Today was a loong day! We had breakfast and then walked into Sorrento to the port - about 45 minutes in all. We bought tickets for the hydrofoil and got onto the 9.15 one, which of course ran late! I am not expecting anything Italian to run on time! The trip took 25 minutes and we were lucky to sit outside and have fantastic views. The breeze was very welcome and cooling.
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| Our hotel high on the hill taken on the boat |
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| Capri coming into view |
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| Capri harbour |
Upon arrival at Capri harbour we got the funicular railway up to Capri town centre.
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| Hugh on the funicular railway |
We got our map out and found our way out of town and started the 45 minute steep walk to Villa Jovis. It was a lovely walk, even if it was quite steep and very hot! The path wound through local houses and the views were spectacular.
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| Hugh, a little hot and tired about 3/4 of the way up the hill |
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| Me taking a photo through the gates of a house | |
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| The photo I took |
When we arrived at the villa (Emperor Tiberius's) we walked around it for about half an hour and it was very interesting, and the views from here, one of the highest points of the island were astounding. The villa was built by Emperor Tiberuis in AD27 and he ruled there for 10 years until his death in AD37. It is on the second highest peak of Capri at 334m. When Tiberius was displeased with slaves or friends he would throw them off the side of the peak at a place known as Tiberius's Leap - more like shove!
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| Hugh inside the villa |
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| Hugh with Vesuvius in the background |
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| Me in the villa |
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| This was supposed to be us with Vesuvius in the background, but it was too hazy! |
On our way back down we detourred into the municipal gardens which were nice and shaded and also afforded us spectacular views.
Feeling a little tired we tottered down the hill and eventually stopped at a pizzeria for lunch and boy did we have lovely pizzas! We also had a cold Sprite each which was very welcoming.
Once we arrived back in the town square we mooched around the lanes and the shops and I bought a lovely Murano glass necklace with some of my birthday money from the girls at work.
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| Outside the jewellery shop |
We then had a gelato each and made our way to the gardens to sit in the shade for a while. At 3 ish we got the funicular back to the port where I bought a souvenir tea towel before we boarded a much larger hydrofoil for our return journey. We had to sit inside but it was air conditioned.
Although Hugh finds it a bit claustrophobic, we took the lift back up into Sorrento, did a bit of shopping to get the makings for rolls for tomorrow and then caught the shuttle bus back to the hotel. We were so hot and tired, that although it was nearly 6 by this time, we both went for a swim before getting ready for our meal.
Tonight was the gala dinner which meant that they served everyone at the same time and the two greedy Gotches had to wait for each of their four courses until everyone was ready! It was very nice though and ended up with a glass of sparkling wine each.
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| Cheers! |
We have now Skyped Penny and are collapsed on the bed!
6 comments:
Sounds like a LONG day - but the views look worth it :)
You managed to pack a lot into your day.I'm not surprised though, it looks like there was a lot to see
I am exhausted just reading it! I thought your day must be nearly over and then you mentioned lunch! It will be lovely to have such detailed memories in years to come.
It looks like you are having a wonderful trip. I'm enjoying your pictures.
Sounds like a wonderful day! There's just nothing like sitting outside at an Italian pizzeria & enjoying gelato in Italy!
Sounds like you packed a lot into that day!
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