Geography tour to Bay of Naples by air: 4 days, 3 nights

What you’ll experience:Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79 killing thousands of people in the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. A hike up Mount Vesuvius will show you views into the crater, and on a clear day. Spectacular views out to the Bay of Naples.

Select says:For pre-tour/post-tour try an eyewitness account – see the letters of Pliny the Younger to the Historian Tacitus, where he describes the eruption and the death of his uncle, Pliny the Elder while trying to rescue survivors of the early stages of the eruption. Available here.

What you’ll experience: Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization. The thick layer of volcanic material which submerged it, made up to a large extent of ash and lapilli – non-hard material, unlike that which covered Herculaneum and which solidified into extremely hard stone -has meant that the city has remained intact, not just buildings but also the contents of houses and shops which provide an absolutely fascinating picture of ‘daily’ life.

Select says: The site has minimal shade, so it’s important for students to bring sunscreen, a hat and water.

What you’ll experience: Solfatara is a shallow, dormant, volcanic crater at Pozzuoli near Naples. You can smell the sulphur and see steam rising from cracks in the ground. The crater floor has mud pools and fumaroles which vent great blasts of steam.

Select says: Look for the yellow/orange sulphur crystals surrounding the steam vents.

What you’ll experience: What you’ll see: The most important archaeological museum in Italy, containing many interesting finds from Pompeii, Stabiae and Herculaneum, doomed cities after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. There are incredibly well preserved pieces of art such as the mosaics, frescoes and sculptures from the sites, but you will also be able to see some amazing ancient Egyptian and Greek artefacts.

Select says: In about 1543 when Pompeii was first discovered, it began to be heavily looted. The Pope arranged for items to be removed and today many of these items are on display here.

What you’ll experience: Capri is an island with great natural beauty, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A boat trip around Capri will allow a close up view of the cliffs, caves and fissures of the coastline or it is possible to take a minibus tour of the island which will take you from Capri town to Anacapri.

Select says: A visit by boat to the Blue Grotto sea cave is also possible – there, sunlight passes through an underwater cavity and shines through the water creating a stunning illuminating blue reflection.