Ancient Pompeii and Sorrento On Your Own

You will begin your day with time to explore Sorrento on your own. Founded by the Greeks about 700 years before Christ, the name Sorrento comes from the Greek word for Siren. On his legendary Odyssey, this is the site where Ulysses overcame the treacherous lure of the seductive sirens who lived here. In doing so, he opened this area up to colonization. To the ancient Greeks, places like Sorrento were the Wild West. The town's original Greek street plan survives running east–west for the most sunlight and north–south for the prevailing and cooling breeze. From the old center, an ancient lane zigzags down to the Marina Grande — Sorrento's historic harbor. Just before reaching the harbor, you pass through an ancient Greek gate, a reminder that Marina Grande was always a separate town with its own proud residents. This section of town was locked outside the fortified wall during pirate raids. The port's economy is still based on its colorful fishing fleet...and more recently its many seafood restaurants.

On the return journey we will stop for a guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii. You will enter the fabled city through the Sea Gate as you experience a walk down the cobbled street to the Agora, surrounded by temples, porticoes and law courts. It was the religious, civic and business center of the city. Because Pompeii was so well preserved, you can see many fine details that reveal the lifestyles of the residents, such as mosaic floors and colorful frescoes in some of the homes. As you wander through this ancient city, you can't help but notice the still-active Mount Vesuvius towering above. A visit to Pompeii is one of the musts of any visit to Naples.

Departures (Local Time)

8:30 AM (Hours: 8 to 8.5)