Once the most famous and flourishing encampments of ancient Rome, now an ode to the power of a fallen empire, Expect detailed stories of those who inhabited the town and were suddenly covered beneath the plumes of burning ash, stopping the time at that moment and preserving the ancient city for us to discover it! Pompeii was an immense market town and the favored resort for most wealthy Romans. With beautiful baths and lavishly decorated villas and houses, it is clear the Romans lived well. Moreover, the bakeries, mills, snack outlets, laundrette, temples, theatres, and the oldest amphitheater known to man – dating back to 80 BC – suggest the population understood how to look after themselves.

From a city frozen in time, step forth into Sorrento – once a Greek village, later to be taken over by the Roman empire – the beauty of the location drew in countless Romans seeking respite from the humdrum of their daily lives. Their seafront villas are now little more than ruins but offer a great insight into their opulent lifestyles, and the ongoing beauty of the town makes it the picture-perfect stop-off for lunch.