Sorrento is a great base for sightseeing...

Sorrento and in the surrounding areas that it's kept us coming back every year for almost a decade - this is why...

One of the thing that really attracted us to Sorrento is that it's such a fantastic base to see an incredible array of things, whether you're into history, sightseeing, shopping - you name it.

Most people use Sorrento as a base to see Vesuvius,or to go to Pompeii, to Herculaneum, to Capri, to Ischia, to Amalfi, to Ravello, to Positano, to Rome - the list can go on forever, but some sights are 'must see's'.

First and foremost is Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Italy, and there is plenty to see as you go there - including the opportunity to walk right to the top and stare into the crater.

Then there's Pompeii - a really, really breathtaking experience. The first time we went there we were stunned by how big and how sophisticated this city was two thousand years ago. We've been back a number of times since and each time there is more to see because excavations are still taking place and there's more to see every year.

At the same time that Pompeii was destroyed in 79AD, so was Herculaneum, but again it's being excavated constantly. Whereas Pompeii was a commercial centre, Herculaneum was a residential are, and because of the different types of structures there, parts of Herculaneum is even better preserved than Pompeii - have a look at our experiences there to find out more.

Less cultured but more sophisticated in modern terms is Capri. Fabulous scenery, an interesting history, and shopping galore for the ladies - but don't forget the plastic, Capri isn't a place to spent your small change!

A bigger island in the bay is Ischia, a volcanic island itself that is famous for it's thermal baths, brilliant weather and plenty of wine.

Then there is Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Salerno, excursions to Rome - and so many other things to see and do - take a look at some of our experiences to see if there's anything that appeals to you.