Salerno, Italy

Tuesday, July 17

Lively and animated yet relaxed and carefree..... there are many ways to describe this ancient city.

Founded: Officially established as a Roman colony in 197 BC.

Region: Located in southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea at the threshold of the Amalfi coast.

Population: 158,900 (est. 2014)

Climate: Mediterranean 

Language: Italian 

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Today we had a private tour with Peppe from Amalfi Coastal Driving Dreams.  It was a full day tour and there were 6 of us in total.  

The first village we visited was Vietri sul Mare which wasn't very far from the ship.  This little village was still waking up with a lot of the shops just opening up and a lot still closed  The cobblestoned streets were very quiet with no tourists just the locals going about their business.  As this place was up in the hills there were beautiful vistas down along the Amalfi Coast.

Our next stop was the seaside village of Maiori.  This was a bigger town than Vietri sul Mare and was much busier with holiday makers as it is local school holidays, and tourist season.  We had plenty of time to walk up the Main Street and stroll along the seaside.  We even tried some of the local buffalo cheese which was just superb and a coffee for Peter and a walk to the church at the top of the hill for Shaz.

Further along the coast we stopped at Minori, a slightly bigger seaside town also very popular with holiday makers.  After more free time to walk through the village and meander to narrow streets we drove up into the mountains to the beautiful town of Ravello.  Here there were more beautiful vistas over the Amalfi Coast.

Ravello was very busy with tourists and it was hot!  We had enough free time here to walk through the gardens at Villa Gimbrone, which offer amazing views of the coastline.  At the end of the walk we rewarded ourselves with the best limoncello sorbet.... yum yum!!

We were all feeling peckish and lunch was our next stop.  Beppe had made a reservation at Tenuta San Francesco Winery in the Tramonti valley which also included a tour of the 500 year old vines and winery and had been in the same family for 4 generations.  Our lunch was very enjoyable and included watching the women of the winery cook and serve our meals made from local fresh produce.  It was a shame that they were a bit stingy with the wine as we might have been tempted to buy some!

After lunch we had time to revisit Vietri sul Mare (which was my favourite out of all the towns we had visited) before returning to the ship.

Another successful private tour in a beautiful part of Italy.... I just love Italy!

Tomorrow a much needed sea day!

Our first stop Vietri sul Mare

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Lisbon, Portugal (Part 3)

Lisbon, Portugal (Part 2)

Fwd: Messina, Sicily - Part 2

Fwd: Messina, Sicily

Monday, July 16

Originally called Zancle because of its shape.... (Zancle means scythe in Greek)

Region: Third largest city in Sicily and capital of Messina Province.... rests at the tip of the boot of Italy and separated by the Strait of Messina from the mainland.

Population: 242,684 (est 2010)

Climate: a temperate climate with an average daily temp of 65F.  July is the warmest month with temperatures up to 86F.  Rainfall average around 33 days per year.

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

From its breathtaking unspoiled scenery to its impressive architecture heritage, Messina will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Once again we have been blessed with perfect weather.... blue skies and sunshine.

We were a group of 8 heading out on a pre-organised tour. Our guide was Carmelo and he was at the dock to meet us.  There were various private tours for sale at the dock.

Driving from the Port we headed to Taormina via the sea port village of Giardini-Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily.

After stopping for a photo stop we continued on the scenic route to Taormina.  Taormina has been a coastal town since Roman times... you'll find  Greek and Roman history, a fine medieval quarter and castle ruins as well as modern shops and restaurants.

We stopped at Belvedere Square which is the best spot to take photos of the beautiful Messina coastline, all the Taormina bays, the Catania coastline and Mt Etna.

Driving on we arrived at the charming medieval village of Castelmola located above Taormina.  We had about an hour of "free" time to wander the narrow streets and climb the stairs to the ruins of the old 13th century Arab castle.  After climbing the stairs we still had time to walk the streets, see the church, buy some earrings and taste the local almond whiskey.

Back down to the historical centre of Taormina we had another hour to walk from one entrance through the cobblestoned streets to the other gateway.  There were many modern boutiques, and cafes selling all the local delicacies.... oh and yes earrings!

We then drove the panoramic way along the slopes of Mt Etna to our lunch break at the Gambino winery. Our lunch comprised of tasting the local fare and the local wines.

Stocked up on wine we headed back to our home away from home.

Another great day had by all.

Tomorrow we will be in Salerno... another new port for us.

Sent from my iPad

Fwd: Messina, Sicily

Monday, July 16

Originally called Zancle because of its shape.... (Zancle means scythe in Greek)

Region: Third largest city in Sicily and capital of Messina Province.... rests at the tip of the boot of Italy and separated by the Strait of Messina from the mainland.

Population: 242,684 (est 2010)

Climate: a temperate climate with an average daily temp of 65F.  July is the warmest month with temperatures up to 86F.  Rainfall average around 33 days per year.

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

From its breathtaking unspoiled scenery to its impressive architecture heritage, Messina will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Once again we have been blessed with perfect weather.... blue skies and sunshine.

We were a group of 8 heading out on a pre-organised tour. Our guide was Carmelo and he was at the dock to meet us.  There were various private tours for sale at the dock.

Driving from the Port we headed to Taormina via the sea port village of Giardini-Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily.

After stopping for a photo stop we continued on the scenic route to Taormina.  Taormina has been a coastal town since Roman times... you'll find  Greek and Roman history, a fine medieval quarter and castle ruins as well as modern shops and restaurants.

We stopped at Belvedere Square which is the best spot to take photos of the beautiful Messina coastline, all the Taormina bays, the Catania coastline and Mt Etna.

Driving on we arrived at the charming medieval village of Castelmola located above Taormina.  We had about an hour of "free" time to wander the narrow streets and climb the stairs to the ruins of the old 13th century Arab castle.  After climbing the stairs we still had time to walk the streets, see the church, buy some earrings and taste the local almond whiskey.

Back down to the historical centre of Taormina we had another hour to walk from one entrance through the cobblestoned streets to the other gateway.  There were many modern boutiques, and cafes selling all the local delicacies.... oh and yes earrings!

We then drove the panoramic way along the slopes of Mt Etna to our lunch break at the Gambino winery. Our lunch comprised of tasting the local fare and the local wines.

Stocked up on wine we headed back to our home away from home.

Another great day had by all.

Tomorrow we will be in Salerno... another new port for us.

Sent from my iPad