Volcanic and Archaeological sites in Southern Italy, based in Sorrento.
Estimated Cost £1275 - October 27th to November 3rd 2019
Details and Itinerary
The tour will focus on Vesuvius and its effects on the surrounding area, especially the results of the eruption which devastated the Roman town of Pompeii in 79 AD. All excursions will be escorted, making use of local guides who have specialist knowledge of the archaeological sites of the area, including the ancient Greek temples at Paestum. The visit is open to all adults. The party will be led by Alan Clewlow, an experienced geologist who will be on hand to offer advice and some explanation of the features seen and guidance around the area. It will also offer a superb opportunity for photography.
The one-week visit will also give the chance to spend some free time, which could be used to explore Capri or the Sorrento peninsula, with its spectacular coastal scenery, beaches and bustling towns.

Contact UsFor bookings and extra information please call us on
01527 832 578 or volcanicexperiences@aol.com
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Planned itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday October 27th
Leave Birmingham Airport on flight to Naples. Transfer by coach to 4-star Hotel Cesare Augusto in Sorrento. This hotel has an excellent reputation and a high rating in Trip Advisor. Introductory talk to discuss the week's activities.

Day 2
Morning train by circumvesuviana railway to Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of 79 AD. Tour of the site accompanied by local guide.

Day 3
Coach to Vesuvius in the morning, which will ascend the lower slopes. From the coach park, we will make the short climb to the summit to view the crater. On the journey down we will be able to see the evidence of the remains of the older summit (Monte Somma) which formed a caldera as a result of the 79 AD eruption. In the afternoon we will visit the Phlegrean fields ("fields of fire") to the west of Naples to examine the steam-vents and bubbling mud pools at Solfatara near Pozzuoli.

Day 4
A short hydrofoil trip to Capri, where there will be the opportunity to explore the island, take an optional short boat-trip past the spectacular limestone cliff scenery to the "Blue Grotto" and visit sites dating back to the time when the Emperor Tiberius made Capri the capital of the Roman empire from AD 27 to AD 37.

Day 5
The day begins with a coach-journey along the famous "Amalfi Drive" with its hairpin bends around the sheer white limestone cliffs which fall away to the small coves and turquoise sea below. We continue to the site of ancient Greek temples at Paestum, the best preserved in mainland Italy, the oldest of which date back to the 6th century BC.

Day 6
The day starts with a trip to Naples, where we will visit the archaeological museum, in which many of the best artifacts collected from Pompeii and Herculaneum have been stored. We then continue to Herculaneum, smaller than Pompeii, and buried by the same eruption, but better preserved.

Day 7
This will be a free day. Your chance to take a bus or boat to Amalfi or Positano, a hydrofoil to Capri, Ischia (with its extinct volcano and numerous hot springs and fumaroles) or Naples. Possibly you would wish to visit the Mineralogical museum in Vico Equense or just explore Sorrento.

Day 8 - Sunday November 3rd
Short coach-ride to Naples airport for return flight to the UK.

 

(Please note that this might have to be amended due to weather or sea conditions, but hopefully all planned activities will take place. The itinerary has been planned with a certain amount of flexibility so that adverse weather on one day should not prevent a planned activity being cancelled completely.)

Cost
The estimated cost of the visit is £1275 (see booking conditions). This includes flights from Birmingham to Naples and return (and airport taxes), coach transfers and local excursions on the itinerary listed above. Included in the cost is half-board accommodation (with breakfasts and evening meals) in the 4-star Hotel Cesare Augusto in Sorrento. Accommodation is based on two people sharing a room. It should be possible to arrange single rooms for those who require it, but this will involve a supplement. All those taking part in the tour are expected to arrange their own holiday insurance, which can be obtained from any travel agent or insurance broker.”

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