Uncover the mysteries of the Bay of Naples, once one of the greatest centres of classical Roman civilisation, with experts Dr Steve Kershaw or Stephen Nelson. The excavated remains of Pompeii, Boscoreale and Villa Oplontis, entombed in ash in the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79AD, provide a special glimpse into this lost world. Herculaneum, covered in mud rather than ash, is remarkably well preserved, with multi-storey buildings, frescoes and mosaics on show. The region’s Greek highlights include Cumae, the Sibyl’s Cave and the imposing temples of Paestum.
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Fly from London (regional connections available) to Naples with British Airways. Transfer to Cava dei Tirreni and, after an introductory lecture and welcome dinner, stay at Hotel Victoria Maiorino for 6 nights. (D)
Full-day tour to the little-known but exciting area of the Phlegrean Fields, also known as the ‘Burning Fields’ due to their volcanic nature. Morning visit to Cumae, the first Greek settlement in mainland Italy and home to the cave of the Sibyl, as described in Virgil’s Aeneid. Continue to Baia Archaeological Park with its Roman thermal spa. Finish with a visit to the volcanic crater of Solfatara. (B)
Full-day visit to Paestum, one of Italy’s most majestic sites, to see the magnificent Doric temples of Ceres, Hera and Neptune. Visit the museum and the recently discovered Greek tomb paintings. (B)
Visit the extensive ruins of Pompeii. See the archaeological park, where fascinating sights include the basilica, the forum and the amphitheatre. Return to the hotel via the excellently preserved Villa of the Mysteries, which features controversial frescoes thought to depict the secret cult of Dionysus. (B)
Morning visit to the ruins of Herculaneum, which are better preserved than those at Pompeii. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Morning visit to Boscoreale to see a Roman farming villa, which provides a contrast to the wealthy villas seen elsewhere on the tour. In the afternoon, visit the excavated imperial villa at Oplontis, thought to be the home of Emperor Nero’s second wife, Poppaea. (B)
Morning visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum and its collection of treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Lunch at a typical Neapolitan pizzeria before returning to the airport for a flight to London. (B, L)
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
A collection of expert-accompanied tours focusing on creativity in its many forms. All RA tours are open to everyone and can be viewed at coxandkings.co.uk/ra.
This tour is fully escorted throughout by a lecturer who has specialist knowledge of the destination and its culture, as well as an experienced local guide.
This tour is based in 4-star accommodation.
This tour involves some long walks and therefore requires a good level of fitness.
Dr Steve Kershaw has taught Classics in a number of establishments, and now works for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. He authored and teaches Oxford’s on-line Greek mythology course and has also spent time as a guest speaker for Swan Hellenic Cruises and Royal Hebridean Cruises.
Stephen Nelson has extensive knowledge of Italian art history and contemporary art, and lectures regularly in Italy and the UK. He is also an artist and works in London and Italy. His practice is sculpture based and he has shown his work internationally, in both solo and group exhibitions. Stephen lives in Basilicata, Italy.
This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call 020 7808 6780 or email info@coxandkings.co.uk
Hotel Victoria Maiorino lies a short distance from the historical centre of Cava de' Tirreni with its charming porticoes and shops. The Maiorino family, hoteliers since 1886, manage the 4-star hotel. There are 40 rooms combining elegance and style with modern facilities, including free wireless internet access, air conditioning and satellite television. The hotel also offers a bar and lounge as well as a...
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Regional air connections are available from within the UK. Please contact your travel consultant for current prices from your nearest city. We can also arrange flights from overseas, simply give us a call to find out more.
If you choose to take the tour without flights arranged through Cox & Kings, please contact one of our travel consultants prior to booking the flights to ensure that you are aware of the tour timings and all the implications of not booking through us. We strongly advise you not to book flights independently of Cox & Kings if significant charges would apply in case of cancellation.
Flight details may be subject to change prior to departure.
Travel to Sorrento and relax at Hotel Villa di Sorrento. Includes transfers.
This tour can be booked / reserved online by clicking on one of the coloured links below.
IPO2017: 6 Nights