CCI had its first overnight trip last week. We left early morning on Thursday and headed west across the mountains toward the Mediterranean. Our first stop was Caserta Palace. Construction began in the mid 1700s for Charles the VII of Naples, a bourdon king.
The building was inspired by Versailles, and has over 1200 rooms. Behind the palace is its famous English garden.
After a few hours in Caserta, CCI arrived in Pompeii. Being covered in metres of ash after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, the town had been forgotten until its rediscovery in the 1500s. Excavation began centuries later, around the same time as the construction of Caserta Palace. Today you can visit the amphitheatre, gymnasium, temples, business buildings, and houses.
After a long day we arrived in Sorrento to check-in to our hotel. The following morning we headed to Amalfi. Originally we had planned to take a bus to this beautiful town, however with luck on our side the forecasted rain held off, so we opted for a boat ride along the coast.
For most it was exciting. Others took time to rest!
We arrived in Amalfi just as the clouds were parting.
After free time to explore the town and have lunch, we met at the pier. There was enough time for a quick jog before our boat arrived to take us back to Sorrento. From there, we made our way to Lanciano. By all accounts, our tired group of students and staff slept very well that evening.