2008 Italy Tour September 26th - October 7th 2008

Day 3 Monte Cassino - Pompeii - Sorrento/Isle of Capri This morning we will travel into the hills to view the Abbey of Monte Cassino, a Benedictine abbey at the top of the 1,500 foot mountain....below which lies the city of Cassino. A vast Polish war cemetery covers a hillside across the valley, which can be easily seen from the abbey. The famed Battle of Mount Cassino took place on this Holy ground during World War Two.. The Abbey itself was constructed on an older pagan site, the temple of Apollo that crowned the hill. The Museum of Monte Cassino displays examples of medieval monastic art as well as other artifacts, the basilica itself, is decorated richly in stucco and mosaics. pilgrims still visit to pray before the relics of Benedict and his sister, St. Scholastica, which survived the bombings of World War Two.. In the basilica, the beautiful pipe organ built by Neapolitan Mascioni di Cuvio can be viewed. The organ has over 5000 pipes and three keyboards. It is exquisitely detailed in the baroque style with gilded details at the base of the dome as well as above the altar. The Basilica itself was consecrated in 1071 AD and has been rebuilt several times over the years. Unfortunately at the loss of some of the historical artworks on the walls due to damage too great to repair. You can still see such wonders as "The Glory of St. Benedict" by P. Annigoni, taking up forty square feet and depicting St. Benedict and his followers. The Abbey and basilica itself is still alive and thriving, allowing those visiting, a look inside monastic life. We board our deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach for a scenic drive to the Pompeii. Pompeii is a buried and ruined Roman city close to Naples in the region of Italy called Campania. For two days on August 24th, 79, Pompeii was destroyed and totally buried, When the nearby volcano, Mount Vesuvius erupted sending molten lava, ash and pumice down the hillside.. The volcano buried Pompeii under many feet of ash and pumice, and it was lost for almost 1700 years before it was accidentally rediscovered in 1748. Since the discovery, Pompeii's excavation has provided an incredible detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. A walking tour with audio is awaiting our group at Pompeii. You will be amazed at mosaics, paintings, frescoes still brilliant in their original colors and design. This is a city frozen in time". Now, more than 1900 years after that fateful August day, we are learning more and more about the last days of Pompeii .

After a day of viewing gilding, mosaic and frescoes, we now head to Sorrento and The Isle of Capri! We board our motorcoach for the short drive to the the city overlooking The Bay of Naples..... Sorrento, derives its name from the famous songs of the sirens that, legend has it, tried to ensnare Ulysses with their unique but deadly chants. Sorrento sits on a an elevated line of steep cliffs in the region of Campania. It is one of the most famous resorts in all of Italy. Sorrento is like a balcony looking down on The Bay of Naples with its breathtaking views. The town is charming, inviting and the residents are quite friendly.          Sorrento and The Isle of Capri are Martin's most favorite places in Italy. You will never forget the views from both Sorrento and The Isle of Capri.......

Later in the day, we will take a short visit to an inlaid wood factory. The art of true, wood marquetry that us, as decorative artists replicate with stencils and Modellos will be viewed from raw wood to end product. This fascinating tour will complete our day in Sorrento before we embark upon the seas for a 30 minute ferry to The Isle of Capri where we will spend the next two nights in this relaxing sea town as a base for our trips through the Umbrian Hills to Naples to Assisi to view the Giotto frescoes.

Early evening...a short sea crossing by ferry brings us to The Isle of Capri. The Four Star Regina Cristina where we will stay for two nights is located perfectly to make the most of your visit to Capri... just a few minutes away from the famous Piazzetta, in the centre, right near the shopping area and close to the Augustus Gardens and the 16th century monastery La Certosa di San Giacomo. Most of the Isle of Capri is like a huge resort. The international jet-set made Capri famous in the 1950's. Many Italians from throughout the country vacation here. The city of Capri is the center of the island, where most of the hotels, restaurants and shops are. Here you can take scenic walks, visit a cafe for a limoncello.... a locally distilled lemon-flavored liqueur that is world renowned from the area, but be careful... Martin can fill you in on his "companions" concerning a "Lemoncello Night" in Capri! This evening, a wonderful dinner at Regina Cristina. Tomorrow, we explore this beautiful island!

Day 4 This morning, we will tour The Faraglioni...complete with audio...these fascinating three rocks rise from the sea on the south-east side of the island of Capri. They have survived coastal landslides, sea erosion as well as atmospheric corrosion. The first rock attached to the mainland is named Stella. The second is separated from the first rock by the sea and is called Faraglione di Mezzo. It is characterized by a cavity, a natural tunnel which has become famous throughout the world. The third is called Faraglione di Fuori or Scopolo which translaters to "the head" or "promontory" stretching into the sea. It is the exclusive habitat of the blue tinted lizard.. Following the separation of Faraglione di Fuori from the mainland, a protective chromatic adaptation resulted in the lizards’ scales assuming the blue tones of the sea and sky.

We will visit Marina Piccola. We need only to descend a few steps to admire the tiny Church of St Andrea. The church of Sant’Andrea can be found in the Marina Piccola area. Our next stop in this area in the Piazza Umberto is otherwise known as the legendary 'Piazzetta" which, from the white columned terrace of the railway, opens out on to an incredible view of Monte Solaro. The Piazzetta is the "center" of the of Capri for tourists and locals both. When one arrives in Capri you have to pass through the narrow passage between the tables outside the various bars, cafes and restaurants... This relaxing afternoon will allow you to embark on a small cruise, visit "The Blue Grotto", walking tours or simply browse the fine shoppes and cafes that the international jet-set frequest. Who knows...You might see someone famous in Capri! Tonight, dinner is on your own, so chat with Martin or the tour director concerning the type of dining you are interested in. Capri is beautiful in the evening with shoppes staying open late. Get a good nights rest, for tommorow, we are off to Naples and then Assisi to view the Giotto frescoes.....

Any questions or comments? italy2008@fauxfinish.com