Explore the ancient Greek and Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum on this incredible full-day adventure near Naples, Italy! Learn what life was like in the 1st century!
Meet your local staff directly at your Naples cruise port and board your air-conditioned transportation for a 40-minute ride to Pompeii. It has been determined through excavations that the town was actually founded around the 7th-6th century BC. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, this incredible city, including its inhabitants, was buried under 13-20 feet of volcanic ash and pumice! A great many artifacts and structures were preserved for over 2,000 years thanks to the lack of oxygen and moisture underground.
While in Pompeii, will see the forum, the baths, and many houses, along with many spectacular artifacts and reproductions that you have learned about in school and seen on TV. From all of the many discoveries, it has been learned that the soil here was very fertile in ancient times, producing the agricultural products that sustained the people of the city. Today, excavations on the site have been suspended in order to preserve what remains buried. You will spend approximately 2 hours at Pompeii with your guide or audio guide. If times allow, you will have the opportunity to learn the manufacturing process of the Cameos and Coral pieces at a local factory. Please note that the entrance fees to the ruins are not included and will be paid on-site.
Then is time for lunch! At a nearby restaurant, you will be able to choose from either pasta with fried calamari or roast beef, or pizza, the food staple that originated in Naples! Drinks are not included, however, you can purchase them on-site.
Afterward, you will take a short drive to Herculaneum for another guided walk. This ancient Roman city lies in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the few cities that can still be seen in its original state. Herculaneum was buried much more deeply than Pompeii due to its proximity to Vesuvius. Consequently, the roofs, beds, doors, food, and many skeletons have been well preserved, even items made of wood! Herculaneum was a wealthier town compared to Pompeii as evidenced by the fine houses and extensive use of colored marble. You will walk the streets and see many of the buildings that have been unearthed, but keep in mind that this is just scratching the surface. Only about 25% of the site has been uncovered!
At the conclusion of your time in Herculaneum - about an hour and a half - your driver will return you to your Naples cruise port. Your adventure in ancient Rome and Greece will leave you feeling as if you had lived there yourself!
Your day will be fascinating while you learn the history of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both cities were devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and both are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy!
5/5 (Visited on July 2019)
5/5 (Visited on June 2017)
