Travel-Learn Program

When: September 02, 2009 - September 25, 2009 (iCal)

Description

Delight in the scenic grandeur of the Amalfi Coast (nicknamed “the Divine Coast”), with its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape. The serpentine Amalfi Drive winds around cliffs and coves, past charming villages, brightly-colored villas and flower gardens. During our stay in the seaside resort of Amalfi, venture to the town of Ravello, with its 13th-century Villa Rufolo, and the dramatic cliffs of Positano, Italy’s most vertical town. Explore the cliff-top village of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Discover an epoch suspended in time at the fabled ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. See the Temples of Hera and Athena at Paestum, and immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty and classical antiquity of Capri, the “Isle of Dreams.”

Cost

From approximately $2995 per person (plus airfare)

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Sellers, Program Director, in the Office of Alumni Relations at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (1-800-843-2586) or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure

Depart gateway city for Naples, Italy. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2 - Amalfi

Upon arrival in Naples, transfer by motorcoach to Amalfi and the Grand Hotel Excelsior overlooking the Bay of Salerno. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

This evening, gather on the hotel terrace for a private welcome reception and buffet dinner. Take in stunning views of the Bay of Salerno, and try the local wine.

Day 3 - Ravello / Amalfi / Positano

Take a scenic ride along the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the charming town of Ravello and the exquisite Villa Rufolo. Journey to the famed town of Amalfi, where we will enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration. Following lunch in Amalfi, we will continue to the colorful, cliffside town of Positano.

Day 4 - Sorrento

Sailing 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; filled with houses rendered in pastel hues, it is ringed with whispering groves of lemon trees and awash in beautiful gardens. The afternoon is at leisure to independently discover Sorrento’s many charms.

Day 5 - Herculaneum / Pompeii

Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage 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 world-renowned for its fascinating museum and well-preserved frescoes.

Day 6 – Capri

Take a hydrofoil to the enchanting Isle of Capri, which offers scenes of colorful squares, white houses, and narrow, medieval alleyways adorned with flowers. We will cruise around the island to see the White Grotto and Faraglioni rock formations before taking advantage of time for independent exploration on the island.

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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we may admire 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. Before returning to the hotel, we will visit the World War II landing beaches of Salerno.

Day 8 - Amalfi

Today is at leisure to pursue individual interests. Relax, explore, experience the ambiance of Italy!

This evening, attend a farewell reception, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 - Return Home

Transfer to the Naples airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)