Italy - Fantastico
Day 1: On arrival in Rome we transferred to Hotel d’Inghilterra, a lovely characterful 88 room hotel in superb central location. We took a short walk to Villa Spalletti Trivelli for a site inspection and lunch - a beautiful old residence, which is now a 12 room hotel; a home from home and a relaxing haven in the heart of Rome. After a typical Italian lunch (large and delicious) we had a minibus tour around Rome’s major sights. Then it was back to the hotel for martinis followed by another sumptuous meal.
Day 2: We started off with a walking tour of central Rome where each turned corner brought another delight. Then it was on to Bernini Bristol Hotel for lunch. Fairly ordinary looking from the outside, but you couldn’t fail to be wowed on the inside, particularly the spectacular roof terrace with amazing views over Rome. Another typical Italian meal (large and delicious in case you didn’t realise!). We then walked back to the hotel via the Spanish Steps, which were adorned with beautiful flowers. After collecting our bags we drove to Civitavecchia to embark on our 3 night adventure onboard Royal Clipper, the world’s largest and tallest sailing ship (max 227 passengers). WOW! An authentic sailing ship with cruise ship luxuries. After lifeboat drill and another gorgeous Italian meal we set off. Sailaway is a memorable experience – Vangelis’ haunting Conquest of Paradise is played as you stand on deck watching the coastal lights twinkle into the distance. Magical.
Day 3: After a very restful night – comfortable bed and smooth sailing (just a soothing sloosh-sloosh of the waves outside my portholes) - the passengers were introduced to the crew. We anchored off Ponza, a small, quiet and pretty island (just 3,500 inhabitants). Being a Sunday not many shops were open but we enjoyed a walk and some delicious ice cream (the first of many!). In the evening we watched a fashion show on board followed by live and taped music suiting all tastes.
Day 4: Royal Clipper anchored off Sorrento and here began our stretch of spectacular scenery. We had a coffee at the Excelsior Vittoria hotel then hopped on a minibus to Pompeii. It was my second visit to Pompeii but this one was more enjoyable – the guide was more knowledgeable and more “exhibits” were on display. We then had a quick dash back to Sorrento for Sailaway to Capri for the evening. Just as we were finishing a very rushed pizza we were informed that conditions were too rough to visit Capri - the local tenders are very small and it would be too dangerous, even though conditions seemed fine at Sorrento. So disappointment at not seeing Capri, but great we had more time in Sorrento. After a leisurely couple more hours we returned to the ship for drinks, dinner (yes another typical Italian meal!), Sailaway and a music quiz in the Tropical Bar.
Day 5: Arrived at Amalfi after another smooth night’s sailing and said our goodbyes to the Royal Clipper. We were all sad to be leaving here - “normal” passengers were sailing onto Sicily and back to Rome. We enjoyed a short walking tour of Amalfi, including the amazing cathedral, before visiting Ravello. The Amalfi Coast is a stunning area of Italy. Ravello was peaceful compared to bustling Amalfi and after visiting Villa Rufolo and its beautiful gardens we had some spare time for more ice cream! We then drove back to Sorrento to spend our last night at the Grand Hotel Cocumella. I totally fell in love with this former monastery and its beautiful gardens stretching down to the sea. We were welcomed like old friends and the view of the gardens, huge swimming pool and sea from my balcony was dominated by Vesuvius. So relaxing and beautiful.
Day 6: Early morning wander around the gardens before saying a sad farewell to Cocumella and Italy itself.
Please contact me if you are interested in a cruise with a difference and/or breaks to Italy (or indeed elsewhere!)
As Arnold Schwarzeneger once said – “I’ll be back”. Hmmmmm, think I just might!
