Stories of Vesuvius - Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum 

The transfer time from Naples Airport to your hotel in Ercolano is approximately 20 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.

Passport validity requirements If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check if your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.Passport stampingAt Italian border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home)
• show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay. The minimum amount required depends on your accommodation
• follow procedures if you are hosting a guest at your property in Italy

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

Euro

The summer months can be hot so comfortable wear with layers are recommended for during the day. Smart casual wear is recommended for the evenings. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. Visiting ancient sights: Visitors are required to observe decorous behaviour. Appropriate clothing is required for the importance and official nature of the places, so ceremonial clothing, masks, costumes and any other disguise that may undermine the dignity and protection of the site are not permitted. We recommend wearing closed and comfortable shoes (high heels and flip-flops are not recommended).

There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff of approximately EUR 25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.

When planning a tour of ancient sites in Italy, it's important to be aware of the uneven surfaces throughout these historical locations. Many of these sites are made up of cobblestone streets, uneven stone walkways, and ruins, which can make walking challenging, especially for those with mobility issues or who are not used to hiking. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for navigating the uneven terrain.
2. Pace Yourself: Ancient sites can be vast, and the terrain may be tiring. Take breaks when needed and stay hydrated.
3. Stay Aware: Be mindful of where you step, especially in crowded areas, to avoid tripping or twisting your ankle.

Despite these challenges, exploring ancient sites in Italy is a rewarding experience that offers a fascinating glimpse into history. A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required. The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change.