Adjusting, Exploring & Embracing the Unexpected
As I mentioned in my Amalfi Coast and Sicily post, traveling overseas—especially to Europe—can be long and exhausting. One of the most helpful ways to adjust to the time difference is to stay awake until a normal local bedtime on the day you arrive. I like to call the following morning “Day 1,” and I always recommend keeping it simple. Skip the packed itinerary. Give yourself permission to nap if needed, take a gentle walk, and ease into your surroundings. It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about settling in and letting your body catch up to your spirit.
Exploring Sorrento
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori, a beautiful property and an easy walk to downtown Sorrento. After a wonderful breakfast overlooking the sea, we headed out for a modified version of Rick Steves’ walking tour.
We started by turning right onto Via Aniello Califano, then right again onto Via Correale, passing the charming Lemon Grove Garden—a family-run orchard. There, we sampled limoncello and candied lemon peel. We then strolled into Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s main square.
The piazza was lively and full of character. It was surrounded by artisan shops featuring hand-painted ceramics, inlaid wood mosaics, and colorful souvenirs. The showstopper was the luminarie—ornate, arched light structures strung high across the square. They looked magical in the daytime. However, when we returned one evening, the lights transformed the square into a fairytale.
Just one block inland, we paused at the Hotel Antiche Mura. A green railing overlooks the Valley of the Mills, with ancient stone stairs carved into the cliffside. Some date back to before the Roman Empire.
From there, we followed the path past the Statue of Torquato Tasso and discovered Fattoria Terranova, a small boutique offering free tastes of jams and liqueurs. We then admired the Palazzo Correale. Just to the left of its courtyard, we wandered down Via Santa Maria della Pietà, a narrow alleyway that led to the historic Sorrento Cathedral.
We finished our walk along Via San Cesareo, a charming pedestrian shopping street, and made our way back to the piazza. Feeling adventurous, we descended the many, many steps down to Marina Piccola. There, we explored the waterfront and enjoyed a light lunch with Aperol Spritzes by the sea.
Since we stayed in Sorrento for five nights, we had several more opportunities to explore the town’s winding streets, visit its quaint shops, and enjoy meals at local gems. Two standout dinners included Donna Sofia Ristorante-Pizzeria and Ristorante La Locanda del Gusto. Both were warm, welcoming, and full of local flavor.
The Best Change of Plans
Ironically, our first full day in Sorrento was also the only rainy day of our entire three-week trip! We had originally booked a 2-hour sunset cruise from Marina Piccola with Gozzo Sparviero. However, our captain graciously rescheduled it for Day 4 due to the weather.
Our farewell dinner was originally planned for the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori on Day 4, so we swapped our reservation to that rainy first night instead. Honestly, it turned out to be the perfect way to kick off the trip—a relaxed, elegant meal, wonderful wine, and the sound of rain outside. It was calm, cozy, and the perfect way to acclimate to Italy’s rhythm.
Reflections from Day One
Sorrento welcomed us with charm, color, and a pace that let us breathe. Starting our trip here, with room to adjust and wander, reminded me that the best travel moments aren’t always planned—they unfold slowly. Especially after 60, giving yourself grace on Day 1 might just be the secret to a truly unforgettable journey.
If you’re heading to Europe, build in that buffer day. Linger over coffee. Wander without a map. Let yourself arrive not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Sorrento was the perfect place to do just that.