ITALY
Italy has been a land of art, culture and history dating back to the earliest phases of human civilisation. Since classical times, ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Greeks established settlements in the south of the country, with Etruscans and Celts inhabiting the centre and the north of Italy respectively and various ancient Italian tribes and Italic peoples dispersed throughout the Italian peninsula and interior.
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TARAS' TIPS:
“We can help you to create unique visits to both popular and lesser known areas of this magnificent country. Participate in an archaeological excavation in the region of Puglia or visit Pompeii and Herculaneum under the guidance of an expert.”
Visit an area of Italy less travelled, such as Sannio, the land of the Samnites, one of Rome's fiercest enemies. Explore Benevento and the surrounding, mountainous countryside, renowned for excellent wine and bread. You are also a short trip away from the Bay of Naples, Amalfi coast, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Add Rome to your visit and the region of Puglia, both within reach of your base in this serene landscape.
Mount Vesuvius
ITALY
SCROLL THROUGH SOME OF OUR MUSES' SUGGESTIONS
CALLIOPE (Literature) AND CLIO (History)
Literature & History
Puglia
Hannibal’s invasion of Italy, Romans in their expansion in the Mediterranean, Europe’s struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Aeneas, protagonist of the Aeneid, is thought to have arrived along the shores of the Adriatic coast of Puglia, travelling from Troy in search of a new home for his lost people.
THALIA
ARCHAEOMUSEMENTS
Attractions in the Bay of Naples:
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Pompeii & Herculaneum
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Islands of Ischia and Capri
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Naples City Centre- museums art galleries and castles
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Piazza del Plebiscito
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San Carlo Opera House
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Pozzuoli
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Cumae
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Baia
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Misenum
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Bacoli
SAMPLE ITINERARY
BAY OF NAPLES: IN THE SHADOW OF VESUVIUS
The Bay of Naples provides a diverse range of sites to see and activities to do, from archaeology to pizza to opera to island hopping. Visit the places where emperors, poets, artists and musicians went, and continue to go, for inspiration.
STOP ONE
Venture to the Bay of Naples
The Bay of Naples provides a diverse range of activities and sites to see. Spend time climbing the Vesuvius volcano, or head to Pompeii under the expert guidance of an archaeologist and classicist.
STOP THREE
Go North...or South?
Choose to explore the outlying regions of Pozzuoli, Baia, Bacoli and Misenum on the north side of the bay or head to the south side, visiting the ancient city of Stabiae and onwards to Vico Equense, Sorrento and the world-renowned Amalfi coast.
STOP TWO
Exhibits from Herculaneum
On your second day, venture into another city buried by Mount Vesuvius and explore breath-taking exhibits from both Pompeii and Herculaneum in local national archaeological museums.
STOP FOUR
Coast along the Italian Isles
Venture further still to the island of Capri, home once to Emperor Tiberius, or travel to Ischia, site of one of the earliest Greek colonies in the Western Mediterranean, established at the end of the Iron Age and beginning of the Greek renaissance.
“T'was here that I inspired Virgil to compose the Aeneid!”
SAMPLE ITINERARY
INSPIRED BY MELPOMENE
SHAKESPEARE'S ITALY
Shakespeare uses Italy, either as the base of at least in part, for 14 of his 37 plays. Start in Venice and travel through this beautiful country. Explore the original settings of his great tragedy, Othello (subtitled, "The Moor of Venice"), take a loan to woo a wealthy woman ("The Merchant of Venice”), stand on a balcony and wait for your true love (“Romeo and Juliet”), perhaps you will meet two gentleman there too (The Two Gentlemen of Verona). Time for love and political incorrectness (Taming of the Shrew,) before seeing how one of the most famous Roman Emperor fell (“Julius Caesar”). Do you believe unrequited love can turn (“All’s Well That Ends Well”)? Maybe we need something to uplift our spirits, how about some fun and frivolity (“Much Ado About Nothing”)?
STOP ONE
Venice
"Othello" - The beginning of the play is set in Venice. Marvel in the streets, soak up the atmosphere. Observe the two bronze figures on top of the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower. A key reference in Othello as they are known as ‘i mori’, or ‘the Moors’.
"The Merchant of Venice" - Visit the Jewish quarter (‘Venetian Ghetto’) and Rialto Market, mentioned several times. Enjoy a private Gondola ride.
STOP THREE AND FOUR
Florence and Rome
“All’s Well That Ends Well” - Set in Florence. When your love flees to Florence to fight in the Tuscan War, you follow.
“Julius Caesar” - Set in Rome and possibly Shakespeare's most iconic Roman tragedy and based on historical events. Explore the ancient Roman ruins. Stand by the Roman Forum and recite what Mark Anthony proclaimed during the eulogy for his fallen friend, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” .
STOP TWO
Padua and Verona
"The Taming of the Shrew" - Stroll around The University of Padua, which was one of the first in the world, and mentioned by Shakespeare in this play.
"Romeo and Juliet" - set in Verona, the ultimate tragic love story. Visit Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), stand on her balcony and make a plea.
STOP FIVE
Sicily
“Much Ado About Nothing” - Set in Messina, Sicily. A romantic comedy with many scenes taking place in Leonato’s luscious outdoor garden.
A play that brings together Shakespeare's best loved themes.
Ciao Italy, so much to discover, so much history!
“I cannot praise ArchaeoMuse enough. Lucy and Antonio worked tirelessly to tailor make our Y7 trip to the Bay of Naples; such a wonderful experience for pupils and staff.”
