Program Overview
Enjoy a week-long adventure soaking up the sun in southern Italy’s most sought after destination. A beloved vacation spot for not only Italians, but Europeans, the Amalfi Coast is a treasure waiting to be discovered! This program, designed specifically for high school students, will take you on an Italian summer journey of a lifetime!
You’ll experience the best of the coast, including crystal clear water, famous black sand beaches, stunning vistas, mouthwatering cuisine, and the laid-back Italian lifestyle. We’ll cruise down the Mediterranean on private boats, snorkel and swim in caves and waterfalls, stroll along the ancient roads of Pompeii, and take in the incredible beauty from atop the island of Capri. Join us for a week of fun in the Italian sun!
During this program, you will…
- Spend the day cruising the Amalfi coast on your very own private boat
- Eat authentic Italian pizza in Naples – where pizza isn’t just food, it’s an art form!
- Wander and shop the quaint streets of Sorrento
- Enjoy numerous Italian delicacies including gnocchi alla sorrentina, fresh caprese salad and incredible seafood
- Walk the ancient streets of Pompeii, once buried by a volcanic eruption
- Take a relaxing and scenic chairlift ride to the very top of Capri for stunning views
Since this is a shorter adventure, many participants choose to combine this with one of our other exciting programs in Europe. Please contact us for combination recommendations.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAY 2: SORRENTO
Buongiorno, Italia! After landing in Naples, we’ll head to our gorgeous hotel in Sorrento. Sorrento is a beautiful cliffside beach town featuring brightly-colored buildings jumping out against a backdrop of luxurious green mountains rolling into the turquoise sea. We’ll enjoy our first lunch at one of our favorite hidden sandwich shops, run by an Italian nonna who home-makes her own mozzarella cheese and is happy to whip up a fresh caprese salad for you right in front of your eyes. After that, we’ll go and relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and float in the crystal-clear waves! We’ll finish the day with the first of what will be many amazing dinners of homemade Italian cuisine.
DAY 3: POMPEII
We’ll ride the Circumvesuvio–the train that goes around Mount Vesuvius–to Pompeii, where history will come alive at this perfectly preserved archaeological site. Pompeii was a thriving ancient Roman port town that was frozen in time when it was buried under a deep layer of ash and pumice during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Step back in time while exploring these towns and learn about the daily life there before the volcanic devastation. Our expert guides will teach you the historic tales of this beautiful city, and you’ll even get to see the plaster castings of the people who were found there.
DAY 4: POSITANO > AMALFI
It’ll be love at first sight with the sun shining above, sapphire blue sea below, and unbelievable views in front of us as we sail down the Mediterranean marveling at the pastel-painted towns nestled along the coastline. With stops along the way, you’ll have a chance to jump into the crystal clear water, swim among cascading waterfalls and in several secluded bays. When we arrive in Positano, you’ll think you’ve been transported into a postcard as you gaze at the quaint hillside town perched up above. Hop off the boat to explore this picturesque coastal gem and wander the narrow streets surrounded by multicolored buildings, blooming flowers, and sweet-smelling lemons. Visit the iconic church of Santa Maria Assunta with its ornate dome covered entirely in tiles. We’ll also stop in Amalfi, where you’ll be able to enjoy the best shopping in the chic stores that line the streets, from handmade shoes and clothes to an abundance of lemon-themed products.
DAY 5: NAPLES
What better way to spend your day than in the very place that pizza was invented? Indulge in the best in the world, served steaming hot straight out of a wood-fired oven. Once you experience authentic Neapolitan pizza, nothing else will compare! Here in Naples, we’ll follow up our tour of Pompeii at the National Archeological Museum, the richest collection of archeological artifacts in Italy, including the best mosaics and artifacts from the ruins. We will also have a chance to hit some of the shops and wander around the fascinating and folkloristic streets of Naples! Lastly, we will have a tour of “underground Naples” and embark on a fascinating journey in the subsoil of the city. Go back in time and marvel at this unbelievable collection of tunnels that have had many different uses throughout the past 2,000 years, from ancient Roman aqueducts to WWII bomb shelters.
DAY 6: CAPRI
Spend your final day just off the coast exploring the exclusive island of Capri. You can go shopping in the ultra-chic boutiques, take a hike around the craggy coast of the island, and enjoy a scenic chairlift ride up to Mt. Solaro, the island’s highest point for breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities! Our time in the Amalfi Coast will be complete with a final fancy dinner with gorgeous sunset views to enjoy with all of your new friends!
DAY 7: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
Photo Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can go on this program? What kind of teen typically goes on this program?
Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.
This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!
Where do we stay?
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
On this program we stay at a gorgeous hotel with a rooftop terrace and stunning views in sunny Sorrento, a dreamy seaside town on the Bay of Naples. Sorrento is a relaxing resort town that will be our base as we explore this rich region.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Do most travelers go on their own?
Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!
If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.
What do students like most about the Italy: Amalfi Coast Explorer trip?
On the Italy: Amalfi Coast Explorer trip, students love that this is a fun yet relaxing trip on Italy’s most beautiful coast! They are able to explore many of the different towns in this area and soak up the Southern Italian sun.
What is unique about the Italy: Amalfi Coast Explorer trip?
From private boat tours down the coast and swimming in the bright blue Mediterranean to the best pizza in the world and visiting the ruins of Pompeii, the Italy: Amalfi Coast Explorer program provides unique insider access to the Amalfi Coast.
What is included?
Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
How do the optional group flights work?
Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.
Who leads the program?
Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.
We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.
Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.
What are the safety qualifications for our staff?
Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.
What is the average group size?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.
How does this program connect to other programs?
Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer. When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.
What is the food like on this program?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
Italian food is all about fresh, simple ingredients. We’ll sample the best of the “three Ps”- pizza, pasta, and panini! Indulging in these Italian specialties for the first time is a life-changing experience, and we will be there to document every minute of it as you fall in love with the fresh mozzarella, warm Italian bread, mouth-watering prosciutto, and homemade pasta. Don’t forget about gelato! After your trip to Italy, no dessert will ever be the same.
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Do we ever get time to go off on our own?
Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.
We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.
Do I need any vaccinations for this program?
We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.
What kind of visa do you need for this program?
Any US citizen that enters Europe is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.
When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.
Do I need to speak the language?
No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!