POMPEII WITH HERCULANEUM
“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 2,000 years ago.
Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed yet preserved by the volcanic catastrophe, offer an unrivalled insight into day-to-day life in the Roman empire. As well as investigating the ruins of Vesuvius’ twin victims – the one a vast commercial centre, the other a luxurious retreat – we will view the outstanding finds on display at the National Archaeological Museum in the ever-vibrant city of Naples.
Our comprehensive tour in and around the Bay of Naples will take in a wide multitude of ancient treasures, such as the cave of the Sybil at Cumae and the famous Odysseus and Polyphemus sculptures at Bacoli. The vast villa complex at Oplontis, possibly the former residence of Poppaea, Nero’s second wife, is adorned with sumptuous wall paintings that unveil the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the Roman elite.
Paestum, “inexpressibly grand” according to Shelley, was founded 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 as some of the best-preserved Greek temples to be found anywhere in the ancient world.
Further down the coast, perched on a mountaintop overlooking the sea, lies Velia, one of the last Greek colonies in Italy. Built to a recognisable town plan, Velia’s remains include a complex dedicated to Asclepius and an acropolis occupied by a mediaeval fortress.
We stay throughout at the first-class Hotel Mediterraneo on the picturesque Sorrento Peninsula. This elegant hotel, surrounded by scented orange trees, overlooks the marvellous scenery of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.
This tour will be led by Saskia Stevens MSt, DPhil (Oxon), a Classical archaeologist who has participated in several excavation projects in Pompeii and Ostia.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Gatwick 0730 on British Airways, arriving Naples 1115. Transfer to Hotel Mediterraneo, near Sorrento, for six nights. Afternoon at leisure followed by introductory lecture.
Day 2Naples Archaeological Museum (artefacts from Vesuvian sites) then continue to Mt Vesuvius (last part of ascent on foot). Evening lecture.
Day 3Whole-day visit to Pompeii (forum, shopping macellum, houses of the Faun and Venus, baths, theatres) including guided tour of Villa of the Mysteries. Evening lecture.
Day 4Herculaneum (panoramic villas, palaestra, baths, shops) then Villa of Oplontis (fine wall-paintings, huge piscina).
Day 5Solfatara (to observe volcanic phenomena), amphitheatre at Pozzuoli, Cumae (including lunch at Villa Vergiliana and excavations not normally open to public), Cumae (cave of Sibyl and acropolis), Castello di Baia (famous statues of Polyphemus and Odysseus). Evening lecture.
Day 6Whole-day excursion to Greek colonies of Velia (baths, complex dedicated to Asclepius, acropolis with mediaeval fortress) and Paestum: temples of Ceres, Hera and Neptune, forum, museum (remarkable painted frescoes).
Day 7Depart Naples 1200, arriving Gatwick 1350.
Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner & one lunch, excursions & admissions.
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £220.
