Vesuvian Cities

Exploring the Bay of Naples and Beyond

Napoli
5 Days
MARCH 2024, NOVEMBER 2024
14 guests
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Tour Overview

This five (5) day itinerary begins in Napoli, one of Italy’s most dynamic cities where thousands of years of history seem to converge at once. We’ll explore the city and its incredible archaeological museum, and then bring you beyond the bay to the Vesuvian cities where we’ll have fascinating archaeological visits with contemporary experts. You’ll blow your top! The story of those hot August AD79 days and the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius is one of legend, lore and history, and is definitely one to explore. Join us for a walk back in time as we trace those last days of the Vesuvian cities Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae, and explore the Bay of Naples.

Tourists walk along a narrow, uneven stone street between ancient stone ruins in Pompeii.
A faint, monochrome outline of a classical statue depicting a standing figure with one arm raised and a deer by their side on a pedestal.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

November 10

Arrival

Arrival in Napoli at your leisure. At 6pm, we’ll meet for a pleasant stroll through the historic Spaccanapoli to explore the layers of the city’s rich, vibrant culture on our way to our first local meal that exemplifies all that is Napoli! At dinner, we’ll discuss the itinerary, share the week’s schedule, maps and divulge our favorite places to eat and shop.

Meals Included: Dinner

November 11

Napoli

8:30am meeting The best view of ancient Naples is from below! We’ll begin our day by exploring two (2) underground sites, followed by a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples MANN and a behind the scenes look at the collection. Afternoon and evening free.

Meals Included: Lunch

November 12

Pompeii

8:30am meeting Pompeii awaits! Our morning begins with exploration of the ins and outs of history’s most famous ‘lost and forgotten’ city. We take an extensive walk throughout the archaeological site and visit some of the lesser known corners with Pompeiian archaeologist colleagues. Afternoon and evening free.

Meals Included: Lunch

November 13

Herculaneum

8:30am meeting Herculaneum exploration! We’ll compare and contrast the ancient Roman town with its larger neighbor, Pompeii, to provide a more intimate portrait of the Vesuvian cities. A visit to its on-site museum, will shed light on the last days of this fated coastal city Afternoon and evening free.

Meals Included: Lunch

November 14

Stabiae & the Far Side

8:30am meeting This day takes us to the far side of Vesuvius to visit the series of seaside villas of Stabiae where we’ll talk with experts who have been excavating and preserving the ruins. To follow is a special access visit to the an ongoing excavation site, the so-called “Villa of Augustus” on the Vesuvian slopes. Afternoon and evening free.

Meals Included: Lunch

November 15

Oplontis

8:30am meeting On our last day, we’’ll begin by unfolding the mysteries of the imperial-era Villa of Oplontis, and then examine the precious contents of the only excavated farmhouse from the Vesuvian cities, to connect to the agricultural make-up of Roman culture. At 7pm, we will meet up in Napoli centro storico for our good bye dinner.

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Travel With Context

Every destination becomes richer when you understand the people who lived there, the events that shaped it, and why it still matters today.

Led by an Archaeologist

Experience Rome alongside someone who has dedicated his career to studying, teaching, and sharing its history.

Thoughtfully Sized Groups

Small groups create space for conversation, flexibility, and meaningful engagement throughout the journey.

Stories Beyond the Guidebook

Discover unexpected connections between archaeology, architecture, food, culture, mythology, and everyday life.

Local Perspective

Benefit from decades of living and working in Rome while exploring both world-famous landmarks and lesser-known places that reveal another side of the city.

From Past Travelers

stars

“Darius made archaeology feel immediate and human. The conversations were just as memorable as the places we visited.”

Traveler Name
Location
stars

“Darius has an extraordinary gift for making Rome’s history feel alive. With decades of experience living, working, and studying in the city, he knows its layers like few others. Every story he tells feels like stepping through a portal to Ancient Rome. Exploring the city through his eyes is an unforgettable experience.”

Laura and Jim
Palm Beach, FL
stars

“Darius helped us see connections we never would have noticed on our own. Every place became part of a much larger story.”

Traveler Name
Location
stars

“Darius made archaeology feel immediate and human. The conversations were just as memorable as the places we visited.”

Traveler Name
Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an academically credited course? Should I be prepared for testing?
What happens when I submit my deposit?
How many participants will there be?
The visits are in the mornings. What is there to do in the afternoon?

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