Ancient Herculaneum -
Depart 8:30 AM Arrive 12:00 PM
Pompeii was destroyed by volcanic ash but Herculaneum was covered in
a flood of hot mud that actually sealed and protected this ancient
Roman aristocracy.
On this very educational excursion you will:
Discover there is undeniably a "feeling" about Herculaneum,
which is quite different from what one feels in other ancient
world centers, including Pompeii. To a large extent, this is due
to the special circumstances of its interment by Vesuvius during
the eruption of A.D. 79; the city was not struck by ashes and
lapilli, but by a torrent of mud flowing down from the slopes of
the volcano.
Learn, having solidified and become tufa-like, it
constituted for centuries the best possible defense against
atmospheric agents and against illegal excavators. This is the
reason for the more intimate atmosphere (compared to Pompeii)
that emanates from the houses. See for yourself the wooden
elements, foodstuffs and fabrics that are preserved intact, thus
offering a unique vision of private life in antiquity.
Enjoy your guided tour of Herculaneum, walking through the
old streets, going back in time, as you view many differences in
the construction styles and quality. Statues and marble
furniture can be visited inside old homes still walled with
vibrant and colorful mosaics.
Enter the Baths, walk over bridges and look into tunnels.
You will be amazed at the preservation of these excavations.
Before returning to the ship, you will stop at a Cameo
Factory to see how this delicate work is done and to have the
opportunity to use facilities.
NOTE: Headphones will be provided. This excursion involves
approximately two hours of walking over relatively uneven surfaces
and cobblestone inside Herculaneum excavations; comfortable walking
shoes are recommended.
