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A seaside castle and weathered buildings line a sandy beach along the turquoise coast of Cilento, Italy, on a sunny day.
Italy

Winter in Italy: A Window Into the Slow Life of Cilento

Program No. 25136RJ
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 11 Reviews
SHOWING
Lorana – Class of 2023 | Hatfield, MA
Fantastic Group Leader, Alessandra Sarappa. A wonderful variety of activities offered as well as delicious and plentiful meals. Cooking class with the Baroness was another highlight for sure. Met lots of wonderful people in our group and look forward to scheduling another road scholar in the future.
— Review left April 2, 2026
This participant did not give a star rating.
Rose – Class of 2026 | Englewood, NJ
This was my first excursion with Road Scholar. It was an interesting experience without a doubt. This program was a success, because of Alessandra Sarappa, the group leader. She did a superb job in carrying out every activity, every day. The entire group was appreciative of her and constantly commented very positively about her involvement with our experiences. When I returned to the U.S., I was looking through the Road Scholar website and discovered that one of the program participants, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gerecitano, is employed by Road Scholar. Unfortunately, she failed to mention this, and in fact, made sure that we were not aware of her role with the organization. This decision on her part, or perhaps Road Scholar’s practice, was completely inappropriate and deceptive. It has left me with great distrust in Road Scholar, and I am wondering if I would ever consider joining another program. (Road Scholar was recommended by friends, and I will be sharing this experience with them.) Now I have a better understanding, in retrospect, of her continuous probing, of her disregard for the group leader, which bordered on arrogance, and her odd behavior that was commented on by other group participants. Imagine all the insights she was obtaining by pretending to be a group participant, not an employee, her access to confidential stories, the shared photographs, her level of privilege in thinking she can influence the program through her comments and by treating the group leader in a way that was obviously inappropriate. I am sure that if other program members knew who she is, they would feel lied to and cheated – the way I feel about this experience. It is not how anyone who goes on Road Scholar should ever end their trip, with such a distaste for a distasteful situation. We just helped “Lizzie” with her job performance by trusting her and sharing our experiences, which will undoubtedly be documented without our consent. I am really upset and dissatisfied
— Review left March 31, 2026
Elnora – Class of 2025 | West Milford, NJ
This program was an exceptional immersion into the culture, food and historical significance of the region. Visits to Paestum's temples and archeological sites were awesome!
— Review left March 31, 2026
Katherine – Class of 2015 | Bristol, CT
This was a great trip. Alessandra was absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable and attentive to detail. She made an effort to please every one in our group and had a familiar relationship with all the places we visited. The hotel was pristine and the little village quiet and walkable. LOVED the Fig Experience!. Five stars!
— Review left March 27, 2026
Lisa | Grand Island, NE
This was a great program. Interesting and fun. Alessandra was an amazing leader.
— Review left March 26, 2026
Karolyn – Class of 2025 | Olathe, KS
The Slow Life of Cilento is a great tour if you are interested in a glimpse into a more rural, less busy, less tourist-heavy experience! We loved it and our tour guide, Alessandra, was wonderful! A relaxing and educational experience.
— Review left February 25, 2026
Nancy – Class of 2013 | Mansfield, TX
Great trip, lots of things to see and do there, even in the winter. The hotel's location was amazing, the food was good there and the little town of Santa Maria di Castellabate is very scenic. I especially enjoyed the Padula Charterhouse and the Pertosa Caves, plus the white fig experience was unexpectedly interesting! Just a small warning, take a raincoat with a hood and expect some wind and chilly conditions, you're on the coast!
— Review left February 24, 2026
Joellen – Class of 2012 | Kalamazoo, MI
This is an excellent new program about the sites and rural character of southern Italy. Alessandra, the group leader is outstanding! I am a regular with RS travel, and she was one of the best I have encountered. There is a substantial amount of bus travel to the various sites, and the scenery was lovely. The visit to Paestum was a super highlight. The cooking class was hands on with plenty of kitchen staff to assist; we prepared a cake, ravioli and a small fried cheese snack, and then shared lunch with the Baronessa whose kitchen offered the class. The visit to the Charterhouse (monastery) was fascinating. And the multiple UNESCO sites were intriguing.
— Review left February 24, 2026
Gail – Class of 2012 | Brunswick, ME
Alessandra has a warm personality and great sense of humor. In one week you have a variety of experiences while staying at a beautiful hotel on the sea.
— Review left February 22, 2026
Patricia – Class of 2021 | San Leandro, CA
Travel during the low season in Europe allowed for a more authentic experience to interact with local residents. No large crowds to navigate through.
— Review left February 20, 2026
Marie – Class of 2025 | Riverside, CT
This is a beautiful location, maybe a bit unknown along the Amalfi Coast because the side trips we took included select treasured spots that were not packed with tourists. Thank you Road Scholar for introducing this trip to me!
— Review left February 19, 2026