6 Activities
Discovering the Dormant Giant: A One-Day Road Trip to Mount Vesuvius
Starts from
Naples
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
6
Duration
11 hrs 55 min
Length
46 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Naples
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hrs 55 min
Length
46 mi
- History and Culture
- Gastronomy
Annabella Vallinie
Travel Expert
- Fall under the spell of one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
- Admire it from afar and also up close.
- In Pompeii, learn everything that is known today about the devastating volcanic eruption.
Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. It gained its fame through its eruption in 79, which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. What many people don't know is that even today, the mountain of fire is one of the most dangerous in the world. It rests and when you look at it, you can't see any danger. But this is deceptive because it is still active and long periods asleep are typical for the Volcano at the gates of Naples. On this tour, you experience the volcano up close and learn all about its history.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Gastronomy
Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. It gained its fame through its eruption in 79, which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. What many people don't know is that even today, the mountain of fire is one of the most dangerous in the world. It rests and when you look at it, you can't see any danger. But this is deceptive because it is still active and long periods asleep are typical for the Volcano at the gates of Naples. On this tour, you experience the volcano up close and learn all about its history.
Annabella Vallinie
Travel Expert
- Fall under the spell of one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
- Admire it from afar and also up close.
- In Pompeii, learn everything that is known today about the devastating volcanic eruption.
Day Itinerary
6 Activities
Day 1
45 mi1 mi
The Journey to the Great Mountain of Vesuvius
The volcano Vesuvius is by far the most famous volcano in the world. On this day tour around Naples, you will learn all about it and its history. View the majestic volcano from the most beautiful viewpoint in Naples, knowing the devastating effects of the eruption. Afterwards, you can drive up to the volcano and walk the last few metres up. This gives you a fantastic view of the surroundings. After refreshments at a nearby winery, you are ready to explore Pompeii. There you will learn all about the eruption that made Vesuvius so famous. With all these impressive experiences, you can relax with a great Italian dinner on your way back to Naples.
08:0030 min
Castel dell'Ovo
Start your tour early in the morning in Naples and enjoy the most beautiful view of the volcano from Castel dell'Ovo. Knowing that the eruption in the year 79 sent a cloud of rock, ash and volcanic gases skywards. A whole 33 kilometres, to be exact. The spewed molten rock and pulverized pumice shot through the air at a speed of 6×105 cubic metres per second. This description may mean nothing to many, but it is incredibly fast. For this reason, the surrounding towns were caught by surprise by the eruption and could not flee fast enough. It is believed that more than 1 000 people died in the eruption.
The castle itself is currently closed for restoration, check with official sources for up to date opening times.
The castle itself is currently closed for restoration, check with official sources for up to date opening times.
15.7 mi
50 min
09:305 min
Car Park
It is possible to drive by car to this car park at about 1,000 metres. There then remains an ascent of 300 metres in altitude to the deep crater of Vesuvius. This climb can be mastered by anyone and takes about 30-40 minutes.
1.1 mi
40 min
10:151 hr 30 min
Mount Vesuvius
The main path leads along the western rim of the crater, from where you can enjoy a wonderful panorama over large parts of the Campania region. As far as the eye can see, everything was destroyed during the eruption in 79. And now it lies before you in beautiful tranquillity.
13.1 mi
40 min
12:302 hrs
Cantina del Vesuvio
On the way to the next historical site, you can stop at this wonderful restaurant. Not only is it a great place to eat and drink fine wine, it also offers a beautiful view of the volcano.
4.4 mi
15 min
14:453 hrs 30 min
Archaeological Park of Pompeii
In Pompeii, the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, you should take enough time to explore and learn everything you need to know about the city, the inhabitants and the horrific eruption.
Here are a few quick facts: The eruption of the volcano lasted 18 hours and covered Pompeii under 4–5 metres of ash and pumice. The town of Herculaneum was even buried under 18 metres. In 1599 - after 1,500 years - Pompeii was discovered by chance while digging a water tunnel. But it was not until 1700 that large-scale excavation began.
Here are a few quick facts: The eruption of the volcano lasted 18 hours and covered Pompeii under 4–5 metres of ash and pumice. The town of Herculaneum was even buried under 18 metres. In 1599 - after 1,500 years - Pompeii was discovered by chance while digging a water tunnel. But it was not until 1700 that large-scale excavation began.
