You’ll be picked up at your designated point of departure and travel by comfortable minibus or van to Pompeii on this half-day excursion to explore the ancient ruins of this famous Roman town. Ever since the ancient Greeks settled the area in the 8th century B.C. the region around Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples attracted wealthy vacationers who came for the sun and the stunning scenery. By the turn of the first century A.D. the town of Pompeii, located about 5 miles from Mount Vesuvius, was a flourishing resort for Rome’s most distinguished citizens. Elegant houses and elaborate villas lined the paved streets. Tourists, townspeople and slaves bustled in and out of small factories and artisan shops, taverns and cafés and brothels and bathhouses. People gathered in the 20,000-seat arena and lounged in the open-air squares and marketplaces. Your tour guide will show you the most interesting places, such as the Forum, the thermal baths, the luxurious House of the Vettii and the Lupanar, or a famous brothel. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the site on your own before your return trip, with an anticipated arrival time of 1:40 PM.