Naples - Benevento - Cosenza

Day 5 - Friday, June 15 - Naples - Benevento - Cosenza.  

This morning we depart for Benevento and surrounding areas, in the "heart" of Campania.  We view the Roman Theater and the Arch of Trajan.  visit the Museo del Sannio.  Continue south, driving through the region of Calabria to Cosenza.  Dinner at the hotel.  Overnight Cosenza.

Today we got an early start to travel to Mezzogiorno. On our way to Consenza, we stopped in a fantastic town called Benevento which means "good wind". It was the site of some WWII battles but the beautiful inner city still exists. The citizens seemed a little surprised that a tour bus was traveling there and even more surprised when we invaded their beautiful town. We all wished we could have stayed longer and it was probably a unanimous vote that it was the place we'd most like to have stayed for a few days. After much too short of a visit, we left for a winding bus trip through the mountains. It was unbelievably beautiful. I know I'm using that adjective quite a bit, but I call them as I see them. After arriving at our hotel, Fairmont State officials met with Unical officials for a press conference to discuss a student exchange program. We had a nice buffet dinner and then time on our own to explore. Representatives from Fairmont State visited the Calabrian Presidential complex to meet with the President and tour the new facilities. An impressive fireworks show followed for the citizens that attended the open house. Tomorrow we will travel to San Giovanni in Fiore.