Sorrento, a presentation of your destination

Sorrento, a presentation of your destination

Presentation Overview: Locations Russo Travel Other Activities Connections Unique Selling Points Local Products Twelve Months

Locations Sorrento Sorrento is located on a tuff coast and is reflected in the Gulf of Naples, fascinating tourists and visitors with its breathtaking views and landscapes The Sorrento coast is one of the most popular destinations of the entire Campania region The town gives its name to the Sorrento Peninsula, a great area extended from Vico Equense to Massa Lubrense It is a popular tourist destination and is also ideal to plan excursions to Capri, Ischia, Pompeii, Amalfi, Positano, Herculaneum, Paestum and Vesuvius. Sorrento was the birthplace of the poet Torquato Tasso, author of the Gerusalemme Liberata and the town was famously featured in the early 20th century song Torna a Surriento (Come Back to Sorrento)

Pompeii Pompeii holds an intense fascination for visitors today as, following the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in the year 79 A.D., the town lay buried for hundreds of years The town is high on the list of Wonders of the World and the excavations which begun in the 18th century, are still being carried out today Visitors will be able to see Baths, Forums and Villas built by the Romans in the year 80 B.C. and marvel at the fabulously preserved frescoes which adorned the walls and the floors of the Villas Herculaneum When the catastrophe of 79 A.D. which struck Pompeii occurred, Herculaneum was also submerged under a torrent of mud and lava A large part of the town is still buried and it is believed that many art treasures are still to be found

Paestum Paestum is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country Here you will see some of the best preserved Greek ruins, architecture and monuments, such as the Temple of Poseidon (Neptune) and the Basilica dating back from the 6th century Vesuvius Mount Vesuvius dominates the Bay of Naples and is the only other active volcano (together with Mount Etna) on mainland Europe Its last eruption dates back to 79 A.D. when the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were completely submerged by lava

Amalfi The largest and most popular resort on the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is a popular holiday base for tourists wanting to explore the area The main holiday season runs from Spring until Autumn, with the peak times being from June to September The town is also accessible by sea, therefore, an alternative option is to take a water taxi or ferry (although many will not run out of season) Ravello Ravello is famous for its beautiful gardens perched high in the mountains above the sea and for its classical music concerts During the summer season, classical music concerts are staged in the gardens of Villa Rufolo, on stages suspended against a backdrop of sky and sea

Positano Positano is on the coast to the west of Amalfi. Its atmosphere is cosmopolitan and international, while still feeling safe and restful Positano boasts one of the world s few pierced mountains; a giant shoulder of rock with a hole punched through it (a miracle performed by the Virgin Mary, according to local folklore) Positano is also known for its ballet associations. The awards ceremony, with performances by prize-winners, takes place on the first weekends of September, under the stars on the beach Praiano Praiano is a small town located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, between Amalfi and Positano One of Praiano s most notable sights is the parish church, dedicated to St. Luke together with the superb views of the coastline that can be enjoyed from pleasant panoramic walks around Praiano, as well as from more demanding hikes above the town Dates to note for Praiano visitors are the first Sunday in July and 18th October (Festivals of St. Luke), 18th September (Festival of St. Gennaro) and 20th May (potato festival)

Capri The Isle of Capri is famous the world over as a classy and beautiful holiday destination There are two towns on Capri, Capri town itself and Anacapri. The principal Capri tourist attraction is the island itself; its views, its rocky seashores and its scenic charm. Top scenic panoramas include views of the Bay of Naples, the Faraglioni Rocks, the Gardens of Augustus and the Blue Grotto Ischia Ischia is an island of volcanic origins in Italy s Campania region, at the northern end of the Bay of Naples As well as sandy beaches and blue sea, the island also boasts natural thermal springs and the spa complexes around these are another major holiday attraction

Russo Travel Our in-house Travel Agency, Russo Travel, can assist you with accommodation of rooms overflow in nearby hotels and also with the arrangements of transfers to/from Naples airport, excursion programmes, social activities, hostess services and entertainment. Russo Travel Activities Excursions: Pompeii, Vesuvius, Herculaneum, Capri, Anacapri, Amalfi, Ravello, Naples, Salerno, Paestum, Positano Excursions with Animation and Team building: The Pompeii Odyssey, Pompeii s charm, Tiberio s jumping, The chase around Sorrento, Cooking session, Pizza school Rally and Photo Rally: Photo rally coast The territory and its myths: Fishing trip, Mamma li Turchi, Following Ulysses course, Excursion to Ieranto Fai area, the Gods footpath, Beach volley, Gozzi games On the beach: Water Gymkhana, Laser game, Aqua scooter, Water skiing, Golf challenge

Other Activities Shopping tours Excursions to all the locations of the Sorrentine Peninsula Hiking: Colli di Fontanelle > Pineta delle Tore > Colli di Fontanelle Sant Agata > Massa > Sorrento Sant Agata > Crapolla > Sant Agata Massa > Santa Maria > Annunziata > Massa > Lobra Nerano > Ieranto > Mont Alto > Nerano Sant Agata > Capo di Sorrento > Bagni Regina Giovanna > Capo di Sorrento Termini > Punta della Campanella > Termini Gastronomy tour: Starting from Vico Equense right up to Lettere Italian Language School: A weeklong immersion programme in the Italian language and culture Sports activities like windsurfing and snorkelling

Connections Train Naples s central railway station, Piazza Garibaldi, is well served by metro lines and public bus services. The circumvesuviana line leaves every 30 mins, starting from about 6 am to 11 pm, from Naples to Sorrento via Pompeii and Herculaneum. The journey lasts about 1hr and costs around 3,00 per person Trains can be caught to many destinations across Italy and Europe from Naples railway station Bus Curreri buses leave from Naples airport. The trip lasts about 1hr and the cost is of about 7,50 per person Schedule: From Naples 09.00 / 11.30 / 13.00 / 14.30 / 16.30 / 19.00 19.30 From Sorrento Train Station 06.30 / 08.30 / 10.30 / 12.00 / 14.00 / 16.30 There is a bus line in Sorrento (line E) which takes you to the Hilton Sorrento Palace from the train station Should you arrive in Rome, Rome Airport has bus services twice a day to Sorrento (approximately a 4 hour long trip). The bus leaves from Roma Tiburtina train station and the service is not available on weekends.

Plane Naples Capodichino airport offers connections to all Italian cities and major European destinations with traditional or low-cost airline companies. From the Arrivals area, there is a daily bus service to Sorrento provided by Curreri. The nearest Intercontinental Airport is Rome s Fiumicino, with the possibility of getting to Naples by air besides the train, the journey by plane takes about an hour and a half Sea The Naples Beverello Pier is located adjacent to the Maritime Station at the Port of Naples in front of the Town Hall Square (Piazza Municipio). The Pier offers daily services to Sorrento with ferries and hydrofoils about every 30 mins starting from 9 am to about 7.30 pm. The trip takes approximately 45-50 minutes. Hydrofoils (aliscafi) are twice as fast as the ferries and the service is usually more frequent in the summer. The ferries arrive at the Marina Piccola port in Sorrento and you can reach Sorrento s city centre by taking a bus or a taxi. Car Distance from the airport is about 1hr by car (55km) Get onto the A3 Highway exiting at Castellamare di Stabia, arrive on the 145 State Highway to Sorrento. On your arrival to Naples airport, you can easily take a taxi once you get out. Taxi fares are not fixed. In alternative you can choose to have a private chauffer driven car at the cost of 99,00 organised by the Russo Travel Agency

Unique Selling Points Sorrento Spectacular location on the most beautiful coast in Italy Secure and charming destination The shops in Sorrento s historical centre are open 7 days a week until 8 pm (till 10 pm in the summer ) Excellent selection of restaurants and nightlife 3 of the World s Top attractions within 30 minutes reach (Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast) Many other excursion possibilities e.g. Ischia, Naples, Herculaneum, Cruise of the Bay 60 minutes from Naples Capodichino International Airport - with direct international flights throughout the year Worldwide connecting flights through Rome and Milan and national flights from all domestic airports Well connected by train to Naples Central Station that has direct Eurostar connections to Rome, Milan and Florence The beaches in Sorrento are all very special and different; there are several beach establishments where one can spend totally relaxed, warm summer days

Hilton Sorrento Palace Spectacular location on the most beautiful coast in Italy Sorrento offers more attractive surroundings and possibilities of excursions Hilton Brand guarantees value for money, quality and professionalism 377 completely refurbished rooms, lobby, restaurant, bar and banquet rooms Stunning views of the Bay of Naples with its majestic Mount Vesuvius Largest conference centre in the South of Rome, one of the largest in a hotel in Europe Executive Floors with facilities that are unique in Europe including 6 interconnecting outdoor pools with a large sundeck, 1 indoor pool, a fitness room, a tennis court, the possibility to make use of a private beach (1km) and a private rooftop pool and sundeck for Executive Floor Guests Hilton Sorrento Palace can offer exclusivity of both the congress centre and the hotel between the months of October and April. From May to September we can offer blocks of up to 300 rooms Very quiet location, surrounded by lemon groves, only 5 minutes walk from the town centre Excellent Food and Beverage outlets with a relaxed atmosphere and local cuisine Outdoor guarded parking space for 300 cars

Local Products Wines Falerno, Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, Lacryma Christi, Arpinio, Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, Aglianico Liqueurs Limoncello, Nocino, Liquorice liqueur, Sweet fennel liqueurs Food Oil DOP, Cheese (mozzarella/treccia, provolone del monaco), Pasta (gnocchi), Fish, Pizza Desserts Sfogliatelle, Almond cakes, Ice-cream, lemon cakes, Profiteroles, Caprese, Rum Babbà, Pastiera and the Casatiello at Easter Local souvenirs Linens, laces and embroideries, Pottery and Inlaid wood

Twelve Months Spring Easter (Palm Sunday and the Holy Week Processions) Exhibitions (April May) in: Villa Fiorentino, Museo Correale, Villa Fondi (Piano di Sorrento) Classical music concerts (may) at the Hotel Cocumella and Hotel Mediterraneo in Sant Agnello Potato festival in Praiano (20th May) Summer The Sorrento Summer of Music Festival (July September) takes place every year in the cloisters of Saint Francis in Sorrento and its honorary President is the famous cellist Uto Ughi. Against the attractive backdrop of the Saint Francis cloisters, great names from the International music scene perform alongside emerging talents throughout the summer. Plenty of classical music and chamber music, but also jazz and other genres. Boat tours/excursions and Sailing week 2008 Ravello classical music concerts Festival of St. Gennaro in Praiano (18th September)

Autumn Positano ballet prizes awarded every September Festival of St. Luke in Praiano (18th October) Winter Giornate Professionali del Cinema di Sorrento (2 6 December 2008): Sorrento s International Cinema Festival first began in 1963 and every year awards are presented to the best of Italian and foreign features and short films. Christmas (Nativity scenes) New Year s Eve dinners and parties Santa Lucia (13th December) Sant Agnello (14th December) Sant Antonino, the patron Saint of Sorrento (14th February) Carnival