You’ll be warmly greeted upon arrival at the airport or rail station in Naples. Then setting out in your own chauffeured car, you’ll skirt the Bay of Naples traveling southeast to Pompeii. Two thousand years ago, Pompeii was a thriving port and sophisticated Roman city with an estimated population of more than 10,000 residents. But in the year 79 AD, a cataclysmic eruption buried the city and thousands of its inhabitants under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash. These ruins were first discovered in the late 1500’s, but systematic excavation did not begin until 1738. Today, the vast archaeological site at Pompeii is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; indeed, it’s remarkably preserved villas, frescoes, baths and other public buildings offer an almost you-are-there look into the life and culture of ancient Rome! With your own private guide, your tour of Pompeii will be enhanced by historical narratives and gripping stories that bring the ancient city and its long-ago inhabitants to life.
After sightseeing, continue your journey around the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, a picturesque coastal resort set on the southern shores with spectacular views of Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay. Check in to your choice of hotel in the heart of town and enjoy the rest of this day to relax or explore the town at your own pace.