TOUR 15
NAPLES AND POMPEII
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Pompeii |
Piazza del Plebiscito |
Every day ( except Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st ).
Full day - Approx 13 hours.
Departure: free pick-up service at hotel from 6:30 to 7:15am
approx.
The tour
A journey to discover art, history, folklore and archaeology in
one of the most typical regions of southern Italy.
Leaving Rome in a southerly direction, we take the " Highway
of the Sun " crossing the fertile Roman countryside through the
area known as the " Castelli Romani ". Approximately halfway
along the highway, you will be able to see the Abbey
of Montecassino, noted for its famous battle and complete destruction
during the Second World War. Arriving in Naples we will proceed towards
the hill of Posillipo from where we can enjoy one of the most spectacular
views of the Gulf of Naples and the volcano Vesuvius. Descending towards
the port of Mergellina and following the coastal road, we arrive in
the ancient fishing quarter of Santa Lucia and see the impressive
Castel dell'Ovo ( photo stop ). The city
tour continues crossing the historical centre to see Piazza
del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di
Paola, the San Carlo Opera House the Gallery of Umberto I and
the imposing Maschio Angioino. Upon leaving
the city, we cross the fertile valley of Mount Vesuvius, passing the
towns of Ercolano, Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata before finally
arriving at Pompeii, where we stop first
for lunch. After that we will visit the excavations on foot with a
local guide on an archaeological journery through the ancient city.
In approx. 2 hours you will see some of what has been discovered in
more then 1,700 years since Pompeii was covered by ashes during the
eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 AD. Through the remains and ruins
of this ancient city, we can picture the everyday life of the Imperial
Age and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes
before the city was so disastrously buried. At the end of the visit
to Pompeii we will return to the coach for a journey of approx. 3
hours back to Rome. During this excursion we will visit a coral and
cameo factory where we will have the apportunity to admire and purchase
items of this ancient craft that dates back to Greek times.
USEFUL INFORMATION: We suggest that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes for this excursion, and to wear sunglasses and sun hat in the summer months.