After a comfortable and on time flight from Stansted, our tour guide Mario met me and ushered me to the coffee shop to wait about twenty minutes for the main group arriving from Gatwick. Then we were onto the coach for the forty minute drive to the hotel. Although we were ahead of the official check in time, the lovely staff did their best to get us settled in as soon as possible. With a free afternoon, there was plenty of time to take a walk round the town and have lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants near the hotel. Dinner on the first night, after a welcome drink, was a fixed menu, for the other four nights' dinners in the hotel we were asked to for our choice of starter and main course at breakfast. The food was considerably better than described in reviews posted earlier in the year. Obviously, J Y and the hotel have listened to previous comments.
Day 2 The included half day tour or the Pompeii archaeological site, a fifteen minute walk from the hotel. Unfortunately, our local guide there was not the best, but at the end of the guided tour we had the option of staying longer and making our own way back to the hotel.
Day 3. An early departure for the optional trip to Capri. We took hydrofoil for the forty five minute ride via Sorrento. Although the weather was overcast with a stiff breeze, those of us hardy enough to sit on the top outside deck were rewarded with stunning views of Sorrento and Capri. Back on dry land, we drove up Alto Capri at the top of the island. Our local guide, Laura, took us for a walk to a viewing point on the cliffs, then we had free time to either shop, people watch while enjoying a drink in one of the cafes, or the really brave could take the chair lift right to the top of the island. Laura had booked a reasonably priced lunch for those who wanted in a cafe before our drive down to Capri town, the most upmarket area of the island. Again we had free time to explore a fascinating area of five star hotels and designer shops. Unfortunately, by this time it had started to rain, but clad in waterproofs, with umbrellas raised we still enjoyed the experience. Finally, we drove back down to harbour were after a little more free time we boarded the hydrofoil for the return to the mainland.
Day 4 Optional tour to Herculaneum. The site is much smaller than Pompeii, but more complete and better preserved. Laura was our guide again, and, as she led us around the site, she gave us a great insight into life in 79BC Herculaneum. Even though heavy rain soon had us splashing though deep puddles, Laura never stopped smiling, and did her best to find more sheltered spots for us while she pointed out interesting features of the buildings. The afternoon was spent under cover to avoid the by now torrential rain and spectacular thunderstorms that persisted well into the evening.
Day 5 Optional trip to Vesuvius. The goup set out early, only to discover that the access road to the summit had been washed away by the previous days’ rains. Back in Pompeii, there was the opportunity to take the train independently to Naples, or revisit the Pompeii ruins
Day 6 Optional tour to the Amalfi Coast. On a perfect sunny morning we drove along the stunning Amalfi coast, with a couple of photo stops on the way. For most of the journey, the road hugs the cliff, giving spectacular views over the bay of Naples. On arrival in Amalfi we had the option of a boat trip along the coast, giving yet more spectacular views. Then, free time in Amalfi before setting of for the hill top town of Ravello. A great tour, and thoroughly recommended.
Day 7 The trip to Vesuvius was rescheduled for the morning. Those who braved the climb to the summit all said they had enjoyed the experience. Then, we left for our final visit to Sorrento. After lunch we gather for a short walk to the limoncello factory for a tasting and demonstration of production methods. After more free time to ride on the Noddy train, visit the cathedral or the port area, it was back on the bus for to the hotel for our farewell meal.
Overall, a good balance between historical sites and scenery. A really enjoyable trip in the company of a great group of people. Special mention for Mario who led us with unfailing humour.
