Amalfi Coast 2 - Vesuvius, Sorrento

 Day 3

Today we visit Vesuvius and there is much joking about surprise eruptions. According to our guide there is zero chance of an eruption today. Shame. Apparently it is constantly monitored, as you would expect. The city of Naples is so close to the volcano  I do wonder what would happen if a serious incident was predicted. I can only think that the whole city would need to be evacuated, over 2 million inhabitants. 

Vesuvius is around the same height as Ben Nevis so it is fortunate that we are driven most of the way up. It is then a 45m walk up to the crater, which is a challenge in the heat and with the uneven volcanic earth underfoot. As you might expect, the path is dotted with gift shops selling wares made from volcanic rock etc. I am skeptical about such things but TC is like a bee round a honey pot and collects various items, including a fridge magnet, of course. I buy chocolate for the descent. They even sell Vesuvian wine, at least it has Vesuvius on the label. I'm glad to have climbed a volcano, but of course the camera does not do it justice. Someone has brought a drone and I'm sure must have some impressive footage. One of our group has managed to obtain the email of the droner, so we may yet see footage of us struggling up the path. Vesuvius is definitely a tourist magnet. My only suggestion would be to provide a few more than the 4 smelly portaloos for what must be thousands of daily visitors, or failing that, gas masks for entry.

We plough on to Naples and the catacombs, the underground cemetery. Our group leader is very cheery and tries to get the coach to sing the Wombles theme to get in the mood, 'tries' being the operative word. As I seem to recall viewing a catacomb in Rome some years ago (once you've seen one), I decide to defect and nip in an Uber to the historic centre of Naples, desperate for food and coffee. I'm not sure what to say about Naples. I only saw a little and I do not wish to be rude about it, but it does seem to need some tlc and someone to clear up the rubbish. My Uber driver lives up to expectations and is busy Whatsapping whilst navigating the cobbled streets. I always like colour and found some..

We drive back around the bay of Naples to our hotel in Vico Equense. The coastline is stunning here.

Looking SW from Eco Equense

 

 Day 2

Today we venture into Sorrento, only a short train ride away. TC struggles with the ticket machine again and manages to lose his ticket, only realising this as the train is shortly arriving. Tickets are becoming a hazard. The station staff fail to understand what he is talking about, as our Italian is primarily English in an Italian accent with slightly raised voice. We venture on, hoping not to be interviewed by any inspectors. All is well. 

If Naples was a damp squib, Sorrento is beautiful. It manages to be an effective tourist magnet without being tacky. The shops are tasteful and if you like lemons you are in for a treat. I have succumbed. TC is on the Limoncello by 10.30am. I can also see Prosecco being poured into the concoction, even though he asked for 'soft'. 

A wander to see the yachts and ferries departing for Capri.. 

 

 

Lunch is successful in a lovely pavement cafe, but I make the mistake of ordering a large wine and then a prosecco ice cream, which is mostly the former. A slight recovery is required before we venture back to the station. Our return journey is on a train with no AC so I suspect most of the alcohol evaporates. Even the Italians are sweating buckets. Back to the pool...