MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: September 2007

Ciao Sorrento! MNA hosts another successful trip to Italy

By Carol Mallia RN, MSN
MNA Travel Program Coordinator

The MNA partnered with Durgan Travel several years ago to offer affordable European vacations for members and friends. This most recent trip brought travelers to Sorrento, Italy during the week between May 26 and June 3. Priced at $1,899, it included air, transfers, hotel, all meals and daily excursions to world-famous destinations.

The group departed from Logan International Airport and flew to Naples, via Milan, on Alitalia Airlines. Upon arrival at the airport in Naples we were met by Titizana, our tour escort. After a leisurely bus ride to Sorrento we enjoyed a Margarita pizza at a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Sorrento. We checked into our hotel, the Hotel Michelangelo, which is where we stayed for our entire visit. The remainder of the day was spent lounging by the pool, napping and/or exploring the local shops.

On our first full day in Italy we explored Sorrento. Titizana and our guide, Raffael, took us on a walking tour through the historical center of the city, including a visit to the Museum of Correale which is situated in the 18th century palazzo at the east end of town. In the afternoon, we visited La Sorgente, a picturesque agricultural farm, belonging to the family Marciano which is nestled in the Sorrentine hills with a fabulous view of the city of Naples. The farmers toured us around the facilities and demonstrated how to make mozzarella “the old fashioned way.” We were then treated to a sampling of homemade wine, limóncello and Italian bread topped with fresh tomato, mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil.

The next day we were scheduled to go to the Isle of Capri, but our plans were unfortunately delayed by intense winds that came in over night—the seas were too rough and all ferry service was cancelled for the day. Instead, we moved up our “free day” and many people in the group headed to Positano via bus. Others joined Raffael for a waking tour of Naples while some took advantage of Sorrento’s treasures, including the magnificent views of the city’s hill sides and coastlines.

The weather was perfect for our next day’s excursion along one of the most scenic roads in the world—the Amalfi Drive. Our first photo stop was above Positano, one of Italy’s most famous and elegant resorts. We then continued our drive through the ancient marine republic of Amalfi. Raffael took us on a walking tour of Amalfi and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew. We then had free time to explore the town and shops. After Amalfi, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a cliff-side restaurant in the town of Scala followed by a trip to the beautiful mountain-side town of Ravello.

The next day was our trip to the lost city of Pompeii. The city was filled with truly incredible sights and history, which Raffael brought to life with his expert knowledge as a guide. Later, while en route to Naples, we stopped at a cameo factory and learned about this ancient art. We enjoyed a panoramic tour of the city and went up to the heights of Naples to view the city and bay.

Morning showers did not put a damper on our tour of Monte Cassino. While there we visited the famous hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, which was destroyed during one of the most brutal battles of World War II and re-built in the 1950s. Lunch was at an elegant restaurant in Caserta. Following lunch we toured the Royal Palace, built by Charles IV to rival the Palace of Versailles, and its magnificent grounds and gardens. The artwork and architecture were incredible, and we had plenty of time to relax and explore the gardens. Many of us took a horse drawn carriage ride around the park.

On our last full day in Italy we made the trip we had all been waiting for: to the Isle of Capri! The weather cooperated beautifully and we took a ferry ride over to the island. About half of the group opted to take a boat tour around the island to view the grottos and Faraglioni Rocks. The natural beauties of this island are best seen by water, and the color of the water was an indescribable blue. After the boat tour, we boarded small shuttle busses to get to the town of Capri and joined the others for a delicious lunch. The group divided again and most took the optional tour to Anna Capri at the peak of the hill top. A chair lift ride to the very top of the mountain provided an additional thrill to those looking for that adventure. Others stayed and explored the chic shops and restaurants of Capri. The main square, Piazza Umberto, had a pretty white church and several open-air cafes to relax and enjoy the view. For our last night in Italy we were treated to a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant that included live Neapolitan music.

If you missed this trip, but would like to be part of future MNA/Durgan Travel tours, please contact Carol Mallia at cmallia@mnarn.org and request to be on the mailing list for future group programs. There are only a few seats left for the fall tours to Spain and Italy. Anyone interested is welcome to join the group. Travelers do not need to be MNA members or nurses to join the MNA’s tours.