Private Pompeii

After meeting your professionally-trained guide, on the tender pier in Sorrento, if you are in a group of 7 or less, you will board your transportation and drive up the narrow road from the pier up to the town of Sorrento, perched on the cliffs above. Groups of 8 or more will board a minibus to reach your larger vehicle parked above in Sorrento. From Sorrento, you will follow the Bay of Naples as you travel to Pompeii.

Once a major port, as well as a center of wealth and politics, the city was instantly buried beneath 30 feet of volcanic ash and cinder when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. This ancient site is perhaps the most famous archaic excavation in the world. At its peak, Pompeii was home to 20,000 people and it is believed that 2,000 of them perished instantly when volcanic ash poured down on the city, creating ghostly casts formed by bodies that were encased and incinerated in the hot ash. Walk along intact streets and inspect prominent mansions, private homes adorned with mosaic floors, brilliant frescoes and other works of art, all of which provide an impression of Roman life as it was 2,000 years ago.

Upon arrival, you will enter Pompeii by one of its ancient Gates, a short walk takes you to the city's hub, the Forum. Surrounded by lavish temples and porticoes, you will begin to grasp the lifestyle of the inhabitants. Admire the mansions and the art of wealthy patricians who moved to Pompeii to escape the turmoil of Rome; view countless paintings and inscriptions. See the streets with raised pavements on both sides and the stepping-stones that ensured pedestrians a safe crossing at intersections. After your visit to Pompeii, you will return to Sorrento.

On your return to Sorrento, those guests wishing to end their tour above in the town of Sorrento may do so. They will then be responsible for getting down to the tender pier via either a taxi or walking.