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DAYS
7
TOUR CODE
POM2-27
COST
£3395
DAYS
7
TOUR CODE
POM2-27
COST
£3395
Our popular tour introduces travellers to the ancient time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in situ by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. These remarkably preserved sites provide a unique window into daily life in the Roman Empire.
Overview
“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 in 79 CE.
We particularly look forward to viewing the recently unearthed Roman bathhouse complex, whose 2025 discovery was announced 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. We will also visit the Neapolis Sotterrata, an underground world located beneath the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica. Showcasing a remarkable insight into the multi-layered history of Naples, this archaeological site features a 4th century BCE Greek-Roman macellum, ancient roads and medieval structures.
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.
Tour Director
Steve Mastin
Experienced tour leader Steve Mastin studied history and classics before working as a school teacher for 17 years.
Steve Mastin, MA, PGCE, FHA, studied history and classics before working as a school teacher for 17 years. During this time he organised and led many trips abroad, and has also worked overseas training history teachers in Singapore, Australia and Kazakhstan. Steve is a regular speaker at history conferences.
– ACE customer on a 2025 tour led by Steve Mastin
Our Accommodation
We will stay at the four-star Hotel La Medusa, Castellammare di Stabia, an attractive establishment set in beautiful grounds on the Sorrento coast. Designed in the neoclassical style of an 18th century Bourbon residence, this hotel features refined interiors and is ideally situated near the Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London Heathrow 1005 on British Airways, arriving Naples 1355. Transfer to La Medusa for six nights. Welcome and introduction.
Day 2
Whole day excursion to Paestum: Temples of Ceres, Hera and Neptune, museum (fine archaic reliefs). Evening talk.
Day 3
Morning visit to Naples Archaeological Museum (artefacts from Vesuvian sites) followed by visit to Neapolis Sotterrata (underground archaeological sites with 1st century CE Roman market). Return via the slopes of Mt Vesuvius. (weather permitting). Evening talk. Free evening
Day 4
Herculaneum (panoramic villas, palaestra, baths, shops) followed by the Villa Poppaea, Oplontis (fine wall-paintings, huge piscina) and Villa Regina, Boscoreale. Evening talk.
Day 5
Whole day visit to Pompeii: forum, shopping macellum, Villa of the Mysteries, baths, theatres and Houses of the Faun, Venus and Vettii – the latter recently restored. Evening talk.
Day 6
Cumae (cave of the Sibyl, acropolis) and Pozzuoli (amphitheatre) followed by Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna, Stabiae
Day 7
Depart Naples 1115, arriving Heathrow 1315.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer. Sites can experience last minute closures owing to staffing or local events. Sometimes temporary exhibitions or restoration works will take place at shorter notice, and this may affect which parts are accessible. It may, therefore, be necessary to confirm certain visits closer to departure, adjust arrangements on the ground, or change certain visits to exterior-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
A good level of fitness is required for this tour, and participants should be aware that the terrain at the archaeological sites can be uneven with slippery and rocky sections, and few opportunities to sit down. Please note that the optional ascent up Vesuvius involves a steep walk of around 30 minutes and is weather permitting, and Cumae also includes an extended uphill walk. For more details on our minimum fitness requirements, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Flight Information
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £220
Cost Details
Pompeii and Herculaneum: In the Shadow of Vesuvius
April 19 - 25, 2027
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a traditional twin or double bedded room, six breakfasts, two lunches (one packed), five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, traditional double room for single use supplement £495.
Upcoming Departures
Pompeii with Herculaneum (Third Departure)
23rd October–30th October 2026
with Steve Mastin
Explore the archaeology of Pompeii and Herculaneum and learn about everyday life in the Roman Empire
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Get in Touch
Our sales team are available to help Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. You can contact us by phone or email or by completing an enquiry form below.
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+44(0)1223 841055
sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
