beautiful Amalfi coast. The city dates back to the Roman era and was the center of what developed into the Maritime Republic of Amalfi in 839 CE. It was annexed to the Kingdom of Sicily in 1131. We will also encounter remnants of ancient Amalfi by walking off the beaten path through the narrow streets of the Arab quarter. The remainder of the morning will be free.

Lunch: On your own in Positano.

Afternoon: We will get into a ferry that will take us to Amalfi for an expert-led walking field trip through the town narrow streets and Arabic districts. We will visit the Chiostro del Paradiso with its beautiful garden and cloisters. We will then get into a ferry and transfer to Maiori and check in to our next hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Padula, Free Time
Maiori (Salerno)
B,L
Sole Splendid Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 3.5 hours throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day; uneven terrain, some steps with no railing.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Padula for an expert-led walking field trip of town. We will visit the Certosa, founded in 1306. It is the large Carthusian Monastery in Southern Italy. It comprises three cloisters, a garden, a courtyard, and a Church.

Lunch: At a farmhouse in Padula

Afternoon: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like in Minori.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Cheese Factory, Cooking Demonstration, Paestum
Maiori (Salerno)
B,L,D
Sole Splendid Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 1 hour throughout the day; uneven terrain, cobblestone.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Paestum. We will stop en route at a local cheese factory and learn how to make the "mozzarella di bufala", It follows a mozzarella cheese tasting. We will then ride to 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 ride to Paestum for 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: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholars friend during our farewell dinner.

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

DAY
10
Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 11.00 a.m. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel depending on departure time. 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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