city: Italy

Herculaneum & Vesuvius Select

Wandering around the archaeological site of Herculaneum is just like stepping through an open-air history book. On this tour, you'll visit what remains of this once-thriving seaside town, as well as see Mt Vesuvius – the architect of its destruction. Andrea, one of our local experts, says, 'Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum's deeper burial under volcanic mud resulted in an astounding level of preservation. It's a quieter, more intimate experience'.After Vesuvius's dramatic 79 AD eruption, Herculaneum became a town frozen in time. Now resurrected from its volcanic slumber, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with stories untold. On a guided tour with trusty headsets, you'll see the haunting boathouses – the sombre final chapters of desperate refugees – and the town's beautifully preserved marble floors, mosaics, and vibrant frescoes. Andrea says, 'Like many Roman towns, Herculaneum had a complex of public baths, which were a hub of daily life. These baths are particularly well-preserved and showcase the complex heating systems and detailed mosaics that adorned their walls and floors'.Lunch will be at a friendly, local restaurant, serving up Italian classics. You'll then head up the mighty Mount Vesuvius – the only active volcano in mainland Europe. With its eye-catching panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and Naples, it's well worth the trip. The surrounding terrain, sculpted by past eruptions, only adds to the jaw-dropping scenery.