Naples, Amalfi and Pompeii: A Beautiful Day of Scenery, History and Italian Food

Naples, Italy — October 27, 2026

October 27, 2026 | Naples, Italy | Explorer of the Seas

I woke up at 5:00 this morning, ready for a long day of adventure. Our shore excursion, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast by Motorboat and Pompeii, promised beautiful scenery, good Italian food, and a walk through history. It certainly delivered!

A Beautiful Morning on the Amalfi Coast

At 7:00 a.m. we set off on our approximately nine-and-a-half-hour excursion. After a coach ride to Salerno, we boarded a motor launch for a scenic journey along the coast. The sun was shining, the water was blue, and the cliffs and villas made for a beautiful view. This is one of those places where you want to keep your camera ready.

A view from the boat along the Italian coast.

Enjoying the sunshine and scenery from the motor launch.

In Amalfi, I had some free time to walk the streets and take in the sights. The cathedral overlooking the square was gorgeous. I also found a café, sat down, and treated myself to a lemon drink and an ice cream. With the sunshine and the beautiful surroundings, it was an excellent experience.

The beautiful cathedral and square in Amalfi.

A stop for a photograph in front of Amalfi's cathedral.

A pleasant café stop in Amalfi.

An Extraordinary Italian Lunch

We enjoyed lunch at the Suisse Pompeii restaurant outside Pompeii. The meal included gnocchi, Naples pizza, wine, and a special lemon dessert. The food was extraordinary, and it was a wonderful chance to relax before the next part of our adventure.

Gnocchi at lunch near Pompeii.

Walking Through History in Pompeii

Our guided visit to Pompeii took us through the excavated streets and ruins of the ancient Roman city. We had an excellent guide who helped bring the place to life. The weather was bright and sunny, and it was not too crowded, which made the visit even more enjoyable.

I walked approximately two and a half miles in Pompeii. The uneven stones, steps, and time on my feet made this a strenuous excursion, and I was very tired by the time we left and got back on the bus. Still, the chance to experience this remarkable place was well worth the effort.

Exploring Pompeii's ancient streets and ruins.

A closer look at the remains of ancient Pompeii.

Pompeii under a clear sky, with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

A memorable day exploring Pompeii.

A Little Pampering and a Quiet Evening

I returned to the ship in the late afternoon, tired but happy, and took a short rest in my room. I had planned for a busy day, and at 6:00 p.m. I headed to one of my favorite places on the ship: the Vitality Spa.

My Groom and Go treatment included a shave, facial, head rub, and a relaxing shoulder and back massage. After a full day of walking, it felt wonderful to be refreshed and ready for the evening.

Around 8:30 p.m., I went to Izumi for a quiet dinner. The restaurant was not very busy, and I kept my meal light: green tea, a little sushi, and green tea ice cream for dessert. It was just what I wanted after such a full day.

Later, I took a stroll along the promenade for 70s night. It was fun listening to the disco music and seeing everyone enjoying themselves on the dance floor. I decided to make it a short night, returned to my room, did a little reading, and was asleep by 11:30.

Tomorrow we will be in Civitavecchia, where I am looking forward to another adventure: Bracciano Lake and wine tasting. Until then, it is time to rest and be grateful for another wonderful day in Italy.

Until the next adventure, Joe