Skip to Main Content
Italy

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

Program No. 25136RJ
Experience the magic of Cilento, a hidden gem of southwest Italy, through sampling its local cuisine, centuries of history and breathtaking natural wonders.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Santa Maria di Castellabate (SA)
Program Concludes
Santa Maria di Castellabate (SA)
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
13 ( 6B, 4L, 3D )
Activity Level
Take a step back in time this winter and into a slower way of life in the coastal region of Cilento, during the off season when most of the tourists have gone home and the weather is mild. Located in southern Italy, Cilento lies off the beaten path but offers a wealth of cultural gems, including spots on the network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites. Take a journey through medieval villages where a handful of people live and work alongside each other and nature and the local cuisine reflects centuries of tradition and a reputation for fine wines. Explore the ruins of Paestum, which offer an intimate experience among an archaeological site that is intertwined with nature. Delve into natural wonders as you admire the Pertosa Caves, the only natural cave in Europe that offers a voyage on an underground river. By the time your adventure is complete, you’ll have a totally new understanding of the history, heritage and natural connections of southern Italy, and you’ll bring back home an evocative and indelible experience by understanding how in Cilento the greatness of nature confuses reality with magic.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Walk the cobblestone streets of Castellabate, with paved alleys, scenic arches, lively squares and noble palaces that bear witness to the history of the place, and admire sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
  • Marvel at the Certosa di Padula, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest monasteries in Europe with an extensive layout of cloisters and courtyards.
  • Enjoy the region’s rich flavors through local wine, olive oil and mozzarella tastings as you learn how these items are produced.
Profile Image
Alessandra Sarappa
Alessandra Sarappa was born and raised in Rome. She studied English at Rice University in Texas before spending seven years in the UK. She was part of the cabin crew at British Airways for 25 years, and worked with English customers in Sorrento as a customer resort helper for Jet2Holidays for one summer. She then became a group leader for companies including AG Boutique in Rome, Laser Jet in Riccione, and the Aloschi Bros cruise agency. Her interests range from art to nature and gastronomy.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Loredana Graziano
Loredana Graziano
Loredana Graziano is a native of Sicily. For almost three decades, she lived in the UK where she made a successful career out of her passion for food. She became a private chef, a teacher in a cookery school, and the owner of a cafe/restaurant. She moved back to Sicily during the pandemic and retrained as a tour director, following her love for art history and her native Italy. Since then, she has been working as a group leader for different travel companies.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 to 4 miles on uneven terrain, standing for at least one hour and stairs without railings.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (2 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.