The Royal Palace of Portici & Herculaneum Experience

Group Tour: Herculaneum and Royal Palace of Portici with Lunch at Historical Villa

Total duration: 1 day
Visited locations: Herculaneum Archaeological Park, Lunch in Historical Villa, Royal Palace of Portici
Type: Walking tour Group tour with expert guide

Itinerary:

Morning: Herculaneum Archaeological Park (2 hours)

• Meet the group at the ticket office into the Herculaneum Archaeological Park.
• With the guidance of an expert guide, discover the wonders of this unique Roman city, perfectly preserved by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Highlights include:
  • Roman Houses, such as the House of the Wooden Partition and the House of the Deer, showcasing stunning mosaics and frescoes.
  • The Forum and the Baths, once the center of public and social life.
  • Artifacts and human remains, narrating the dramatic final hours of the city's inhabitants.

12:30 PM: Lunch in a beautiful villa

• After the tour, walk through a magnificent 18th-century villa in the heart of the "Golden Mile."
• The lunch includes a traditional Campanian menu:
  • Mixed appetizer with local specialties.
  • First course with traditional options.
  • Typical dessert.
  • Water and a glass of wine.

Afternoon: Royal Palace of Portici (2 hours)

• At 3:00 PM, begin the guided tour of the Royal Palace of Portici, the opulent summer residence of the Bourbon kings.
• The tour includes:
  • The Royal Apartments, adorned with elegant furnishings and 18th-century decorations.
  • The Herculanense Museum, housing archaeological finds from Herculaneum and other Vesuvian sites, established by Charles of Bourbon.
  • The magnificent Botanical Garden, featuring rare and exotic plant species, blending nature and architecture in harmony.

5:30 PM: End of the Tour

• Return to the starting point or optional transfers to other destinations.

Included Services:

• Certified guide for both tours (Herculaneum and Royal Palace of Portici).
• Admission tickets to the Archaeological Park and the Royal Palace.
• Full lunch at Historical Villa
• Local transfers (optional, upon request).

Herculaneum Archaeological Park

1. An Incredibly Well-Preserved City:
   Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a pyroclastic flow of mud and volcanic ash that sealed the city almost intact. This preserved organic materials like wood, textiles, and even food—an extraordinary feat for archaeology.

2. A Glimpse into Roman Daily Life:
   Walking through the paved streets, guests will step back in time, exploring bakeries, shops, and luxurious houses adorned with vibrant frescoes and intricate mosaics that tell stories of a flourishing ancient city.

3. The Public Baths:
   The baths at Herculaneum showcase Roman technological ingenuity with heated floors and spaces designed for relaxation and socializing, highlighting the importance of well-being in Roman culture.

4. A Serendipitous Discovery:
   Herculaneum was rediscovered in 1709 during the digging of a well. This moment marked the beginning of modern archaeology and drew the attention of European royalty, including the Bourbon court.

5. The Mystery of the Skeletons:
   In the 1980s, over 300 skeletons were found along the ancient shoreline, suggesting that residents sought refuge by the sea before being overcome by the eruption. This discovery adds a poignant and human dimension to the visit.

Royal Palace of Portici

1. A Royal Residence by the Sea:
   Built in 1738 by King Charles of Bourbon and Queen Maria Amalia of Saxony, the Royal Palace of Portici became the summer retreat of the royal family thanks to its stunning location between Mount Vesuvius and the sea.

2. Europe’s First Archaeological Museum:
   King Charles established Europe’s first archaeological museum here, showcasing unique artifacts from the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This museum was the precursor to today’s National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

3. A Botanical Paradise:
   The palace’s Botanical Garden is a hidden gem filled with rare and exotic plants imported from around the globe. Ancient trees and specimens from the Americas and Asia reflect the Bourbon-era fascination with exploration and nature.

4. The Charm of the Royal Apartments:
   Guests will be captivated by the elegant royal apartments, featuring exquisite furnishings and art that reflect the grandeur of 18th-century court life.

5. A Beloved Bourbon Retreat:
   The Royal Palace hosted grand balls, concerts, and celebrations in its lavish gardens and halls. Visitors can still sense the magnificence and joy that once permeated this regal residence.

An Engaging Experience

These fascinating details transform the tour into more than just a cultural visit; it becomes an emotional journey into the mysteries, stories, and splendor of two of Campania’s treasures. Visitors will immerse themselves in the daily lives of ancient Romans at Herculaneum and the grandeur of the Bourbon monarchy at the Royal Palace of Portici, with a delightful interlude at Villa Signorini to savor the authentic flavors of Neapolitan cuisine