Southern Italy is Stunning!

When we left Rome behind on Wednesday, we also left that perfect weather behind.  We really have been so blessed with blue skies and mild temperatures.  It is not fair to complain about a few raindrops here and there.  At least, it was nice and cool.  We drove out of the crazy Rome traffic and headed south towards Naples.  Before long, we were pulling into one of Italy's most famous historical sights, Pompeii.  We took some time for a nice lunch where many of us enjoyed the Naploli style pizza. YUM!!  Then it was time to meet the guide, Roberta, who would lead everyone through the ruins of Pompeii.  Most are familiar with the story of how Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and covered the Roman port town of Pompeii with ash, therefore preserving it in a type of "time capsule".  Today, we are able to walk among the ruins, that are still being excavated, and see what life was like for an average Roman centuries ago.  It is always a very special experience. 

Then we drove to the stunning Sorrentine Peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea.  This is a great place to call home while exploring famous spots like the Isle of Capri or the Amalfi Coast with its tiny villages spilling down the side of cliffs into the sea.  Hotel Il Nido, which means "the nest", is also perfect and has views over the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius looming large.  It did not take long for everyone to get to their balconies to enjoy this picture perfect vista.  We were also lucky enough to have a bit of time without the rain that was predicted.

We then made our way into the town of Sorrento, a pretty town that has an old town of cobblestone streets filled with shops that go on forever.  Once we did get to Sorrento it did begin to rain, so we stepped inside the Sorrento Duomo for a visit.  The peaceful Duomo did become our refuge for a while as a storm began to roar with lighting and thunder.  I suppose you could not ask for a better place to sit out the storm.  Finally, we were able to make it to Ristorante Tasso for our dinner.  After the initial shock of the art on display at the restaurant entrance, (I will let your loved ones tell you about that.) we were greeted warmly by everyone.  This is one of my favorite places to eat while in Italy and the smiles on everyone's faces let me know that they are happy to see me and my groups as well.  From the moment we sat down until we almost shut the place down, everyone was wined and dined to perfection.  Marco and Tony were just a few who made that happen.  What a truly perfect evening!

Yesterday, we did wake to some pretty heavy storms which was not quite what everyone wanted, as many had plans to visit nearby Capri on their free day.  It did not stop the group from enjoying the day however and by mid morning, the storms had gone and blue skies were amazing overhead.  Sorrento is a lovely place to sit back and relax a bit and several did just that.  Some even made it to Capri. 

This morning everyone met early to begin a very special day with a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast.  Francesco met the group and soon departed for a drive that I know each and everyone will remember forever.  They will visit the pretty villages of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.  There will also be time for a stop at Valentin's Limoncello factory to learn how this delicious local liqueur is made.  Of course, what they will never forget about this drive is the hundreds of cars and buses that are also making the drive and moving at a snail's pace for much of the way.  How they can do this without scraping each others cars to the max is unbelievable.  That is why I do not drive on the Amalfi Coast!

Tonight we met for our last meal together.  We have spent a good deal of time around the table and tonight was as wonderful as the first.  Good food, wine and conversation with new or old friends is truly one of life's greatest pleasures.  Add a perfect setting like here in Sorrento, and you have a little slice of heaven.  As always it is sad to say farewell, but I know that everyone will be taking home memories of a very special trip through Bella Italia. 

Tomorrow I will head east across the boot of Italy for a new tour starting in the region of Puglia.  This is a new destination for IWF's and I am very excited.  Join me there in a few days to be a part of a new region filled with pretty villages, great wine and sparkling beaches.  Thanks for following the blog for the Bella Italia tour.  Ciao,  Suzan