Pompeii & Hike to the Summit of Mount Vesuvius
-
Port
Naples (Pompeii/Amalfi), Italy
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$169.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 6½ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Board an air-conditioned motorcoach in Naples for the panoramic drive south along the autostrada (freeway). Magnificent views of the Bay of Naples enhance your journey to Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that buried Pompeii in AD 79.
At an elevation of 3,000 feet, disembark the coach and hike the rest of the way to the volcano's crater. Feel the energy of this active volcano as you walk across hardened lava, where crevices still belch fumes, steam, and heat. The views from the top are well worth the climb.
Time permitting, visit a local cameo factory where you can shop for handmade seashell and coral jewelry, including intricately carved brooches, rings, and bracelets.
You will stop at a local café, where you will have time to purchase lunch (at your own expense).
Discover archeological excavations at the ruins of Pompeii -- the lost city once buried deep beneath the ash from Mount Vesuvius. Entering through the sea gate, walk through the grounds with your knowledgeable guide. See the city's baths, villas, theatres, and wrestling grounds. Plaster casts mark the positions of the fallen that were swiftly overcome by volcanic ash. Some highlights include the stunning frescoes and elaborate mosaic floors inside the villas of the wealthy. Your guide points out the remarkably well-preserved remains that hint at the Romans' daily life -- their customs, buildings, and cuisine, as well as how they entertained, decorated and lived.
Return by coach to Naples.
Notes:
Participants must be able to walk for 1.5 miles. Additionally, the coach parking area is a 15-minute walk (each way) to/from the entrance. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and steps. Pompeii is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside the Pompeii excavation site; lockers are not available. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Mt Vesuvius is an active volcano; participate at your own risk. The hike to the summit takes approximately 40 minutes round trip; the terrain is steep, with a gravel path approximately 550 yards long. In the unlikely event that Mt Vesuvius is closed due to adverse weather conditions, an orientation tour of Naples will be substituted. Guests with a heart condition or high blood pressure are not allowed to participate. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Lunch is not included. You will have time to purchase lunch at your own expense during the tour. Bring local currency (euros), as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.