Day 1 - CASERTA AND SANTA MARIA CAPUA VETERE
Upon arrival in Caserta, participants will be welcomed by the guide for a visit to the majestic Royal Palace of Caserta. This imposing royal palace, designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century, is one of the most extraordinary examples of baroque architecture in Europe. During the visit, students will explore the royal apartments, rich in history and art, and the vast park with its fountains and water games. The guide will provide insights into the history of the Reggia and the historical context in which it was built, allowing students to understand the political and cultural importance of the Kingdom of Naples. After the visit, free lunch, followed by departure for Santa Maria Capua Vetere. Here, students will visit the Campano Amphitheatre, one of the largest and oldest Roman amphitheatres, where a lecture on the life of gladiators and the shows that animated these imposing structures will be held. The guide will also explain the story of Spartacus, the famous gladiator who led a great slave revolt against Rome, allowing students to delve into the social and political dynamics of the ancient Roman Empire. The visit will continue at the Gladiator’s Museum, where you will see artifacts and stories related to the fights and daily life of the gladiators. The day will end with transfer to hotel, accommodation in rooms, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 - CAPRI
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Capri, an island that represents a real lesson of geography, history and culture. The day will start in Anacapri, with a visit to the old town and the viewpoint of Axel Munte, which offers a geological and landscape overview of the island. Continue to the centre of Capri, where we will explore the famous Piazzetta, the beating heart of the island, with its historic cafes and exclusive boutiques. We will also visit the Gardens of Augustus, with their terraces overlooking the Faraglioni and the famous Monte Solaro. Students will explore the importance of Capri in Roman times as an imperial residence and cultural center, observing architectural and artistic influences. During the lunch in the course of the excursion, they will taste typical dishes, discovering the gastronomy of the island. We will also explore Villa Jovis, one of the residences of the emperor Tiberius. The visit to this villa will offer an overview of the life of the emperor and the Roman architecture. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Grotto (optional, depending on weather conditions and available weather. In addition, you can take a panoramic tour of the island by boat to admire its natural beauty from the water. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 - POMPEII AND SORRENTO
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will leave for Pompeii. The guided tour of the archaeological site will allow students to immerse themselves in the daily life of a Roman city from the 1st century AD, preserved under the volcanic ash of Vesuvius. The guide will explain the main monuments, such as the Forum, the baths, the houses of the rich patricians and the wonderful frescoes, explaining the historical context and social dynamics of Pompeii before the eruption. After lunch in the restaurant, you will leave for Sorrento, where students will explore this beautiful coastal village. The visit will include a walk in the historic center, with explanations about local traditions and the importance of Sorrento in the history of tourism in Italy. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - NAPLES
After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave for Naples. The guided tour of the old town will begin with a walk along Spaccanapoli, the road that cuts in two the ancient city. Students will discover San Gregorio Armeno, famous for the workshops of handmade cribs, and continue with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the majolica cloister, and then reach Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. The day will include a visit to the Sansevero Chapel, where they can admire the Veiled Christ, sculptural masterpiece by Giuseppe Sanmartino.
After lunch, there will be a visit to the monumental area of Naples. Students will explore Piazza del Plebiscito, admiring the vast square surrounded by important historic buildings. They will continue with a walk through the Galleria Umberto I, observing the architectural magnificence of this nineteenth-century shopping center. The external visit of the Royal Palace and the Maschio Angioino, as well as the exterior of the San Carlo Theatre, will offer additional insights into the history and culture of Naples. Finally, the day will end with a walk in the Spanish Neighborhoods, where students can admire the famous murals, testimonies of art and contemporary urban culture. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - HERCULANEUM AND VESUVIUS
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Herculaneum. The guided tour of the archaeological site will offer students the opportunity to explore an exceptionally preserved Roman city, where the differences between Pompeii and Herculaneum and the daily life of the ancient Romans will be illustrated. The guide will also explain the importance of archaeological finds and the work of archaeologists. After lunch in the restaurant, we will continue to the Vesuvius National Park to visit the only active volcano of continental Europe. Students will learn about geology and volcanology, exploring the park’s trails and observing the crater of Vesuvius. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - SALERNO
After breakfast in the hotel and baggage check-in, departure for Salerno. The guided tour will start at the Castle of Arechi, a splendid Lombard fortification with panoramic views over the city and the gulf. The guide will explain the strategic importance of the castle and its history. We will continue with the visit to the historic center of Salerno, including the Cathedral, built by the will of Roberto il Guiscardo. During the walk, students will discover the architectural and artistic features of the medieval city. Lunch during the excursion and departure for the return, thus concluding a tour rich in history, culture and educational discoveries.
