Travel-Learn Program

When: October 18, 2010 - October 26, 2010 (iCal)

Description

This journey takes us to the scenic Amalfi Coast, with its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape. Nicknamed The Divine Coast, the serpentine Amalfi Drive winds around towering cliffs and sandy coves, past villages, brightly colored villas and flower gardens. Our base from which to explore the region is the seaside resort of Amalfi, a village of impressive architecture, lush olive groves and winding streets. We will stop to see a number of region’s favorites including, the town of Ravello with its spectacular 13th-century Villa Rufolo; the dramatic cliffs of Positano, Italy’s most vertical town; and the cliff-top village of Sorrento, dotted with lemon and orange trees, overlooking the Bay of Naples. We will visit the fabled ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Finally, we will have opportunities to stop at the Temples of Hera and Athena at the ancient city of Paestum, and discover the extraordinary beauty and classical antiquity of Capri, the Isle of Dreams.

Cost

From $3,145 per person, based on double occupancy.

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Travel Learn Program Director, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-843-2586 or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart the U.S.

Depart the U.S. for Naples, Italy aboard the scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2 – Arrive in Amalfi, Italy

Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to Amalfi and the deluxe Grand Hotel Excelsior, situated on one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of the Amalfi Coast. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.) This evening, meet for a reception and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 – Ravello / Amalfi

Our coastal experience begins this morning with a scenic ride to the town of Ravello where we’ll visit the exquisite Villa Ruffolo, the place that gave Richard Wagner his inspiration. The excursion continues to the renowned town of Amalfi. Lunch is at a local restaurant in Amalfi. This afternoon, a private boat will take us on a cruise along the coast to picturesque Positano. After a visit of this unique town, we’ll return to Amalfi and the hotel. The entire Amalfi Coast has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage List site.

Day 4 - Sorrento

Coasting along the Sorrento shoreline, Ulysses had to tie himself to the mast to resist the call of the Sirens. This village, built atop a cliff, has long been heralded by poets. Rendered in pastel-hued houses, it is ringed with whispering groves of lemon trees and awash in beautiful gardens. The afternoon in Sorrento is free for independent exploration.

Day 5 - Herculaneum / Pompeii

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage List sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii, which were destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. The ancient seaside town of Herculaneum was preserved by mudflows on that fateful day, while Pompeii, the larger of the two cities, was covered by ash. Pompeii is known for its museum and well-preserved frescoes. Lunch is next to the archeological site at Pompeii.

Day 6 – Isle of Capri

This morning, we will go by boat to Marina Grande on the enchanted Isle of Capri. Then, board a private boat for a cruise around the island to see the White Grotto and Faraglioni rock formations. We will have time for independent exploration and lunch on the island before a boat ride to Amalfi and the transfer back to the hotel.

Day 7 – Paestum / Salerno

Visit a local farm where mozzarella cheese is produced from the milk of buffalo indigenous to the area. Continue to Paestum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage List site, where we’ll see the beautiful temples of Hera and Athena. The ruins of Paestum, including these temples, are the best-preserved examples of Greek architecture outside of Greece. Lunch is at a restaurant overlooking the temples. Before returning to the hotel, visit the World War II landing beach of Salerno.

Day 8 - Amalfi

The day is at leisure to pursue individual interests. Tonight, we’ll meet our travel companions for a farewell reception followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 – Return to U.S.

Transfer to the airport for return flights home. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)

*Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.