Day 1 – ACCIAROLI Upon arrival in Acciaroli, students will be welcomed by the guide for a visit to this beautiful seaside village, known for its beauty and for being one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite destinations. The guide will provide an introduction to the village's history and culture, highlighting the importance of fishing and maritime life in Cilento tradition. The tour will continue to Punta Licosa, one of the gems of the Cilento Coast, where students will learn about the legend of the siren Leucosia and the significance of myth in ancient Greek culture. Proceed to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – ROCCAGLORIOSA AND MOIO DELLA CIVITELLA After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for Roccagloriosa. Students will visit lesser-known yet historically significant archaeological sites, discovering traces of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited Cilento. The guide will provide detailed explanations of the history and archaeology of the area, allowing students to understand the importance of these settlements in Magna Grecia. Lunch will be provided during the excursion. In the afternoon, the tour will continue to Moio della Civitella, where the remains of ancient Greek fortifications will be admired. The guided tour of the excavations will deepen students’ understanding of Magna Grecia and its influence on the local culture. The day will also include a visit to the Museo della Civiltà Contadina, where Cilento’s agricultural and pastoral traditions will be illustrated. The itinerary will continue with a visit to the Diocesan Museum of Vallo della Lucania, where students will discover artifacts and artworks reflecting the religious and cultural history of the region. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 – VELIA, CASTELNUOVO CILENTO, AND PIOPPI After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for Velia, one of the most important archaeological sites of Magna Grecia. The visit to the archaeological area will allow students to explore the ruins of the city founded by the Phocaeans in the 6th century BC, famous for being the home of the Eleatic philosophical school. The guide will explain the historical and cultural significance of Elea-Velia, focusing on the figures of Parmenides and Zeno. After lunch at a restaurant, the tour will continue to Castelnuovo Cilento, a medieval village known for being the birthplace of artist Guerino Galzerano. Students will admire the artist's works and learn about the history of the village. Subsequently, the visit will continue to the seaside village of Pioppi, known as the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet. The visit to Palazzo Vinciprova, home to the Museum of the Sea and the Mediterranean Diet, will offer an opportunity to deepen knowledge about this lifestyle and its health benefits. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – PADULA AND PERTOSA After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for Padula to visit the magnificent Certosa di San Lorenzo, one of the largest monasteries in Europe. Students will explore the monastic complex, focusing on the architecture, history, and daily life of the Carthusian monks. The guide will provide detailed explanations of the Certosa's historical role and cultural importance. After lunch, the tour will proceed to Pertosa, where students will visit the Pertosa-Auletta Caves. The speleological guide will explain the geological formation of the caves and their history, providing an educational experience on geology and natural sciences. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 – PAESTUM After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for Paestum, one of the most famous archaeological sites of Magna Grecia. The guided tour of the archaeological area will allow students to explore the majestic Doric temples and understand the importance of the ancient city of Poseidonia. The guide will explain the history of Paestum, its urban planning, and the architecture of the temples, providing a comprehensive view of life in Magna Grecia. The day will conclude with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum, where students can admire priceless artifacts, including the famous fresco from the Tomb of the Diver. Lunch will be typical and held at a dairy near the temples, offering an additional opportunity to learn about the Mediterranean diet and local buffalo mozzarella production. Departure for the return journey.
