Gain unrivalled insights into day-to-day life in the Roman Empire
Discover Cumae, one of the most important Greek city-states in antiquity, alongside Pozzuoli with its impressive Roman amphitheatre
Explore Paestum with its Doric sanctuaries and the renowned Archaeological Museum in vibrant Naples
“Excellent tour guide and organisation. We would definitely do another ACE tour”
– ACE customer on a previous Pompeii with Herculaneum tour led by Steve Mastin
“Meanwhile on Mt Vesuvius broad sheets of fire and leaping flames blazed at several points, their bright glare emphasised by the darkness of night…” – so wrote Pliny of the sudden eruption of Vesuvius nearly 2000 years ago.
Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed yet preserved by the volcanic catastrophe, offer unparalleled insights into day-to-day life in the Roman Empire. Our tour offers the opportunity to explore these ancient towns in depth, and we particularly look forward to viewing the House of the Vettii in Pompeii, recently reopened after extensive restoration works and years of closure. As well as investigating the ruins of Vesuvius’s twin victims, we will view the exceptional finds on display at the National Archaeological Museum in the ever-vibrant city of Naples.
Complementing these most famous sites, our comprehensive tour in and around the Bay of Naples will take in a wider array of ancient treasures, including the vast villa complex at Oplontis. Adorned with sumptuous wall paintings unveiling the extravagant lifestyle enjoyed by the Roman elite, the villa is thought to have been Nero’s wedding present to his second wife, Poppaea.
Paestum, “inexpressibly grand” according to Shelley, was founded in around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Sybaris. Here we will pay particular attention to the Doric sanctuaries of Ceres, Hera and Neptune, which rank among the best-preserved Greek temples to be found anywhere in the ancient world.
Cumae, one of the most important Greek city-states in antiquity, is also on our itinerary together with Italy’s third largest Roman amphitheatre at Pozzuoli.
We will stay at the Hotel La Medusa, Castellammare di Stabia, an attractive four-star establishment set in beautiful grounds.
Tour Director Steve Mastin, MA, PGCE, FHA studied history and classics before working as a school teacher for 17 years, leading trips to Italy, France and Germany. He has also worked overseas training history teachers in Singapore, Australia and Kazakhstan. A committed advocate of the power of storytelling, Steve is passionate about bringing a life-long love of history to students of all ages. He is a Fellow of the Historical Association and is a regular speaker at history conferences both in the UK and overseas.
6
£2695
POM2-24
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, five breakfasts, two lunches (one packed), five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £480.
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