Explore the ancient Greek and Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum on this incredible full-day adventure near Naples, Italy! Discover what life was like in the 1st century!
Meet your local guide at Naples cruise port and take an air-conditioned vehicle for a 40-minute ride to Pompeii. It has been determined through excavations that the town was 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! Several artifacts and structures have been preserved for over 2,000 years due to the lack of oxygen and moisture underground.
During your visit to Pompeii, you will have the opportunity to admire the forum, the baths, numerous houses, and a variety of spectacular artifacts and reproductions that you may have learned about in school or seen on TV. From all the many discoveries, it was found that the soil here was very fertile in ancient times, producing the agricultural products that sustained the people. Excavations have been halted today to preserve anything that might still be buried on the site. You will spend approximately 2 hours at Pompeii with your guide or audio guide. If time allows, you will have the opportunity to observe the manufacturing process of 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 it's time for lunch! At a restaurant nearby, you have the option to select a plate of pasta that comes with fried toppings of calamari 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 tour. 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 deeper than Pompeii because it was located closer to Mount Vesuvius. Consequently, the roofs, beds, doors, food, and many skeletons have been well preserved, even items made of wood! Herculaneum was a wealthier town than Pompeii with fine houses and extensive use of colored marble. You will encounter many unearthed buildings while walking on the streets, but keep in mind that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Only about 25% of the site has been uncovered!
After spending about an hour and a half in Herculaneum, your driver will take you back to your Naples cruise port. Your experience of ancient Rome and Greece will transport you back in time!
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