Italy

Odyssey at Sea: The Coasts of Italy

Ocean Voyages

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise

Wishlist Start

Aboard our first-ever floating campus, learn about both hidden and celebrated gems along the coasts of one of Europe’s most romantic and culture-filled countries.

New

Activity Level

Program No. 23512RJ

Length

12 days

Starts at

4,499

Special Offer

Flights start at

FREE

Italy

Odyssey at Sea: The Coasts of Italy

Aboard our first-ever floating campus, learn about both hidden and celebrated gems along the coasts of one of Europe’s most romantic and culture-filled countries.

Ocean Voyages

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise

Activity Level

Length

12 days

Starts at

4,499

Special Offer

Flights start at

FREE

Program No. 23512 RJ

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

Need airfare?

Our airfare tool can help. Check it out

Plan ahead.

What kind of weather can you expect? Take a look!

Please Note:

The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.

Select your type of room

Price will update based on selection

Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Inside	Ship Outside	Ship Balcony
Accommodation Details A cabin with no window, porthole or balcony.	Accommodation Details A cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside.	Accommodation Details A cabin featuring a verandah, or balcony, that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck.

Jun 3 - Jun 14, 2022

Select Date

Ship Inside 4,499

Ship Outside 5,099

Ship Balcony 6,999

Sep 9 - Sep 20, 2022

Select Date

Ship Inside 4,599

Ship Outside 5,199

Ship Balcony 7,099

DATES & PRICES

Ship Inside	Ship Outside	Ship Balcony
Accommodation Details A cabin with no window, porthole or balcony.	Accommodation Details A cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside.	Accommodation Details A cabin featuring a verandah, or balcony, that allows you to step outside without going to a public deck.

Jun 3 - Jun 14, 2022

Select Date

Ship Inside 5,499

Ship Outside 6,099

Ship Balcony 8,499

Sep 9 - Sep 20, 2022

Select Date

Ship Inside 5,599

Ship Outside 6,199

Ship Balcony 8,599

Cancel & Transfer Fees Transfer & Cancellation Fees

Transfer & Cancellation Fees

Deposit at Enrollment: 1,200
Final payment due: 130 days before departure date

Cancel & Transfer Schedule

Should you transfer or cancel, apart from the fees described below, you will also be responsible for any penalties we would incur for non-refundable transportation arrangements made on your behalf.

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

Date

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

Date	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

If Road Scholar Cancels 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 sole 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 into 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 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.

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining their necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends that 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 well before departure. 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.

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.

About Program Details and Itineraries. We do all we can to finalize all aspects of our programs — including itineraries — well in advance, but logistics occasionally must be altered. Our website reflects the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of programs within the U.S. If you have questions about your program, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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.

Terms & Conditions

Responsibility. These Terms govern the relationship between you and Elderhostel, Inc., d/b/a Road Scholar. By enrolling in a program with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms; please be sure to read them carefully and make sure you understand them.

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 and 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.

Disabilities and Special Needs: Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodations 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 your needs.

Admission and Participation Policy: The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar may revoke admission or limit or terminate participation at any time if, in the opinion of Road Scholar, a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are problematic, inappropriate or disruptive. 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: Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs or videos 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 to be used in such photography; participants who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program.

Your Registration Options

Program With Airfare. Most International programs have an option for you to purchase Road Scholar-provided airfare. When you purchase your airfare with Road Scholar, airport transfers at the beginning and end of the program are included unless otherwise noted.

Program Only. You can purchase the program only and arrange airfare yourself. Our Program Only option begins at the first hotel listed on the itinerary and ends at the last hotel and includes all internal flights during the program. Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the program #[u may not] be included. Please read your Program Preparatory Materials for more information.

Airport Transfers. Airport transfers are included at no extra cost when you secure your air through Road Scholar on International programs outside of North America. Airport transfers are designated transfers between the airport to the start and end location of the program, on program start and end dates only. For “Program Only Participants,” ground transportation to and from each program varies based on the destination. If the program has a group transfer, you may avail yourself of the designated group transfer if your flight schedule aligns and there is space available. There may or may not be an additional charge. If the program does not have a group transfer, as a “Program Only” registrant you must make private arrangements.

Airline Fees. Whether you purchase your airfare independently or through Road Scholar, you may be subject to additional airline change or cancellation fees, especially if you cancel or transfer 10 weeks or less prior to departure.

Please be advised that the airlines you are traveling on as part of a Road Scholar program may impose additional fees for services provided upon check-in and while in flight. These fees may include (and are not limited to) such services as checked luggage, specific seat requests, beverages, meals and in-flight entertainment options. Any such fees imposed for services offered by the airlines are not included in your program gateway price and are payable directly to the airline while traveling.

Arranging Your Own Airfare

We highly recommend you purchase your airfare through Road Scholar. However, in most cases, you can make your own travel arrangements if you prefer. If you do, you will be responsible for transferring from the airport to the starting location of the program and returning to the airport upon conclusion of your program. Additionally, if Road Scholar must alter the program in a way that affects flight schedules, you will be responsible for changing your flight plans accordingly, which may involve airline fees.

If you are arranging your own flights, you should enroll using the Program Only Participant (POP) departure city category. For your protection, please do not make your airline reservations until you receive your final information packet from Road Scholar. If you cancel or transfer, you may be subject to airline change penalties. If your Road Scholar program includes internal flights within the program or other non-refundable program components, you will be responsible for those change or cancellation fees.

Optional Trip Protection Plan

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

12 days

11 nights

29 meals

10B 9L 10D

In Transit to Program

In Flight

Arrive Venice, Transfer to Port, Embark Aegean Odyssey

Venice

Venice, Doge's Palace

At Sea

At Sea, Lectures, Shipboard Activities

At Sea

Kotor-Montenegro

At Sea

Port of Taranto-Italy, Matera

At Sea (Taranto to Catania)

Port of Catania–Sicily, Taormina

At Sea (Catania to Naples)

Naples, Vesuvius 79 CE, Herculaneum

At Sea

At Sea, Lectures, Shipboard Activities

At Sea

Port of Livorno, Florence

At Sea (Livorno to La Spezia)

Port of La Spezia, Cinque Terre

At Sea (La Spezia to Genoa)

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. Cast off on Road Scholar’s first-ever floating campus as you sail from the canals of Venice to the architecture of Naples to the art of Florence alongside our experts. Unlike most cruise ships that are briefly in port, you’ll have overnight stays in many locations, giving you plenty of opportunity for deeper exploration. Indulge in a little vita all’italiana (life, Italian style) on our favorite ship as you fall in love with one of Europe’s most romantic and culture-filled countries.

Activity Level

Choose Your Pace

This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one that has less walking and fewer stairs and another at a more active pace.

Best of all, you’ll…

Enjoy an expert-led exploration of St. Mark’s Square while in Venice.
Explore the doomed ancient town Herculaneum, preserved under the flow of a Mount Vesuvius eruption in A.D. 79.
Discover the heart of the Renaissance in Florence, including visits to the Accademia, home to the famous David, and 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. Please note roommate matching is available in categories F, H and L.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Silvia Maccari

With strong roots in traditional Tuscan cooking, Silvia Maccari has taught at the Scuola di Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu di Firenze and the Leiths School of Food and Wine in London. She works with Marriott UK and Continental Europe as a food expert and chef trainer. She is the author of “A Spasso con Camilla,” a culinary travel book through Italy, as well as articles published on both Corriere della Sera in Italy and Italian cooking and living in the United States.

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

Silvia Maccari View biography

Joseph Paul Cassar View biography

Joseph Paul Cassar is a professor of art at the University of Maryland University College. He designs online art courses for the university as well as for the New York Times Knowledge Network. He also lectures at the Smithsonian Institute, Johns Hopkins University Osher Program, Towson University, Notre Dame University and York College of Pennsylvania. He has written several books on Maltese modern artists and has won awards for academic excellence. He is the 2019 recipient of the Malta Society of Arts' Gold Medal.

Alan O'Cain View biography

Alan O’Cain studied history at Lancaster University, specializing in the development of Western science, art and philosophy, and received a Master’s in education. He is now a professional artist and poet, delivering public talks and performances. Alan has been involved in creative collaborations with Glyndebourne Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company and produced art and poetry in-residence in a number of historical and international venues, including the preserved studio of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch and the former prison cell of Austrian artist Egon Schiele.

Recommended Adventures

Print All

Map details are not available for this location.

View Map

Expand All

12 days

11 nights

29 meals

10 B 9 L 10 D

DAY

In Transit to Program

In Flight

DAY

Arrive Venice, Transfer to Port, Embark Aegean Odyssey

Venice

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 Venice Cruise Terminal. Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Afternoon: Embark the Aegean Odyssey. Complete boarding procedures, get your cabin, unpack, and freshen up. Then begin to explore this comfortable ship that will be our floating home. The ship’s courteous and friendly 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. There is also a well-stocked library with daily newspapers received via satellite. 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 is ahead. Each evening, we’ll get a briefing memo in our cabins with highlights of the next day’s activities. 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 most ports, we will have shuttle busses, or tender boats, 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 depends 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 the venue of your choice: the a la carte Marco Polo restaurant, open for dinner as well as lunch on full days at sea; and the Terrace Café with its extensive buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations including healthy choices. Both restaurants offer open-seating dining. All meals aboard ship — as well as afternoon tea and late night snacks — are included. Non-alcoholic beverages and select wines at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.

Evening: 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 is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

DAY

Venice, Doge's Palace

At Sea

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: Orientation will be held after breakfast on this day. NOTE: The “On Your Feet” activity level group will not walk the mercato, and will head out separately for this field trip.

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: 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: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or choose to dine ashore on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy activities of your choice aboard ship, or take advantage of this time to explore independently.

Dinner: Your choice of 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 briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Venice on our journey to Kotor.

DAY

At Sea, Lectures, Shipboard Activities

At Sea

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, pick up a good book in the library, or just relax to the rhythm of the waves.

Lunch: Your choice of 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. In the late afternoon, we will gather for our first port talk.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

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 or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: 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 field trip, we will return to the ship.

Lunch: Your choice of 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 is scheduled to leave Kotor on our journey to Taranto.

Dinner: Your choice of 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 briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow.

DAY

Port of Taranto-Italy, Matera

At Sea (Taranto to Catania)

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 “On Your Feet” activity level group will not visit Meterasum Ipogeo.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: 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. At the end of the field trip, we will return to the ship.

Lunch: Your choice of 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 is scheduled to leave Taranto on our journey to Catania.

Dinner: Your choice of 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 briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow.

DAY

Port of Catania–Sicily, Taormina

At Sea (Catania to Naples)

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

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

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will depart the ship on foot with our Group Leader or a local expert 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: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or choose to dine ashore 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. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

DAY

Naples, Vesuvius 79 CE, Herculaneum

At Sea

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 or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: 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: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or choose to dine ashore on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

DAY

At Sea, Lectures, Shipboard Activities

At Sea

B,L,D

Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

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

Lunch: Your choice of 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: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

DAY

Port of Livorno, Florence

At Sea (Livorno to La Spezia)

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 “On Your Feet” activity level group will not visit the Accademia, or the Duomo for independent exploration.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: 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 to the Accademia, which houses the larger than life statue of David by Michelangelo. We’ll take in more sights including the Duomo 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 “On Your Feet" activity level group will start with a walking tour of Florence including the Duomo and Santa Croce.

Lunch: In a local 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 "On Your Feet" 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: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

DAY

Port of La Spezia, Cinque Terre

At Sea (La Spezia to Genoa)

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 or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: 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’ll 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.” The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the ship.

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or choose to dine ashore 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.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning. The ship is scheduled to leave La Spezia for Genoa. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.

DAY

Disembarkation, Transfer to Airport, Program Concludes

In Flight

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

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will complete disembarkation procedures. 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!

Odyssey at Sea: The Coasts of Italy

Odyssey at Sea: The Coasts of Italy

Accommodation Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation Details

Cancel & Transfer Schedule

If Road Scholar Cancels a Program

Travel Health

Program Pricing

Accuracy of Information:

Terms & Conditions

Your Registration Options

Arranging Your Own Airfare

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes

Recommended Adventures

Your Well-Being is Our #1 Priority

What's next?