Compare Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi by Intrepid Travel vs New Year's in Sorrento by Road Scholar

Day 1 Procida - Ischia

Ciao! Welcome to Procida, Italy, a tiny island off the coast of Naples. Your adventure begins today with a group meeting at 3 pm. The first port of call is the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip as a group. If you arrive on the island early, maybe explore the Mediterranean city of Procida at your own pace. You can see the walled medieval town of Terra Murata or the charming port of Corricella. This afternoon, you'll sail the short distance to the largest of the Phlegraean Islands, Ischia. In contrast to Procida, it’s the largest island in the Bay of Naples.

Day 2 Ischia - Sorrento

Spend the morning and early afternoon in Ischia. Perhaps visit Spiaggia dei Pescatori, an idyllic beach that sits between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. The beach offers a great view of Castello Aragonese, a 15th-century medieval castle. In the afternoon, you'll set sail for Sorrento, appreciating the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius along the way. Tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to try one of Sorrento's well-known exports – Limoncello! This a liqueur produced from locally-grown Femminello Santa Teresa lemons.

Day 3 Sorrento - Pompeii

Today, you have the option to visit the abandoned city of Pompeii, a Roman settlement that was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Well-preserved buildings, artwork and pottery offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans. There’s also an option to hire a private guide for the ruins, as the site could easily be explored over an entire day due to sheer size and content (the additional cost of a private guide will be split between the group). Another possible activity is a visit to the Mount Vesuvius National Park. Reach the volcano by taking a public bus and then a short walk, which requires a moderate level of fitness. Although it's not an overly strenuous walk, if you have any health issues you may want to run this past your doctor before leaving home. At 1200 m, it will be a lot colder than sea level, so you'll need to bring a jumper, rain coat, hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes and lots of water with you. The return trip should take approximately three hours.

Day 4 Amalfi

Set sail for the Amalfi Coast, a collection of rocky coastlines, tiered lemon groves and whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffs, passing the Sirenusas (Gallos) archipelago to the east of the Sorrentine Peninsula on the way. Your sailing adventure comes to an end when you arrive, at around 10 am this morning. After a final breakfast together, you’re free to depart, although it's recommended that you stay a few additional nights in Amalfi for further exploration. **Got extra time? For a more encompassing sailing experience why not consider our 8 day Amalfi Sailing Adventure? For more information enter trip code ZSRAC**

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive, Transfer to Sorrento, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Sorrento

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Walking up to a mile; uneven stone sidewalks and roads, some inclines.

After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our first group activity. We will meet in the lobby at 4:00 p.m. with a local expert for a short neighborhood walk to see the location of banks, pharmacies, and grocery stores. We’ll then circle back to the hotel for a “Welcome to Sorrento” reception where you will meet our Group Leader and fellow Road Scholars.

At leisure. If you like, take a stroll in the traffic-free streets in the heart of Sorrento. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

Day 3 Orientation, Walk of Discovery, Roman Art & Archaeology Sorrento

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, periods of standing; cobblestones, mostly level stone sidewalks, pedestrian-only roads with inclines.

In the hotel meeting room the group leader will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Unless otherwise indicated lunches and dinners will be plated (each dish served to guests by restaurant waitstaff) from a set menu. Water is included with all meals; other beverages such as wine, tea and coffee will be available for purchase; some dinners will include wine. Unless indicated differently, transportation will primarily be provided by motorcoach. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that 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. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. After a short break, set out on foot with the group leader to explore Sorrento including the Marina Grande, the characteristic old port where it's not uncommon to see fishermen bringing in the catch of the day or repairing their nets. The walk circles back to the hotel.

In the hotel meeting room a local art historian presents Roman art and architecture in preparation for our field trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum. After the session, some free time before meeting later in the afternoon/evening in the lobby to go out to dinner.

Returning to the hotel, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

We'll walk to a restaurant in the heart of Sorrento.

Day 4 Ruins of Pompeii, Sorrentine Traditions Sorrento

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 16 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 4 miles, periods of standing; uneven paths, loose gravel, cobblestones.

Just outside our hotel, we will board a motorcoach and ride to Pompeii for an expert-led exploration of this wonder from the ancient world. Pompeii was a vibrant city when Mount Vesuvius erupted with such disastrous consequences on August 24, 79 C.E. It was not rediscovered until the late 16th century. The first systematic excavations began in 1738 and have continued to the present day. The archaeological site covers more than 163 acres (66 hectares), and about 121 acres (49 hectares) have been excavated. We’ll explore the streets of the city frozen in time. We’ll walk into the amphitheater, see where gladiators trained, walk down Via Abbondanza, the main street, and observe 1st century political grafitti. Our field trip will last about four hours.

Motorcoach back to the hotel. Some down time before gathering in the meeting room for a presentation on Life in Italy Today. A local expert describes key issues facing Italy today followed by Q&A. We’ll learn about the country’s healthcare system, education, religion, and women’s issues. We’ll also hear about the ways in which Italy continues to undergo rapid economic and societal change.

Returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

At the hotel.

At a restaurant near the archaeological park.

A scenic ride through olive groves leads us to a restaurant with views of the Bay of Naples.

Day 5 Capri Field Trip, Festive Dinner Sorrento

Getting on/off a motorcoach, ferry, and funicular car; driving 1 mile from hotel to marina and 8 miles on the island. Total driving time 1 hour. Boat ride 1 hour. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, cobblestones, inclines.

Van to Sorrento's marina to board a boat to the island of Capri. Indulge in a full day on the Mediterranean's most lush island while roaming the intricate cobblestoned lanes and the chic neighborhoods. From the Capri marina, we’ll ride the funicular, or cable railway up to the town of Capri, where we’ll walk to the scenic and fragrant Cesare Augusto Gardens. We’ll have some time for independent exploration. You might like to stroll along the scenic Via Tragara to the Belvedere for breathtaking views of the Faraglioni rock formations, or savor a gelato or beverage at a café. We’ll rendezvous in the main square of Capri town at an announced time. Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy the scenic ride to Anacapri, the village at the summit of the island, in convertible taxis with the top down.

Our local expert will lead us on a walk to the Villa of San Michele, home of the Swedish physician Axel Munthe, who visited Capri in 1885 and built his dream house “open to the sun, to the wind, and the voice of the sea, just like a Greek temple, and light everywhere.” We’ll explore the villa and terraced gardens. Next, we’ll hop into convertible taxis and ride down to the marina. We’ll reboard the boat that will return to Sorrento by late afternoon and ride back to the hotel by motorcoach.

Join the locals as they celebrate the new year in the main square of Sorrento or watch the fireworks from the roof top patio at the hotel.

At the hotel.

At a restaurant in Anacapri.

At the hotel a special New Year's Eve dinner and celebration.

Day 6 Museum of Marquetry, Concert Sorrento

Walking up to 2 miles, periods of standing; cobblestones, uneven stone pavement with some inclines. Unavoidable steps in the museum

Sorrento is known for its inlaid wood work artistry. We walk to the Tarsia Museum, dedicated to this art form. We’ll observe the various types of wood, tools and templates used to embellish furniture and decorative objects. Walk back to the hotel.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to take part in a local Sorrento tradition, the afternoon stroll.

The group leader will set a time and place to meet at the hotel and we’ll take a short walk to the center of Sorrento and enjoy music at a local venue. At this writing the details of the venue and musical performance are not available.

At the hotel.

A special holiday menu at the hotel restaurant.

On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 7 Amalfi Coast Drive, Positano, Amalfi Sorrento

Getting on/off a motorcoach and boat; driving about 45 miles throughout the day, two hours with stops. Boat ride (weather permitting) is 45 minutes. Walking up to 3 miles, periods of standing; uneven stone pavement with inclines and unavoidable steps.

Our adventure begins on the Amalfi Coast Drive: the scenic narrow winding road cut into the steep cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. On route, the coach stops at the elegant seaside town of Positano with its characteristic white and pastel colored houses that cling in tiers to the rock face. The coach continues the paved road route and we will connect again in Amalfi. In Positano board a boat bound for Amalfi from where we can fully appreciate the cascading houses and luscious gardens on the mountain face.

In Amalfi, a local expert leads our visit of Amalfi including Piazza del Duomo, the main square, Some free time to explore Amalfi or visit the interior of the 13th century cathedral of Sant'Andrew. Our field trip continues to Ravello where we take in the stunning views of the Amalfi Coast from the Villa Rufolo. Coach back to Sorrento.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a restaurant in Amalfi.

On your own.

Day 8 Herculaneum, Farewell Dinner Sorrento

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 65 miles, approximately 3 hours total riding time throughout the day. Walking up to 3 miles; periods of standing; uneven cobblestone and gravel paths, inclines, unavoidable steps.

According to legend, Herculaneum was founded by and named for Hercules in 1243 BCE, but the reality is more prosaic and much later. We will board a motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to this once upscale resort town that was enveloped along with Pompeii in 79 CE. It was rediscovered in 1707 when a well was being dug, but excavations did not ensue until 1738. Because of differences in the kind and rate of volcanic damage, the buildings here were better preserved than those in Pompeii. One of the most significant is the so-called Villa of the Papyri where some 1,800 carbonized scrolls were found; the excavated Villa of the Papyri was the inspiration for the Getty Museum in Malibu, California. We’ll return to Sorrento after our field trip.

We’ll board a motorcoach and head out on a panoramic drive through the Sorrento countryside. We’ll stop at an “agroturismo” — a farm restaurant — and assist in a demonstration of mozzarella cheese forming from a bowl of fresh milk and rennet. The host will describe the process of making olive oil and wine. Then, tie up the apron lent to you by the cook and assist in the preparation of regional dishes.

Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

On your own to have what you like.

At the agriturismo. Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with fellow Road Scholars.

Day 9 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check out 11:00 am.

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 rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel depending on departure time. This concludes the program.