Sunny Sorrento

Sophie and I have just returned home from a truly fabulous week away in sunny Sorrento, Italy. I last went to Italy 23years ago whilst inter-railing as a student, I always promised myself that one day I would return but it has taken me this long to get back there. I LOVE it there, the weather, the food, the people, the gelato, the coffee..... and it was really special to spend a week with Sophie, who was great company. I did feel guilty leaving Jeff behind, Sam hates the heat and isn't old enough yet to be left home alone, so Jeff took care of him! We travelled with Thomson's, staying in a 3 star hotel, which had a pool but was pretty basic, simple Italian but it was just a base for us, as we made the most of the surrounding area.

Day 1

We spent our first day in Sorrento, getting our bearings, have a wander around the town and finding the train station, buses etc for our planned days out.

Day 2

Sophie's really wanted to go to Rome so we made sure we ticked that off the list first. We opted for getting there ourselves, rather than book a set tour as it was cheaper, which meant a 6am start but gave us a full day in Rome. We caught the local commuter train to Naples, then changed there to a super fast train to Rome. We visited the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps and walked everywhere in 40 degree heat. It was hot and exhausting but a fabulous day, not to be missed.

Day 3

We planned a day of relaxation in Sorrento after our trip to Rome. There is no real beach there but bathing pontoons, where you can hire sunbeds and an umbrella. These were very expensive, so we could only afford to do it once but it did feel like a real treat.

Day 4

We woke to grey sky's and rain forecast, so we decided to buy a bus travel card each and drive along the Amalfi coast, taking in the sights and passing through Positano, Amalfi and from there we caught another bus up to Ravello. It was a shame it rained, as we didn't get to explore but it was the best value for money and was a great way to see the coast, views and experience the hairpin bends. Hats off to the bus drivers on such challenging roads. The rain continued into the evening, torrential downpour as our food arrived at an outdoor cafe, made for a fun evening!!

Day 5

An overcast day was forecast, so we headed over on the ferry to the Island of Capri. We decided to walk up to the actual centre of Capri, then from there we caught a bus up to AnaCapri. We had been told to take the chair lift to the highest point, which we duly did and boy was it worth it - the views were incredible. Once back in AnaCapri, we decided to walk back down as the sun came out, we then caught the Funicular down to the Grande Marina before heading back to Sorrento.

Day 6

Our final day was spent by the pool - reading, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. The hotel was actually on the corner of a very busy, noisy street/junction but around the back was this lovely little pool, surrounded by lemon and orange trees - an oasis of calm.

We ate the most delicious food and .....

.... had a truly fabulous holiday.

Here's to another Italian adventure one day - Ciao!