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Boccaccio's Decameron in Cinque Terre

Let's process our pandemic experiences together - in Italy. 

The Decameron
by Giovanni Boccaccio

Get ready for a wild ride through medieval Italy with Boccaccio's Decameron! This collection of tales will take you on a journey through love, lust, betrayal, and everything in between. Think Game of Thrones, but with fewer dragons and more subtle social commentary.

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Boccaccio's writing is sharp and witty, and his characters are as diverse as they are entertaining. From conniving nuns to clueless young lovers, the Decameron is full of colorful personalities that will keep you on your toes. As we navigate through these tales, it becomes clear that storytelling is not just a form of entertainment, but a way of survival. In the midst of our own deadly pandemic, we have turned to stories to help us cope, to connect with others, and to find hope for the future. Boccaccio knew this all too well and gifted us with a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

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So buckle up and get ready to explore the bawdy, hilarious, and surprisingly poignant world of Boccaccio's imagination.

Cinque Terre

In Cinque Terre, Italy, we don't just visit stunning coastal villages. I mean - we will, for sure, but we will also immerse ourselves in a world of color, fresh seafood, and jaw-dropping views.

 

And dining at a local trattoria is more than just a meal. It's an opportunity to connect with friendly locals while practicing your Italian. (Salute, which means cheers, will get you far!)

 

As we walk from Monterosso to Vernazza and on to Riomaggiore, our small brigata of kindred spirits will discover that the best way to enjoy a sunset is with a glass of Sciacchetrà in hand, surrounded by new friends at the table.

Image by Federico Di Dio photography
Image by Samuel Ferrara

Sample Itinerary

This is just a sample of what might happen. I'm actually going to Cinque Terre to pick the hotels and restaurants and the hiking trails, putting them together to make a great trip

Day 1: Arrival and Dinner in Levanto

  • Arrival at Levanto train station

  • Check-in at hotel in Levanto

  • Welcome dinner at a local restaurant

  • Lecture title: Introduction to Boccaccio's Decameron: Context, Themes, and Significance - Readings: Prologue and Day 1, stories 1-4

Day 2: Hiking and Exploring Levanto

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Option 1: Hike to Punta Mesco (3 miles)

  • Option 2: Hike to Monte Rossola (8 miles)

  • Lunch on your own

  • Excursion: Guided walking tour of Levanto

  • Dinner

  • Decameron as a Response to Crisis: How Literature Helps us Cope with Disasters - Readings: Day 2, stories 1-3 and 10; Day 3, stories 1-3

Day 3: Exploring Monterosso and Vernazza

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Take the train to Monterosso

  • Option 1: Hike to Vernazza (3 miles)

  • Option 2: Hike to Corniglia (8 miles)

  • Lunch on your own

  • Guided tour of Monterosso and Vernazza

  • Power Dynamics in the Decameron: Gender, Class, and the Art of Storytelling - Readings: Day 4, stories 1-3 and 7; Day 5, stories 1-3

Day 4: Hiking and Exploring Riomaggiore

  • Breakfast at hotel in Levanto

  • Check out and transfer luggage to hotel in Riomaggiore

  • Option 1: Hike from Corniglia to Riomaggiore (3 miles)

  • Option 2: Hike from Vernazza to Riomaggiore (8 miles)

  • Lunch on your own

  • Guided walking tour of Riomaggiore

  • The Role of Humor and Satire in the Decameron: Exploring the Comic Genius of Boccaccio - Readings: Day 7, stories 1-3 and 10; Day 8, stories 1-3

Day 5: Excursion to Portovenere

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Boat excursion to Portovenere

  • Guided walking tour of Portovenere

  • Lunch on your own

  • Return to Riomaggiore by boat or train

  • Love and Eroticism in the Decameron: Passion, Seduction, and the Search for Happiness - Readings: Day 9, stories 1-3 and 6; Day 10, stories 1-3

Day 6: Hiking and Farewell Dinner in Riomaggiore

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Option 1: Hike to Manarola (3 miles)

  • Option 2: Hike to Corniglia and back (8 miles)

  • Lunch on your own

  • Free time in Riomaggiore

  • Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

  • Decameron and COVID-19: The Relevance of Boccaccio's Masterpiece in Today's World - Readings: Day 6, stories 1-3 and 9; Day 7, stories 4-6

What's Included?

INCLUDED​

  • University-level literary seminar with two passionate instructors

  • Copy of the novel for the trip and detailed reading guide.

  • 6 dinners and 6 breakfasts

  • 6 nights at hand-picked select hotels

  • All excursions (Wine tasting Tour, Sunset cruise, balsamic vinegar tasting, etc.) 

  • Detailed itinerary for day hikes - different ranges for different activity levels

  • Train pass

  • National Park pass

  • Collectible patch for your backpack 

  • Trip shirt, water bottle, and snack pack

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NOT INCLUDED​

  • Price does not include airfare

  • Lunches- unless there is a scheduled excursion that includes lunch

  • Travel to first hotel in Cinque Terre or from last hotel, although I will happily help you arrange this.

  • Traveler's insurance, which I highly recommend. See FAQs

  • Gifts, souvenirs, sundries purchased on trip.

$4299  Approximate price for PP Double Occupancy
 
$5109 Approximate price for PP Single Occupancy (bring a friend for a better price)
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