Day 27 - Salerno (Sorrento), Italy

We’ve been very fortunate in having been to a number of towns in this area before: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, even a couple of days in Sorrento back in 2015. We’re doing our second and final Princess excursion that starts with a couple of hours to explore Sorrento…such a beautiful town. Our guide talked about living in the red and yellow zones as they relate to Mount Vesuvius which is considered an active volcano. The red zone is closest to Vesuvius and deemed most at risk from pyroclastic flows, eruption, and would be evacuated if an eruption starts. Next is the yellow zone with the potential to be affected by significant ash fall. Kinda scary but guess they’re similar situations in all parts of the world AND you just never know. This whole region, courtesy of its eruption, has extremely fertile land resulting in an over abundance of orange, lemon and olive trees. On arrival in Sorrento, it rained for the first hour but cleared up completely for the second. We walked up/down each of the 4 streets stemming from the center square. One took us towards the Bay of Naples, 1 towards a rock face and the other two to cruiser’s delight (although not us really), shopping. Having said that, a pair of light purple combat boots caught my eye and had they had my size…☹️. Back on the tour bus, quick trip into a limoncello factory (varieties had alcohol content of 18, 30 and 42%) and then on to our main event: wine tasting. We arrived at Cantina del Vesuvio, an organic winery started by the Russo family in 1930. They have 16 hectares of self sustainable soil, sitting at the bottom of Mount Vesuvius. Enjoyed a nice 3 course lunch with, I think but honestly I lost count, maybe 6 wine tastings. Was a great day! Back on the ship and our last night to swap adventures, cheers and dinner shenanigans with the Aussies. We’re so glad we met them so early in the trip. Exchanged contact info, sorrowful goodbyes and promised to stay in touch, particularly if we head out there way (debatable after ALL of the stories they told me about critters that kill…Jacqui gave us a card and on the envelope were her drawings of said creatures) OR they come our way.Read more