What do Julia Roberts, Mira Sorvino and Robert De Niro have in common? They all have been to this captivating playground of the rich and famous which is blessed with the glorious sun, sea and sand. And have you??
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The best time to visit this region is during the months of April to June and late September to October as the temperature is usually mild and you don’t get much of a crowd. The period in between is high summer season and things can get pretty expensive and the climate - sultry hot.
Let me take you through my journey of the Campania region with stops at the famous townships of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Isle of Capri.
Just 220km from Rome, is NAPLES, home to some of the most traditional dishes associated with Italy. Pasta is said to have originated here, as is pizza.
And if the food here does not stir you, get ready to be impressed by the stunning beautiful picturesque towns. The drive along the coast of the Bay of Naples to the town of Sorrento has some of the most beautiful views in Europe. As the roads wind along the coast, the play of light on the rocks and the blue sea makes for a constantly changing landscape and no two trips ever look quite the same.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Napoli to Sorrento where you can sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views.
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| Favourite spots: |
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Enroute, I made a stop at the site of ancient POMPEII, located 24km South of Naples. Allow yourself at least 4 hours to explore this 2000 years old ruins and let Pompeii reveal the secrets of the ancient Roman life, frozen in time, in a city covered by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. With the aid of your map, make stops at the baths, House of Mosaic Atrium, House of Vetti, House of the Faun, villas, market place (Macellum) temples, amphitheatre and the Grand Theatre. A must do is visiting the ancient brothels. You will learn quite a bit about how decadent life was in this city from the pornographic artwork on the walls. As you walk through the streets of Pompeii, you will see Mount Vesuvius at the back drop as if it is looming over you. The last eruption was in 1944 and you will find yourself looking over your shoulders at it, worrying when next it will erupt and will people 2,000 years from now be looking at a cast of your lava encrusted corpse, caught in a sudden erruption.
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| What's really great: |
SORRENTO, a popular holiday resort and located over white steep cliffs and offers a fantastic view of the Bay of Naples. As it is a place to be seen, head on down to the best beach ie Punta del Capo to work on your tan.
ISLE OF CAPRI is a magical island of whitewashed houses, orange and lemon trees, fashionable shops and picturesque harbour. It is often described as the “Island of Dreams”. To appreciate this paradise island, take a mini-bus or funicular to Anacapri, the town centre and then take a ride on the chair-lift to the top of the hill, Mount Solaro. Stand at the highest terrace and look down on the infamous rocks. The view is simply breathtaking.
If weather permits, take a boat ride into the famous Blue Grotto which was discovered in 1826. Get into a small boat with your guide and as you approach the tunnel, you will be enthralled by the stunning effect in the dark grotto created by a blue sheen of light reflecting in the cave, making the cave appear blue.
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| Sights: |
1. Castel Nuovo is also known as the Maschio Angioino, is a fortress built around 1279 AD. This bold and impressive castle with its triumphal arch entrance used to be home to royalty.
2. Palazzo Reale is Naples’ beautiful royal palace with great halls and tastefully finished with elegant and elaborate furniture, tapestries, paintings and porcelain.
3. Museo Archelogico Nazionale is one of the world’s most important museum and holds the treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
4. Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th century church with delicate arches and a beautiful garden.
5. Museo Correale di Terranova, this former palace has ancient statues, antiques and fine Italian art.
6. Marian Grande
Capri’s main port of call for ferries on this beautiful harbour.
7. Villa Jovis, was an imperial villa during Tiberius rule.
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| Accommodations: |
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Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
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Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Piazza Tasso 34, 80067 Sorrento
Tel: 081-807-1044
www.exvitt.it
This exquisite looking hotel was built around 1834 and stands at the edge of a cliff offering views of the Bay of Naples.
Villa di Sorrento
Via Fuorimura 4, 80067 Sorrento
Tel: 081-878-1068
This hotel sits in the center of the town. Reasonably priced and tastefully furnished is value for money.
Grand Hotel Moon Valley
Penisola Sorrentina
I – 80066 – Seiano di Vico Equense (NA)
Tel: +39/081.8028015
www.moonvalley.it
Located less than one hour from Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Amalfi. This resort is situated in the centre of the Sorrentine Peninsula and most bedrooms have balcony views of the sea.
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| Nightlife: |
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To understand more of the culture of Naples, do catch the famous Sorrento Musical at the town centre. Mind you, it is in Italian, but that did not stop me from understanding the emotion evoked from the songs and dances.
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| Hangouts: |
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Every where you go, you will find cosy spots like this for a cuppa and more! This is a place to mingle with both locals and foreigners.
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| Restaurants: |
Zi’Ntonio Mare
Via Marina Grande, 180, Capri
Tel: 081-807-3033
www.zitoniomare.com
Savour the wide range of seafood specialities and good antipasti.
La Tonnarella
Via Capo, 31
Tel: 081-878-1153
www.latonnarella.com
Offers wonderful view of the Bay of Naples from the terrace and dinning room. House specialities are the scialatielli, a hand-made pasta cooked with prawns and zucchini, and end your meal with a delizie al limone (lemon cake).
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| Other recommendations: |
Limoncello di Capri
79 Via Roma, Capri
Tel: 081-837-5561
If you are planning to whip up a sumptuous Italian meal when you return from your trip, you should make a stop at the very elegant food stores in Sorrento for all your necessary culinary ingredients. Complete your dinner with a glass of Limoncello, a local liqueur made from fermented lemon peel, alcohol and sugar. It can be consumed alone or mixed with vodka or sparkling wines.
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Published on Friday October 22th, 2004
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Publish on Facebook
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Thu, Sep 28 2006 - 12:59 PM
 by mrscanada
| Pompeii and Capri were wonderful Naples wasn't so nice. Amazing review. |
Sun, Oct 23 2005 - 04:46 PM
by toribio
| ALL YOUR REPORTS ARE NUMERO 1 |
Fri, Oct 07 2005 - 08:38 PM
by miguelmarchi
Gloria!
My family members are from Italy and your pictures are beautiful.
5 stars for you!!! |
Sun, Oct 31 2004 - 10:13 AM
by ravinderkumarsi
excellent report indeed with superb pictures.
ravi |
Sun, Oct 24 2004 - 09:39 PM
 by italian-link
Very nice report on Naples. I especially liked the pictures of Sorrento and The Blue Grotto. Keep up the good work.
Larry
http://www.italian-link.com
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Sat, Oct 23 2004 - 05:23 AM
by rangutan
| Nice regional report, not always avoidable, should ideally be two (or three) reports? |
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