Italy Rome Tour

Herculaneum was originally discovered when a well was being dug out in the early 18th Century at a depth of 50 ñ 60 feet below the modern surface. Initially a series of shafts and tunnels were dug to strip the site of any valuables sold later as antiques. However, between 1749 to 1765 Herculaneum was explored on a more scientific basis, under the orders of the Bourbon Kings of Naples and the Two Sicilies, initially under the supervision of Rocco Gioacchino Alcubierre and then his assistant Carlo Weber. A basic plan of the town was mapped out and much of the portable remains removed, but eventually these tunnels collapsed and were closed down. The modern towns of Resina and Portici grew up over the site and knowledge of where the entrance to the tunnels were was lost to the scientific community. In the 20th Century, archaeological excavations re-commenced on a modern and scientific basis, fully uncovering a small section of the town, but the earlier tunneling had damaged the structure of much of the surviving buildings. The site is also suffering from exposure to the elements and the periodic earth tremors, so the preservation and conservation is a priority today. The tour will continue later along the Amalfi Coast to Positano, surely the most beautiful seaside village of the Coast. Narrow winding streets that slowly descend from the hilltop to the beautiful beach will warmly welcome you for a leisurely stroll, where you may find fashion designers boutiques, shops and seaside It is described by many as the most beautiful seaside village of the coast.

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