Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Europe:
The Mediterranean
Sights to see & things to do
Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii,
Capri & the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Castles guard the entry to Naples, the third largest city in Italy, and arrival in the harbor is a sight not to miss. Practically in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, and a valuable the commercial center, Naples is central to the region of Campania and the scenic Amalfi Coast.
Diversions
Docking in Naples, most passengers opt for tours that wisk them off to a rich variety of destinations. Some ships pass by Naples entirely, opting for the less crowded port of Sorrento where passengers are tendered ashore to find awaiting tour buses and taxis.
Naples’ compact center is crammed with palaces, churches, monasteries, and convents. One of the world’s most important archaeological museums is located here. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale houses the treasures removed from the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Sorrento is a pleasant place to stroll after reaching the center of town, a 15-minute uphill walk that is made easier via minibuses operated by the city. The main attraction is Chiesa di San Fracesco, the Cloister of St. Francis, a 14th century church with lovely gardens.
Only fragments of marble and statues remain displayed in the Correale di Terranova Museum to remind visitors of Sorrento’s ancient heritage; however, vestiges of the original town plan can be glimpsed from the focal point of the city, Piazza Tasso.
A stroll through quaint streets leads visitors to the nearby neo-gothic Cathedral with its distinctive bell tower. A glimpse inside the church reveals precious bas-reliefs, religious paintings, and elegant examples of traditional wooden inlay work.
The ruined cities of Pompeii and the lesser known Herculaneum are two of the most famous excavated cities in the world. In 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii in hot ash and volcanic pumice stones that crushed building and killed the inhabitants, while residents of Herculaneum escaped with little loss of life as their city was destroyed by a slow moving sea of mud. Explore either to view the theaters and baths, restored villas, and Roman forums.
On the Amalfi coast, the romantic little town of Amalfi was a major shipping port in the Middle Ages. Touring the town center, visitors are delighted by the Cathedral of St. Andrea, a combination of early Gothic and Moorish designs. The white houses, garden terraces, and fishing fleet make this a picturesque spot.
Reached by hydrofoil, the Isle of Capri boasts the well-deserved reputation as a Garden of Eden. The views from the mountaintop are fabulous as are the enormous villas dating as far back in history as the Roman Empire.
Shopping
Shop for bargains in Naples on gloves, silks, jewelry, purses, and high quality leather goods.
Along Sorrento’s Via San Cesaro and Piazza Tasso, popular purchases are linens, lace, jewelry, coral, and a unique lemon liquor called limoncello. Locally crafted wooden inlaid items and cameos are exquisite souvenirs.
Beaches
The Isle of Capri is a sybarite’s paradise with near perfect weather and constant sunshine.
Back to Mediterranean Ports of Call
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