No place on Earth provides a deeper insight into Roman life than Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both thriving towns before they were engulfed by the cataclysmic eruption of Vesuvius in AD79, today they give us a haunting, vividly detailed picture of life as it truly was in Roman times.
And who better to provide insights than archaeologist Dr Sophie Hay, who has spent the best part of 20 years working in and around Pompeii and is currently working at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, and Tristan Hughes, a presenter and a producer at History Hit, specialising in ancient history. Both join you for the duration of this exclusive five-day tour, giving talks and accompanying you on visits.
You'll be staying at the four-star Hotel Maiuri, and you'll explore Pompeii with Sophie and Tristan accompanied by an expert local guide. With only 60% of the site excavated, Pompeii continues to evolve and with new mosaics, houses and an astounding Roman snack bar opening to the public, it's no wonder people return time and again.
You will also explore the once opulent seaside town of Herculaneum, which is arguably better preserved, the galleries of the wonderful Naples Museum, and the lavish villa at Oplontis with its stunning frescoes.
There are two lunches at local restaurants to look forward to, as well as dinner each night at the hotel and in your spare time you can relax with a drink in the armchairs under the shaded citrus groves surrounding the hotel.
Dr Sophie Hay is a leading archaeologist and an expert on Pompeii. She is currently working at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii and is also writing a book about the women who excavated Pompeii. Her PhD was based on the fieldwork she completed for the British School at Rome's Pompeii Project.
Tristan Hughes is a presenter for History Hit. He studied Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh and is the host of The Ancients history podcast. Tristan has travelled to sites across the world to present ancient history documentaries, including in Pompeii, Orkney and Egypt.
You'll arrive at Naples airport today, where you'll be met by a group transfer to your accommodation for the trip, the Hotel Maiuri.
You'll meet your tour manager at the hotel for a brief overview of the program plus an introductory talk from Sophie and Tristan before dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Today you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage designated Archaeological Area of Herculaneum.
This ancient city was buried beneath 16 metres of ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving the city's domus homes along with their décor, including features in wood and marble, decorations, jewellery, and even organic remains like food, providing a unique insight into the daily lives of the ancient population of Herculaneum.
After your visit you'll have a three-course lunch with wine at a local restaurant before continuing to the opulent Villa Maritima at Oplontis, which might have belonged to the family of Poppaea, wife of Nero. You'll see stunningly preserved frescoes at the villa, which were being refurbished at the time of the eruption.
Today's visit is to the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you can see extraordinary finds from the excavations of Vesuvian towns and other cities in the Bay of Naples.
You'll see exquisite bronze statues, such as those found in the Villa of the Papyri, marble statues, beautiful wall paintings - all of which would have been lost had Vesuvius not erupted and buried them all. Some of the highlights of the museum include the intricate mosaics from the House of the Faun and the unique collection of frescoes, such as the so-called Sappho or the portrait of Terentius Neo and his wife.
This afternoon you'll have some free time to explore Naples at your own pace. You might take a tour of underground Naples, view the famous statue of Cristo Velato in the Cappella Sansevero or wander around the Via dei Tribunali.
Today you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, where you'll meet your expert archaeologist guide. This town was frozen in time with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius, preserving the area in a thick layer of ash and pumice.
The town is almost as it appeared to the ancient inhabitants just before the catastrophe.
After your visit you'll have another delicious lunch at a local restaurant before spending the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring more of the town or simply relaxing at the hotel.
After a final breakfast at the hotel, it's time to check out and transfer back to Naples airport for your flight home.
Hotel Forum offers elegant four-star accommodation located in the centre of Pompei, just a few metres from the entrance to the Archaeological site and to the Basilica. There are 33 rooms available in different categories, all with modern furniture and decor. The excellent restaurant offers Mediterranean and Neapolitan made with local ingredients, some from the hotel’s own orchard. There is also a large garden shaded by lemon and orange trees, where you can relax and enjoy a drink after your busy days of excursions.
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* Please note, this price is for Telegraph subscribers only. From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £549. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **3 courses, ½ litre of water and 1 glass of wine per person. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd. To redeem your exclusive subscriber offer, visit www. telegraph.co.uk/tt-extra. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Limited. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
* Please note, this price is for all other readers. From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £549. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **3 courses, ½ litre of water and 1 glass of wine per person. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Limited. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
* Please note, this price is for Telegraph subscribers only and does not include flights or transfers. From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £549. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **3 courses, ½ litre of water and 1 glass of wine per person. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd. To redeem your exclusive subscriber offer, visit www. telegraph.co.uk/tt-extra. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Limited. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
* Please note, this price is for all other readers and does not include flights or transfers. From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £549. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **3 courses, ½ litre of water and 1 glass of wine per person. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Limited. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
