| Page Views: 603 Last Visit to Italy: May, 2006 | Italy, Campania & The Amalfi Coast by MonicaLouise - last update: Aug 18, 2009 |
In May of 2006 I was fortunate enough to spend a week in this beautiful part of the world - a splash-out trip to celebrate reaching a couple big milestones in my life. I based myself in Sorrento and did daytrips every day touring Capri/Anacapri, Amalfi and Ravello, Positano, Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius, and of course, Pompeii. A tour of the Museo Archeologico in Naples on Day 1 increased my appreciation of the ruins. |
| Amalfi's Duomo Belltower viewed from the atrium |
|  | AMALFI & RAVELLO My transportation was the SITA bus from Sorrento. A fantastic ride snaking along the narrow, coastal roads where the phenomenal views compete with your attention to the close encounters with oncoming traffic - comparable to any carnival ride and concluding at a much better final destination. I first toured the Duomo which houses a historical museum display and the crypt which holds the remains of the apostle St. Andrew. I would love to return someday after the renovations of the crypt are completed. The sanctuary is breathtaking; an awesome, spiritual experience. Lunch was a splash-out up the main road at Ristorante Torre Saracena Luna Convento (in the 1564 watchtower of the Hotel Luna Convento, itself originally a Franciscan monestary founded in 1222) with it's great views of the shoreline and town. Click Amalfi coast webcam for a real-time view of the Amalfi coastline or click Amalfi Duomo for a view of the staircase leading up to the town's church which is a must-see no matter what your religious persuasion might be.
Another great bus ride took me to Ravello with another wonderful Duomo and the Villa Rufalo. Both are highly recommended. I chose to walk back down the "back-country" trails to Amalfi, down the terraced hillside through lemon groves.The pathway is steps for the most part - the views are outstanding. |
| | POSITANO Positano is a vertical city built high up the cliffs over the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the famous Amalfi Coast of the Gulf of Salerno. It is an experience like no other - to fully appreciate the uniqueness of this city, explore it by foot , preferably downwards - I did both down and back up again.
The Santa Maria Assunta church is a must-see, no pun intended since you can see it's majolica dome from just about anywhere in town. It is a gorgeous, spirtitual experience - a breathtaking work of art. Also on my agenda was an unplanned motor boat rental. It was a spur of the moment idea that I don't regret - for my hour I motored up the coastline to Amalfi and back, stopping on occasion to drool over waterfront property and take photos. Upon my return to town this shopper's paradise lured even me into parting with a few Euros for personal souvenirs. A small cafe tucked into the side of the hill was sought out for a memorable occasion - a "lunch with a view" - a nice rest halfway back up the hill to catch my SITA bus to return me to Sorrento. Click Positano Webcam for a real-time view of Positano - especially breathtaking as the sun sets over the water and lights begin to twinkle on and illuminate the town's hillside at dusk ...And this is a great webcam anytime, as long as it's daylight - you can actually watch the waves roll in and out !! |
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| Pros: | "Wonderful cities and phenomenal countryside" | | Cons: | "Tourists creating lines for some transportation" | | In A Nutshell: | "Bel Far Niente" |
MonicaLouise's Italy Travel Tips
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 Comments for MonicaLouise about Italy | | | | |
junecorlett Mon Jun 22, 2009 15:05 UTC
Thanks Monica for your nice words about my hompage on the Forum..your Italy tips are very good. | Herkbert Sat May 23, 2009 20:48 UTC
Nice pictures in your travelogues. Looks like you had some beautiful sites. We enjoyed Tuscany and would like to visit the Amalfi Coast. Thanks for sharing. Oh, and happy birthday! | lbmoretti Tue Jun 19, 2007 14:31 UTC
Excellent tip! does it have to be 3 successive days? and do u happen to know if it's valid in other regions, like Sicily? thnx! |
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