BOB HOHLFELDER

Archaeologist Bob Hohlfelder has written and lectured widely on ancient Mediterranean civilizations. In recent years, he has served as a visiting scholar at the American Academy in Rome where he has conducted research on ancient Roman maritime life and the engineering of Roman harbors. Bob has participated in more than 30 archaeological expeditions around the Mediterranean Basin, including several funded in part by the National Geographic Society. He currently teaches at the University of Colorado.

Bob will accompany the September 16 departure.

JIM RUSSELL

Archaeologist Jim Russell, a native of Glasgow and graduate of Edinburgh University is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia. He began his extensive field career participating on Roman military sites in various parts of Scotland and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. A past president of the Archaeological Institute of America, Jim is a specialist on the Roman Empire, its history, military, numismatics, Greek and Latin epigraphy, and early Christianity. He has participated in the excavation of several Roman sites, and has served as a popular leader on this expedition in the past.

Jim will accompany the September 22 departure.

Day 1 and 2 New York/Rome, Italy
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Rome. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near the Via Veneto, the Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain. Gather this evening for a festive welcome dinner.
Hotel Bernini Bristol (D)

Day 3 Rome
Visit the Vatican for a specially arranged tour of the excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica with National Geographic filmmaker John Bredar, creator of the award-winning TV Special "Inside the Vatican." Then proceed above ground to the magnificent basilica where Michelangelo’s "Pieta" resides. Continue to the museum wing to view the incomparable collections of manuscripts, sculptures, and paintings, and explore the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.
(B,L)

Day 4 Rome
After an introductory talk by your National Geographic expert take a guided tour of the classical Roman sites: the iconic Roman Colosseum and the Forum. After lunch in a Roman trattoria, stroll to the Pantheon to admire Hadrian’s perfectly constructed temple that inspired Brunelleschi to create Florence’s Duomo. Late this afternoon, board the S.V. Pantheon at the port of Civitavecchia.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 Pompeii/Naples
In A.D. 79 Mount Vesuvius erupted and froze Pompeii in time. At the archaeological site, explore the remnants of a once bustling town, with its perfectly preserved shapes of humans, buildings, and implements. Take a walking tour of the Forum, baths, grand theater, and villas. Continue to the superb archaeological museum in Naples, where collected artifacts and beautifully preserved wall paintings evoke the daily life of the ash-submerged city.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 Capri/Salerno
Take a hydrofoil to the isle of Capri. After a guided walk, there is time to explore this picturesque island on your own. Descend by funicular, then return to Naples and reboard the Pantheon for an afternoon cruise along the Amalfi coast to Salerno.
(B,D)

Day 7 Amalfi Coast
Travel along the famous Amalfi coast drive, enjoy breathtaking vistas of the ocean and mountains, and visit quaint towns along the coast, including Amalfi, which has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 Salerno/Paestum/Stromboli
Depart on an excursion to the Greek archaeological site of Paestum, featuring three Doric temples dating from the sixth century B.C., and a museum housing an important collection of artifacts. Return to Salerno, reboard the Pantheon, and cruise to the Aeolian Islands archipelago. Wild coastlines, dramatic rock formations, volcanic rock, and lava characterize the topography of these islands. Tonight, cruise around Stromboli Island for views of its active volcano.
(B,D)

Day 9 Reggio di Calabria/Messina/Taormina
This morning, dock at Reggio di Calabria to view the "Bronzi di Riace," superb examples of ancient Greek sculpture dating from the fifth century B.C. Magna Grecia era. Later, cruise to the port of Messina and travel to bougainvilla-draped Taormina for an afternoon of exploration, including a visit to the Greco-Roman theater. Take a leisurely stroll down vibrant Corso Umberto. This evening, cruise along the northern Sicilian coast, en route to Palermo.
(B,L,D)

Day 10 Palermo/Segesta/Érice
Depart for a daylong excursion to Segesta and Érice. The Temple of Segesta is one of the most perfectly preserved Doric temples from the classical period. Then contrast rural Segesta with bustling Érice, a walled, medieval stronghold situated on a mountain-top. After a traditional Sicilian lunch, return to Palermo for the evening.
(B,L,D)

Day 11 Palermo
Fanning out at the foot of Mount Pellegrino, Palermo has been a much desired prize, falling under the control of Phoenicians, Greeks, and Saracens. Today, discover the city's rich cultural heritage and explore the monolithic Norman palace complex, the Palatine Chapel, Porta Nuova, Fontana Pretoria, and the cathedral. This afternoon, visit Monreale's Duomo, a Norman masterpiece. Celebrate this evening with a festive farewell dinner.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 Palermo/New York
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
(B)

The Pantheon is a two-masted motorized sailing vessel was launched in 2004 and accommodates 50 guests in 25 outside cabins. Cabins are equipped with a private bathroom, television/VCR, mini-bar, radio, telephone, and individual climate control. Public areas include a lounge, two bars, and teakwood decks. The dining room accommodates all guests in a single seating. The ship is furnished with two Zodiacs and snorkeling gear.

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