DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Fly to Naples, Italy, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
DAY 2
Upon a your arrival in Naples, transfer by motorcoach to the coastal town of Amalfi and the Grand Hotel Excelsior. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.) Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to become familiar with your new surroundings.
DAY 3
Once vital trading communities and part of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, these cities attract people from all over the world. Amalfi is the burial place of St. Andrew; Ravello inspired Richard Wagner's opera, Parsifal; and authors have written of Positano. The entire Divine Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage List site. Educational Focus: The Amalfi Inspiration. Discover how the Amalfi Coast has inspired artists and writers through the years. Excursion: Ravello and Amalfi. Take a scenic ride to charming Ravello and visit the exquisite Villa Rufolo, the place of Richard Wanger's inspiration. Then, visit Amalfi for a leisurely stroll before lunch, followed by a private boat ride to Positano for independent exploration before returning to the hotel.
DAY 4
Overlooking the Bay of Naples the oldest ruins here date back to 600 B.C. With a tumultuous history, Sorrento became part of the Neapolitan Republic in 1799, buy by 1861 was annexed to the New Kingdom in Italy. Now Sorrento is one of the premier destinations on the Divine Coast. Excursion: Sorrento. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour followed by free time for shopping, independent exploration and lunch at your leisure. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. Educational Focus: The Horror and Splendor of Vesuvius. Learn about the history of Mt. Vesuvius and its impact on the ancient cities of Hercluaneaum and Pompeii.
DAY 5
Destroyed by the violent eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79, and accidentally rediscovered around 1738, these sister cities have inspired works of literature and traveling exhibits. Excursion: Pompeii and Hercluaneum. Tour the archeological site of Pompeii and see its well-preserved frescoes. Have lunch just outside before visiting Herculaneum.
DAY 6
Once part of the mainland, Capri has been inhabited since early times. Now it's a site of inspiration and relaxation. Most notable attractions of the area include the Belvedere of Tragara (high promenade), limestone masses called sea stacks that stand out of the water and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas. Excursion: The Isle of Capri. Enjoy a relaxing cruise from Amalfi to Marina Grande. A private boat will then take you to see the White Groto and Faraglioni rock formations and, after that you'll take a short motorcoach ride to Anacapri, for lunch. Enjoy leisure time before returning to Amalfi. Educational Focus: Meet the People. Participate in a lively discussion with local residents about life in Italy today.
DAY 7
Known for its painted tombs and historic temples, Paestum boasts the breathtaking Doric Temples of Poseidon and Athena, and Salerno is known for its lush landscapes, amazing castles and churches. Educational Focus: Mozzarella and More. Learn about the history of the food and wine produced in the province of Campania from ancient times to today. Excursion: Paestum. Visit a local farm where mozzarella cheese is produced from the milk of buffalo that are indigenous to the area. Continue to Paestum, the site of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Greek architecture outside of Greece. Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the temples. On the return to the hotel, visit the World War II landing beach of Salerno. Enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration of the area.
DAY 8
The day is yours to enjoy and pursue individual interests. In the evening, gather at the hotel for your Graduation Ceremony, and Farewell Reception and Dinner.
DAY 9
After an early breakfast, depart the hotel by motorcoach for the transfer to Naples' airport and your return flight. (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to operating conditions. Many excursion in this program involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
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