Your holiday summary

Holiday type Art & archaeology
Country Italy
Travel type Fly
Price range From £799
Travel partner Travel Editions
Duration 3 nights
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The Romans on the Bay of Naples

The Bay of Naples is a fascinating destination at any time but even more so in the company of expert historian, Jeremy Paterson. The momentous events of AD79 were a devastating blow to the inhabitants of the area but have left a marvellously preserved legacy to illustrate the architecture and lifestyle of the Roman people. Your exploration of this intriguing period of history will be illustrated by two lectures and a series of visits to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Villa Oplontis and Naples' excellent archaeological museum. 
Included

  • Return scheduled flights with British Airways from Gatwick to Naples
  • 3 nights' bed and breakfast at the 4-star M Gallery Caracciolo Hotel based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
  • Welcome reception and two dinners with wine at the hotel
  • Airport transfers, tours and entrance fees
  • Two lectures at the hotel
  • Jeremy Paterson and tour manager throughout


Not included

  • Single room supplement
  • Holiday insurance
  • Meals other than those stated
  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
  • Porterage and gratuities



Day 1

Fly with British Airways from Gatwick to Naples and transfer by coach to central Naples for check into hotel for 3-night stay. (for departure/arrival times pleave hover your mouse over the departure dates on the left of this page) Afternoon walking tour of the city and visit to the Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, which offers a wonderful introduction to the art and history of Pompeii. Highlights of Naples include the Piazza del Plebiscito and Royal Palace, San Carlo Opera House, Castel Nuovo, the Duomo and the Castel San Elmo & Monastery of San Martino for a stunning view (weather permitting) over the city, the bay and Vesuvius. Evening welcome reception and lecture by Jeremy Patterson "In the shadow of Vesuvius - the Romans on the Bay of Naples" followed by dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2

Full day visits to Villa Oplontis in the morning followed by Herculaneum in the afternoon. The villa at Oplontis has arguably the best preserved frescoes of any imperial Roman building and offers a fascinating insight into Roman life. Herculaneum vanished under a sea of mud but the death toll was minimal compared to the 2,000 who perished at Pompeii. Evening free for dinner at own arrangement and cost.

Day 3

Full day at Pompii in the company of Jeremy who will help you to understand the history and consequences of this momentous few days in ancient history and its effects, as well as considering the remains that have been left behind. Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79 burying the town of Pompeii in 6m of pumice and volcanic ash. Serious excavation began in 1748, revealing a city petrified in time. In some buildings, paintings and sculptures have survived and graffiti is still visable on street walls. Evening lecture "Peopling the Piazza: the people of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis", followed by dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 4

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.


Hotel M Gallery Caracciolo, Naples

Located among the historic, picturesque streets of Naples, the 4-star Hotel M Gallery Caracciolo is located in the heart of the city about 10-15 minutes' walk from the Archaeological Museum. Converted from an historic palazzo, this stylish hotel (ranked 2 in Naples on tripadvisor) offers a restaurant, bar, lovely courtyard and modern comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone and air-conditioning.
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10-Nov-2012 799.00 book
02-Mar-2013 799.00 book
09-Mar-2013 799.00 book
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