On Wednesday, we had another early start to get the hotel bus to Amalfi in time to get the boat to Capri.
After around 45 minutes we landed at the Grand Harbour and queued for tickets and then spaces on the funicular railway that takes you up to the town of Capri.
We spent an hour or so wandering around town, eating ice creams and looking in shops, before realising (thanks to a helpful shopkeeper) that we were heading in the wrong direction for our
intended destination, the Arco Naturalla.
So back through town and through narrow alleys (Vias) past glorious looking Villas to the Arco Naturalla, a bit like a giant version of Durdle Dor (in Dorset), but well worth the effort to reach and
pleasantly devoid of the heaving masses in Capri town.
We had a drink in a bar just away from the Arco and then walked down into the Grotta di Matermania, below.
After pausing in the cave, fashioned into a warehouse of sorts in Roman times, we followed the climbing (up and down) and twisting path along the coast back to Capri town, which afforded some glorious views
of the coastline (including the Faraglioni rocks and Little Harbour, packed with millions of pounds worth of yachts as we passed), which many who stay in the town will never enjoy. Even though the path was quite step in parts, there were steps
and it was a brisk walk, rather than an effort. One well worth it.
We queued (again) to return down the Funicular railway and had a paddle in the sea in a tiny, crowded and frankly rubbish beach, before succumbing to the temptations of expensive but welcome drinks and a delicious slice of water
melon in the Bar Grotto Azzure, on the harbour front.
We returned on the Jet boat and after a quick shopping trip around Amalfi returned to the hotel.
Thu 14th August - Day on Beach
Although this had been, by our standards, a relaxing seaside holiday, we'd had a few early starts and done quite a lot of walking in temperatures in the lows 30s, so we decided our last day would just involve
relaxing on the hotel's own private beach.
This did entail a trip down on the hotel bus, but once we'd taken the two lifts down the cliff face to the beach we found it very relaxing.
The sea here was clean (although not clear), unlike the public beach in Amalfi and each lounger had a an umbrella and a decent amount of space. There was also a good section of sea sectioned off for
our use, which we made regular use of to cool down, in between sun bathing, eating ice cream and topping up on cold drinks.
We all got a little burnt, but all enjoyed a day just kicking back and relaxing to end our holiday.
The meal that night was a massive buffet dinner (sad it was on our last night, really) although the service (previously excellent, friendly and attentive) seemed to go to pot a bit, with
long waits for drinks and no food until after 9, despite the advertised 8 start.
Fri 15th August.
Another early start - up at 5:30!
The hotel kindly provided a light snack breakfast the night before, so we didn't leave hungry.
The Bar bill (even water was not provided with meals, oddly) wasn't too horrendous (around 160 Euros) and our journey back was fairly quick.
We were back at Naples airport before 8. They wouldn't let our coach in (the airport was closed until 8!), so we drove around for 15 minutes or so, but were first to check in and then relaxed in the nice new terminal until our 11AM
departure which left smack on 11 and got as back to the UK by 12:30 (local time gaining us an hour en route).
Overall, the Amalfi Coast had charmed and delighted us.
The Hotel Grand Excelsior was a delightful place to stay, with stunning views and good facilities (not the kind of place if you want a gym and night club, though, it's a quite place) and the weather was great (this was pretty much
the only sun we saw all of the 2008 summer).
We'd all go back (although maybe not at the height of the summer season as it was pretty hot) and would like to revisit Pompeii (and nearby Herculanium) for an extended visit.
The waiting staff at the hotel were extremely friendly and the food was excellent (it is restaurant style Italian food, though, so no Pizza if that's what your after) and only it's remoteness from the town
could be held against it (the reward though are those views!).
