Feb 28 - Apr 13, 2025
Italy
Living and Learning in Sicily: Independent Stay and Study
Program No. 24565RJ
Live like a local in Sicily as you stay in your own apartment, take daily Italian language classes and explore culture and history through weekly lectures or field trips.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
| 1 Bed Apartment | 2 Bed Apartment |
|---|---|
|
Comfortable one-bedroom apartment designed for up to two occupants. |
Comfortable two-bedroom apartment.
|
Oct 10 - Nov 23, 2025
Filling Fast!
Feb 28 - Apr 13, 2025Oct 10 - Nov 23, 2025
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
45 days
44 nights
14 meals
5B 5L 4D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Program Orientation in Palermo
Palermo
5
Italian Language Class
Cefalù
6
Italian Language Class
Cefalù
7
Italian Language Class
Cefalù
9
Weekend at Leisure
Cefalù
10
Weekend at Leisure
Cefalù
11
Language Class
Cefalù
12
Language Class
Cefalù
14
Italian Language Class
Cefalù
16
Noto & local chocolate
Modica
18
Language Class
Cefalù
19
Language Class
Cefalù
20
Italian Language Class
Cefalù
At a Glance
Over the course of six weeks, live like a local in Sicily during this independent learning adventure. Experience apartment living in the coastal town of Cefalù while taking daily language classes to improve your Italian. Immerse yourself in Italian culture and history during two weekend field trips and a Sicilian cooking class. While you experience living in a new country independently, you’ll be supported by a Road Scholar Group Leader who’s always on call to help.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Get around mainly on foot; you’re likely to walk at least two miles per day over uneven terrain with slopes. On field trips, walking up to three miles daily with cobblestones, very steep slopes and stairs without handrails.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Live like a local in independent apartment accommodations in Cefalù and discover nearby shops, restaurants and more.
- Join your group leader for weekend field trips to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento and to the Baroque villages of Ragusa, Noto and Modica.
- Improve your cooking skills through a hands-on Sicilian cookery class.
Suggested Reading List
(32 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.
Living and Learning in Sicily: Independent Stay and Study
Program Number: 24565
Palermo
In this charming little book, Alajmo offers a wry, lyrical portrait of his native city, its people, charms and "big problems." What follows is a rollicking, odd journey through the peccadilloes of the Sicilian city.
La Dolce Vita
As his distraught girlfriend commits suicide and he becomes enamored with a film star (played by the beautiful Anita Ekberg), columnist-playboy Marcello searches for meaning. An enduring classic, set in Rome. Originally released in 1960.
Survival Kit for Overseas Living
With chapters on cultural baggage, stereotypes and common complaints of American expats, this intercultural classic is perfect for study abroad.
Saving Italy, The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis
In this intense history, Edsel brings readers into WWII-era Milan, the Vatican and beyond, discussing the near destruction of The Last Supper and other timeless works at the hands of the fascists.
The Leopard
Evoking a lost world of privilege and tradition, Di Lampedusa's memorable tale, set on a rural Sicilian estate during the days of independence, follows the world-weary Don Fabrizio, Prince of Salina. A classic, now in a 50th anniversary edition.
Sicily, An Island at the Crossroads of History
Norwich delivers a page-turning account of Sicily, from the Classical period through the Mafia, highlighting the crucial role the island has played in world politics.
The Shape of Water
The first of Camilleri's wildly popular Inspector Montalbano mysteries, nicely translated and shot through (pun intended) with not just memorable characters but also with Sicilian lore and politics. If you like the series, it continues in 19 more installments -- and counting.
Ancient Sicily, Monuments Past & Present
In this illuminating overview, ingenious overlays depict 17 important sites as they appear today and how they may have appeared in the past.
Behind Closed Doors
Translated from the Italian by Elise Magistro. From Amazon: "A cultural album of 10 short stories that captures the lives of peasant, working-class, and middle-class women, this volume will appeal to millions of Italian descendants and readers everywhere fascinated by Italian history."
The Great Beauty
After his 65th birthday, witty and arrogant novelist Jep Gambardella is blindsided by an ex-lover’s secret. He begins re-examining his lavish lifestyle (nightclubs, parties and cafes) and looking for a different side of Rome. Originally released in 2013.
The Day of the Owl
A mesmerizing description of the Mafia at work, Sciascia's beautifully paced novella traces Captain Bellodi's investigation of a man shot dead as he runs to catch a bus in a small Sicilian town.
D.H. Lawrence and Italy
This omnibus Penguin Classics edition includes Lawrence's three travel tales, each very different in tone and all wonderful: Sea and Sardinia is a nostalgic look at traditional ways of life; Twilight in Italy, an evocation of Lawrence's memorable stay on Lake Garda; and Etruscan Places, his musings on ancient sites, including the painted tombs of Tarquinia.
Syracuse, City of Legends: A Glory of Sicily
Dummett covers the history, architecture and archaeology of Syracuse, which Cicero dubbed the greatest and most beautiful Greek city, in this lavishly illustrated book.
Bicycle Thieves
When Antonio Ricci is unable to find work and his bicycle is stolen, the man becomes desperate to support himself and his son. Set in Rome. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
In Other Words
In this complex memoir, award-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri moves to Rome and immerses herself in Italian. Her dual-language book chronicles her courtship with the language, the Italian culture and the difficulties of linguistic exile.
Sicily, An Illustrated History
Privitera covers the scope of Sicily and its diverse civilizations in lively prose and well-chosen illustrations in this succinct history.
Sicily Map
A detailed map of Sicily (1:200,000) printed on water- and tear-resistant paper.
On Persephone's Island
Strong on the delights of rural life, Simeti's portrait of Sicily takes the form of a year-long journal, capturing the spirit of the people, daily life, traditions and the land.
Midnight in Sicily, On Art, Food, History, Travel and La Cosa Nostra
Combining interviews, research and essays on Sicilian history and culture, this vivid report by journalist Robb is a superb introduction to Italy's glorious, corrupt and troubled south.
The Art of Travel
A digressive riff on desire, happiness and how best to experience travel by the Proust scholar and philosopher Alain de Botton who asks: "What is the point of traveling?"
Sicily, Through Writers' Eyes
Homer, Herodotus, D.H. Lawrence, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, Elio Vittorini and Peter Robb are represented in this magnificent tour of Sicily, its history, culture and allure.
Compact Oxford Italian Dictionary
This hefty companion covers more than 90,000 words and phrases with helpful sections on grammar and culture to better prepare the traveler for a visit to Italy.
A House in Sicily
An old-fashioned memoir of life at Casa Cuseni, the pensione and garden in Taormina run by the indomitable Daphne Phelps, which has been a sanctuary for such guests as Tennessee Williams, Betrand Russell and others, famous and infamous, since 1947.
Seeking Sicily, A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean
Taken with Sicily, its culture and its literature, Keahey explores the food, history and pure pleasure of the place, using his heroes Giuseppe di Lampedusa, Leonardo Sciascia and other Sicilian literary greats as guides.
The Italians
Italy correspondent for The Economist Hooper explores Italy -- its baffling contradictions, unique character and contemporary culture -- in this illuminating portrait.
The Mask of Apollo
Master of historical fiction Mary Renault centers her novel in the turbulent world of fourth-century B.C. Greece, where a tragic actor finds Plato and his friend trying to subdue the tyrannical ruler of Syracuse.
La Bella Lingua
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.
La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.
Palmento, A Sicilian Wine Odyssey
An American journalist living in France, Robert Camuto roams the vineyards and visits with vintners from Palermo to Marsala and the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in this year-long celebration of the culture and spirit of Sicily, Italy's largest and oldest wine region.
Bitter Victory: The Battle for Sicily 1943
From Amazon: Using a wealth of original sources, D'Este paints an unforgettable portrait of men at war. From the front lines in Sicily and Northern Africa to the councils of the Axis and Allied high commands, Bitter Victory offers penetrating reassessments of the men who masterminded the campaign. Thrilling and authoritative, this is military history on an epic scale.
Between Salt Water and Holy Water, A History of Southern Italy
Astarita captures the fanfare, rivalry and changing fortunes of Sicily from antiquity through Norman, Spanish and Bourbon rule to unification and the 20th century.
8 1/2
Widely believed to be his finest work, Federico Fellini's semi-autobiographical look at a director who's lost his inspiration is a gorgeous and surrealistic masterpiece that dreamily blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Blu-ray edition.
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
45 days
44 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
5B, 5L, 4D
)
37 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
43 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Palermo
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti
Activity Note
Hotel check-in is at 3:00 PM. On this Living and Learning program, you will walk daily over cobblestones, uneven terrain, slopes and steps. While buses may be available, it is usually faster and more direct to walk. Please note that orientation walks may exceed the expected 2.5 miles per day for this program. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Meet in the hotel lobby at 5:00 PM. The program starts with the welcome orientation and group introductions. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions throughout the orientation weekend. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Welcome Happy Hour with drinks and a snacks
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Program Orientation in Palermo
Location:
Palermo
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti
Activity Note
Walking approximately 3 miles, uneven terrain, cobble stones, some steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant. On this program, included breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning:
With our Group leader we will enjoy a full orientation to the program, with plenty of helpful information for your stay in Sicily.
Lunch:
Enjoy the Italian cultural tradition of a long and leisurely Welcome Sunday lunch with the group.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we continue with the orientation of the program, you will receive information on the language school, group activities, cultural differences. You will also receive your apartment assignments.
Dinner:
Dinner at leisure.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
4
Transfer to Cefalù, Language class intro.
Location:
Cefalù
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motor coach, driving 45 miles from Palermo to Cefalú. Walking of up to 1.5 miles during orientation walk; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
This morning, we will depart early morning by motor coach to Cefalú, where we will arrive in time for our first language class session, which will include an assessment, placement and introduction to the course.
Lunch:
Plated meal at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, you will move into your individual apartment in Cefalú. Once checked-in you will receive an orientation to your apartment with the apartment agency staff.
Dinner:
Dinner at leisure.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal
Morning:
Language class. Meet at your language school for your language lesson
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language Class
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Language Class, Arab-Norman Sicily, Group Get-Together
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school, plus additional walking in Monreale and to the cafe for happy hour; some steps, cobbles stones. Driving 45 miles, just over one hour each way to Monreale.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
**Classical Language Course: language class. **Beginners Italian Course: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will depart by motor coach to the town of Monreale, dating from the 12th C, when it was founded by the Normans. Led by a local expert, we will visit the cathedral - Il Duomo - considered to be one of the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture. Here we will also learn about the interplay between Norman, Latin, Arab and Byzantine cultures following the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 11th and 12th Centuries. Later, we will enjoy a get together at a local café, to share experiences and ask questions. The Group Leader will be able to give suggestions in planning your free time and individual weekend excursions.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At Leisure.
Day
9
Weekend at Leisure
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
10
Weekend at Leisure
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language Class
Lunch:
On your own
Afternoon:
At leisure.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language Class
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
At leisure.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Italian Language Class, Cooking Class
Location:
Cefalù
Meals:
D
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school, plus additional walking to cooking class. Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language Class
Lunch:
At leisure
Afternoon:
Attend a cooking class. In the late afternoon, the group will meet to learn the ins and outs of Sicilian cooking.
Dinner:
Enjoy what you have prepared.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
At leisure
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Weekend visit to the Baroque Towns; Ragusa, Modica
Location:
Modica
Meals:
D
Stay:
PIETRE NERE RESORT
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motor coach; driving 170 miles, approximately 3 hrs 45m to the Ragusa area. Cobble stones, steps and some steep slopes
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Classical Language Course: language class. Beginners Italian Course: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader, we will depart by motor coach to Ragusa. On arrival, we will visit the town by trolley car, and enjoy a bird's eye view of many of the city's Baroque buildings, before heading to nearby Modica, where we will check in to our hotel for two nights.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Noto & local chocolate
Location:
Modica
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
PIETRE NERE RESORT
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles, uneven ground, some steep slopes, steps without hand rails; getting on and off a motor coach, driving approximately 70 miles over the course of the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will depart by motor coach to Noto, where, with our local expert, we will visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. Described by the art critic, Cesare Brandi as the "Stone Garden", many of the town's structures are built from a soft tufa stone, which gives the town a unique, honey-colored glow under sunlight.
Lunch:
Your main meal today will be lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit a local chocolate factory, where we will learn about the origins of chocolate on the island and the traditional chocolate-making process, with a chance to sample some of the products!
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Caltagirone, Ceramics, return to Cefalù
Location:
Cefalù
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles; getting in and out of coach. Riding in a motor coach approximately 150 miles/3hrs 45m over the course of the day. Uneven terrain, steps and slopes during the field trips
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:
Check out of the hotel. We will drive to the town of Caltagirone - renowned for it's ceramic and terra cotta production dating from antiquity, Here we will visit an artisan ceramic factory and learn about this ancient art.
Lunch:
Traditional group lunch in the countryside.
Afternoon:
Transfer back to Cefalù via private coach.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to language school for class and lecture; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
19
Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to language school, plus additional walking on the field trip; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class in the morning.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
20
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
21
Italian Language Class; Group Cafe Get-together
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most. Meet for a happy hour to share your experiences and ask questions of your local Group Leader. Your Group Leader will be able to give suggestions in planning your free time and individual weekend excursions.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
22
Italian Language Class, Group Cafe Get-together
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles round trip to the language school, plus additional walking to the cafe for happy hour; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Classical Language Course: language class. Beginners Italian Course: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most. Meet for a happy hour to share your experiences and ask questions of your local Group Leader. Your Group Leader will be able to give suggestions in planning your free time and individual weekend excursions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
23
Weekend at Leisure - Public Holiday
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
24
Weekend at Leisure
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
25
Language Class, Myths and Legends of Sicily
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to language school for class and lecture; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
We will meet up at the language school, where we will join a local expert to learn all about the ancient and fascinating myths and legends of Sicily - a land of nymphs, Greek gods and tales handed down over centuries.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
26
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to language school for class and field trip, plus additional walking on field trip; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
At leisure
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
27
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
28
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
29
Italian Language Class, Group Cafe Get-together
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles round trip to the language school, plus additional walking to the cafe for happy hour; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Classical Language Course: language class. Beginners Italian Course: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most. Meet for a happy hour to share your experiences and ask questions of your local Group Leader. Your Group Leader will be able to give suggestions in planning your free time and individual weekend excursions.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
30
Weekend at Leisure
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
At leisure
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
31
Weekend at Leisure
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
32
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles round trip to the language school for class, and lecture; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
At leisure
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
33
Italian Language Class, The Movies in Sicily
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Meet at your language school for a group event on Sicily in the Movies and the Movies in Sicily.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
34
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
35
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
36
Italian Language Class, Agrigento Group Trip
Location:
Agrigento
Meals:
D
Stay:
Colleverde Park Hotel
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to class, Getting on and off a motor coach. Driving approximately 85 miles/2.5 hours to Agrigento. Uneven terrain, steps and slopes during the field trip.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Classical Language Course: language class. Beginners Italian Course: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will drive to Agrigento, where with our local expert, we will enjoy a sunset visit to the Valley of the Temples - without doubt the most important vestige of ancient classical culture and archaeology in Sicily. Later, we will check in to our hotel for the night
Dinner:
We enjoy a group dinner at the hotel
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
37
Museum of Agrigento, Return to Cefalù
Location:
Cefalù
Meals:
B
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles, standing at the museum. Uneven terrain, steps and slopes during the field trip. Driving approximately 85 miles/2.5 hours to Cefalù.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning:
Today we will learn about Sicily's colonization by both the ancient Greek and Roman empires, during an expert-led visit to the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento.
Lunch:
Free time for lunch in Agrigento
Afternoon:
We drive back to Cefalù in the afternoon
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
38
At Leisure
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
39
Italian Language Class, The Music of Sicily
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we enjoy a group event focusing on the musical life of Sicily.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
40
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to class; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
41
Italian Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to class; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
42
Italian Language Class, Farewell Gathering
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Meet in the language school for a last group session to share your experiences of 6 weeks living and learning in Sicily.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
43
Final Language Class
Location:
Cefalù
Stay:
Individual Apartments in Cefalù
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles round trip to the language school; extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Classical Language Course: language class. Beginners Italian Course: On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.
Lunch:
Independent meal
Afternoon:
Prepare for your departure to Palermo tomorrow.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
44
Departure to Palermo area, Farewell Lunch
Location:
Palermo
Meals:
L
Stay:
Hotel Magaggiarri
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motor coach, driving 45 miles from Cefalú to Cisini, Palermo
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will depart Cefalù by motorcoach and head to the Palermo airport area (Cisini) for our last evening
Lunch:
Share memories with new-found friends during today's farewell lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Check in to our hotel in the afternoon. Prepare for your departure home the next day.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
45
Departures
Location:
In Flight
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 10, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
- Feb 28, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
- Oct 10, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 5 Reviews
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Feel free to share any of my comments! I have been telling friends and neighbors all about Road Scholar!
— Review left November 29, 2024
A magical six weeks in beautiful Cefalu. Our coordinator Alessandra took wonderful care of us in every way. Solemar language school is the best and Simona our teacher was everything a teacher should be. Full of heart and caring and fun. We were exposed to real social issues of Italy as well as the dolce vita. Loved our time there, made new friends, was awed by the beauty of Sicily.
— Review left November 27, 2024
This program was incredible. The opportunity to live in a beautiful Sicilian town while studying Italian from fantastic teachers exceeded all my hopes and expectations.
— Review left April 26, 2024
It was a very rich and rewarding experience. The combination of being in a group of curious adult learners in a fabulously beautiful and quaint old town, having one's own apt, going to school 4-5 mornings a week, the new friends made, lots of socializing, the fascinating weekend excursions, learning so much about many aspects of life in Sicily; these all helped make this experience truly meaningful and memorable.
— Review left April 24, 2024
What an incredible experience! Sicily is a magical place & we saw so much of it! The Italian language classes were excellent & the weekend excursions were amazing! I highly recommend this program if you are interested in learning the Italian language & experiencing life like an Italian in Sicily.
— Review left April 21, 2024
