Amalfi Coast visitors, particularly those based in Sorrento, frequently make a detour to Pompeii, the city that stopped breathing when Mount Vesuvius suddenly buried it in 30 feet of ash one summer’s day in the year 79. But Pompeii was not the volcano’s only victim. The port of Herculaneum became an instant time capsule the same day. Both sites are open to the public and both are stops on the Circumvesuviana train line connecting Sorrento to Naples.
Once a city of 20,000, Pompeii is by far the more famous of these two archaeological wonders and much vaster. Its ruined streets seem to spread out forever from the grand forum, past noble villas, government offices, restaurants, shops, marketplaces and public baths to a neighborhood of brothels, congested these days with tour groups. Herculaneum (Ercolano), once a port of 4,000 residents, is a mere microcosm of Pompeii, but it is far better preserved, more easily accessible and remarkably less crowded. Sealed 60 feet deep in ash until excavations began in 1748, Herculaneum contains blocks of villas, boarding houses, taverns, columns, boat sheds and a bathhouse; but what sets this volcanic showpiece apart is its multitude of frescoes and paintings, providing a peek at Roman life 20 centuries past. Visitors to the ruins should note that many of Pompeii’s artifacts are displayed in the Archaeological Museum in Naples and that Vesuvius is Europe’s only active volcano, last erupting in 1944.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 6, 2024What Maui Visitors Need to Know
There’s a lot happening on the beautiful island of Maui and recovery from the devastating fires in Lahaina is underway. Among happy events is a gorgeous cultural redesign of all the suites and villas at Fairmont Kea Lani, plus the opening of the resort’s Hale Kukuna — a 2,000-square-foot cultural center that focuses on sharing Hawai’ian culture, traditions and history, with the goal of a reciprocal sharing of ‘ike (knowledge) and mo’olelo (stories) that link the island’s storied past and vibrant present.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
Leisure Lifestyle 2024
May 6, 2024Explore Portugal on a Wine Tasting Tour with a Touch of History
All it takes is one glance at the grounds of Quinta Dona Maria, which includes a grand villa and surrounding gardens, to realize wine tasting in Portugal comes with a good dose of history. The vineyard is located in Estremoz, just northeast of the first-century Roman ruins found in Evora. In 1718 King João V built this estate for his lover, Dona Maria. When she died, the current owner’s ancestors purchased the land and have been making wine ever since. Taste the wine, which is terrific, especially the full-bodied red Dona Maria Grand Reserve. Then venture inside a building that stores large amphora vases, including one dating back to the 1200s.
Daily
May 6, 20244 Beachfront Resorts to Consider Staying at This Summer
There’s nothing better than spending summer on the beach. These four beachfront hotels around the world make it easier than ever to soak up the summer sun.
Daily
May 6, 2024PONANT’s New Catamaran to Set Sail This Summer
PONANT recently announced the latest addition to its fleet: Spirit of Ponant, measuring 24 meters and boasting six staterooms. The catamaran was built in France and sets sail in July 2024 before heading to the Seychelles for the winter. Travelers can privately charter Spirit of Ponant for week-long voyages and on a per-cabin basis for select itineraries, with rates starting at $8,250 per person (based on double occupancy for a single cabin booking in Corsica).
Daily
May 2, 2024Hotel AKA Washington Circle Opens in Washington, D.C.
Hotel AKA Washington Circle debuted on May 1 in Washington, D.C.’s, trendy Foggy Bottom/West End neighborhood. The 151-room property marks the third AKA property in the Washington, D.C., area.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Leisure Lifestyle 2024
May 2, 2024Get to Know Michael Dorf, CEO and Founder of City Winery
THE BASICS
ShareThis