Italy

Odyssey at Sea: The Coasts of Italy

Program No. 23512RJ

Aboard the Aegean Odyssey, learn about both hidden and celebrated gems along the coasts of one of Europe’s most romantic and culture-filled countries.

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Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Program Terms & Conditions

Odyssey at Sea: The Coasts of Italy

Program No. 23512RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 1,200 Final payment due: 130 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

If you transfer or cancel:

less than 60 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 100 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

129 to 60 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 50 % of order total

up to 130 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $1200.00

Cancel Fee: $1200.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
less than 60 days prior to program start date	100 % of order total	100 % of order total
129 to 60 days prior to program start date	50 % of order total	50 % of order total
up to 130 days prior to program start date	$1200.00	$1200.00

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

For the greatest peace of mind and protection, we require all Road Scholar participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having received all recommended boosters if eligible.

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid contracting and spreading an illness.

Only travel if you are healthy. Stay home if you are sick, displaying any symptoms of potential sickness.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

© 2023 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Optional Trip Protection Plan

12 days

11 nights

29 meals

10B 9L 10D

In Transit to Program

In Flight

Arrive Milan, Transfer to Port, Embark Aegean Odyssey

At Sea

Port of La Spezia, Cinque Terre

At Sea (La Spezia to Livorno)

Port of Livorno, Florence

At Sea

At Sea, Onboard Lectures & Activities

At Sea (Arriving in Naples the next morning)

Naples, Herculaneum

At Sea (Naples to Catania)

Port of Catania–Sicily, Taormina

At Sea (Catania to Taranto)

Port of Taranto-Italy, Matera

At Sea (Taranto to Kotor)

Kotor-Montenegro

At Sea

At Sea, Onboard Lectures & Activities

At Sea (Arriving in Venice the next morning)

Venice, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace

Venice

Disembarkation, Transfer to Airport, Program Concludes

In Flight

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Buon giorno (good morning)! Whether uncovering ancient towns preserved under volcanic ash or discovering the heart of the Renaissance, it’s going to be another spectacular day in Italy on board the Aegean Odyssey. Sail from the canals of Venice to the architecture of Naples to the art of Florence alongside our experts. Indulge in a little vita all’italiana (life, Italian style) as you fall in love with one of Europe’s most romantic and culture-filled countries.

Best of all, you’ll…

Enjoy an expert-led exploration of St. Mark’s Square while in Venice.
Explore a doomed ancient town preserved under the flow of a Mount Vesuvius eruption in A.D. 79.
Discover the heart of the Renaissance in Florence, including a visit to the Duomo.
Sail exclusively with ship mates who are all Road Scholar participants, as dedicated to learning as you are.

General Notes

We’ll have up to 350 Road Scholar participants on the ship, divided into groups of 35 for shore excursions.

Suggested Reading List (12 books)

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.

Search for a Title

Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

by Ross King

The story of the design and construction of the dome in the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a tale rife with politics, cut-throat competition and mighty inspiration.

Anzio: Italy and the Battle for Rome — 1944

by Lloyd Clark

The Allied campaign on the beaches of Western Italy, at Anzio, reigns as the bloodiest battle in the Second World War’s western theater. About six months before D-Day, in January 1944, a united force of 36,000 soldiers launched one of the first attacks on continental Europe at Anzio, a small coastal city thirty miles south of Rome.

La Bella Lingua

by Diane Hales

Inebriated with the sounds of Italian, lovesick for its phrases and enamored of its earthy idioms, Hales, "a sensible woman of sturdy Polish stock," dives into the Italian of the piazza, literature, movies and streets in this charming memoir.

Between Salt Water and Holy Water

by Tommaso Astarita

From the Normans and Angevins through Spanish and Bourbon rule to the unification of Italy, historian Tommaso Astarita explores the intellectual, religious, economic and political history of this fascinating region and delivers an accessibly written book that is not just colourful and scholarly but also wholly engrossing.

Venice: A New History

by Thomas Madden

Using long-buried archival material and a wealth of newly translated documents, Madden weaves a spellbinding story of a place and its people, tracing an arc from the city’s humble origins as a lagoon refuge to its apex as a vast maritime empire and Renaissance epicenter to its rebirth as a modern tourist hub.

The Leopard

by Guiseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

The Leopard is a novel that chronicles the changes in Sicilian life and society during the Risorgimento.

The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944

by Rick Atkinson

Rick Atkinson follows the strengthening armies as they invade Sicily in July 1943 and, mile by bloody mile, fight their way north. The decision to invade Europe's so-called soft underbelly was controversial, but once under way the commitment never wavered. And with the liberation of Rome from the Nazis in June 1944, victory at last began to seem inevitable.

A House in Sicily

by Daphne Phelps

Near Mount Etna in Sicily lies Casa Cuseni, a beautiful house built in golden stone - and the home which Daphne Phelps was astonished to find she had inherited in 1947. At the age of 34, war-weary from working as a psychiatric social worker, with barely any Italian and precious little money, she plunged into a fascinating Sicilian world. The many of problems to be overcome included not only financial difficulties but local authorities and a house staff who initially felt no loyalty to the new Signorina, but who gradually accepted her as a respected member of their small community.

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily

by Nancy Bazelon Goldstone

On 15 March 1348, Joanna I, Queen of Naples, stood trial for her life before the pope and his court in Avignon. She was 22 years old. Her cousin and husband, Prince Andrew of Hungary, had recently been murdered, and Joanna was the chief suspect. Determined to defend herself, Joanna won her acquittal against enormous odds. Returning to Naples, she ruled over one of Europe's most prestigious and enlightened courts for more than thirty years - until she was herself murdered. As courageous as Eleanor of Aquitaine, as astute and determined as Elizabeth I, Joanna was the only female monarch in her time to rule in her own right.

The World of Venice

by Jan Morris

Morris displays her talent for research, telling anecdote and well-wrought prose in this spirited portrait of a beloved city, its history and inhabitants. If you are going to read one book on Venice, we recommend this favorite.

La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z

by Carla Gambescia

La Dolce Vita University (LDVU) is the perfect sampler for anyone curious about (or already in amore with) Italy and its remarkably rich cultural gifts, both past and present.

Street Fight in Naples: A City's Unseen History

by Peter Robb

Peter Robb's Street Fight in Naples ranges across nearly three thousand years of Neapolitan life and art, from the first Greek landings in Italy to the time of his own less auspicious arrival thirty-something years ago.

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12 days

11 nights

29 meals

10 B 9 L 10 D

DAY

In Transit to Program

In Flight

DAY

Arrive Milan, Transfer to Port, Embark Aegean Odyssey

At Sea

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 1 mile including ship and port corridors and gangways.

Morning: Transfer from the airport to the port in Savona. Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Afternoon: Embark the Aegean Odyssey. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. Then begin to become familiar with this comfortable ship that will be our floating home for the duration of the program. The ship’s friendly and courteous staff are scrupulous about hygiene and you will find numerous dispensers with hand sanitizer we are encouraged to use. Along with everyone on board, we will meet at muster stations when called for the ship’s safety drill. During succeeding evenings aboard ship, there will be activities to choose from such as a guest speaker, a performance by talented musicians, and opportunities for interaction with fellow Road Scholars. Please note that lecture times and dates may vary due to time in port. There is also a well-stocked library with daily newspapers received via satellite. Each evening, a Daily Journal with highlights of the next day’s activities will be available to view in the reception area. Most mornings will begin with a group stretch session. On each full day of the program, we will gather for an informal “port talk” about what’s ahead. 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. In each port, based on our berthing position, we will be offering shuttle busses running from/to the ship during the day for your convenience if you wish to explore independently. The extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities are always dependent on personal choice. 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: Aboard ship, enjoy your first dinner on board in either the Marco Polo restaurant or the Terrace Café. Chef-prepared meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations including healthy choices. Both restaurants offer open-seating dining. All meals aboard ship are included as well as coffee and tea in the afternoons on the Lido Deck & late night snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages and select wines at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.

Evening: We will gather in the Ambassador Lounge for a welcome briefing by the Cruise Director. As well as welcoming you to your floating campus, the Cruise Director will discuss some general ship policies and review any updated Covid-19 regulations. The rest of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. The ship will leave Savona at 10:00 p.m. on our journey to La Spezia, gateway to the Cinque Terre.

DAY

Port of La Spezia, Cinque Terre

At Sea (La Spezia to Livorno)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; on/off a smaller vessel. Walking up to 4 miles; varied terrain.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — there are hot and cold dishes to choose from such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, fruits, breads, pastries, and a variety of healthy choices as well as milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 6:00 a.m. will gather this morning with the Group Leader, who 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 review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the names of the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) that comprise this region on the Italian Riviera. Enjoy the beauty of the region from the comfort of a chartered boat and a walking field trip to explore some of what the five villages have to offer. You will be immersed in the beauty of the region, and perhaps driven to follow in the footsteps of Lord Byron and pen your own ode to Italy, “the garden of the world, the home of all art yields."

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration. At the end of the afternoon, we will gather for our first port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship will leave La Spezia at 10:00 p.m. on our journey to Livorno, gateway to Florence.

DAY

Port of Livorno, Florence

At Sea

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 100 miles from Livorno to Florence; approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, uphill segments. NOTE: The “Relaxed” activity level group will not visit the Palazzo Vecchio for independent exploration.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 6:00 a.m. We'll board a motorcoach for a full day in the magical city of Florence. We'll begin with a walking field trip that will include a visit inside the Palazzo Vecchio. We’ll take in more sights including the Duomo (outside visit only) and have some time to explore independently at your own pace. You might like to climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for its spectacular views, visit a gelateria for that famous frozen treat, or marvel at the wondrous art collections housed in the city's many museums. The “Relaxed" activity level group will start with a walking exploration of Florence.

Lunch: For those on the shore excursions, lunch will be in a local restaurant. If you chose to stay on board, lunch will be in either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: We'll continue our exploration of Florence with a walk to the Ponte Vecchio for views up and down the Arno River. Take a little free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. The "Relaxed" activity level group will take some free time, then board a motorcoach for a panoramic photostop of Florence starting at Piazzale Michelangelo. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship will leave Livorno at 10:00 p.m. and begin our journey to Naples.

DAY

At Sea, Onboard Lectures & Activities

At Sea (Arriving in Naples the next morning)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship as we sail from Livorno to Naples. Our course will take us past the islands of Elba, Corsica, and Sardinia.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. We will gather for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area.

DAY

Naples, Herculaneum

At Sea (Naples to Catania)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles; varied terrain, stairs in archaeology park.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 9:00 a.m. We will set out on a field trip, via motorcoach, to the doomed ancient resort town of Herculaneum. Mount Vesuvius erupted on the 24th of August in the year 79 CE. The town of Herculaneum was overwhelmed by a massive mudflow 16 meters deep. The depth of the ash left much of Herculaneum very well preserved, including wooden structures and food! This UNESCO World Heritage site offers an in depth view into the daily lives of ancient Romans. We will return to port at the end of the field trip where you are welcome to enjoy free time aboard ship or stay ashore and explore independently.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program, or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration. The ship will leave Naples at 4:00 p.m. on our journey to Catania.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area.

DAY

Port of Catania–Sicily, Taormina

At Sea (Catania to Taranto)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles; varied terrain.NOTE: The “Relaxed” activity level group will not visit the Greek Theater.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 9:00 a.m. We will depart the ship on a motor coach and drive to nearby Taormina for a walk along the Corso Umberto, Taormina's pedestrian-only main street on our way to the ancient Greek Theater that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. From here, we will have breathtaking views of the sea and Mt. Etna. We will return to the ship at the end of our field trip. Those who wish to stay ashore and explore independently are welcome to do so.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area.

DAY

Port of Taranto-Italy, Matera

At Sea (Taranto to Kotor)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Walking up to 3 miles; variable terrain. NOTE: The “Relaxed” activity level group will not visit Meterasum Ipogeo.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. After arriving and docking at Taranto, we'll board a motorcoach and ride to the ancient city of Matera. A local expert will lead us in a walking field trip in the Sassi di Matera, the oldest part of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prehistoric troglodyte settlement, thought to be among the first-ever human settlements in what is now Italy. Inhabited until 1952, these cave homes are a very real link to Italy's truly ancient history. During our visit, we'll explore the underground world known as Materasum Ipogeo before returning to the ship.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. At the end of the afternoon, we will gather for a port talk. The ship will leave Taranto at 4:00 p.m. on our journey to Kotor.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area.

DAY

Kotor-Montenegro

At Sea

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off tenders. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day; elective climb to ascend the City Walls 1,000+ steps.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: Free time onboard. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 12:00 p.m. After stepping off the ship and boarding tender vessels, our Group Leader or a local expert will lead our exploration of Kotor’s old town — small, but one of the best preserved on the Adriatic. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for exceptional architecture in a stunning natural setting. Founded by the Romans, Kotor developed into an important center of commerce and the arts. Traded back and forth between empires, its history is tempestuous. It was a prized city in the Venetian empire, and Venetian influence is apparent everywhere including the impressive city wall. One of the key sites we will visit is the Maritime Museum, housed in a former palace, which documents the importance of seafaring in Kotor’s history and culture as well as its former status as a naval power. At the end of the afternoon, we will gather for a port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

DAY

At Sea, Onboard Lectures & Activities

At Sea (Arriving in Venice the next morning)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: Free time. As we head towards Venice, Italy, take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: We will gather for a lecture on topics relevant to our program. At the end of the afternoon, we will gather for a port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area.

DAY

Venice, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace

Venice

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Getting on/off a vaporetto. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing during field trips; cobblestones, marble flooring, uneven stone sidewalks; crossing bridges that span canals, some without handrails, unavoidable stairs.NOTE: The “Relaxed” activity level group will not walk the mercato or visit Doge's Palace, and will head out separately for this field trip.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: We'll step off the ship and board a vaporetto for a short trip down the Grand Canal to the Rialto area, where we will see the famed bridge and stroll the mercato like a local. A local expert will give us an overview of the area’s unique history and its importance to the city as we continue our exploration to see some of the most famous highlights of Venice. St. Mark’s Square is the largest public space in the city, called the "drawing room of Europe" in the 19th century. It is also one of the most impressive public squares anywhere with the Basilica di San Marco (Basilica of St. Mark), Campanile (bell tower), and Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace), commonly called the Doge’s Palace. St. Mark’s Basilica, formally the Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco, was long ago nicknamed the chiesa d’oro — church of gold —for its magnificent ornamentation. Construction on the present edifice began circa 1063 and was completed in 1071. St. Mark’s brilliantly represents the spiritual and material heritage of Byzantium as well as the wealth and power of Venice as a city-state. While the architectural structure is that of a Greek cross surmounted by five domes, the interiors are lavishly decorated with mosaics, gold, marble, and precious materials of many kinds as well as masterpieces of art and sculpture. Our expert will lead our exploration of the Doge’s Palace that was the seat of civic and political power. Doge in the Venetian dialect was equivalent to duke but the Doges of Venice served as head of state for more than a thousand years. They embellished the residential quarters and ceremonial chambers of the Great Council with lavish artwork, including murals by Tintoretto and Veronese. We will see the spacious courtrooms and the Prisons, connected by the Bridge of Sighs. Those convicted of crimes walked from the courtroom to prison across the infamous bridge, so called because of prisoners’ reaction knowing it was their last glimpse of light and air.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, or take advantage of this time for independent exploration.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.

DAY

Disembarkation, Transfer to Airport, Program Concludes

In Flight

Activity note: Disembarkation begins as early as 5:00 am or earlier depending on local schedules. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: After completing disembarkation procedures, we will transfer to the airport. 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!

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