A guide to dark tourism destinations

Join a guided tour of the once-prosperous ancient Roman city of Pompeii that was buried in a deluge of ash from the violent eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius over 2000 years ago. Uncover timeworn ruins, preserved temples and the remains of magnificently-decorated villas. Imagine what it must have been like to be trapped in this devastating natural disaster as you come across human casts taken from the voids of victims trapped under layers of cinder and learn about everyday Roman life from the artefacts they left behind.

For a more light-hearted dark tourism trip, join a tour in Mexico that coincides with Day of the Dead festivities from 31 October until 2 November. The streets of Oaxaca come alive with vibrant flower decorations, upbeat music and sumptuous wafts of delicious Mexican food as locals remember cherished ancestors. Although an occasion of remembrance for those who have died, the ambience is one of celebration; rejoicing in happy memories and honouring the lives of deceased loved ones.

Step back in time to search a labyrinth of dark, cold underground tunnels, lit only by torchlight, in Tallinn. This secret network of Medieval bunkers and shelters sprawls underneath Estonia's capital city. Imagine how life would have been for troops in this subterranean world during World War II and find out how the passageways were adapted and modernised for Soviet use in later years as you duck under low ceilings and crouch into cramped dugouts.