Day 14 (Saturday 15th November) Leisurely Sorrento

 Today we docked in Naples, a port we visited in 2019, so we will take bus tour to Sorrento instead.

Passing Stromboli (active volcano)last night

Naples harbour at sunrise 

View of Naples from the harbour 

Our trip took us through the port area of Naples harbour which is a mixture of ugly post war reconstruction and old. Post war buildings are functional unkept constructions that you would expect in run down slum. 

The trip took us past equally functional buildings with mt. Vesuvius always present and towering over the industrial and urban sprawl. Properties on the foothills of the volcano are agricultural in nature as the soil is rich and has high

Vesuvius

productivity. The coastal area leading to Sorrento is hilly, so the Italians have built vast well kept tunnels. 

Buildings cover the slopes of the hills with large number of bridges that weave through the urban sprawl. Here and there, traditional homes compete with kitchen gardens can be seen, tucked in to ugly modern constructions. Lots of architectural contrasts in this part of Italy. 

The road into Sorrento does disappoint with stunning views of coastline carpeted in housing, restaurants and shops. I think you need to be brave to drive these winding narrow roads with Italian drivers, who obey the rules if they have no choice. Zebra crossing are like playing chicken, take your chances if you dare. Some belief the best way to safely cross is to stare into the eyes of the incoming drivers. 

Our tour starts at a wood laminating shop. The pieces on display were magnificent and expensive.

 Sorrento is beautiful with narrow cobblestone streets. Again as pedestrian, you need your wits about you as vesper riders and tuk-tuks cruise the narrow streets. The streets are filled with the usual shops, cafes, hotels etc that you would expect. 

We enjoy a light lunch of Prosecco and cheese with rich Italian coffee to follow up. 

The tour took us to Limoncello factory to taste the produce. Very nice.

 Happy the tour returned to the ship.

At 4pm local time, headed out of the harbour for the port supporting Florence. 

Leaving Naples