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| Our final day ashore started in
Naples, and took us along the Amalfi Coast to the small town of Sorrento and
then to the ruins at Pompeii. I think Sorrento and the Olive Oil
"Factory" were probably highlights of the entire cruise - nice to get out of
the big city! And Pompeii was near the top of my list of must-see
attractions for the cruise. Click here to see our excursions to
the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, and then the ruins at
Pompeii. |
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| The port of Naples at dawn |
Naples |
Mom at the Cameo Factory |
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Amalfi Coast
First we rode up the
Amalfi Coast. With its ocean views and beautiful vistas, it's one of the
most breathtaking stretches of road in the world. We traveled from Naples
via the autostrada and the Campanian coastal route to Sorrento, and enjoyed
the panoramic scenery of the Bay of Naples as we made our way towards the
Sorrentine Peninsula. |
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| View of Mt.
Vesuvius with Naples at its base - still active volcano about 15 miles SE of
Naples |
Stopped along the Amalfi
Coast |
Amalfi Coast |
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| Along the
Amalfi Coast |
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Olive Oil
Factory Our next stop was a
local farmhouse in Sorrento,
nestled in the hills and
located over this beautiful town. This simple family-owned farm produces
mozzarella cheese, fresh vegetables, olives, and lemons. We learned about
the processes of producing olive oil, hand-made mozzarella, and limoncella
liquor. Then we had what I think was our best meal of the trip - a taste of
the mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, salami, bread and incredible olive
oil in a peaceful setting of lemon and olive trees. |
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| Olive Oil
Factory |
Olives ! |
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Description of making oil
(olive stamping pit barely visible in foreground) |
Say "Cheese"! |
Serious lunch |
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| As I was saying ... |
I'll drink to that |
Maria's Cheesy Place |
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Town of Sorrento
The cliff-top town of
Sorrento is a popular resort destination due its charming atmosphere,
breathtaking location, and local cuisine. We had a great time exploring and
shopping in Sorrento's charming flowered-filled streets that offer a wide
array of boutiques, souvenir shops, and atmospheric outdoor cafés. The
mostly pedestrian-only streets are narrow and cobbled and cluttered with
interesting specialty shops of all kinds.
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| Community of Sorrento |
An expert in international
markets |
The bay at Sorrento,
overlooking the coast |
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| Pedestrian
"streets" |
A view of the bathing
changing houses and swimming bay at one of the resort hotels |
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Pompeii is one of the most famous excavation sites in the world. A
thriving city 1,900 years ago, it was devastated by the eruption of Mount
Vesuvius in 79 A.D. when 30 feet of volcanic ash and pumice stone covered
it. Entering Pompeii by the sea gate, a short walk leads to the hub of the
city: the Forum. Lavish temples and porticoes with elaborate sculptures,
carvings and frescoes have lain beneath the ash for centuries. The baths,
the theatres, the wrestling ground and the luxurious villas stand empty, yet
there are still many echoes of Pompeii's daily life: the wine shop, the
stepping stones, the mosaic floors and the brilliant frescoes are examples
of Pompeii's everyday life. |
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