Historic Herculaneum

Delve into the remains of Herculaneum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that, much like Pompeii, fell victim to Mount Vesuvius’ reverberating AD 79 eruption, on this engaging tour that also takes you to a local craft center. You’ll learn that Herculaneum’s fate didn’t quite mirror Pompeii’s, since Pompeii was buried in hot volcanic ash that burned everything combustible, whereas Herculaneum was covered by scorching mud that serendipitously preserved the village and prevented looting throughout the centuries. In addition, you’ll hear many of the citizens had already departed Herculaneum due to an earthquake that preceded the volcanic eruption by several years, so this city has none of the eerie body casts seen in Pompeii. During your guided tour, you might see upper-class Roman villas overlooking the sea, original statuary, inlaid marble floors, intricate wall mosaics and even carbonized wood artifacts that survived the horrific devastation, all of which provide an astonishing snapshot of life nearly 2,000 years ago. Cap off your illuminating outing with a visit to a craft center, proof that even Vesuvius’ destructive outburst couldn’t prevent this vibrant corner of Italy from flourishing.

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.