Sorrento & Pompeii

It’s easy to see why the Sorrentine peninsula was a favorite vacation residence of the Roman emperor Augustus. Perched above the azure Bay of Naples, he could gaze on rows of olive trees and the hazy outline of a quiet Mount Vesuvius. Two thousand years later, the landscape is still breathtaking and the view still tranquil.

In nearby Herculaneum and Pompeii, however, history tells a more troubled tale. As we visit the once lava-bound cities, we’ll discover Roman life in the 1st century A.D., hear about the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and learn about the archaeology studies which brought their treasures to light. We venture to Capri, nestled in the Gulf of Naples, and explore Villa Jovis, once home of Tiberius, supplying students additional insight to the opulent lives of Roman emperors. At nearby Paestum, we take in the history of Greek colonialism while under the shadow of the site’s three magnificent Doric temples, which date from 550 B.C.

While most of our time in Sorrento region is spent delving into millenniums past, we are also able to enjoy the lively culture of today. During our hands-on cooking classes, local chefs share secrets to the regional cuisine and our time exploring local markets provide a slice of daily life and we observe the almost theatrical exchanges between buyer and seller. And though the countrywide debate as to where to find the best pizza rages on, many believe that the finest pizza can be found in Sorrento, and we can show you where.

Inspirational, educational and enjoyable, etr’s Sorrento programs are custom designed and can be coupled with Rome to provide a great 6 or 7 day experience.