Monday, October 17 - The touring officially begins!

After a few hours of sleep, our sight-seeing began in earnest.  We had made arrangements ahead of time to take a day-trip to Pompeii and we were expected to be up and ready at the crack of dawn. 

The tour bus was scheduled to pick up up way early (6:30am?).  So early, in fact, that the hotel staff had not yet completely set up the continental breakfast.  We managed to scarf down some things and then went out to meet the bus.

Once we got on board, we were chagrined to find out that we were lumped in with another group that was going to Naples for the day.  This meant that we had to go to Naples (which was on the way anyway), drop off the Naples group and then continue on to Pompeii.  This Naples pickup/dropoff added about two hours to our total travel time.

On the bright side, we managed to get a brief view of Naples.   I will admit that we only saw the port and a small portion of the downtown area, but we were not impressed.  Very congested and not very clean-looking. Since the city is supposed to be the most-crime-ridden in Italy, we were glad that we were on the bus.

The driver did make a brief stop along the Bay of Naples.  As you can see, it is very scenic.

Back on the bus and then a brief "rest stop" at a "factory" that produces cameos from sea shells.  We didn't bite.

Finally, we arrived at the modern city of Pompeii.  Just in time for lunch.  We joined another tour group at a local restaurant.  We were served soup, pasta and pork medallions.  Not too bad.

Back on the bus and finally we were at the Pompeii!