Travelling from Rome to Sorrento, or Sant’Agnello to be precise, was a mixed experience. The fast train from Rome to Naples was a dream – spacious and very comfortable. The next leg, a regional train from Naples to Sorrento, was jam-packed with locals and tourists all jostling for a seat or a place to put their bags. It was a very entertaining 90 minute trip with countless stops, including Pompeii.

We eventually reached our accommodation for the next two nights – a convent in Sant’Agnello. Domus San Vincenzo is run by some very friendly and enterprising nuns. The Congregation of the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Sisters) originally ran the property as a school before turning it into a Guest House. We got the whole convent experience – hard mattresses and lukewarm showers but we also enjoyed some stunning views of the Bay of Naples and the coastline from the beautiful garden terraces and rooftop. The location was also perfect, with easy access to nearby Sant’Agnello and Sorrento. Although we only had a couple of days we managed to see much of the two towns and also visited Capri, a beautiful island off the tip of the peninsula.

I always feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when arriving at new holiday accommodation. I’m not sure why as the places I book generally exceed my expectations – I’ve become quite experienced at finding places that are good value for money in the right location. Our next apartment certainly didn’t disappoint. It was reached by descending 300 stairs from the road to the water and is 3km from Amalfi in an area called Conca dei Marini. It is old and basic but has everything we need. Best of all we are right on the beach – our balcony looks over a gorgeous cove filled with fishing boats and is serviced by three restaurant/bars. In fact I’m sitting in one as I write this post.

Yesterday we took the water taxi to Amalfi and after a few hours exploring the town, caught the bus to Ravello, a stunning town high above the water and surrounded by terraced orchards and gardens.

It is just one week since I left home. In that time I’ve covered a lot of territory and walked many, many kilometres. Today I plan to rent a deck chair and do nothing but eat, read, swim and sleep.