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Leave
Rome and travel southwards along the  Apennine
mountains and
through fertile roman countryside passing
the rich vineyards where
Frascati wine is
produced and reach
Montecassino with
its nearby historical Abbey founded by
St.
Benedict in the
6th century, seat of the oldest monastic
order in the western world. In its
celebrated schools
St. Thomas
of Aquinus studied
as a youth and in the Middle Ages Gregorian
songs were first composed here. Arrive at
Naples,  3rd
largest city in Italy , famous for its
vivacious inhabitants, colourful alleys
lined with washing, Neapolitan melodies and
for the invention of pizza and maccheroni.
Stop at
Posillipo hill to
admire, from atop, the most spectacular
views of the
Bay of
Naples and Vesuvius
Vulcano.
See as far as
Sorrento and Isle
of Capri and
understand why this splendid Mediterranean
setting became the favourite holiday and
relaxation area of emperors, wealthy
patrician senators and poets in antiquity.
Descending to the shoreline visit
Mergellina,
the old port where fishermen sell their
morning catch and drive along the elegant
quarters past the
Villa
Pubblica,
a park with exuberant subtropical plants and
trees, and site of the world's oldest
aquarium.
Then on to Santa Lucia area made famous by the popular tune to see the
Middle
Age Dell'Ovo Castle. Cross the historical centre of town to see
Piazza del Plebiscito,
the Royal Spanish Bourbon Palace, San Francesco di Paola's Basilica, the
San Carlo Opera House of Enrico Caruso memories, King Humbert II Gallery and the impressive
Maschio Angioino, a fortress erected during the French
medieval domination. Leave Naples by skirting the bay and driving along
the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius, passing Herculaneum, Portici and
Torre del Greco ,reach
Pompeii .
Time for lunch and visit the excavations on foot with a l ocal
guide , enjoying an archaeological exploration through the ancient city.
Visit what has been discovered of the forgotten city after 1700 years of
its concealment by deep layers of lapilli and ashes in the dramatic
volcanic eruption of 79 a.d. See the Temple of Apollo, Forum,
Temple of Hercules, Theatre and Odeion, basilicas, taverns and shops along the
Way of Abbondance, the Market and rich residences with their frescoes
and mosaics, the
Roman Baths. After your exploration visit a cameo and coral
factory , the traditional craft introduced by the ancient Greeks and head back
for Rome.
Duration full-day. Everyday.
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