Bay of Naples And Almalfi Coast

Prices and Departure Dates

Prices from £995 per adults £519 per child 8 days - including flights from UK

Departure dates:

Please enquire for availability 2008 - 9

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Introduction
In Roman times the region around the Bay of Naples was called Campania Felix - Fortunate Campania - the richest and most fertile lands of Italy. Despite its natural beauty, the region has had to cope with many historical and natural setbacks - not least the cataclysmic eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Focussing on the region's superb ancient sites this tour reveals the many layers of history that can be found around the historic Bay of Naples. The tour is accompanied by Guest Lecturer Roger Sharp, one of Explore clients' favourites and an expert in ancient Mediterranean civilisations. Roger has accompanied our groups to the Amalfi coast for many years; his passion for the region is matched only by his knowledge of its rich and compelling history.

Tour information
Naples and Vesuvius
Our tour starts in Naples - the fascinating and passionate, if somewhat chaotic, 'capital' of southern Italy. We visit the National Museum, which ranks amongst the top in Europe. We also explore the nearby ruins of Herculaneum - which was hermetically sealed under volcanic mud by the last great eruption of Vesuvius - as well as the Phlegraean Fields, the so-called 'Fields of Fire' which extend to the bay's northern shore, Cuma, Pozzuoli and Solfatera. En route to Sorrento we take the short walk up to the Vesuvius crater for some superb views right across the bay.

Pompeii - City Frozen in Time
The remains of this affluent city, once home to 15000 citizens, is a true archaeological wonder - a ghostly photograph of the instant when, in 79AD, an entire community was unexpectedly overcome by scorching ash. The roadside 'fast-food' taverns, the political graffiti - even the brothels! - of Pompeians rich and poor, have remained almost intact, as have many palaces and ornamental courtyards. The plaster casts of the victims and animals, gasping for breath, add to the eeriness of this unique site.

The Amalfi Coast
From Sorrento we take a ferry to the Island of Capri, an artist's haven. We enjoy a boat trip to the famous Blue Grotto and visit the delightful Villa San Michele with its eccentric museum. Returning to the mainland, we drive along one of the most celebrated historic shores - the Amalfi Coast. The winding mountain road towards Amalfi picks its way through lemon and olive groves and dramatically-perched villages. Staying on the coast allows us to visit Ravello's Villa Rufulo and, further south, Paestum whose well-preserved Doric temples are said to be amongst the best in Europe

Special Highlights

HERCULANEUM Visit the incredible
excavations of this ancient Roman resort, frozen in time by a sea of mud that engulfed, petrified and preserved it.
VESUVIUS Drive and walk to the summit of this famous volcano that dominates the landscape of the Bay of Naples.
POMPEII Visit this most famous of Roman sites – an entire intact city that has taught us more about the Roman way of life than any other site.
CAPRI Excursion to ‘the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean’ to include the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azura) and Villa San Michele.

Your Itinerary_________________

Day 1 Fly London/Naples.

Day 2 In Naples; city walking tour/visit museum.

Day 3 To ancient Herculaneum.

Day 4 Drive to Phlegraean Fields; visit Cuma, Pozzuoli and Solfatara; continue to Mount Vesuvius; walk to crater rim; continue to Sorrento Peninsula.

Day 5 Visit Pompeii.

Day 6 Ferry to Capri; boat trip to Blue Grotto and visit Villa San Michele; free to explore; late PM return to mainland and drive to Amalfi Coast.

Day 7 Ravello; visit Villa Rufulo; continue to Paestum for visit; return Amalfi Coast.

Day 8 Drive Naples; fly London.

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