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Shore Excursion to
Pompei - Italy
Duration: Approximately 3 - 4 hours
Possibly the most famous
excavation in the world, Pompeii once supported a flourishing
civilization that was revealed nearly intact after being buried nearly
1,700 years. The once prosperous commercial and political center with a
population of 25,000 was hidden under 20 feet of volcanic ash and
cinders during the fateful eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Originally
a seaport, the eruption raised the land and left the ruined town far
from the bay. You will enter Pompeii through the Sea Gate and walk along
the cobblestone streets to the agora, surrounded by temples, porticoes
and law courts. It was the religious, civic and business center of the
city. Because Pompeii was so well preserved, you can see many fine
details that reveal the lifestyles of the residents, such as mosaic
floors and colorful frescoes in some of the homes. As you wander through
this ancient city, you can't help but notice the still-active Mount
Vesuvius towering above.
Note: There is extensive walking over cobblestone paths and uneven
surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A stop will be made
at the Cameo factory.
Shore Excursion
Historic Naples Italy
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
This tour combines views
of some of Naples' most impressive castles, monuments and other
public buildings, visits to two churches and a museum, and a stop at
a picturesque fishing village. On the way to your visit at the
National Archeological Museum, you will drive through main streets
and piazzas and past the main cathedral, the 14th-century Duomo. In
the museum, considered one of the most important in Europe, the
collection includes the select Farnese acquisitions, plus mosaics
from Pompeii and bronze sculptures representing the Greek schools of
Phidias, Lysippus and Praxiteles excavated in Herculaneum. Proceed
on foot to the richly decorated Gesu Church, then on to the quiet
and colorful cloisters of the Church of Santa Chiara. You will have
a little time for shopping, then continue your drive through the
city, passing the Royal Palace and the Church of St. Francis. You
will stop at Mergellina, a fishing village that is a photographer's
dream. Driving back along the coast to Naples, you will pass many
elegant seaside hotels, plus the Castle of the Egg, a 12th-century
fortress overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
Shore Excursion
to Capri Italy
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
A fabled resort for pleasure seekers even in
the time of ancient Rome, Capri has earned a legendary reputation as the
"island of love". Its coastal caves, glowing with light filtered through
the surrounding sea, have awed visitors for centuries.. As you come
ashore in Naples, you will be taken to the jetfoil/hydrofoil berth where
you will board one of these modern crafts and be wisked across the Bay
of Naples to the Marina Grande Harbor on Capri. Here you will transfer
to mini buses and ascend to Anacapri to enjoy the beautiful scenic views
and a visit to Villa San Michele, the house of the Swedish writer Dr.
Axel Munthe. Your drive continues to Capri town, where your guide will
take you on a stroll along the famous "piazzetta", through old
cobblestone streets and to the Augustus Gardens. From here you will have
a panoramic view of the Marina Piccola and the ancient monastery. You
will have some time at leisure before taking the funicular down to
Marina Grande to board a jetfoil/hydrofoil for the return across the Bay
to Naples. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Shore Excursion
Ruins of Herculaneum
Duration: Approximately 3 - 4 hours
This tour begins with a
drive through Naples, past the Castle Nuovo and the Royal Palace,
the Opera House, the Galleria Umberto I and the Church of St.
Francis. You will see the Castle of the Egg, dominating the harbor
of Santa Lucia, before heading to Herculaneum. Founded around the
fourth century BC, it eventually became a resort center for the
Roman aristocracy. In 79 AD, the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that
destroyed Pompeii also laid waste to Herculaneum. While hot ashes
charred or consumed the wood of Pompeii's structures, Herculaneum's
death came in a flood of hot mud that sealed whole buildings and
kept them from decay. Excavations began in 1709, and from 1738 to
1765 systematic explorations were conducted under the order of
Charles II. Those and subsequent efforts have exposed inlaid marble
floors, mosaics and paintings. While walking through these ruins,
one can easily imagine daily life in this village, which was
suffocated so abruptly.
Note: There is
approximately one hour of walking over cobblestone streets and
uneven pathways. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A stop
will be made at the Cameo factory.
Shore
Excursion
A Taste of Italy
Duration: Approximately 5 - 6 hours
Leaving the port area, we drive south to
mingle with the descendants of a town which has attracted holidaymakers
for as long as people have been making holidays. Sorrento was the home
of the Sirens, who attempted to lure Ulysses on to the rocks. It is
doubtful whether in daylight hours we shall meet any modern sirens, but
the town caters with a vengeance for the souvenir-hunting tourists. Few
minutes away from Sorrento, in a beautiful countryside you reach a
farm-house, where the owner will accompany you for a complete tour of
the farm and for an explanation of all wine and Mozzarella cheese
processes. You will visit the antique wine "cantina", the press process
of the olives and the hand process of the typical mozzarella cheese.
After all these interesting explanations and demonstrations, a taste of
handmade bread, cheeses and salami will be served in a beautiful garden
of lemon and olive trees where it is possible to admire the nature away
of everyday life. After the visit, there will be free time in Sorrento
center to explore, shop and relax in a outdoor cafe, or perhaps combine
all three. Soon after, our motorcoach will be ready to take us back to
Naples.
