Enjoy a full-day tour of Naples and Pompeii follwing the "Highway of the Sun," through the fertile Roman countryside of the "Castelli Romani." Approximately halfway along the highway, you will see the Abbey of Montecassino, which was destroyed in a famous battle during the Second World War. Descend towards the port of Mergellina, and follow the coastal road to the ancient fishing quarter of Santa Lucia. Enjoy the views of Naples' impressive Castel dell’Ovo. Continue to Naples' historic city center, where your city tour will include all the major highlights, such as the Piazza del Plebiscito, Royal Palace, Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, San Carlo Opera House, Gallery of Umberto I, and the imposing Maschio Angioino. Depart Naples and cross the valley of Mount Vesuvius, passing the towns of Ercolano, Torre del Greco, and Torre Annunziata before arriving at Pompeii, where you will break for lunch. Continue after lunch with a guided visit to the extraordinary excavations. A local guide will explain Pompeii's tragic story from an archaeological perspective and uncover what has lain beneath the ashes since the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Pompeii tour lasts about 2 hours, covering all the highlights of the scientific discoveries made 1,700 years after the devastating volcanic eruption. At the end of your Pompeii tour, return by coach to Rome. Along the way, you will stop to visit a coral and cameo factory, where you can admire and purchase items of the ancient craft that dates back to Greek times.