Italy: Sorrento & Orvieto
May 19-30, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

Discover two of Italy's most remarkable regions as you journey through coastal Campania and bucolic Umbria. Begin with a stroll through cliff-top Sorrento. Then, travel along the sunny Amalfi Coast to the town of Positano, whose unique vertical cityscape has inspired artists and writers alike. In Pompeii, enter a veritable time capsule of Roman life as you explore ruins once buried in the volcanic ash of Vesuvius. Enjoy the terraced hillsides of the Isle of Capri before journeying to Orvieto, with its marvelous 12th-century Duomo and delightful Food Market. Experience the stunning Renaissance art and architecture of Florence. Finally, explore two walled cities -- Perugia, an ancient Etruscan city-state, and medieval Assisi, home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis.

Priced from $2,695 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Naples, Italy.

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to the Grand Hotel Flora in Sorrento.
Excursion: Orientation Walk in Sorrento.  This scenic town offers the Piazza Tasso, Basilica di Sant' Antonino and Correale di Terranova Museum.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3
Excursion: The Splendor of the Amalfi Coast.  Travel along the Amalfi Coast. Visit Positano, whose celebrated vertical cityscape has inspired many artists and writers.
Local Flavor:  Admire coastal scenery as you enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Amalfi.
Educational Focus: The History of Campania.

Day 4
Excursion: The Ruins of Pompeii.  Visit Pompeii, buried in the A.D. 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Excavations of the Forum, Temple of Isis and several other sites provide insight into the daily life of this ancient city.
Independent Exploration:  This afternoon, pursue your own adventure.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.

Day 5
Excursion: The Isle of Capri.  Depart for a fabulous day on the Isle of Dreams, with its tranquil squares and terraced hillsides.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Anacapri with breathtaking views of the sea.

Day 6
Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy.
Independent Exploration:  Spend the rest of the day in pursuit of individual interests.

Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to the Grand Hotel Italia in Orvieto.
Local Flavor:  En route to Orvieto, stop at a countryside vineyard for lunch and a wine tasting.

Day 8
Educational Focus: Orvieto and the Province of Umbria.
Excursion: Orvieto.  Chef Lorenzo Polegri, who will have a cooking demonstration later in the day, takes you on a tour of the town's famous food market. Also, tour this old city and admire its cathedral and breathtaking views.
Educational Focus: Renaissance Art.

Day 9
Excursion: Florence.  Admire Il Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. Afterward, enjoy some free time on this full-day excursion.

Day 10
Excursion: Perugia and Assisi.  Spend a full day in Perugia and Assisi. In Perugia, see the Fontana Maggiore in the Piazza IV Novembre and the Prior's Palace. In Assisi, marvel at the Basilica of St. Francis.
Local Flavor:  Lunch is served in Assisi.

Day 11
Independent Exploration:  The day is yours to spend as you please.
Tonight, attend a Graduation Ceremony and a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 12
Transfer to the Rome airport for the return flight to your gateway city.