Nat Geo Day Tour: Gragnano, the Epicenter of Dried Pasta Production

Nat Geo Day Tour: Gragnano, the Epicenter of Dried Pasta Production

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Gragnano, the epicenter of dried pasta production. The tour starts with a picturesque bus ride along the Sorrentine Coast, offering panoramic views. Throughout the day, your National Geographic-trained guide will provide intriguing insights into Campanian culture. Your first destination is the idyllic Valley of the Mills, nestled between the towns of Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here, you'll have the rare privilege of exploring the historical site, together with a local historian and retired miller who is dedicated to this important restoration project. He will explain in detail the ingenious engineering that powered the mills, a captivating revelation exclusively reserved for National Geographic travelers. As you take a leisurely stroll through this lush landscape, you can connect with the natural beauty that has inspired generations. The next stop is a renowned pasta factory with deep-rooted traditions. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of chief pasta maker, Antonino Moccia, and the factory's 140 different shapes of pasta, some of which are patented. Accompanied by the factory's owner, you'll embark on a tour of the museum, hearing intimate stories that have shaped this industry over the centuries. Before the tour ends, you will don protective garments and go backstage to the production area to see the pasta-making process step by step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision that goes into crafting each piece of pasta. You'll discover the meticulous packaging techniques that ensure the final product reaches homes around the world in pristine condition.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Roman Life Uncovered - Villas of Oplontis & Pompeii

Begin with a short drive to the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient city preserved by volcanic eruption. Wander down cobblestone streets to the Forum, once the hub of Roman life. Follow ancient paths to impressive villas and grand spaces like the House of the Faun with its rich mosaics. Sit in the arena of the theater and study the colossal columns of the Basilica. You'll also visit areas of everyday life like the baths and taverns. You will see the exterior of the opulent Casa della Regina Carolina, one of the ancient city's largest villas located in an elite neighborhood near the Forum. Learn insights into the ongoing research started by National Geographic Explorer Caitlin Ellis Barret as you hear about the villa and the daily domestic activities of its wealthy inhabitants. After a light lunch, continue your journey to the port of Torre Annunziata, where you'll descend below street level to ancient Oplontis. As a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area and its two sprawling villas boast some of the best-preserved wall paintings of the Roman period. Your archeologist guide will offer historical, cultural and architectural context as you take in Oplontis' wonders. Once inhabited by the Roman elite, marvel at Pompeiian-style frescoes and mosaics, finished with deep azures, oranges, and sunny golds. The intricate use of colour and shading gives these paintings a three-dimensional feel, adding a lifelike quality to these ancient scenes.

Half-day guided tour of Herculaneum UNESCO World Heritage Site

Like nearby Pompeii, ancient Herculaneum suffered a similar fate at the hands of Vesuvius erupting in 79AD. Fortunately, archaeologists have managed to excavate parts of the city, and this half-day tour will show you what they've managed to unearth so far.

Guided evening tour of Amalfi and Cetara’s signature sights with transfers

Keen to visit some of the most popular spots around the Amalfi Coast without having to deal with huge crowds? Look no further. This evening guided tour to the town of Amalfi and the out-of-the-way village of Catera has been specifically designed to dodge the tourists, giving you a more relaxed look at some of the area's main attractions. Matteo, one of our expert local guides, says “you won't miss out on any of the detail during the tour. You'll get an up-close look at lots of different landmarks, just without having to jostle shoulders or stand on your tiptoes to get a good view.”This tour kicks off with a scenic drive along the coast to the town of Amalfi. The seafront roads in this part of Italy are often considered some of the prettiest in the world, so keep your camera pointed out the window during this bit. When you arrive in Amalfi, you'll follow your guide around the preserved Arsenele della Repubblica. This 1,000-year-old shipyard was originally used to fix galleons and other kinds of boats, but today it's one of the town's top museums. When you're done wandering around its exhibits, you'll have some free time to explore the town on your own.When you're finished in Amalfi, you'll hop on a ferry for a 40-minute journey to the village of Cetara. Very few tours in this part of Italy stop here, so you'll be one of the few who'll get to see its pastel-painted houses and Roman-era landmarks up close. Plus, given the time of evening you'll visit, you can expect a super-relaxed atmosphere, courtesy of the pretty light levels at sunset. You'll have some free time to explore or relax on the sandy beach. The village is particularly famous for its seafood, especially anchovy sauce – ancient Romans settlers came up with the recipe. You'll want to dip into one of the restaurants and try some before hopping on the coach back to your accommodation.

Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour with local lunch

This tour takes you to Pompeii and Herculaneum to discover two of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Buried by Mt Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago, they offer a fascinating and at times haunting insight into ancient Roman life.

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius select tour with local lunch

A real history fest, this tour first takes you to Pompeii, which lay buried under volcanic ash for centuries. After a guided tour and a light lunch, you'll then visit the summit of Mt Vesuvius, the only active volcano on Europe's mainland.

Mount Vesuvius crater tour with lunch at a vineyard

This full day tour has a perfect pairing – a climb up to the crater of Mt Vesuvius followed by lunch and a tasting at a vineyard that grows Lacryma Christi wine. It'll bring you closer to the awesome intensity of mainland Europe's only active volcano and amaze you with life borne out of its volcanic soil.

Pompeii archaeological site half-day tour with a local guide

Of all the Roman ruins in Italy, none is as poignant or fascinating as Pompeii. More than a moment frozen in time, it's a window into past. You'll discover its remarkably well-preserved houses and landmark sites on this morning excursion to this UNESCO Word Heritage Site.

Capri day and night tour with local guide and boat trip

Playground for everyone from Hollywood stars to the ancient Greeks, Capri is a dazzling gem in the Neapolitan Riviera. You'll speed across by hydrofoil in the mid-afternoon to pass the evening doing exactly as you wish. Only TUI offers this excursion, when most day-trippers have left the island.

Amalfi Coast gems tour with Positano, Pontone and Ravello

A real feast for the senses. This excursion along the Amalfi Coast has it all. In a small group, you'll trundle from village to village, exploring every nook and cranny and soaking up the beauty of this world-famous coastline. Discover Positano and Ravello with a delicious lunch in a family-run restaurant in between.