On Tour with Odysseys: A Day in Pompeii

In 79 CE, Italy experienced one of its most catastrophic natural events to date: the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The explosion blanketed the Roman city of Pompeii in up to 20 feet of ash, completely destroying it – or so the ancient Romans thought. In actuality, the ash literally “froze” the town in time, leaving exquisite ruins that show us how local residents once lived.

A cobblestone street with its tightly packed homes and shops in Pompeii

We explore Pompeii, now one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, during a half-day excursion on Day 4 of our Portrait of Italy and Day 12 of our Southern Italy & Sicily small group tours. Scroll down for a peek at some of the sights we experience, as well as on-tour photos taken by Odysseys guests.

The remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii tell a tale both tragic and fascinating, as we learn during our tour. Just before Mount Vesuvius’ eruption, many of the city’s residents heeded the warning signs and fled the town. But some 2,000 remained and were caught in the eruption.

Among the ruins, we see Pompeii’s Roman amphitheater (above), among the oldest and best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. About half the size of the Colosseum in Rome, Pompeii’s amphitheater could seat the entirety of Pompeii’s population – some 20,000 people –  on its stone benches. The choice of entertainment? Gladiator contests. The theater’s walls display fragments of painted posters depicting former fan favorites, along with slogans, nicknames, and more – very reminiscent of modern banners and billboards decorating today’s sports arenas.

Strolling through the Forum (above), we experience what public life in ancient Pompeii may have been like. This was the city’s hub of commerce, religion, and politics. Bordering the forum: the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Jupiter, the Macellum (food market), the Basilica (law court), and Via dell'Abbondanza.

Via dell'Abbondanza (“the street of abundance”) served as Pompeii’s main artery, providing easy access to the city’s most important areas. The many different types of buildings along this street – stores, taverns, workshops, offices, houses, apartments, and more – provide a perfect representation of the diversity of Pompeii’s former residents.

For example, Casa dei Ceii (pictured above and below), located just off of Via dell'Abbondanza, offers a glimpse of the lives of Pompeii’s most wealthy. Though relatively small, the residence’s four-column atrium, elegant garden area, and Egyptian-inspired frescoes all prove the former owner, a local magistrate, possessed refined taste and worldly knowledge.

Our Pompeii excursion makes up part of an unforgettable day of small group touring, regardless of which itinerary you choose. On Portrait of Italy, we round out our day by enjoying a breathtaking drive along the Amalfi Coast. And after touring Pompeii on Southern Italy & Sicily, we partake in a hands-on Neapolitan cooking class and enjoy the fruits of our labor for dinner.

You can live a day in the life of an ancient Roman yourself by touring Pompeii with a small group on our Portrait of Italy and Southern Italy & Sicily tours. Just submit an online reservation request or give us a call and we’d be happy to help you book your spot today.

Mount Etna looms above Pompeii to this day