Departing from the pier, travel for approximately one and a half hours to Herculaneum by air-conditioned motor coach. Herculaneum suffered from two major volcanic eruptions, the first in 63 AD and the second in 79 AD, which was the eruption that also destroyed Pompeii.
Unlike Pompeii, which was buried in volcanic ash, entombing many of the residents in eerily body "casts," Herculaneum was buried in mud, which helped preserve the buildings, many of them opulent homes. The mosaic at Casa del Nettuno de Anfitrite, for example, still shows intense color, and the deities adorning some of the private baths and fountains are remarkably vivid. At the two-story House of the Deer, paintings and furnishings reveal wealth and opulent lifestyles.
Then, following lunch in Pompeii, you'll continue on to the ancient part of the city that was devastated by the famed volcanic eruption. Now excavated, that area reflects Pompeii's former glory, as you'll discover by meandering the city streets and exploring the mansions and private homes, many of them adorned with mosaic floors, brilliant frescoes and other works of art that provide an impression of Roman life as it was 2,000 years ago. After visiting, you'll return to the ship.
Please note: This excursion involves extensive walking over cobbled and uneven surfaces as well as uphill walking. Afternoon temperatures can climb quite high so this excursion is not recommended for guests with physical disabilities or low tolerance for such conditions. It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as wear flat, comfortable walking or sports shoes. Pompeii and Herculaneum are active archaeological sites; therefore, it is not possible to determine which houses will be open in advance. As dense traffic congestion can be anticipated, the order of sights visited may vary.