This Naples shore trip retraces one of the most terrible days of ancient history, the destruction of Pompeii. You hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius and then afterwards visit the archaeological site of Pompeii.
After meeting your driver guide at the pier in Naples you start your journey towards the volcano named Vesuvius, which rises 4203 feet (1281 meters) above sea level. A powerful eruption in 79 AD completely destroyed the city of Pompeii. When you reach a level of about 3000 feet above sea level, you come to the end of the road. It is here where you meet a Geological Licensed Guide who will accompany you to the crater's edge at approximately 3800 feet above sea level. During the hike up to the crater's edge, the guide will explain the secrets and history of Vesuvius.
After this impressive stop you have free time for lunch (meal not included) in this area which is famous for pizza and spaghetti.
This afternoon you visit Pompeii where you will have time to explore the site with audio guides. Pompeii was once a major port, as well as a center of wealth and politics. When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city was almost instantly buried beneath 30 feet of volcanic ash and cinder. A huge part of the bay was also filled in with debris during the disaster, leaving the ruined metropolis some distance from today's shoreline.
This ancient site is perhaps the most famous archaeological excavation in the world. Buried for 1,700 years, the town has been resurrected and presents a clear picture of daily life in ancient times. At the height of its influence, 20,000 people lived in Pompeii, and it is estimated that 2,000 of them perished instantly when volcanic ash rained down on the city.