Amalfi, Campania, Italy
AMALFI, ITALY
"Picturesque resort town along the slope of the steep Lattari hills overlooking the Bay of Salerno." WOW views of Amalfi cruising into the bay where the ship anchored.
"Picturesque resort town along the slope of the steep Lattari hills overlooking the Bay of Salerno." WOW views of Amalfi cruising into the bay where the ship anchored.
The famous Almafi Coastal Drive was definitely on our "must-do" list. After looking at u-tube videos of horrible traffic jams at peak tourist season, decided to take the ship's bus excursion.
EXCURSION -- AMALFI DRIVE to SORRENTO - 6.5 hrs
After taking the tender to the pier, met the Tour Bus and Guide. Being up high on a bus has the advantage of great views as the road threads through the high, rocky sea cliffs passing through the pastel-colored villages that cling to the steep coastline.
After taking the tender to the pier, met the Tour Bus and Guide. Being up high on a bus has the advantage of great views as the road threads through the high, rocky sea cliffs passing through the pastel-colored villages that cling to the steep coastline.
Drive there was through mountain road; very scenic; about 1.5 hrs. Quality of pictures through bus window not good. Learned quite a bit about the area's history from the excellent guide--home of "buffalo mozzarella cheese"; the effect of the volcano on the land and the crops growing here. Stopped at overlook above SORRENTO for great photos of the town overlooking the sea.
Bus drop off spot was just a short walk to the main town square.
A block away was Gargiulo Woodworks for a demonstration of inlay wood--intricate designs, fascinated by the beautiful craftsmanship, which is quite expensive.
Time on our own. Nice walk down narrow streets to Basilica restaurant for caprese salad and pizza made in wood oven, very good.
Back through streets packed with people shopping to meet up with the tour guide.
Route back along the Amalfi Coast road was even better with the dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean; perfect from right side of bus. Guide pointed out all famous spots including Sophia Loren's house.
What a crazy drive--inches from buildings and cars parked along the roadside, maneuvering around unskilled tourist drivers, horn blowing at hairpin turns, backing up so two buses could pass at seemingly impossible places. Unbelievable bus driving skills! Glad we did not rent a car.
What a crazy drive--inches from buildings and cars parked along the roadside, maneuvering around unskilled tourist drivers, horn blowing at hairpin turns, backing up so two buses could pass at seemingly impossible places. Unbelievable bus driving skills! Glad we did not rent a car.
The SPECTACULAR views were definitely worth the drive!!!
AMALFI - Arrived back at the pier about 3:00.
Piazza del Duomo, the main town square, surrounded with shops and restaurants was so crowded we could hardly move; not even a place to sit down to eat gelato.
The Cathedral of Saint Andrew (built early 1200's) dominates the square with its magnificent front façade covered in opulent striped stonework pattern, adorned with beautiful mosaics of Italian majolica and gold leaf with the distinctive Romanesque Bell Tower topped by elaborate crown.
It's worth climbing the 62 steps of the steep staircase for the amazing view of the square along the columned porch. The stunning medeival bronze doors were cast in Constantinople in 11th century.
It's worth climbing the 62 steps of the steep staircase for the amazing view of the square along the columned porch. The stunning medeival bronze doors were cast in Constantinople in 11th century.
Worth the small fee to Tour inside:
Paradise Cloister houses the tombs of Amalfi's nobility. Tranquil gardens are surrounded by a 13th century white-marble walkway with historic art. Through the arches is a great view of the Bell Tower with its Moorish polychrome majolica cupola.
Paradise Cloister houses the tombs of Amalfi's nobility. Tranquil gardens are surrounded by a 13th century white-marble walkway with historic art. Through the arches is a great view of the Bell Tower with its Moorish polychrome majolica cupola.
Basilica of the Crucifix is the restoration work of the original Cathedral of Amalfi dating back to the sixth century AD. Diocesano Museum exhibits the most precious sacred treasures.
Cathedral Interior is late Baroque style with a nave and two aisles divided by 20 columns. The gold caisson ceiling has four large paintings by Andrea d'Aste. The Crypt containing Saint Andrew's remains is down a flight of stairs and is decorated with Baroque murals.
Since the Amalfi Coast is said to have the best limoncello, had to try some before getting back to the ship.
Packed in as much as we could in one day. Definitely a place to spend more time when it's less crowded.
2025-05-22