Italy/Greece 2023 – Day 10: Naples, Italy (September 11, 2023)

Trip: Rome and Cruise through Italy and Greece (Norwegian Breakaway)
Dates: September 1 – 15, 2023
Who: Me (Jess), Emily (one of my best friends), Beverly (my mom), Jeff (my stepdad), Jen (my aunt), and Megan (my sister).

Naples was another early day! I woke up at 6am, got ready, and grabbed a quick breakfast in the Lido. We had booked a private tour through Amalfi Driver, using one of their tours as a starting point to create our own plan. They had already contacted me that morning to let me know where to find our driver.

Just looking outside, I could tell that the port was a bit confusing. Emily, Megan, and I got off the ship a bit before the others, so we could tell them where to go. Just a heads up – passenger vessels get off, walk along the dock, and then have to walk through a mall-ish building to get outside where all the tour guides are found. There were a few people directing the way, but they basically just said, “Keep Going.”

We met up with our driver for the day, Marco. He let us know that there were some traffic issues and advised us that we could either go to Amalfi proper OR we could go to Sorrento and Positano. We wouldn’t be able to go to all three, as originally planned. We decided on the Sorrento and Positano route.

We first drove to Sorrento. The drive alone was simply breathtaking and felt like a dream come true. Our driver stopped along a scenic shoulder, so we could get our first photos.

We had a little over an hour to explore the town of Sorrento. Marco gave us a few ideas on which way to go, so we followed his advice. Almost immediately, we came across a stand that made fresh-squeezed juices and slushes. I got an orange one and it was amazing.

We all sort of shopped around, staying together, splitting up, and just moseying around the town. I found a lot of cute souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. As we headed back to the van, we found a shop with gorgeous ornaments…. so that was a big score!

We then made our way to Positano, where I just couldn’t get over all the views. The pictures below don’t do it justice, but I was awestruck. We also couldn’t stop laughing along the way. Marco was a great driver – don’t get me wrong – but, it was like Mr Toad’s Wild Ride, lol.

We also had a moment where a man was selling camouflage flags on the side of the road. My aunt commented on it (because it was a little odd) and my mom said she couldn’t see it (because the passenger seat was blocking her view). My sister then bursts out laughing because she thinks she’s making a joke. Then, we ALL were crying laughing when we realized that my mom wasn’t being funny. Poor Marco didn’t understand what all we were laughing at, so Jen explained it to him. Then, he chuckles and goes, “Oh, I get it. Haha. That’s funny!” which prompted more laughter. It may have been one of those things you had to be there for, but we would randomly giggle over it for the rest of the day.

We had an hour to explore Positano. It was beautiful…. and every bit as crowded as they say. I got separated from everyone, so just walked around, shopped, and got a slice of pizza. It was a quick hour before it was time to meet back at the van!

Our final stop was at a Limoncello Factory for a chocolate and limoncello tasting. Jeff even found a place to sit in the shade, lol.

It was time to head back to the port. Despite it being a crazy ride, I fell asleep…. as did my mom, aunt, and sister, lol. Emily was in the back and said that she was holding on for dear life (as was Jeff), while the rest of us were passed out.

We got back to the port, grabbed a group photo with Marco, and said our goodbyes.

After going to my cabin to put my purchases away and changing shoes, it was straight to O’Sheehan’s. We were starving! I got the fish and chips (which were particularly good). Megan and Emily had gone up to the buffet before going to the gym, so I met them there. The Korean Chicken and Lo Mein looked really good, so I grabbed a bite of each.

They went to the gym and I went back to the cabin. After a shower and some comfy clothes, I took a nice, LONG nap! When I woke up, I went to see Mom and Jen as they painted. It was in Bliss, so I read while they finished their class.

After they were done, they wanted a snack and Jeff was in O’Sheehan’s. We met him there and split nachos. It sounds like all we did was eat, but ironically, there were hours in between, lol.

I went back to the cabin and my laundry had been delivered. I put that away and then chilled before getting ready for dinner (I know – more eating).

Tonight, we were back in The Manhattan Room

Pictured above was my dinner…. Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple (Really Good); Mixed Green Salad (Good); Arancini (Just OK); Braised Beef (Decent); Pecan Pie (Good, but NO Goo); and Pear and Milk Chocolate Tart (Good, but No Chocolate to be seen)

By that point, our bellies were full and our beds were calling. It was a busy day and a long one following. I went up for my Nightly H2O, back to the room, and went to sleep.

Italy/Greece 2023 Trip Report (September 1 – 15, 2023)
– The Beginning (Vivi Alla Giornata!)
– The Planning Process (Rome)
– The Planning Process (Greece Ports)
– The Planning Process (Italy Ports)
– Flight Confusion
– Day 0: Leave for Rome (September 1, 2023)
– Day 1: Rome Arrival and City Tour (September 2, 2023)
– Day 2: Board the Breakaway (September 3, 2023)
– Day 3: Sea Day (September 4, 2023)
– Day 4: Santorini, Greece (September 5, 2023)
– Day 5: Athens (Piraeus), Greece (September 6, 2023)
– Day 6: Mykonos, Greece (September 7, 2023)
– Day 7: Olympia (Katakolon), Greece (September 8, 2023)
– Day 8: Valletta, Malta (September 9, 2023)
– Day 9: Messina (Sicily), Italy (September 10, 2023)
– Day 10: Naples, Italy (September 11, 2023)
– Day 11: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy (September 12, 2023)
– Day 12: Disembark and Vatican City (September 13, 2023)
– Day 13: Rome (September 14, 2023)
– Day 14: Leaving Rome (September 15, 2023) and Some Final Thoughts

Italy/Greece 2023 – Day 10: Naples, Italy (September 11, 2023)

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