THIS WAS a packed day as we chose to take in a tour of Pompeii, a stop in Sorrento and a visit to an old Italian farmhouse to learn how to make mozzarella cheese.
We docked in Naples and the day started with a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, which was completely buried by the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius when it erupted in 79 AD. It was later accidentally discovered in 1749 and excavated to reveal a fascinating look at life in a city at the peak of the Roman Empire.
We were most surprised by the phallic symbols embedded right into the roads and buildings which directed visitors arriving at the port to the brothel.
Apparently during excavation, many more examples of frescoes and items of a sexual nature were discovered and reburied in an act of censorship. Many artifacts are now in the National Museum in Naples where they reside in a cabinet once called "secret" where only people of adult age can view them.
Another amazing discovery was a large, luxurious home with remnants of frescoes, statues and inlaid floors.
During excavation, paster was injected into the voids under the ash layer where human remains were found which recreated the forms of the victims of that horrific day.
A truly fascinating tour!
Off to Sorrento!
The drive along the coast was very congested so we only had time for a brief visit in Sorrento, most of which we spent having lunch in a cute little spot.
A quick tour around and then off to the farmhouse to make some cheese!
Off to the old Italian family farmhouse!
A little shuttle up through the hills...
A family tradition of making olive oil, cured meats, cheeses, preserves.
Time to taste!
It was so great to get a "taste" of Italian farmhouse life, techniques handed down through generations in this same family.
A busy day, but definitely a highlight of the trip.
lisa
22 comments:
What a dream trip! Completely fascinating and breathtaking all at the same time!
Thank you for sharing it,
xo,
Lulu
Just beautiful. I am dying to visit. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you a bit. xo
wow! The food alone looks worth the trip! Isn't Pompeii amazing? It's hard to wrap my head around how old and innovative the ruins really are.
Abby
Wow, looks amazing! We also spent hours in Pompeii - truly a life changing experience. So jealous of all your travels - enjoy! liz
Looks like a fantastic day! I didn't know all that sexual secret stuff about Pompeii...wow...very interesting!!
The coast looks amazing...I'd love to park it under one of those umbrellas!!
And YUM to the food...homemade cheeses and meats are so good...that was one of our highlights from Italy too!!
That's it... I need to book this cruise! The food alone makes it worth it. What cruise line did you travel on?
A farmhouse in the country just sounds so divine. Pompeii is still one of my favorites. I was in awe everywhere I looked. I remember a "beware of dog" mosaic on the floor of an entryway to a home, loved that :)
Such beautiful photos. Did you ever tire of looking at amazing sites? LOL!
Oh wow. I love this. The perfect combo of history and beauty. I wanna go!
Ok, so I'm super jealous! What an amazing trip you've gotten to go on! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your kind comments. :)
ohmygosh, I have just LOVED looking through all your vacation photos! My husband and I went to Italy on our honeymoon 3 years ago and this is bringing back so many great memories!
Looks like a fantastic trip!!
beautiful photos!
My 16 year old
covered a lot of
the same ground
in Italy this summer
as you did.....such
beauty; amazing!
As for Pompeii,
she told us that
"It was mainly
all about sex!"
I've only been to
Rome, but the highlight
for me was having
lunch at a real farm
where they grew their
own olives and made
both the oil and wine,
too. Great memories....
thanks!
xx Suzanne
I have been following all of your trip posts and it looks like you had a wonderful time! What stunning photos and looks like you got to see SO much!
Lisa, we visited Pompeii and Sorrento last October...isn't it fabulous. Pompeii is utterly amazing and Sorrento...the food, the people, the scenery...I must do my post...have hundreds of photos...and have you ever tasted food like it...the tomatoes were so tasty, the mozzerella so fresh and the olives, I'm sure were just picked off the trees and put on our plates....Robx
Wow, Lisa...you packed a lot into this day! It was fun to re-visit Pompeii. If it wasn't 6:00 am here, I would feel compelled to pour a glass of wine...the farmhouse food looks amazing!
~Lynne
[w/L]
You are giving me the travel bug! :) Such a beautiful place!
How beautiful...thank you for sharing. xoxo Love your blog!
What a gorgeous place! Have a wonderful day, Kellie xx
Wow - you did pack a lot into one day! I spent three nights in Positano and we never even made it to Pompeii! I love your "land of lemons" photo. The lemons there are as big as grapefruit! When I think of the Amalfi coast, lemons are one of the first thing that comes to mind - they are everywhere! Not to mention Lemoncello...
Just catching up on your amazing trip Lisa~looks like one simply fantastic time!!! Janell
Oh B and I did Sorrento for over a week last summer and loved it - Pompeii was simply amazing... We could not get over it. Actually we loved everywhere around there - Positano is great too. Can't believe you did so much in one day! Cruises :)
x Meagan
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