Art & History Abroad Tours
Pompeii: Life, Death & Discovery
This journey explores the heart of Roman Campania, where everyday life, luxury and catastrophe have left an archaeological record of exceptional clarity.
Centred on Pompeii and Herculaneum, it also ranges across Baiae, Pozzuoli and Naples, revealing the broader landscape of Roman urbanism, leisure and power.
Cities, villas, bath complexes and amphitheatres are complemented by the collections of the National Archaeological Museum, together offering a vivid and well-paced introduction to one of the Mediterranean’s most compelling archaeological regions.
what’s included
At A Glance

Meet Your Expert Guide
Dr Jamie Sewell (June date)
Jamie is a classical archaeologist with fifteen years’ experience supervising excavations in Britain, Germany, Romania and Italy, including Pompeii and Sicily. He holds a doctorate in Classical Archaeology and has published widely on towns in Hellenistic Italy and the wider Mediterranean.
Having lectured at Durham and Humboldt universities, Jamie also brings more than twenty years’ experience as a guide across Europe and North Africa. A master storyteller, he combines archaeological evidence with the human life of ancient cities, bringing streets, temples and public spaces vividly into focus.

Meet Your Expert Guide
Diana Blumberg (Sept date)
Diana is an archaeological scientist specialising in the analysis and conservation of archaeological materials. Her field experience includes work as an artefacts supervisor at Pompeii, Portus and Birdoswald Roman Fort, where she has trained students in identifying and processing a wide range of finds.
Alongside her fieldwork, Diana has taught archaeological laboratory classes and classical archaeology at several British universities. Her scientific perspective helps travellers understand how objects are examined, preserved and interpreted, revealing the wealth of information that can be drawn from even the smallest surviving fragment.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Day 1: London to Naples
Depart London Heathrow for Naples then transfer by coach to our hotel for a four-night stay. Evening welcome drink, dinner with wine and talk from your tour lecturer.

Day 2: Pompeii
We spend the full day exploring Pompeii, the Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Walk through its streets and visit key sites such as the amphitheatre, theatre, and forum, which reveal the civic and cultural life of the city. See the bathhouses and thermopolia (bars), offering a glimpse into daily routines and social customs. Newly reopened areas from ongoing excavations provide fresh perspectives on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your tour lecturer will be on hand with their expert commentary, giving insight and depth to the visit.

Day 3: Naples & Pozzuoli
This morning we travel west to visit the Parco Archeologico delle Terme di Baia, a complex of terraced Roman baths and villas.
Then travel to Pozzuoli to visit its impressive Roman amphitheatre, one of the largest in Italy. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, one of the world’s finest collections of Greco-Roman art and artifacts, and renowned for its collection of mosaics, frescoes, and artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Day 4: Herculaneum & Villa Oplontis
Start the day at Herculaneum, a smaller yet remarkably preserved site that offers intimate glimpses into Roman homes and streets. Its wooden structures, upper floors, and household items survived the eruption, offering unique insights into Roman domestic life. The Antiquarium provides additional context through its collection of finds.
In the afternoon, visit Villa Oplontis, a grand seaside residence attributed to the family of Emperor Nero. Its elaborate frescoes and architectural design reflect the opulence of imperial leisure during the first century AD. Farewell dinner.
Day 5: Departure
Free time today before our transfer to Naples airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Forum, Pompeii
This four-star classic, well‑located hotel is set directly opposite the entrance to the Pompeii archaeological site, offering guests an unbeatable base for exploration. The hotel facilities include a bar, garden, restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views towards Mount Vesuvius. The comfortable bedrooms offer TV, WIFI, telephone, safe, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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