A week in Sorrento – Day 5

Last updated: Jan 30th, 2019


All good things must come to an end and today was sadly the last day of our week in Sorrento. However, we made sure it was a good one!

We started with a visit to the Fondo Galatea just outside of Sorrento, enjoying a guided tour of the farm, seeing the many animals and learning about how the farm makes olive oil, mozzarella, cured ham and Limoncello. We then had a go at making our own pizza and given that it was also to be our lunch, it was particularly important to pay attention during the demonstration!

After the holes had been patched up and achieving a reasonably round base, I spread on tomato puree, crumbled mozzarella and a sprinkle of chili flakes and oregano before it went in the oven. All that was then needed was a couple of basil leaves broken up on the top and voila – lunch was served!

We then went for a drive along the beautiful Amalfi Coast, pausing at the Emerald Grotto. This is a flooded cavern with an underwater tunnel connecting it to the sea through which sunlight gives the clear water inside the cave a spectacular turquoise glow. A rowing boat took us around the grotto and the guide  pointed out rocks apparently shaped like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower although I admit that this took a little stretch of the imagination!

Finally, we ended our tour in Amalfi itself with its beautiful cathedral. Here the group had just under 2 hours for a last bit of souvenir shopping before the journey home.

Just as we were returning to the coach, the clouds rolled in and the rain started after what had been a day of glorious sunshine. Somehow it seemed to herald the end of our week in Sorrento.

We have had an amazing time, packed with interesting and fun activities. It has been an experience which I think everyone involved will remember forever. For the most part, the weather has been gorgeous and even when it wasn’t, the rain was actually welcome to help freshen up the atmosphere ready for the next period of hot sunshine.

The Villa Igea was an excellent hotel which really felt like home with comfortable rooms, friendly staff a good varied menu and a lovely swimming pool which the group enjoyed using on Thursday afternoon before dinner. Our courier, Tracey, also played a huge part in ensuring the success of the trip. Her fluent Italian skills were frequently called upon and she was always keen to help whenever possible.

Many thanks to Crestwood College for letting me join them on the tour and I hope we will see them again soon!