Travelers and poets have often rhapsodized about the Mediterranean’s spectacularly capricious geology in this area, but for those living in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79, the end came swiftly and cruelly. As we followed our guides through the silent, deserted streets (save the 21st century tour groups jostling for position in the Forum), the three dimensionality of the buildings and frescoed scenes painted on the walls of the houses allowed us to connect with the city’s doomed citizens in a way that is not possible at ordinary archaeological sites. All too soon, we had to return to the ship for an Italian buffet, and then it was on to Ravello. The enchanting views of the Amalfi Coast and the late fall gardens from the terrace of a villa were certainly worth the trip through the mountain switchbacks!
10/3/2024
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Sea Cloud
Amalfi and Napoli, Italy
Anticipating rough weather, we woke early today to attempt a morning visit to the city of Amalfi. Unfortunately, the seas were already too rough to safely disembark, and we were compelled to make other plans. We instead spent a quiet morning at sea, including a presentation by National Geographic-Lindblad Historian Rebecca on shipwreck archaeology, a fitting topic for a ship prudently avoiding rough weather. Today’s lunch on the lido deck featured the famous Sea Cloud pasta wheel, a large wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano in which a delectable pasta is prepared. We managed to dock in Napoli around midday, and interested guests accompanied Expedition Leader John on a walk around some of Napoli’s historic neighborhoods. Our leisurely walk took us past the medieval Castel Nuovo, through the soaring Galleria of Umberto I, and alongside the expansive Royal Palace of Napoli. Back aboard Sea Cloud this evening, we enjoyed the guest slide show during cocktail hour followed by one final, sumptuous dinner in the ship’s elegant dining room.