Day One Hundred Twelve - April 27

During the previous evening, we sailed around through the Straits of Messina and are now on the western side of Italy.

The ship's arrival was 07:00 but again we arrived in port about 30 minutes early. The bulk of the passengers who were going on tours decided on the ruins of Pompeii.

Our ship tour was a walk through Naples, Secret Tunnels and a Pizza Lunch in the town that invented the margarita pizza.

As you drive into Naples you will see Castle Nuovo built in the 13 century. Our guide indicated that work on an additional subway line was halted due to findings of Roman ruins in the area. All this must be reviewed before any further work is done on the subway line.

The main square of Naples is the Piazza Plebiscito. Many people including students were milling around here. A demonstration was also happening by men demanding jobs for themselves.

After our free time it was off to the tunnels of Napoli or the Galleria Borbonica.

Entering the stairs to the tunnels, claustrophobia raised its ugly head again. While climbing down the steep steps my glasses began fogging up and the walls seemily closing in on me my decision was to go back up which was definitely the right one for me. Our guide was waiting at the top just in case someone (me) could not go down. I guess it happens frequently. When I escaped to the outside world I was informed that the tunnels in most cases are 12 meters high. It is just getting down to see the tunnels that bothers me. Please check the internet Galleria Bonbonica for pictures of the tunnels.

Lets hope Janice's pictures are good..... When she returned about one hour later through a different exit, she mentioned that there were only a few steps to climb and then a gradual ramp to eventually get out so perhaps they should have suggested that I enter through this exit.

These tunnels were also used from 1939 to 1943 by about 5,000 to 10,000 Neopolitains as protection against air raids. Today, the tunnel is full of debris and serves as an exhibition space. You will find many antique cars and motorcycles, special objects and old hiding places.

Here are Janice's comments - We strolled past landmarks and through tunnels before settling in for our pizza lunch. It was very delicious and the wine as well .

Overall a beautiful and bustling italian city with a lot to offer tourists.

We returned to the port and spent a less than an hour exploring Salerno as most of the shops were closed.

Insignia left the port of Salerno at 18:00 to sail to Civitavecchia the port city for Rome 200 nautical miles away.