Italian Riviera
Relish the splendor of the Italian Riviera. Embrace a colorful painter’s paradise among the winding streets of the charming seaside village of Sestri Levante. Lose yourself in the stunning coastal scenery leading en route to Santa Margherita, where the Gothic church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia awaits. Cruise placid waters to the enchanting harbor of cosmopolitan Portofino and its awe-inspiring Punta del Capo lighthouse. In Genoa, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Christopher Columbus’ House. Visit the lovely Cinque Terre towns of Portovenere and Vernazza. Time has also been carved out for a review of marble sculpting art in Carrara. Finally, explore the walled city of Lucca, with its sensational Duomo, the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele.
Exclusive Highlights
- Delight in views of the coastal and mountain scenery from your room at the first-class Hotel vis a vis overlooking the charming town of Sestri Levante.
- Visit the beautiful villages of the famous Five Lands , the coeastal Cinque Terre, declared an UNESCO world heritage list site.
- Discover Portifino, nestled in a picturesque harbor, and the seaside resort town of Santa Margherita.
- Explore Genoa, La Superba, the city that brought the world Christopher Columbus and upholds a centuries old legavy of exploration and maritime excellence.
- See the magic of a sculptor at work in Carrara and marvel at the transformation of the famous show-white marble into art.
- Journey to the Tuscan town of Lucca to see its magnificent medieval monuments.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Florence, Italy. (Flight provided for Air Program participants only.)
Day 2
Upon your arrival in Florence, transfer by motorcoach to the Hotel Vis à Vis in Sestri Levante. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)
Local Flavor: This evening, gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Day 3
Educational Focus: The Riviera del Levante ~ A Painter’s Palette.
Excursion: Walking Tour of Sestri Levante. Walk along winding streets to see the Piazza Matteoti, with its Town Hall and Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth.
Excursion: Santa Margherita and Portofino. Tour Santa Margherita, a town of flowers, swaying palm trees and hillside villas, and embark on a cruise to Portofino for panoramic views from the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio and the Punta del Capo lighthouse.
Day 4
Excursion: Genoa. Admire La Spianata di Castelleto and see the Renaissance palazzi on the Via Garibaldi. Stroll past medieval churches to the house believed to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Walk to Piazza Mateo, visit Palazzo Ducale, the Church of Gesù and the black and white Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
Local Flavor: Savor lunch at a local restaurant.
Independent Exploration: Enjoy time at leisure to discover Genoa’s many charms.
Educational Focus: The Cinque Terre ~ A Tasteful Encounter of Land and Sea.
Day 5
Excursion: Cinque Terre. Glide by boat to Portovenere and Vernazza, where you’ll see Genoese towers and the Gothic Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. Take a train to Riomaggiore and walk along La Via dell’Amore, a paved coastal trail. See Manarola’s vivid homes cling to cliffs before returning to Sestri Levante by train.
Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in Vernazza.
Independent Exploration: You will have time to explore Portovenere and Vernazza on your own.
Day 6
Excursion: Carrara. Visit a local quarry and museum where Michelangelo chose his prized marble. Enjoy a demonstration by a local sculptor and see the town’s Duomo. Study its rose window, a masterpiece in marble.
Educational Focus: Michelangelo—When Marble Comes Alive.
Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in Carrara.
Independent Exploration: After returning to Sestri Levante, the afternoon is free for independent exploration.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Day 7
Educational Focus: A Contemporary View of Italy.
Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in Tuscany.
Excursion: Lucca. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the walled, tree-lined city of Lucca. See the Romanesque Duomo di San Martino with carvings by Nicola Pisano, the white marble chapels of the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele.
Day 8
Independent Exploration: Enjoy the day at leisure to explore or relax independently.
This evening, join your friends for a special Farewell Reception, your Graduation Ceremony and a Farewell Dinner.
Day 9
Transfer to the Florence airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Program participants only.)
Faculty Host:
A professor from Bates, Colby or Hamilton College will accompany this trip.
Please
contact the Alumni Office if you're
interested, 207-786-8344 or
lgailey@bates.edu!
