Amalfi Coast: Naples, Sorrento & Pompeii

Discover one of the region’s most impressive archaeological sites during our optional tour of Herculaneum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town buried by Vesuvian ash in the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii in AD 79. It wasn't found again until 1709 when it was accidentally discovered by local workers. With the help of a local guide, we’ll explore Herculaneum's well-preserved ruins, which some claim are even more impressive than those of Pompeii.

This wealthy Roman village was buried three days after Pompeii, and the ruins that were left behind were hidden beneath 50 feet of ash and mud, preserving a treasure trove of architecture, mosaics, and even papyrus scripts that would allow scholars to shed new light on Roman life. Although Herculaneum’s residents had more time to flee than the unlucky souls of Pompeii, the first intact Roman skeletons in history were excavated here. The majority of the remains that were found are believed to have belonged to laborers and slaves.

You'll have time to further explore the ruins independently after our tour, after which you'll return to the ship.

Visit a local pizza restaurant for an introductory lesson to creating the quintessential Italian dish: pizza. In the company of a master pizzaiolo, you’ll learn the secrets behind preparing true Italian pizza, typified by its smaller, crunchier crust, and topped with your preferred selection of fresh ingredients.