Arrive in Rome and settle into your centrally located hotel.

In the evening, meet your fellow travellers for a welcoming wine tasting and light supper in a historic setting associated with the ancient Theatre of Pompey.

Your cultural introduction explores the story of Odysseus and the legendary journey that will guide your travels through Italy and Greece.

Begin the day at the Castle of Baia and its archaeological museum, where Roman artefacts reveal the area’s importance as a fashionable retreat for ancient emperors.

Continue with a glass-bottomed boat excursion or snorkelling experience above the submerged archaeological remains of ancient Baia.

Explore the fascinating underwater ruins of Roman villas, mosaics and historic structures that gradually sank beneath the sea due to volcanic activity.

Later, visit Lake Avernus, a volcanic crater lake associated with ancient Roman mythology and the legendary entrance to the underworld.

Continue to Cumae, one of the earliest Greek settlements in mainland Italy, and explore its archaeological heritage, including the famous Cave of the Sibyl.

Enjoy an introduction to the region’s volcanic wines before returning to Bacoli.

Travel into Naples for a day exploring the city’s fascinating layers of history.

Visit the historic area of the Crypta Neapolitana, an ancient Roman tunnel associated with the poet Virgil and the city’s classical heritage.

Enjoy an opportunity to sample authentic Neapolitan pizza, one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary traditions.

In the afternoon, explore the archaeological remains beneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, where ancient Greek and Roman streets reveal the city’s remarkable past.

Return to Bacoli after a memorable day of cultural exploration.

Begin with a visit to Oplontis, home to the beautifully preserved Villa of Poppaea.

Admire the villa’s elaborate frescoes, architectural features and remains of luxurious Roman living.

Continue to Herculaneum, an extraordinary archaeological site preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

Walk through ancient streets and explore remarkably preserved houses, shops and public buildings that provide a fascinating insight into everyday Roman life.

Later, travel along the Bay of Naples to Sorrento.

Check into your boutique hotel in the historic centre and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Spend the morning exploring Pompeii, one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites.

Walk through the ancient Forum, residential districts and public spaces while learning about life in the Roman city before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Your visit includes an opportunity to explore accessible areas of the continuing archaeological excavations, subject to site arrangements.

In the afternoon, travel to a family-run vineyard on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Enjoy lunch and a tasting of Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio wines, produced from grapes grown in the region’s fertile volcanic soil.

Return to Sorrento for an evening at leisure.

Travel north to Santa Maria Capua Vetere, once home to one of the Roman Empire’s most important gladiatorial centres.

Visit its magnificent amphitheatre, the second largest in the Roman world, and explore the historic underground areas associated with gladiatorial performances.

Continue to the remarkable Mithraeum, an underground sanctuary dedicated to the Roman god Mithras.

Admire its preserved frescoes and learn about the religious traditions and rituals practised in ancient Rome.

Return to Sorrento later in the day.

Travel south into the beautiful Cilento region to visit Velia, the ancient Greek city of Elea.

Explore its archaeological remains and learn about the philosophers Parmenides and Zeno, whose ideas influenced the development of Western philosophy.

Continue to a working buffalo mozzarella farm, where you will learn about traditional production methods and sample freshly prepared mozzarella di bufala.

In the afternoon, visit Paestum, renowned for its exceptionally preserved ancient Greek temples.

Admire the magnificent Doric architecture and explore the archaeological museum, home to important artefacts including the celebrated Tomb of the Diver.

Return to Sorrento for a special farewell dinner featuring regional cuisine and wine.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to Naples Airport for your onward journey.

Your exploration of Campania concludes with lasting memories of ancient civilisations, remarkable archaeological sites, beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and the region’s distinctive culinary traditions.