Salerno and Ravello, Amalfi Coast

We were originally suppose to anchor off the town of Amalfi, but as there was a high wind and wave warning, dangerous for tendering, the captain decided to make a change. Instead we go to the town of Salerno, about 30 miles down the Amalfi Coast where we can dock. 

I woke up early, and watched the sun rise as we cruised along the coast.

The change of port changed the shore excursions offered, and we decided to do the Ravello tour, which was fantastic. First we drove the incredible narrow and windy road along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Hotels, restaurants and villas cling to the cliffs. Terraces full of lemon trees are everywhere. Not a road for the faint-hearted! Some areas it's impossible to pass, so there are traffic lights regulating which direction can proceed. Tour buses are only allowed to go north-bound on this road, we'll be taking a different route back. It's amazing to see cars, motorcycles and bikes zipping past, with seemingly not a care in the world...

We then started the zig-zag route up the cliffs towards Ravello which is 365 meters up the mountainside. Our little tour bus is not allowed in the town, so we walk the last little bit of the approach road. We can look down on some small farms almost right below. The little town of Ravello is charming, and although touristy is much less so than some of the other towns closer to the water like Amalfi. Our guide takes us into the Villa Rufolo, which has one of the most beautiful settings I've ever seen. The buildings are mostly empty, but the gardens and the view are incredible. Apparently Wagner stayed here and was inspired to write one of his operas.

We had some free time to wander around. Ceramics are big here, with everything imaginable in ceramics in all the stores. There were also some lovely clothes, but once again we just window shopped! The route back to Salerno took us inland on another winding route back through the mountains, and a National Park. Lots of chestnut trees, pine trees and some olives. We saw goats on the road several times. As we started to descend we had a good view of Vesuvius, and Naples in the distance. Lots and lots of switchbacks until we got down to the highway that took us back to Salerno. We arrived back at the ship close to 1:30pm, and we were certainly ready for lunch.

Karen and I walked over to have a look at Salerno which looks like a nice town. But we hadn't gone very far when the wind really started to gust. And then a bit further it started to rain. We were tired anyways and decided this was a sign to head back to the ship!

The predicted weather is coming in, and the captain is warming us that we could have some rough weather tonight. As none of us had a great sleep last night (could it have been the limoncello?) We decide on earlier dinner and night. The dinning room is super busy tonight, maybe others have the same idea. Lighting flashes in the area.































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