Pompeii ruins and Mt. Vesuvius volcano day trip from Naples

Stroll through the ancient ruins of Pompeii and learn how first-century Romans lived. Then, enjoy a visit to Mount Vesuvius and take a light hike to its summit. This still-active volcano's violent eruption in 79 AD destroyed and buried Pompeii, once a thriving and sophisticated city.

Your first stop is Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will enjoy a 2 hours visit to Pompeii's excavation site together with your official guide. It's a town frozen in time, buried deep under ash, pumice, and other debris until excavations started in 1748. View plaster cast representations showing detailed facial expressions and body positions of residents who didn't escape in time.

Next skip across stepping stones once used to cross flooded streets, and see signs in the road from ancient Roman carts. Highlights of this historic site include the Basilica, the Forum, the Temple of Jovis, the Macellum, Via dell' Abbondanza, Stabian Baths and much more like the well-preserved frescoes, mosaics and even ancient graffiti.

After the visit to Pompeii you can enjoy some free time for lunch.

Next, your coach will take you about 3,280 feet (1,000 m) up Mount Vesuvius. Today a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is still one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes of Europe. If you choose so, you can take a short way to where a local guide awaits and stare into the crater's depths. From the summit, you can take in beautiful panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. After enjoying the remarkable vista, your coach will return you to your starting place.