Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

Overview

Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

Mount Vesuvius offers stunning backdrops as you explore seven exceptional archaeological sites. From your base in the pretty town of Vico Equense, you'll begin your discoveries in Pozzuoli. At its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre you can follow in the footsteps of the gladiators who would do bloody battle here. You'll then experience the archaeological park of Baia and take in the incredible ruins at Cumae. The doomed city of Pompeii then offers remarkable sightseeing as you stroll down its incredibly preserved streets. Uncover the three magnificent Doric temples at Paestum and the historic Villa Poppaea at Oplontis, where the Roman art you'll see looks as good as new! Next is the site of Herculaneum, which was also buried in ash by Mount Vesuvius's 79 AD eruption, and you've options to walk to the volcano's summit and visit the chic island of Capri.

What's Included

  • Return flights
  • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
  • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Tour Lecturer and Specialist Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Holiday Highlights:

  • ​Pozzuoli's Roman remains, Baia and Cumae
  • The ruins of Pompeii
  • Villa Poppaea at Oplontis and Herculaneum
  • Paestum temples
  • Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the hotel's wisteria-shaded terrace (May - Oct)
  • Pizza night at a local Pizzeria

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - UK - Naples

Depart on your flight to Naples today, transferring on arrival to the pretty town of Vico Equense, on the Sorrento Peninsula. Your hotel is located in the heart of the town and offers lovely views over the Bay of Naples towards Mount Vesuvius. Your Tour Lecturer will be on hand throughout your holiday to make sure you discover all the archeological treasures this beautiful part of Italy has to offer.

Day 2 - Pozzuoli, Solfatara and Cumae

After breakfast join your Tour Lecturer on today’s included excursion, which offers a day of amazing contrasts as you view Roman remains in Pozzuoli, the unique landscape of Solfatara and Western Europe’s earliest Greek settlement at Cumae. Get a taste of Roman life as you wander around the maze of underground cavern tunnels beneath Pozzuoli’s amphitheatre, following the paths that gladiators and wild animals would have taken en route to the arena, which in its heyday held crowds of up to 20,000.


You’ll move on to the Solfatara volcanic crater – once thought to be the entrance to hell. The bubbling and hissing that you will hear could be a little unnerving but don’t worry, the volcano is long dormant. From here your tour continues to Cumae. Only ruins remain of the Greek temples that once stood here perched high above the sea and surrounded by oak trees, but the Cave of Sibyl and the temple to Jupiter are incredible sights.

Day 3 - Pompeii

We have another excellent full-day excursion planned for you today with a tour of the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, just a short journey away via the Circumvesuviana Railway.


Pompeii’s sheer scale is immense and as you wander its maze of streets you will imagine yourself back in Roman times before Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, smothering the town and its inhabitants in hot ash.


You’ll see many of Pompeii’s best sights including villas decorated with perfectly preserved frescos and brightly coloured mosaics, the remarkable Roman baths and an impressive amphitheatre where gladiators would battle in front of thousands of cheering spectators.


When you return to your hotel you’ll be able to look towards Vesuvius in the distance and understand more about its devastating power.

Day 4 - Amalfi and Paestum

Today we include a tour of historic Paestum, which is reached via one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, the Amalfi Coast. You’ll travel along twisting roads which cling to the cliff face as you pass the equally lovely resorts of Positano and Ravello. The dramatic beauty of your journey is more than matched by the three magnificent Doric temples you’ll discover at your journey’s end. It’s incredible to think that 2,500 years after they were built, the temples of Ceres, Neptune and Hera are still standing relatively intact.


You’ll find even more of interest inside the museum here which houses fascinating artefacts.

Day 5 - Oplontis and Herculaneum

Enjoy breakfast before once again joining your Tour Lecturer on a full-day included excursion. Your day begins with an exploration of the spectacular Villa Poppaea at Oplontis. So well preserved under the ash of Vesuvius’ eruption was it that its Roman wall paintings give the impression of being freshly painted.


You’ll continue on to Herculaneum, which was also buried by the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii, and is actually better preserved than its more famous counterpart. As you view ornately decorated houses your Tour Lecturer will give you a fascinating insight into the daily life of the town’s wealthy former residents.

Day 6 - Vico Equense - at Leisure

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You could choose to explore Vico Equense at your own pace, or take the train to Sorrento. Alternatively, join our full-day optional excursion to the glamorous island of Capri, which is reached via a short boat trip. As you explore independently you'll soon see why so many have been charmed by its beauty over time, from Roman Emperors and poets to movie stars and artists. You could choose to take a stroll around the village of Capri and perhaps hop into one of the open-top taxis for a journey along winding streets to Anacapri. Here you can visit Villa San Michele, the former home of celebrated doctor and philanthropist Axel Munthe, which is surrounded by fragrant gardens.

Day 7 - Vico Equense - at Leisure

You've seen Vesuvius from a distance and learned all about its immense power but today you can actually walk to its summit during our optional excursion. Towering almost 1,300 metres above the Bay of Naples, this is mainland Europe's only active volcano and the views you'll experience will take your breath away. Next, join your Tour Lecturer on a visit to the Museum of National Antiquities in Naples, where many of the relics discovered at Pompeii are displayed.

Day 8 - Naples to UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Hand Picked By

Meg Gardiner

Every Travelsphere holiday is carefully crafted by their team of experts, including trips to the must-see sights and the chance to sample local life, traditions and cuisine. If you want more than just a holiday, Travelsphere has exactly what you’re looking for - they are the escorted tour specialist.

Meg Gardiner

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Board Basis: Half board
  • Duration: 7 nights
  • Departure Airport: Bristol
  • Guide Price: From £1,678pp
 Enquire Now

Latest from our Travel Experts

Nicole's AMAzing experience on board AmaSerena

Nicole group

I had an amazing opportunity to stay on board AmaWaterways AmaSerena for one night during the CLIA...

Read More
Margaret's Extraordinary Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Mags intro

“Where? Antarctica … Really? Yes! Wow” …was all I could say to a fact finding...

Read More
Snow, hot chocolate and huskies with Caroline!

Caroline intro

After a bright and early start and a meet up at Bristol Airport, we flew 3 and a half hours to...

Read More