Private Pompeii, Sorrento and Cheese Tasting
Enjoy a scenic, panoramic ride to a local farmhouse in the picturesque Sorrento hills. Visit the olive mill where the tart orbs are pressed into golden drops of olive oil. Witness the art of mozzarella-making and then enjoy samples of the fresh white cheese with salami and wine.
Return to your transportation for a quick, 15-minute ride into the town of Sorrento. Be provided approximately 2 hours of free time to explore the village overlooking the Bay of Naples and enjoy lunch (on your own, not included). Take in the breathtaking cliffside views, enjoy the sea breezes at the Sorrento Pier, go beachcombing along the rocky shoreline or stroll down Corso Italia-Sorrento's flower-lined main boulevard of shops, designer boutiques and cafes. Sorrento boasts one of the biggest shopping districts along the Amalfi Coast-from lace sheets and fine furniture, to table linens and handcrafted pottery. It's a prime place for shoppers and ambiance seekers alike, walk off the main path on to the cobblestone side streets and public squares, such as Piazza Tasso and Piazza Antiche Mura for great, local atmosphere.
The next leg of your journey takes you to the historic archeological site of Pompeii. Discover the extraordinary excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash when Mt. Vesuvius violently erupted in 79 AD. This monumental natural disaster killed thousands and entombed the city. Explore the grounds on this guided tour, lasting just over 1.5 hours, of the ruins and relics. Walk the grounds as your knowledgeable guide points out the remarkably preserved remains that hint at daily life-their customs, buildings and cuisine. The eruption of Vesuvius preserved a moment in time more than 2,000 years ago providing evidence of how they entertained, decorated and lived. From the ruins we know Pompeii was a vacation community for high society before the eruption; it had a forum, amphitheater, gymnasium, shops and an aqueduct that delivered water for irrigation, fountains and private baths. Some of the buildings are remarkably preserved with elaborately detailed mosaics and colorful frescoes decorating the interiors of wealthy homeowners' villas. This is a fascinating and sobering snapshot of ancient Roman life frozen in time.
Following Pompeii, make a stop at a cameo factory where artisans apply skills handed down for generations, carving seashell or coral into intricate works of art and beautiful keepsake jewelry.
Your tour comes to an end back in Naples after a 30-minute drive at your ship where it is docked and awaiting your return.