Leaving Rome in a southerly direction, we take the "Highway of the Sun" crossing the fertile Roman countryside known as the area of the `Castelli Romani'. Approximately halfway along the highway you will be able to see the Abbey of Montecassino, noted for its famous battle and complete destruction during the second World War. Arriving in Naples we will proceed towards the hill of Posillipo from where we can enjoy one of the most spectacular views over the Gulf of Naples and the volcano of Vesuvio. Descending towards the port of Mergellina and following the coastal road, we will arrive in the ancient fishing quarter of Santa Lucia and see the impressive Castel Dell'Ovo. (photograph stop). The city tour continues crossing the historical centre to see Piazza Del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco Di Paola, the San Carlo Opera House, the Gallery of Umberto I and the imposing Maschio Angioino. Upon leaving the city, we cross the fertile valley of Mount Vesuvius, passing the villages of Ercolano, Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata before finally arriving at Pompeii where we will first have a stop for lunch before visiting the excavations. After lunch we will continue with a local guide on foot for your archaeological journey through the ancient city for approx a 2 hours tour to see what was discovered approx 1700 years after Pompeii was covered by ashes during the eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 AD. Through the remains and ruins of this ancient city, we can picture the everyday life of the Imperial Age and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes before the city was so disastrously buried. At the end of the visit to Pompeii we will then return to the coach for a journey of approx 3 hours back to Rome. During this excursion we will visit a Coral and Cameo factory where we will have the opportunity to inspect and purchase items of this ancient craft dating back to the greek period.