Skip to main content
New Pending Creator

8 Days of Ancient Wonders: Rome and Naples with Annelise

Sep 19, 2027 - Sep 26, 2027

Cultural Cultural

$4,299 USD

BOOK WITH $750 DEPOSIT

8 Days of Ancient Wonders: Rome and Naples with Annelise

Sep 19, 2027 - Sep 26, 2027

$4,299  USD

BOOK WITH $750 DEPOSIT

From the heart of the Roman Empire to the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, this immersive journey reveals Italy’s ancient past through the eyes of an archaeologist. Hosted by Annelise Baer, you’ll uncover the stories behind ruins, relics, and rituals – from Etruscan temples and imperial art to mosaics, monuments, and everyday life preserved for millennia.

Designed to balance education with inspiration, this itinerary weaves together hands-on experiences, guided museum visits, and archaeological sites that shaped world history. Along the way, you’ll learn how Italy’s layers of civilization connect – from the rise of Rome to the buried cities of the Bay of Naples – all while enjoying the country’s timeless cuisine and charm.

With exclusive access, expert local guides, and Annelise’s engaging storytelling, you’ll walk the same streets as emperors, artisans, and philosophers. This is more than a trip – it’s a living classroom set among the most extraordinary open-air museums on earth.

Trip Start: Rome, Italy - Sunday September 19th 2027

Trip Finish: Naples, Italy - Sunday September 26th 2027

Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Accommodation: 7 Nights Hand-picked ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels (Shared & Private Available)

Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Dinner x 4

Group Size: Up to 20 Guests

Inclusions

Accommodation: 7 Nights Hand-picked ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels (Shared & Private Available)

Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Dinner x 4

Hosted by Annelise Baer

Experienced English-speaking Local Guides

All Private Transfers and Ground Transportation as Listed

Guided Introductory Walking Tour of Rome

Welcome Dinner at Local Rome Trattoria

Colosseum Tour with Arena Access

Guided Visits of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Private Tour of Veii Archaeological Site

Guided Visit of Capitoline Museums

Private Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums Tour

Mosaic Workshop with Local Artisan

High-Speed Train from Rome to Naples

Guided Tour of Herculaneum

Guided Tour of Pompeii

Neapolitan Pizza-Making Class and Dinner

Guided Tour of Baiae and Archaeological Park

Glass-Bottom Boat Experience at Baiae

Winery Visit and Tasting at Mount Vesuvius

Group Transfer to Napoli Centrale on Departure

Exclusions

Arrival/Departure Flights

Arrival Airport Transfer

Visa/Entry Requirements

Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions

Personal Expenses incl Tips

Travel Insurance (Required)

Your Host

Annelise Baer

I’m a Los Angeles-based archaeologist and Emmy-nominated researcher and producer with an MA in Archaeology for Screen Media from the University of Bristol. I run the TikTok account @annelisethearchaeologist and its Instagram counterpart, where I share approachable and irreverent short-form videos that make archaeology and ancient history accessible to a global audience. Thanks to the incredible response from my community, I’ve also begun hosting group trips to destinations like Egypt, Turkey, and Iceland — designed to make travel to these “bucket list” sites more accessible for younger travelers and to help everyone connect with history in a fun, memorable, and hands-on way.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Rome and Historical Introduction

Arrive in Rome, Italy’s eternal city, and make your own way to the joining hotel located in the heart of the city. After check-in, take some time to unwind or explore nearby areas such as Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona, both filled with timeless architecture and local energy.

Later this afternoon, embark on an Introductory Walking Tour with your host and guide. Stroll through Piazza Navona to learn about its origins as a Roman stadium, admire the Pantheon’s engineering brilliance, and view Trajan’s Column for a glimpse into imperial art. The evening concludes with a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Roman trattoria.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Dinner

Activities

  • Introductory Walking Tour of Rome
  • Visit Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Trajan’s Column
  • Welcome Dinner at Traditional Trattoria

Day 2 Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Foundations

After breakfast, begin your journey through Ancient Rome with a guided Colosseum Tour, including special access to the arena floor. Continue through the Roman Forum to uncover stories of political life and empire, then explore the legendary Palatine Hill, where Rome’s history began.

The afternoon offers free time for lunch and leisure, followed by an optional aperitivo and dinner to enjoy Rome at your own pace as the city lights up for the evening.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast

Activities

  • Guided Colosseum Tour with Arena Access
  • Guided Visit of Roman Forum
  • Explore Palatine Hill

Day 3 Etruscan Veii and Capitoline Museums

Begin the morning with breakfast before a private transfer takes you to the fascinating Veii Archaeological Site. Enjoy a guided exploration of the Portonaccio Sanctuary and necropolis, gaining insight into Etruscan religion and city planning.

Return to Rome in the afternoon and visit the Capitoline Museums, where you’ll view treasures like the She-Wolf statue, the Dying Gaul, and other masterpieces that shaped classical art. The evening is free to relax or dine locally at your own pace.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast

Activities

  • Guided Tour of Veii Archaeological Site
  • Visit the Portonaccio Sanctuary and Necropolis
  • Guided Tour of Capitoline Museums

Day 4 Vatican Museums and Hands-On Culture

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to the Vatican for a skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums. Focus on the Gregorian Etruscan Museum and the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to remarkable sarcophagi, pottery, and sculptures like the Laocoön.

In the afternoon, enjoy a creative Mosaic Workshop where you’ll learn Roman mosaic techniques and craft your own small piece under artisan guidance. Dinner is included this evening.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Activities

  • Private Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums Tour
  • Visit Gregorian Etruscan and Pio-Clementino Museums
  • Hands-On Mosaic Workshop

Day 5 Transfer to Naples and Herculaneum

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and transferring to Roma Termini for your high-speed train to Naples. Upon arrival, travel by private transfer to Herculaneum for a guided tour of the exceptionally preserved ruins, showcasing daily Roman life through frescoes and wooden structures.

After lunch on your own, continue to your Naples hotel for check-in. The evening is free to explore Naples’ historic streets, such as Spaccanapoli, or relax at leisure.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast

Activities

  • High-Speed Train from Rome to Naples
  • Guided Tour of Herculaneum

Day 6 Pompeii and Neapolitan Pizza

Start the day with breakfast before heading to Pompeii. A guided tour reveals the ancient city’s highlights, including the Forum, House of the Faun, Villa of the Mysteries, and Amphitheater. Gain insight into Roman art, architecture, and urban life.

Return to Naples in the afternoon for free time, then enjoy a Pizza-Making Class in the evening. Learn traditional Neapolitan pizza techniques and savor your creation for dinner.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Activities

  • Guided Tour of Pompeii
  • Neapolitan Pizza-Making Class and Dinner

Day 7 Baiae and Vesuvius Winery

After breakfast, travel to the coastal site of Baiae in the Phlegraean Fields. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour revealing submerged Roman villas and mosaics beneath the sea, followed by a visit to the Archaeological Park and the Temple of Mercury.

Continue to a Mount Vesuvius winery for a tour and tasting of Lacryma Christi wines paired with local cheeses and cured meats. The evening concludes with a Farewell Dinner celebrating your Italian adventure.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Activities

  • Guided Tour of Baiae and Archaeological Park
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Experience
  • Vesuvius Winery Visit and Tasting
  • Farewell Dinner

Day 8 Fond Farwell

Enjoy a final breakfast and a slow morning reflecting on the incredible journey through Italy’s ancient past. Take one last walk through Naples’ lively streets or sip an espresso overlooking the bay before checking out.

A group transfer will take you to Napoli Centrale, where your adventure concludes – but the memories of Rome’s grandeur, the mosaics you crafted, and the stories of Pompeii will stay with you long after “arrivederci Italia.”

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast

Activities

  • Group Transfer to Napoli Centrale Train Station

Trip Photos

Important Notes

ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. A group transfer to Napoli Centrale Train Station is included – the exact timing for this will be communicated closer to trip commencement. For those continuing to the airport, your departure airport is Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP).

ARRIVAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Arrival airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. More specific information on transport options for your arrival and departure airports will be available on the airport websites.

Pre-booked airport transfers are available for most airports via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip

ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised roughly 2-3 months prior to the trip starting. We will advise guests once that happens, and we then recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.

DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/italy-destination-guide/

TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.

BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We do not recommend booking flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.

BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. We do not recommend organising this until your trip is CONFIRMED.

For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/

ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.

For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/

INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/

Recent Reviews

Click the button below and be the first to review this.

Taken this trip before?

Click the button below and be the first to review this.

Leave a review

Leave a review by completing the form below

Rating:
Got questions?

Register your interest for

8 Days of Ancient Wonders: Rome and Naples with Annelise



    Contact us

    Please fill in this form and we’ll be in touch soon.



      INSTAGRAM

      @bestintravel