Sorrento

 It was rather misty early this morning as we approached Sorrento. This is our first tender port, so we could hear and see them being lowered past our window. We were not in a big rush to get ashore, as the weather is suppose to improve, and be sunny by noon. Sorrento certainly has a spectacular setting! The town is perched on top of limestone cliffs. You can either climb about 200 stairs, or take an elevator for 2 euro return. (we took the elevator!) There is the ferry harbour where our tender takes us, beach clubs and restaurants along the waterfront. Everything else is up the cliff. Some very grand older hotels here!

It's a mild day but windy. The streets of Sorrento are very busy with both foot and car traffic. There seem to be many tour groups walking around. I can't imagine what it must be like in August! We opted to wander around the narrow streets. We saw the Valley of the Mills, a deep valley right in the middle of town where the old abandoned flour mills are. Quite a feat of engineering around it! Then down some (mainly) pedestrian shopping streets. Great to window shop, but I think shopping in Sorrento is mainly for the wealthy unless you're wanting something printed with lemons. There are certainly lots of lemon and orange trees around. We went to several public gardens which are a lovely retreat from the madness on the streets. We also went to the beautiful Cloisters of San Francesco, which use to be a monastery. The arches are all different in height and decoration. It's quite peaceful if you manage to be there between tour groups, which we did!

But certainly for me the best part of Sorrento is looking at the incredible views! We headed back to the ship for a late lunch, and the views are actually better from the ship and looking back at Sorrento!. I had thought about going back into town, but then I thought, when am I ever going to get this opportunity to have this amazing view from the Gulf of Naples looking at Sorrento. So I decided to to stay on the ship and just enjoy this amazing afternoon

This evening we had a special destination dinner onboard on the pool deck with local Italian specialties and local entertainment. So wonderful! A really magical evening.




































This evening we had an outdoor buffet on the pool deck with local food and local entrapment. Such a magical setting!

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