Gain an understanding of 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
“Beyond excellent. One of the best I've ever known”
ACE customer on previous 2024 tour led by Eireann Marshall
“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.
Our popular tour introduces travellers to the ancient time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman cities in the Campania region of Italy frozen in situ by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The itinerary offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore these remarkably preserved sites and provides a unique window into daily life in the Roman Empire.
We particularly look forward to viewing the recently unearthed Roman bathhouse complex, discovered so far by Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii archaeological park. Considered to be the “biggest bath complex in a Pompeiian private home” known to date, these ruins are thought to have been the private residence of Aulus Rustius Verus.
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 famous sites, our tour will take in a wider array of ancient treasures, such as the vast villa complex at Oplontis. Adorned with lavish wall paintings that unveil 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, an ancient Greek city founded by Sybaris around 600 BCE, is famed for its well preserved Doric temples and sanctuaries, considered among the finest examples in the ancient world. The city is also known for its distinctive art and paintings, which are featured on pottery and tombs currently on display in the museum. Paestan vase painting, a style that emerged around 360 BCE from Sicilian immigrants, is one of five regional styles of red-figure vase painting from Southern Italy and was discontinued in 300 BCE. Painted tombs, such as the Tomb of the Diver from the 5th century BCE, depict scenes of ancient life in true fresco style.
We will also visit Cumae, the first ancient Greek colony of Magna Graecia on mainland Italy, and Pozzuoli. Named after the Cumaean Sibyl, featured in Virgil's Aeneid, our visit to the Cumae archaeological site will highlight the influence of early Magna Graecia in the region as well as its significant political and economic prominence during antiquity. Built in the 1st century CE, the Flavian amphitheatre at Pozzuoli hosted gladiatorial and theatrical events. Much of the interior remains intact, and visible parts of the gears allow us to imagine the amphitheatre in its prime.
We will stay at the Hotel La Medusa, Castellammare di Stabia, an attractive four-star establishment set in beautiful grounds.
Eireann Marshall
Eireann has led many tours throughout Europe and North Africa over a prolonged period of time.
This tour will be led by Eireann Marshall, PhD, a Research Associate and Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Eireann was raised in the Veneto and educated at Barnard College, Columbia University, as well as the universities of Birmingham and Exeter. She is an experienced tour leader, having led many tours throughout Europe and North Africa. Eireann has published several articles on Ancient North Africa, and co-edited books on classical civilisation.
ACE is pleased to be offering additional departures of our Pompeii with Herculaneum tours from January 26th - February 2nd, 2026, led by Jamie Sewell and October 31st - November 7th, 2026 led by Steve Mastin. To enquire further, please contact the office on 01223 841055.
7
£3095
POM2-26
