Day 2 - Pompeii

Our first stop was Naples. We had a quick breakfast before heading out for our booked tour which included a motor launch trip from Salerno to Amalfi, lunch, visit to a cameo factory and the ruins at Pompeii.
It was a beautiful day and the boat trip was amazing. The Amalfi coast was stunning and the town was very picturesque. We even had a short time to explore on our own in Amalfi so we visited the cathedral to St Andrew (didn't pay to see his relics though!), did a bit of tourist shopping and people-watched from a cafe on the town square.
We then took the tour bus to Pompeii where lunch was served. We were only one tour coach among several which all arrived at the same time. It must be a daily occurrence at the hotel because they were certainly well practiced in serving several hundred people all at once. I have to say the food was pretty decent too. There was even entertainment as a local trio played and sang local Neapolitan songs for us as we dined!
I really enjoyed the demonstration at the cameo factory. It takes about 4 days to make each cameo (brooch, earrings etc) and as each is hand carved they are all unique. I have never really been a fan of cameos before but some of them were stunning. There were traditional and modern designs but as prices were around 500 euros fro a brooch I gave it a miss!
Of course, the highlight of the day was the visit to the ruins at Pompeii. It was everything and more than I had expected. I hadn't realised just how big the site is. On a tour like this it was only possible to see a few highlights but we both decided we would definitely be back to this part of the world again someday and we will spend more time in Pompeii then.
I was a hot and exhausting day but we had promised ourselves cocktails back on the boat. I went for a shower while Sean tried to find out if his suitcase had arrived on board yet. Yerghh! Cold shower! Not impressed. Garghhh! No luggage! Seriously not impressed. Guest relations did provide free laundry for Sean, a shaving kit and tuxedo hire for the formal evening. Hopefully they will have made some progress on locating the luggage before we get to Athens and Sean will be reunited with his clothes!