ShoreTrips says...

Combine the right brain and the left brain for a cultural explosion of crafts and history.

This combination of history of the people and the history of their crafts and culture make for one of the best days in the Amalfi coastal region.

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed and buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D, preserving it forever exactly how it was when the eruption occurred. Your private, local, licensed Pompeii guide will take you on a fascinating tour through this once-thriving empire of nearly 20,000 inhabitants that was completely covered in 30 feet of volcanic ash. Take in the baths, villas, theaters, and wrestling grounds.

After absorbing the tragedy that struck this area long ago, you will appreciate the lush land that surrounds you. As you travel through the area, the orchards on either side of the road proclaim the rich soil which is the result of the volcanic ash. It is not a surprise that your stop at one of the olive oil manufacturers around Sorrento will result in an educational chat about the popularity of olive oil and the changes in its production. The old style compared with the new state-of-the-art processes always stirs up feelings of passion for the product. Here, you will sample some olive oil at a renowned producer whose quality has been certified from the EU Agricultural department.

Another great opportunity lies with the craftsmen of the cameo. Coral and cameo carving have a long history in this area between Pompeii and Naples. You will stop at a studio factory where men and women create this delicate artwork. You will see them often using magnifying glasses to facilitate the time-consuming patience that carving requires. This is an art and each artist has their own style. Though the coral beds have long been exhausted, this remains a popular object for women, and sometimes men, to possess.

Throughout Europe there are beautiful examples of intarsia, the inlay of wood creating a special design in a solid stone or wood piece of furniture or in floors and walls. Table tops are probably the most likely use for this craft today. Sometimes the work includes stone, bone or ivory, or precious stones, but often it is the variety of woods that create the pattern. You will make a stop at a marquetry studio and watch artisans create these intricate patterns for small and large pieces alike.

It is always fascinating to see artists at work and to find them in their local lair is always a memorable experience.