This day will be an immersion into the natural and historical beauty of Cilento, allowing students to explore the natural wonders of the Pertosa Caves and the historical grandeur of the Certosa di Padula, concluding a tour full of discoveries and learning.
Begin your day discovering the treasures of Cilento with a visit to the Pertosa Caves, located in the Alburni Mountains. This extraordinary karst cavity complex extends about 3,000 meters beneath the municipalities of Auletta and Polla in the Vallo di Diano. The caves are traversed by the Negro River, an underground river navigable by small boats. The visit, illuminated by an enchanting system of scenic lights, will be guided by an expert speleologist who will make the experience even more captivating and engaging. After exploring the mysterious underground world of the Pertosa Caves, we will head to the Certosa di San Lorenzo, also known as the Certosa di Padula. This majestic charterhouse, the largest in Italy, is located in the Vallo di Diano, in the province of Salerno, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Founded in 1306 by Count Tommaso Sanseverino, the Certosa is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with the largest cloister in the world, surrounded by 84 columns. We will climb a grand white marble spiral staircase to reach the library, with its floor covered in tiles from Vietri sul Mare. We will also uncover the legend of the great kitchen, where it is said that a thousand-egg omelet was prepared for Charles V. Today, the Certosa also houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania, featuring artifacts from the necropolises of Sala Consilina and Padula. During the day, students will have time for lunch. They can have a packed lunch in designated areas or choose to book a local restaurant to taste the delights of Cilento cuisine.
Duration: Full day