General
Info
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Pompeii
Buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii gives us a unique
insight into the Roman life of those times. The
tour of the ruins takes at least 3 hours. One can
eat lunch at Pompeii, and there are also some local
restaurants for evening meals. It is advisable
to wear comfortable shoes, as the paving is uneven,
and it takes at least half a day to visit the ruins
properly.
Pompeii is easily reached by the frequent Circumvesuviana
train. The trip only takes about 30 minutes. The
ruins open daily at 09h00 and close 2 hours before
sunset. Bookings can be made by calling 081 857 5111
(Ufficio Prenotazione). Some houses may be closed
as part of the ongoing restorations.
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Napoli
This clamoring and vibrant city begs a visit. With
a population of 1,206,000, Napoli is the intellectual
and commercial center of the South. Its 20 century-long
history is notable for its diverse civilizations,
amongst these; Roman, Austrian, French, Spanish
and British. These diverse influences have produced
a cultural mosaic, visible in the city’s
architecture and audible in its music and language.
Fortunately, Napoli has also become a safer place
for visitor and inhabitant alike. Art, culture,
history and of course shopping beckon; information
is available from the tourist office in Piazza
dei Martiri, 58. tel. 081 405 311.
Trains depart from Sorrento train station approximately
every 20 minutes and the journey takes around 1 hour.
The hydrofoil departs from the Port of Sorrento and
takes about 30 minutes.
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Capri
From the Emperor Tiberius, to Elizabeth Taylor, throughout
the years the small island of Capri has welcomed
many to its shores. The towns of Capri and Anacapri
possess an aristocratic air and a vast selection
of boutiques, yet nothing outshines the stunning
views across the Bay of Naples.
Naples is a paradise, in it every one lives in
a sort of intoxicated self-forgetfulness. It is
even so with me...Were I not impeded by the German
spirit, and desire to learn and to do rather than
enjoy, I should tarry a little longer in this school
of a light-hearted and happy life, and try to profit
from it still more.
Goethe (1787)
The town of Capri can be reached by the funicular
railway. Capri, with its labyrinthine streets offers
a seductive selection of shopping and dining experiences.
Sicilian-style Anacapri is also worth a visit, and
can be reached by bus from Capri.
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Blue Grotto
The boat-trip from Sorrento takes only 30 minutes
(Aliscafi/hydrofoil) and costs about €20 return.
A funicular takes you up to Capri from the port,
and frequent buses run to Anacapri.
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Positano
Positano has a population of about 4,000. It became
a resort in 1943 when the Allies established a
rest and rehabilitation center in the hilltop town.
It is a popular stop off, with its central square,
white houses and wonderful gardens that descend
in steep steps to the sea. Don’t miss the
great viewpoint from La Chiesa di San Pietro.
Positano is now known to be a design center, with
a number of fashionable boutiques. In fact, the fashion
industry overtakes tourism on this part of the Amalfi
Coast. Look out for the pezze di Positano; simple yet
bright designs.
There is the choice between a bus-ride or a boat-trip
to get to Positano. The bus leaves hourly from the
train station and takes almost an hour to get to
Positano There is a half-hourly local bus service
that connects with the bus from Sorrento to take
you down to the beach. Make sure that you buy your
bus ticket for Positano before you get on the bus.
Bus tickets can be purchased at the train station
for 1,30€ (2003).
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Other activities
of interest
- Local beaches
- Scuba diving around the Sorrento Peninsula
and Islands
- Gym
- Renting a moped and exploring the near by cities
- Shopping
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