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A group of travelers walks through sunny archaeological ruins with large stone columns on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Italy

The Magic & Mythology of the Amalfi Coast With Your Grandchild

Program No. 24549RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
14 meals ( 7B, 3L, 4D )
3 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 1 hour.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax. At 4:45 p.m., our Group Leader takes us on a short neighborhood walk to get our bearings. We note the closest grocery store, pharmacy (green cross), ATM, and a few cafés and bakeries near the hotel. We also spot the nearest bus stop/taxi stand, as well as a good place to buy water and snacks. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. We will learn from the Group Leaders and local experts, who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private bus unless noted otherwise. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leaders will always be happy to offer suggestions. Transportation will be provided primarily by bus and regional train. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding. Next, we will join our Group Leaders in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).
Dinner:
In the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 35 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, cobblestoned streets, some inclines from bus drop-off point to farm restaurant.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation: 8:15 a.m. The Group Leaders will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures, and answer questions. We take a short break for a beverage and snack. Use this window to fill water bottles, grab a coffee or tea, and make quick restroom stops. Next, we gather for an expert-led session on Italian hand gestures. We learn common gestures, what they mean in context, when to use them (and when not to), and how tone and body language shape everyday conversation. Expect light practice and a few role-play examples we will use immediately. Afterward, we transfer by bus to Sorrento, taking the panoramic route through Massa Lubrense. The drive offers coastal views and a sense of the peninsula's layout, including villages, terraced lemon groves, and bays. The Group Leader will identify landmarks and share tips on local transportation and timing. On arrival in Sorrento, our Group Leader leads a neighborhood walk to get our bearings: nearby restaurants and cafés, artisanal shops, the closest ATMs, pharmacies (look for the green cross), grocery stores, and useful landmarks such as taxi stands and bus stops. We note where to buy water and snacks and discuss typical opening hours so we can navigate independently later. We begin our time in Sorrento with a gelato tasting along the main street, comparing classic flavors and seasonal sorbets as we learn how artisanal gelato differs from industrial ice cream.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We return to Sant'Agata by bus, regrouping at the hotel for a short break. Next, we meet in the hotel meeting room for a mythology session on Sorrento and the Bay, exploring local legends, place names, and how ancient stories shaped the coastline's identity. We then board a bus for a local agriturismo in the countryside. On site, we take an expert-led visit to learn how regional cheeses (such as caciotta and mozzarella) are made, how extra-virgin olive oil is produced, and the basics of local wine. We also see the farm animals and the vegetable garden, then sample local antipasti. The day's excitement continues with a hands-on pizza-making experience, where we each customize our pizzas with a variety of toppings. To wrap up our cultural experience, we'll learn the steps of the traditional Tarantella dance, adding a fun, energetic finale to our visit.
Dinner:
At the agriturismo.
Evening:
We will return to our hotel by bus, after which the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 7 miles from hotel to marina. Getting on/off a ferry to island of Capri, riding approximately 1 hour total. Funicular to town of Capri, taxis to town of Anacapri. Driving 8 miles, under 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, cobblestones, inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:
We take the bus to Sorrento’s port and board a jetfoil for the crossing to Capri. On arrival, we join a private boat for an expert-led visit along the island’s shoreline to view sea grottos and coastal formations (sea conditions permitting). Expect short periods of standing and steps in and out of the boat. We ride the funicular up to Capri town for an expert-led walk of the historic center and the Cesare Augusto Gardens, with views of the coastline and Faraglioni.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to take a scenic walk to Punta Tragara, where you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the coastline and the famed Faraglioni rock formations. The stony Marina Grande Beach offers a lovely spot to relax and swim—be sure to wear water shoes for comfort and safety. We reunite at the marina, board the jetfoil back to Sorrento, and transfer to Sant'Agata. A bus returns us to the hotel. Once back at the hotel, one Group Leader hosts an aperitivo in the gazebo for adults, while the other leads pool/game time for teens.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. Shuttle service will be available for those wishing to dine in Sorrento.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 4 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; uneven cobblestone and dirt paths, steps, inclines, slippery when wet. Except at the entrance/exit, no benches or other places to sit in the archaeological park.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our day with a scenic bus ride to the ancient city of Pompeii, where we will step back in time and explore one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. We'll start our day at Mount Vesuvius, where we'll begin our climb to the summit. Our hike will take us about two-thirds of the way up the volcano, offering stunning views of the Bay of Naples below. For those who wish to continue, there is an option to trek to the crater itself, where you can marvel at the active volcano and its surrounding landscape. Please note that restroom facilities along the hiking route are limited to portable chemical toilets. After our hike, we will board our bus and travel onward to the city of Pompeii.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Led by our local expert, we’ll wander through the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, learning about the daily lives of the Romans before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The terrain features cobblestones and uneven pathways, so wear sturdy walking shoes, and sunscreen is mandatory to fully enjoy the experience. Once we've completed our visit to Pompeii, we'll board the bus for a scenic ride back to Sant'Agata.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. Shuttle service will be available for those wishing to dine in Sorrento.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 10 miles, over 1/2 hour total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; uneven cobblestone and dirt paths, steps, inclines, no handrails, slippery when wet. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our day with a bus ride to the picturesque town of Positano, where breathtaking views of the dramatic cliffs and sparkling coastline welcome us. Upon arrival, we’ll take a leisurely walk with our Group Leaders through the charming streets of this iconic town, known for its colorful buildings cascading down the hillsides. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Changing rooms will be available for those who wish to take a swim. For history enthusiasts, we offer the option to visit the Roman Villa in Positano, a hidden gem that showcases the remains of an ancient Roman settlement. Here, you can wander through the ruins, admire the site's historical significance, marvel at its structures, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Later, we’ll board a private boat for a scenic cruise along the spectacular Amalfi Coastline, where the rugged cliffs meet the sparkling sea. The boat will take us to Amalfi, where we’ll have more free time to wander its enchanting streets. You can visit the magnificent Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, perched at the top of a staircase (60 steps to the entrance), or soak in the beauty of this ancient town. After our time in Amalfi, we’ll return to Sorrento by boat, enjoying the breathtaking coastal views once more before transferring by bus to our hotel in Sant'Agata.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 40 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 5 miles, approximately 3 hours; rough terrain with uneven cobblestone, rock, dirt paths, steps, inclines, no handrails, slippery when wet. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start our day with a bus ride to the town of Agerola, where we’ll lace up our hiking boots and gear up for the adventure ahead. Don’t forget to bring hats and sunscreen, and be ready for an unforgettable experience along the famous “Path of the Gods” (Sentiero degli Dei). Our local expert will lead us along this world-renowned trail, offering insightful commentary as we trek through the rugged terrain. The three-hour hike will take us through dirt and rock pathways, winding high above the Amalfi Coast with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the islands below. Boxed snacks and water will be provided to keep us energized as we trek. Once we finish our hike, we’ll meet the bus in Agerola for the return journey to Sant'Agata. Those who prefer not to participate in the hike are welcome to remain at the hotel and join the Group Leader for coffee and light snacks in the late morning.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant.
Afternoon:
In this interactive session with a local expert, we explore what it is really like to live in Italy today. We will talk about school, family life, regional differences, food culture, and how young people experience modern Italy. We will also look at key moments in Italian history — from unification to World War II — and how those events still shape daily life. Come ready with questions and comparisons to your own lives! At dinnertime, we will board a bus to take us into Sorrento for dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Getting in/out of kayaks with life jackets; paddling. Assistance provided as needed; about 1.5 hours on the water; potential for both waves and calm water. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin the day with an active adventure: sea kayaking. After boarding our bus, we travel down to the Sorrento marina, where experienced instructors provide a safety briefing and guidance before we set out on the water. Those who prefer not to kayak will instead join the Group Leader for a visit to the nearby Tarsia Museum to learn about Sorrento’s traditional inlaid wood craftsmanship. Following lunch on your own, we reconvene at the appointed time and place to ride back up to Sant’Agata together.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. In the late afternoon, we’ll board our bus to head to dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We'll board our bus after to dinner to return to our hotel in Sant'Agata. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. 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 rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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