Explore Italy’s most amazing but hidden region that combines the legends of the ancient Greeks, with the power of the Roman Empire infused with stunning volcanic activity and wines that have been imbibed for more than 2,500 years. This day takes us above and virtually below water in search of ancient legends. We start first by enjoying a grandiose view over the Lago d’Averno, which was said to be one of the tributaries of the river Styx. Today is the day where we learn how vulcanism helped create Greek mythology that in turn played a role in the very founding of the Roman Empire. Next, we move on to nearby Cumae, passing first through a monumental Roman arch and traversing briefly on a real ancient Roman road. At ancient Cumae, we will learn more about the Euboean Greek settlers from 775 B.C. who were present on Ischia and later founded this city. Some of the highlights will be the Acropolis, home of Zeus with grandiose views over the islands of Ischia and Procida. This is followed by the Temple of Apollo, at the spot the ancient Greeks believed that Daedalus landed after his son Icarus plunged into the sea as the wax melted from his wings. And finally, we will visit the grotto of the Sybil. One of Rome’s greatest writers, Virgil, had the Trojan hero Aeneas consulting the Cumaean Sybil here before descending into the underworld… We next go to the Baia area, where we will visit the Castle of Baia and have free time to see Italic, Greek, and Roman artifacts up close and personal in a way that is not possible in the rest of Italy. The highlight will be for many, the Nymphaeum of the Emperor Claudius, which was recently uncovered from below the sea where it had sunk because of bradyseism. You will also get some great pictures from the castle looking back over towards the Gulf of Pozzuoli, the Bay of Naples and even the Isle of Capri. After this wonderful experience, we will join our local hosts for an authentic wine tasting of local grape varietals that were the stuff of Roman legends. Our wine tasting will be accompanied by a light lunch before setting out for our next adventure. Once we are done with our own mythical and we hope illuminating experiences, you will be transported back to your accommodations.