Little Lolly's Small Adventures: Naples, Italy. Excursion: Sorrento & Pompei

The tour I was with started with a visit to Sorrento. We perhaps could have stopped at Pompei as the old city was on the way but there were other tour groups going so we headed on to Sorrento first and then would backtrack and head to Pompei on our way back to the ship.

I had two other ship's escorts with me - the crew doctor (from the Philippines) and the photographer (from Mexico) so I felt that I was in safe hands. Their sense of humour helped pass the time during our journey.

On the way to Sorrento, we went through quite a few long tunnels that had been carved/bored through the mountain. It cut off our view of the coastline but eventually the bus driver stopped at a viewpoint so that we could see the coastline and Sorrento.

At Sorrento we were set down at a car park and Monica, our guide, took us on a short walking tour into Sorrento, giving us a brief overview and history of the town before letting us explore the town ourselves. Before leaving us entirely, she took us into a shop (A. Gargiulo & Jannuzzi) so that we could see a demonstration of inlaid woodwork. It involved a process of cutting intricate into a thin layer of wood, staining the wood (if need be) and completion of wood inlay of furniture, trinket boxes and much more. It was very interesting how the thin pieces of wood are cut, almost like lattice-work. And how it is incorporated into furniture, clocks, bowls, etc. We didn’t have to see the demonstration but were glad we did because it was amazing - a real form of skillful art.

Once the woodwork demonstration was finished I browsed around the shop - it sold more than just woodwork - there were linens, pottery, lace, gift ideas, etc. I didn't buy anything because it was a bit expensive. Also my "is it a need or a want?" thinking pattern kicked in! I took a walk through the beautiful town, along cobbled streets. There were all sorts of shops stuffed with arts and crafts, food; as well as cafés and restaurants. I didn't want my exploring to end but it did. We had to go for lunch. Our guide met us outside the shop that she had left us at and we walked to our lunch venue.

Lunch was at restaurant, Terrazza delle Sirene, a stunning venue. The big room where we had lunch I think was a function room. The floors were of highly polished stone, the chairs had covers on them as if they were ready for a party or wedding reception. Large glass doors opened out onto a patio where there was more seating with beautiful views over the sea. Our lunch was delicious: cannelloni, chicken, wine and water, tea coffee and a dessert.

Artist making a cameo

We headed out of the hotel, feeling rather full. If only the bus had been a bit closer but at least we could walk a bit of our meal off.

Our next stop was at Pompei. When Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79AD the city was buried under tons of ash and lava. It is now considered to be a fine example of an ancient Roman town.

Our bus dropped us off and we took a walk towards the ruins, visiting a Cameo factory near the entrance gate. We watched how a cameo was made, using shell, and what the finished product looked like. We had time to browse around the shop and then met up with Monica again.

Pompei is a huge archaeological site and Monica gave us a guided tour of ruins, walking along cobbled streets, past former shops and homes, market place, theatre, baths and temples. Monica was a very enthusiastic guide and our tour ran over time in Pompei. The guests didn’t mind because they were engrossed in Pompei and its history. The place is almost "mind-blowing"! One needs a few good hours there. We didn't cover everything but it was good to have been there in what time that we had.

All in all we had a great time.

The Prinsendam left Naples before the sun set, giving us a gorgeous red horizon. Seagulls followed us for a while - a nice farewell until we come back again one day.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Arrival in Naples