Pompeii, Herculaneum & Classical Campania

Summary

Nowhere in the world could give a deeper insight into Roman life than the dramatic seaside towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Before the eruption of Vesuvius these were thriving, lively seaside towns - Pompeii, a trading town equipped with many bars, shops and brothels, while Herculaneum was an affluent elegant town.

All this came to an abrupt halt, however, one Autumnal day in AD 79 - when Vesuvius - which had done little more than rumble for years - erupted with cataclysmic force. Two thousand years later, the sites of the Bay of Naples confront the modern visitor with a vivid, haunting immediacy like nothing else in the ancient world. In some cases we even know the names, professions and personal histories of the people who owned the villas and shops we visit.

Your expert guide lecturer will bring to life the ordinary people of Pompeii, Herculaneum and beyond on this fascinating tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This is an exciting time for visitors to these Vesuvian towns, as new discoveries are constantly being made, and new houses constantly opened up. Lose yourself in the past, walking the ancient streets in the footsteps of gladiators, slaves, senators and citizens.

Tour highlights:

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• Private access to the Theatre of Herculaneum, off-site and haunting
• Private access to the store rooms at Paestum, where Lucanian painted tombs closed to members of the public can be observed
• Enjoy visits to 'off the beaten track' villas at Stabiae
• Private access to the Cave of Sejanus (Grotta of Seiano) and the adjoining villa of Pausilypon with its dramatic coastal views
• Explore the newly excavated House of Leda in Regio V