NAPLES, ITALY

NAPLES, ITALY

   Famous for its history, architecture, and pizza, Naples has continually allured visitors for years with lots to see, eat, and experience. With evidence of habitation as early as 9^th century BC, Naples is one of oldest cities in the world.  In 1861 Italy went under unification and only had one king. It was in June 2, 1946 that they became a republic.

   On tour we went out of town for about a half an hour drive and we spent the day in the ruins of Pompeii.  Mt Vesuvius is a volcano of about four thousand feet high. It suddenly erupted on the 24^th August of 79 AD to bury Pompeii under ash and rock. Pompeii was rediscovered in the 16^th century, but exploration did not begin until 1748 under the King of Naples Charles III of Bourbon, and continued systematically into the nineteenth century, until the most recent works of excavation, restoration and enhancement of the ancient city and its extraordinary wealth of architecture, sculptures, paintings, and mosaics. 

   Well, this is the next to our last port-of-call.  In the morning we will dock in Rome, Italy and we will disembark and go straight to the airport to fly to the States. This has been a wonderful cruise.  We have learned so much about ancient history and we have now seen the rise and fall of civilizations and it gives us a different perspective on life. We’ve made some great new friends that we hope to meet again. We hope you have enjoyed coming along on this journey with us.

City gate to Pompeii

Mt Vesuvius as seen from Pompeii

Man caught in the ash of Mt Vesuvius

A bakery where wheat was ground and bread was baked for sale

 

 

 

TAORMINA, SICILY, ITALY

TAORMINA, SICILY, ITALY

Located on the east coast of the island of Sicily, midway between Messina and Catania, Taormina is spectacularly situated on a natural terrace in the shadow of rocky terrace in the shadow of rocky Mont Tauro. Historic relics confirm the site has been inhabited for at least three millennia; its first documented settlement was the Greek colony of Tauromenion, founded in 403 BC by refugees from the nearby Greek city of Naxox. Desired for its strategic position overlooking the sea and valley, it was seized by the Romans, and later fell into Byzantine hands, becoming the capital of Byzantine Sicily in the 9^th Century.  The Arabs, on their arrival in the 10^th century, enriched the surrounding countryside, building an efficient irrigation system for crops, ensuring Taormina’s desirability. An enchanting town, reminiscent of Capri or an Amalfi Coast resort, Taormina has been a popular tourist destination since the 19^th century, seducing writers and artists, aristocrats and royalty alike. With its extraordinary eyrie-like setting on the side of a mountain, the town offers stunning views of the coast and Mount Etna volcano.  Throughout the hill-town, there are remnants of the Greeks and Romans, a charming medieval quarter and castle ruins.

                                               Another Formal Night on board the ship

Tom in front of Mount Etna

Restaurant Menu

Taormina taken from above

 

 

 

 

                                         

ITEA (DELPHI) GREECE

ITEA (DELPHI) GREECE

In Greek mythology, Delphi was the place where the world started, and therefore one of the most spiritual places in Greece.  Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, it was the location of the famed oracle and the Sanctuary of Apollo.  Excavations of the site in the nineteenth century uncovered the area’s theater and stadium among other ruins.  Shortly after, a town cropped up nearby to accommodate tourists coming to see the area’s archeological wonders.  Delphi’s archeological site is a peaceful place, unlike the many sites in Athens. The ‘agora’ (meeting place) is at its center with the treasury, temple of Apollo, and other sites within walking distance.  The museum near the site holds artifacts from Delphi.

Sphinx of the Naxians 560 BC

Charioteer holding reins 6C BC

Tom on mountain top at Temple of Apollo 4th C BC

Sandy at Temple of Apollo

 

 

 

 

 

KERKIRA (CORFU), GREECE

KERKIRA (CORFU), GREECE

The second largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea, Corfu lies northwest of mainland Greece and serves as a major tourist destination and producer of olive oil and local wines.  Castles abound on this small island.  In fact, the Greek government has dubbed Corfu “castle city” because of its two prominent castles that border the town.  In the old town you see colorful narrow cobblestone streets. You’ll also find aged houses from the Venetian era and the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave, Saint Spyridon church, where the body of the patron saint of the island lies. Today, the restored fortress is used for concerts and other cultural events, and the Byzantine-style architecture may be viewed anytime.

   On tour we took a small, winding road to the top of Mount Pantokrator for a bird’s-eye view of the island.

   The island is small. There are 120,000 people living on the island and 35,000 live in the town.  In the 8^th C BC Corinth colonized the island.

View of the sea from the mountain top

Newer fortress built by Venetians in 1577

Sandy eating Baklava

Old buildings from the Venetian era