Study Abroad for Adult Learners: Italy's Dolce Vita

Naples • Amalfi Coast

with Dorrance Dean Alain-Philippe Durand and Professor Giuseppe Cavatorta

May 16 – 26, 2027

Join Dorrance Dean Alain-Philippe Durand and Professor Beppe Cavatorta in May 2027 for an exclusive, 10-night journey through Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Italian Studies at the University of Arizona, the College of Humanities invites its supporters on a highly customized, insider tour of bustling Naples and the awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast, revered worldwide for their incredible history, stunning beauty, and delectable cuisine.

Designed for travelers seeking the perfect blend of cultural immersion, iconic Italian landscapes, and unique Italian hospitality, this itinerary juxtaposes the region’s most incredible cultural sites with extraordinary experiences, such as a private cooking class, a meeting with a renowned ceramicist, lunch with the owner of an 18th-century palace opened just for the University of Arizona’s College of Humanities, and exclusive lectures by expert Professor Cavatorta.

Five nights in Naples followed by five nights in Cetara provide an ideal balance of city life and coastal relaxation. While staying in Naples, discover the outstanding yet under-visited cultural treasures of the city and its surroundings, among them grand historic monuments like Caserta’s royal palace built to rival Versailles, the Baroque marvel Certosa di San Martino, the incomparable National Archaeological Museum, and the volcanic garden island of Ischia. Then drive to Cetara, a tranquil seaside village on the Amalfi Coast stopping along the way for an amazing visit to the incomparable Roman ruins of Pompeii. From Cetara, explore the fabulous Greek Temples at Paestum, visit a farm that produces the finest mozzarella, sample local wines at a small coastal vineyard, island hop to Capri, and spend a day exploring Ravello and Positano, arguably the two most famous seaside towns on the Amalfi Coast. Meet unforgettable Italian hosts, enjoy exclusive meals in beautiful settings, and explore amazing ancient sites and vibrant seaside towns.

With stays in beautiful four-star hotels and excellent guides to provide in-depth looks at historical sites, ancient ruins, seaside towns, and hard-to-reach islands, we promise that your tour will be both comfortable and intellectually enriching. The tour will be limited to 22 travelers, so please register quickly to ensure your spot.

SEE THE ITINERARY AND REGISTER

Space is limited, so sign up early!

Tour Highlights

Gain unique insight and expertise on Italian language and culture, including suggested readings and other materials, provided pre-tour and during travel by Professor Giuseppe Cavatorta.

Connect with local hosts during a private cooking class, a vineyard wine tasting, and a studio visit with a renowned ceramicist.

Be treated to lunch inside a privately owned 18th-century palace hosted by the architect owner.

Join a guided tour of the Caserta Royal Palace, a remarkable estate built by the Spanish Bourbons to rival Versailles.

Compare the Roman ruins of Pompeii with the remarkably preserved Greek temples at Paestum.

Island hop to the famous Mediterranean islands of Ischia and Capri.

Master regional flavors during a private, hands-on Italian cooking class.

Learn about mozzarella production and taste typical regional products during lunch at a buffalo farm.

Drive along the Amalfi Coast and explore the cliffside towns of Ravello, Positano, and Cetara.

Live the famous Dolce Vita!