A 2,000-Year-Old Mosaic in Herculaneum

Italy is a bucket list destination for many Americans. There are countless reasons people go back year after year. While it’s far from the largest country, the destinations and experiences are only growing. 

Bespoke Vacation Through Campania

Campania is often associated with the stunning Amalfi Coast; it also includes Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and the ruins of Pompeii, which was covered in ash for almost 2,000 years after Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 AD. 

Enjoy a Taste of Naples

Campania’s largest city, Naples, is often overlooked by tourists but is a hidden gem in plain sight. Highlights include the Piazza del Plebiscito, surrounded by the Royal Palace and the church of San Francesco di Paolo – Italy’s oldest opera house, Teatro di San Carlo, and Castel dell’Ovo built in 1154. 

Naples should be near the top of any foodie’s bucket list. It’s the birthplace of pizza. The recipe was created in 1889 for Queen Margherita, consort of Umberto I of Italy. Mozzarella is combined with basil and locally grown tomatoes on a crust with a chewy rim and crisp bottom. It bakes for just 90 seconds in wood-fired ovens. It’s hard to admit but this pizza is much better than the slices we love in New York City. 

Mount Vesuvius 

One of Campania’s most recognizable landmarks is Mount Vesuvius. The volcano is best known for its explosion in 79 AD that covered the city of Pompeii in ash for almost two millennia. Today, both are tourist attractions. 

You can hike the trails around Mount Vesuvius for extraordinary views of the Bay of Naples. You will also have a spectacular view of the caldera or volcanic crater at the peak. 

The volcanic ash from Vesuvius has helped cultivate some of the best grapes for wine over the last two millennia. The region is renowned for Lacryma Christi, also known as “the tears of Christ of Vesuvius” wine. The grapes are indigenous to Mount Vesuvius and have been grown since ancient Roman times.

Pompeii and Herculaneum 

Pompeii is a popular day trip. The city is a well-known victim when Vesuvius exploded almost 2,000 years ago. It’s estimated thousands of people died when a cloud of gases and debris swept through the city after the explosion. The city remains well-preserved because everything was covered in ash. 

Pompeii is often considered a snapshot of Roman life at the time. While you will want to visit Pompeii, you should also visit Herculaneum (Ercolano.) It’s another city that was buried after Vesuvius exploded. 

Walking through Herculaneum gave me chills. It’s a much more intimate visit because it gets only about a tenth of the guests who visit Pompeii. The ruins are much more well-preserved and have fewer restorations, providing a more authentic experience!

While it’s sobering to know so many people died from thermal shock, it’s incredible to get such a vivid view of how people lived. Because of the material that covered Herculaneum, wooden objects such as roofs, beds, doors, and other organic-based materials are much more well-preserved. 

The colors used for houses, frescoes and mosaics are still bright. Marble floors have remained intact for 2,000 years and the details on artwork are exquisite. You can easily spend hours exploring these ancient ruins. 

Connect with an Expert 

Every region of Italy is distinct. The people you talk to, the foods you taste, the sweet aromas you smell, the art you ponder and the scenery that inspires you are very different across this popular country. It’s why you need a destination expert to help create a bespoke itinerary that’s right for you. 

The Travel Institute certified me as a destination specialist for Italy. It means I have expert knowledge and have spent enough time in Italy to design unique vacations with off-the-beaten-path destinations for travelers. I specialize in exclusive experiences to create lifelong memories to share with your family and friends.

The Travel Institute also designated me a Certified Travel Associate, while the American Society of Travel Advisors certified me as a Verified Travel Advisor.

These credentials require significant experience, rigorous certification and testing, and fulfilling stringent education credit requirements each year. Much like an accountant or doctor with their respective credentials, my designations mean that I am committed to upholding the highest standards of my profession while providing expert advice to my customers.

When you’re ready to start planning your journey to Italy, call or text me at 917-225-1360. You can also email [email protected]. My concierge travel service will save you the stress of doing it yourself while worrying if you’re missing out on anything.