Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

Itinerary
Day 1 : UK/Naples
The pretty town of Vico Equense on the Sorrento Peninsula is the perfect base for our explorations of this historic region. Throughout your holiday, your Specialist Tour Lecturer will be on hand to reveal the secrets of this beautiful part of Italy.

Day 2 : Pozzuoli, Solfatara & Cumae
Prepare yourself for a day of amazing contrasts as you take in Roman remains in Pozzuoli; the earliest Greek settlement in Western Europe at Cumae; and the strange, unearthly landscape of Solfatara.

For a taste of Roman life, wander around the maze of underground caverns tunnels beneath Pozzuoli’s amphitheatre, following the paths wild animals and gladiators would have taken before entering the arena. Although in ruins today, you can still get a sense of the scale of the amphitheatre, which had a capacity of 20,000 in its heyday.

Once thought to be an entrance to hell, the bubbling and hissing of the Solfatara volcanic crater is eerie, if not a little unnerving – but don’t worry, the volcano is long dormant. And then there’s the magic of Cumae. Stood high above the sea and surrounded by mighty oak trees, little remains of the Greek temples that once stood here but the ruins you will find – the remarkably intact Cave of Sibyl and the temple to Jupiter are incredibly special.

Day 3 : Pompeii
Pompeii’s sheer scale is immense. Wandering around its maze of streets, you can almost imagine yourself back in Roman times before Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, smothering many of the 20,000 residents as they went about their daily business. As you jump aboard the Cicumvesuviana Railway in Vico Equense for the short journey to Pompeii, the anticipation of all that will be revealed to you is palpable. You will see many of Pompeii’s best sights, from brightly coloured mosaics and villas with beautifully preserved frescos, to the remarkable Roman baths and a staggering amphitheatre, where gladiatorial combat used to be witnessed by thousands of eager spectators.

Day 4 : The island of Capri
Take to the water this morning as you board the ferry for the short journey to the island of Capri. Many people have been captivated by Capri’s beauty over the millennia, from the Roman Emperor Tiberius, who built the magnificent Villa Jovis, to the rich and famous visitors who frequent the island’s designer boutiques. Take your time exploring the island. Once you’ve had a wander around the village of Capri, jump in one of the iconic open-top taxis for the journey along the narrow winding streets to Anacapri, from where you can visit Villa San Michele. The former home of celebrated doctor and philanthropist Axel Munthe is surrounded by fragrant gardens and filled with curios and antiquities.

Day 5 : Oplontis & Herculaneum
Gain an insight into the wealth of Rome’s emperors as you explore the spectacular Villa Poppaea at Oplontis, which was so well preserved under the ash of Vesuvus’ AD 79 eruption that the profusion of Roman wall paintings could have been completed just a few years ago. This truly is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites ever uncovered. And then there’s Herculaneum. Smothered by the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii, this Roman town is actually better preserved than its more famous counterpart. Painstakingly excavated, your tour will reveal ornately decorated houses and give a fascinating insight into the daily life of the town’s wealthy former inhabitants. And of course, your Specialist Tour Lecturer will add their own extra insight into Herculaneum, and all the other sites you visit.

Day 6 : Amalfi Drive & Paestum
Renowned as one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, the Amalfi Coast is both dramatic and jaw-dropping. Its twisting roads cling to the cliff-face, you’ll be gasping in amazement as you journey past the equally attractive resorts of Positano and Ravello en route to historic Paestum. The sight of the three magnificent Doric temples in their peaceful setting more than matches the beauty of your journey. It’s incredible to think that 2,500 years after they were first built, the temples of Ceres, Neptune and Hera are still standing relatively intact. A wander around the fascinating museum gives more of an insight, you’ll see sculptures, tomb paintings and more, all of which have been found on site.

Day 7 : Vesuvius & Naples
Towering almost 1,300 metres above the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius is mainland Europe’s only active volcano and its immense destructive power will have become evident at the archaeological sites you have already experienced. There’s nothing more rewarding than taking the walk to the summit – the views over the Bay of Naples and the city itself are simply magnificent. Then join your Specialist Tour Lecturer to head into Naples to visit the Museum of National Antiquities, where you’ll see many of the relics found at Pompeii on display.

Day 8 - 11 : The island of Ischia
Transfer to the island of Ischia for a four night stay. Absorb the beautiful surroundings, the culture and take the time to explore at your own pace. This extension will only add more experiences to your fabulous holiday.

Day 12 : UK
Unfortunately your time on the Neapolitan Riviera and on the island of Ischia has come to an end. Sadly it’s time to return home.