Italian Sonnet ~ From Pompeii to Amalfi


I'm always filled with awe looking at the picturesque sights of Europe - ancient architecture, gorgeous towns, serpentine roads overlooking a breath-taking view. If I have to create picture perfect memories, always have #HappyTravellers by my side, then my Yatra would be to Italy - stretching from Pompeii to Amalfi. If Rome and Venice churns out romance then Naples is just the right beginning for an explorer at heart. With Naples being my landing city, I would explore the slightly less-famous side of Italy. Though many travel to Naples to relish its grandeur, history and vintage charm but I would love to embark upon the roads less travelled

As one travels from city to city, you discover ancient ruins, history preserved with time and old villas aging gracefully. You can't but admire the beauty of ancient city of Pompeii which is believed to be founded in 7th century BC and was buried for many centuries under the ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It was discovered in 1559 and has been one of the most admired tourist destinations since. With dormant Mount Vesuvius sitting majestically in the background and a peek into one of the oldest civilizations of the world, Pompeii would be a place of interest for the entire family. Wouldn't it be amazing to see amphitheater, stone paved lanes, ancient houses, recovered artwork from centuries ago! 

After exploring the fascinating city of Pompeii and driving across breathtaking vistas, our next stop would be Sorrento. A town dazzled with narrow lanes, sea cliffs and luxury hotels is poetry set in time. Ancient lanes, lemons trees filing the air with zesty scent and local food would be a treat to savor. We would look forward to relish the local delicacies made from fresh fruits. Good food with family is a perfect recipe for enjoyment, isn't it? Stroll at the Piazza Tasso and visit to the Sorrento Cathedral during the day; and there would be nothing better than spending the evening at the top of the harbor - relishing the splendid view of the town.

After bidding adieu to the gorgeous city of Sorrento, our yatra would be to one of the most beautiful 50 miles in the world - The famous Amalfi drive. This stretch of road built by Romans is not only exquisite but also a dose of thrill. Running along the coastline, zigzagging in the mountains, one can visit many Italian towns. What else could set the pace up than hiring a motor-bike? ...And charting our own journey along the hairpin bends which sets the adrenaline high. It will be a right mix of joy and thrill. Pristine views for the less adventurous pillow riders and a dose of adventure for those maneuvering the path.

There are many beautiful towns in this stretch - Positano, Praiano, Vallone Di Furore, Ravello and Amalfi. Though it may not be possible to cover all but a stop at major towns would be enough. Also, it's my ardent desire to interact with Italian people and listen to the fables associated with these places. Or, have an Espresso in an open Cafe with a local artist playing a musical instrument in the background. What a treasured memory it would be! ...And next town to venture on this trip would be Positano, a town build on a hill that illuminates as the dusk sets in and mesmerizes the tourists with its spectacular view.

Vibrant view of the colorful houses, sound of italian music and the view of the beautiful town at dusk will infuse romance. It will be a fairy tale for kids and romantic escape for the grown ups. And, being a foodie and a lover of Italian cuisine, I would love to book a one day cooking course offered in this city for our family. Remember, a family that eats together stays together. Well, cooking together would bond us more during this trip. 

With an unparalleled beauty in this area - from quiet beaches to charming restaurants, from authentic Italian cuisine to rare booze, it's impossible not to fall in love with these towns. Be it the small town of Praiano sandwiched between Postino and Amalfi or Ravello, a town situated above the Amalfi Coast which is famous for its ancient villas. Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are perfect spots to spend family time - stroll in the grand gardens, exploring the 'Terrace of the Infinite' or a leisurely walk admiring the architecture. As the day would end, this place will give a clear view of Amalfi town.

There are many attraction in Amalfi but the coastal scenery and dramatic cliffs have exotic beauty and charm. A walk in the labyrinthine backstreets of the city and brush with natives will give a peek into their lives. How wonderful it would be to spend a day here savoring in the visual treat this town has to offer! It would be a serene yet magnificent end of our yatra. A peaceful culmination to this beautiful journey.

With a generous dose of scenic beauty, thrill and food, I'm sure it will be an unforgettable trip - A yatra to the less-famous but more-beautiful side of Italy. From spotting a Vespa parked in the narrow lanes of ancient town to flowers adorning old houses, from learning cooking from Italians to sipping coffee with them, this yatra would be one of a lifetime. Exploring many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and scaling up and down the roads of these places, we will return as #HappyTravellers for sure...

*This post is written for 'Creating Happy Travellers!' contest on Indiblogger sponsored by www.yatra.com

Comments

  1. Lovely Post ;D and i loved the way you have edited the pictures.... All the best. I really loved your post ;D

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  2. Saru is truly an unforgettable journey which I experienced through your pen. The narrative and the photographs are so vivid, that I felt I was a co-traveller.

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  3. Hey ,
    Fun post ,
    Hope you get there someday ,
    Loved your pictures ,
    All d best

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  4. I would also love to explore this place.

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  5. Amalfi coastline, ruins of Pompeii, gondola ride in Venice are a few of the endless delights of Italy. Its time I once again thread the memories of Sardinia, Milan and Rome after reading this lovely post Saru:) Best wishes for the contest!

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    1. Most definitely, Sir. Thanks for reading and for your wishes.

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  6. वाह, सुन्दर यात्रा वृत्तान्त..

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  7. Lovely post Saru and sounds like a wonderful stretch to explore !

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  8. Lovely!
    The explorer in your has expressed to the fullest! :D

    Regards
    Sammya

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  9. Sigh! Now I want to go to Amalfi! Lovely post :)

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  10. So it is Italy for you... the land of dons and dawns... :) Nice post... though I was expecting some poetry there as well.

    All the best!

    Arvind Passey
    www.passey.info

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    1. Oh! May be next time I'll write a poem too. How about if I win a trip, I will write a poem after coming from the trip? :P

      Thanks for your wishes, Sir.

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  11. I moved along with you with this wonderful narration. Worth reading many times. Excellent narration and collection of photographs seems that you might have edited these photographs

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    1. Yes, I edited those pictures to add fun element to it. Glad with your response and thanks for reading Sir.

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  12. Amazing pictures and equally amazing article Saru. Now I want to go there.

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  13. Ah..driving in Amalfi and Positano is in my bucket list for a good long time. Your research and this post will definitely be handy once my plan is materialised. All the very best Saru. #HappyTravelling!

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    1. Anu, you should go there soon and please blog about it too. Thanks for your wishes.

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  14. Lovely post with wonderful pictures :) I felt like travelling along with you while reading. Thanks for sharing about these places :)

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    1. Thanks for reading Sush and for a wonderful comment.

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  15. Being a history buff, I was thinking Italy too! As a literature student I often had lofty dreams of visiting Pompeii to check out Mount Vesuvius and Caecilius's house. Ah, this post brought back so many fond and funny memories from college days. :D

    Loved reading every bit!

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    1. Memories of College, that must be exciting. Thanks for reading and welcome here!

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  16. Congrats for writing a close to 1000 words post :) And the description provided is just brilliant. I was dreaming of being there actually while reading :) All the best for contest Saru :)

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    1. Yay! Quite an achievement for me and thanks for acknowledging that. Thanks a ton for your wishes too.

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  17. Ah! I remembered my History Lessons- Pompeii and Mt.Vesuvius.
    Your post appeals to the explorer in me! Wanna visit Italy! :)
    All the best for the contest!

    Pl do spare some time to share your views about my post- http://anitaexplorer.blogspot.in/2013/09/thai-trip-happy.html :)

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    1. Wonderful and thanks for reading Anita. Welcome here!

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  18. A beautiful post about one of the most beautiful places in Europe.....

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  19. Italy has been on my list for a long time now and your post makes me yearn to go even more ! Beautifully written Saru !

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  20. You've used such lovely photographs and enticing words to describe these places, they beckon. Difficult to believe you haven't been there.

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    1. Thank you for such a lovely comment. I wish I go there once. :)

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  21. Lovely places. You've brought them alive here.

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  22. Beautiful colors, lovely landscapes and delicacies - what else do we need?..Well written, as always.

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    1. Yeah, what else a travller needs! Thanks for reading Abhra.

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  23. Lovely post.. with nice pictures ! all the best for contest :)

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  24. happy travel- http://goodiformation.blogspot.in/

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  25. A traveller's delight indeed!

    Best wishes!!

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  26. You refreshed my Paris memories...beautiful post to read and travel thru words.

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  27. If you win this contest, you can ask yatra to sponsor you to go there. Otherwise, you could feel lucky for not exposing yourself with another (possible) explosion from Mt. Vesuvius. You NEVER know when that mountain might get ANGRY again :P

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  28. Italy is in my wishlist too. Lovely write-up! And, lovely pics.....where have you got them from?

    Good luck, dear! :)

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    1. I got the pictures from Google but edited them. Thanks for reading and for your wishes.

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  29. Your posts strengthens my urge to go see Europe and all these lovely sight. But it can't happen in the near future.:(
    Nice post, Saru. All the best. I hope you are having a happy Tuesday. :)

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  30. Lovely post Saru---Amalfi takes the cake.

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  31. Wonderful pics Saru. Europe is definitely a beautiful place to visit! :) The villa's look great. All the best for the contest :)

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  32. It's so pretty! I really need to get out more.

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  33. That is one fascinating trip Saru! And, after you do the trip, ope to get invited to test your finesse with Italian cuisine after that one day course :)

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    1. Would love to have you, will learn few lessons from you on writing. :)

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  34. You already take me there. You write like you've been there before?

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    1. Nah, not yet but would love to. Thanks for reading, Anshul.

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  35. Now you are touching great heights with you fantastic posts Saru. I feel like I travelled with you as a #HappyTravellers :)

    Keep writing I am sure you would win all the contests you participate in :)

    Someone is Special

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    1. I hope so, if not in all, in some. Thanks for reading and encouraging me. :)

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  36. Great choice of destination saru. Here is hoping your wishes come true

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  37. Very nice Saru...actually I felt, being there, while reading your post. All the best.

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  38. Hi Saru..
    Nice post.. More of a travel diary.. But does justice to the event..

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  39. The last pic just stole my heart ! breath taking. Europe is always on my hit list and the way U described wants me to crave for it .. I dont kno all these places. Thanks for giving a glimpse

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    1. Yeah, I guess many of us want to explore Europe. Thanks for reading and for a lovely comment.

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  40. Ah - what a lovely trip!

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  41. Beautiful description of the unfogettable .loved it ...!!

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  42. I would love to ride a motorcycle on the Amalphi stretch. Looks like an amazing drive. Was good to go on a virtual tour of Italy with you.

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  43. Very beautiful post, Saru. This refreshed many wonderful memories...Lovely pics! Enjoyed your immaculate narration...
    Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Coming from you, it's a huge compliment. Thanks for reading Ma'am.

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  44. Read many posts on "creating happy travellers".But this one took my breath away. Italy is my dream destination. Never gotta chance to explore the place but with your words atleast i got a glimpse of heaven's land.:)Great post Saru!!

    http://sailorswiferamblings.blogspot.com/2013/09/thefacebookmania.html

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    1. Thank you Anu for such a lovely and encouraging comment. :)

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  45. Wonderful description. Really enjoyed it.
    Read it Here

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  46. wow..
    I'd love to go on a trip like this some day..
    and wish that yours come true..
    Europe is definitely the finest travel destination :)

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    1. Wish your go there soon and thanks for reading Jyoti.

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  47. Definitely, there is much more to explore. Thanks for reading!

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  48. Super Cool !!!

    Hope that wish comes true for you and I get the bonus to join the journey :)

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    1. Sure VJ, would love to have you. No one can capture pictures like you do. :) Thanks for your wishes.

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  49. loved it and those pic added to the glory

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  50. It's very cool post! images are very lovely. its great ....

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  51. Absolutely fantastic shots Saru...love them!

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  52. Wow, breathtaking trip

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  53. Loved the post! I've always wanted to visit Pompeii.

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  54. Awesome shots there Saru, i really hope I could get some time for a trip like that real soon. Though I am planning to travel India first. Thanks a lot.

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    1. Shots are not mine. Even I would love to be there.

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  55. Awesome Post. Perfect place to visit for all travel lovers.

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  56. Positano has been on my bucket list for a while! Nicely written :)

    www.ayewanderful.com

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