36 In Europe/ Italy

Full Day Trip to Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius, Italy

For our full day tip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius we were pretty excited. It was something we had always wanted to visit when close by so we made an extra day for it.  Luckily for us the weather was good and clear skies for Mount Vesuvius.

The Full Day Trip Tour

We booked our full day trip tour online with City Wonders that would pick us up at 7am in Rome for a long drive to Pompeii for the excursion. Our lunch and entrance tickets for the Pompeii Lost City were included in the price and we would be back by 11:00pm. We were a bit skeptical as we would be sat on a coach for a total of 6 hours (3 there and 3 back). This is hugely something out of our comfort zone. Plus with Lennart being 196cm tall he’s not the comfiest person sitting on a coach, but we really wanted to visit so we prepared ourselves for the long journey.

Our full day trip coach to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

From the first hour on the coach to Pompeii we already had a great impression of how the rest of the day would go. Our guides were Luca and Dmitri who were fantastic! Luca told all different information about the region, the food and the history of castles on the way in such an interesting and comic way that we really enjoyed it. He also made it personal by adding in little stories of his wife and children and how they have experienced life in the region.

Ruins of Pompeii

Once we arrived at the Pompeii ruins we were appointed to a guide who works at the Lost City to show us a main walking route that takes 2.5 hours. Right from the start it was impressive and fascinating to be walking through the ruins. Experiencing the houses of how some of the richer families lived to the poor areas where the famous brothels were. Truthfully we could have spent all day exploring there, but for an excursion this was the perfect amount of time. It is definitely a place we will return to and explore more.

Pompeii Ruins allyway

Us in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in backgroundIt’s been hard to choose which photos to share as we have so many! This last photo above shows Mount Vesuvius in the background, where we headed next.

Back on the overheating coach we headed to a booked restaurant for lunch. As part of the full day trip, we were treated to a set meal for lunch. A combination of a fresh salad, a Napoleon pizza of our choice and a much needed cold drink, since it had reached 29°c! From there we had about a 40 minute drive up to the highest part of the volcano. Lots of twists and turns in the road definitely made it a challenge for the coach driver, but he did a fantastic job getting us to the top. Most likely something he does often on these full day trip excursions.

Hike up Mount Vesuvius

Arriving at the coach parking area of Mount Vesuvius we were excited for our hike. We bought a fresh cold water at the temporary little shop and prepared ourselves for the steep walk to the top of the volcano. It was temporary because the previous little shop had been struck by lightening a few weeks before!

Little shop that was electrocuted by lightening on Mount Vesuvius

We were prepared with our sneakers on, rather than some guests with high heels on. There was a time limit of 20 minutes for us all to get to the top and enjoy the views.  Before having to get back to the coach as we still had the 3 hour drive back to Rome. For us it was a decent amount of time, but others did struggle based on their level of fitness.

Partner checking out the views to Naples

You can see the dried lava/volcanic rock in grey from the eruption from 1944.  The other two photos are of the creator of the volcano. It felt weird to be standing next to the opening, but were reassured that it is always monitored and there would no way be full day tours operating if there was any chance of danger.

Me Hiking up the edge on Mount Vesuvius

We were extremely lucky for such a clear day for our full day trip. There was a super friendly Chinese guy on the tour that took our photo at the top. He lost his wife near the coach as she was wearing heels and literally couldn’t walk up the steep part, but he didn’t want to miss out and joined us to the top.

Couple photo : Day Trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

The day ended back in Rome at 12:00pm, later then expected due to some traffic from Naples. We highly recommend City Wonders tours. We can’t think of any negative things to say about the day as we were well informed about the history of Pompeii, Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the overall service was fantastic. If we visit another city that the tour company is based in, we will certainly book another excursion with them.

One thing we wish we had was more time at Pompeii itself. As its a true wonder and the scale of the city is very large, you could actually spend all day there. So we did miss out on many extra things at Pompeii.

Tips:

  • Take snacks and drink with you, however day trip includes lunch and water was provided on the coach
  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Wear decent shoes – no heels for a hike!

Day Trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

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36 Comments

  • Reply
    Sheree
    2nd December 2017 at 9:40 am

    What a great day!! The photos at the Pompeii site are particularly fascinating 😉 I’m guessing that you both survived the three hour trip each way okay?? It’s amazing what we can push ourselves to tolerate when we know the payoff will be worth it. Thank you so much for sharing!!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 10:21 am

      Yeah we really wern’t sure on the bus trip but surprisingly it went very well. Also helped with such a good tour host!

  • Reply
    Anya Carion
    2nd December 2017 at 9:54 am

    My inner 13 year old Latin-nerd is coming back as I’m reading your description of pompeii! It looks absolutely amazing and it’s honestly insane how well preserved it is!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 10:21 am

      It’s even more amazing that they are still discovering new things there! I would love to go back and see more.

  • Reply
    akvilestan
    2nd December 2017 at 10:03 am

    Looks a very interesting place! I pinned it to my Italian file because I would definitely want to go there when I’m in Rome!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 10:22 am

      Totally worth the day trip, highly recommended!!

  • Reply
    Julianna
    2nd December 2017 at 10:35 am

    What a fabulous trip! I’ve always wanted to go but this has put it much higher on the list. Sounds like you had a fantastic time.

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 10:58 am

      Sure did! Would love to go back again and spend longer time there though.

  • Reply
    mileslesstraveled
    2nd December 2017 at 11:35 am

    Great post! I’ve always wanted to see Pompeii, sounds like you had a great tour company!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:13 pm

      Sure did, highly recommended!

  • Reply
    Una
    2nd December 2017 at 10:39 am

    The views from the top of the volcano are stunning. I have climbed up the Teide volcano in Tenerife, and this looks a bit less demanding. I would love to hike up this one as well.

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 10:59 am

      Good to know i’ll check it out!

  • Reply
    Hazel
    2nd December 2017 at 11:40 am

    What fantastic photos! I loved Pompeii but didn’t make it to Mt Vesuvius- it’s definitely in my bucket list, it looks lovely!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:13 pm

      It sure is good if your not afraid of heights! I’d love to go back to Pompeii too for more time.

  • Reply
    unaveronicavagante
    2nd December 2017 at 12:23 pm

    I’ve never been to Pompei nor Vesuvius, but I really want to go.
    However, I suppose it’s better to stay longer, isn’t it?
    I really liked the photos and the tips you gave in the post!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:16 pm

      Yeah one day sure wasn’t enough to see all!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    2nd December 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Wow! It looks like you all had a busy day. Would you recommend a tour or do you wish you had explored on your own? We went to Pompeii in 2015 as well and just explored on our own. I loved that we could take our time but I think I would have enjoyed the guide explaining things and telling me stories 🙂

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:17 pm

      The tour was perfect since we really had just a day extra during our planning, but realistically we would love to go back and have more time at both.

  • Reply
    Anisa
    2nd December 2017 at 2:53 pm

    I really enjoyed Pompeii too. I went years ago though, so probably worth going again and I would love to visit Mt Vesuvius. I love the picture of you guys at the top!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

  • Reply
    Mille Mirah Seiersen
    2nd December 2017 at 3:29 pm

    It sounds like a very interesting day trip! I’ve always wanted to go to Pompeii!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:17 pm

      Highly recommended! Even this year they are discovering new things.

  • Reply
    Lily Flores
    2nd December 2017 at 5:14 pm

    What a cool experience!! We were just in Naples in May but didn’t make it out to these areas. Definitely will next time!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      2nd December 2017 at 5:18 pm

      Thanks for commenting 🙂 sure was a cool experience!

  • Reply
    My Ticklefeet!
    2nd December 2017 at 5:51 pm

    Brought all the lovely memories back from Pompeii!! Although I would love to visit Mt. Vesuvius on my next trip since I couldn’t last time 🙂 And there is never anything as too many photos .. haha

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      3rd December 2017 at 12:07 pm

      True that!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Amy Morgan
    3rd December 2017 at 1:11 am

    Corr – I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it must have been sitting on a coach for that long at almost 200cm tall – I hope there was sufficient leg room! The views from the top look beautiful!

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      3rd December 2017 at 7:47 pm

      Surprisingly there was more leg room than we had expected!! Luckily we were touring with a big coach that didn’t squish in everyone.

  • Reply
    thecurioussparrow
    3rd December 2017 at 8:19 am

    Great photos, especially from the highest viewpoint! Sounds like a great trip 🙂

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      3rd December 2017 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you! Still learning better photography skills but getting there 🙂

  • Reply
    nanahalager
    3rd December 2017 at 11:32 am

    Never heard about this lost city, but looks pretty nice though! I was laughing a bit about the Chinese guy and his wife with high heels. I have climbed a volcano with a girl with plateau shoes! 😀

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      3rd December 2017 at 7:48 pm

      It sure was amusing! and Pompeii I highly recommend, very interesting and they are still discovering many new things.

  • Reply
    Eva
    3rd December 2017 at 7:51 pm

    That is one part of Italy I still have to discover! And despite all the hype around the Amalfi coast I’m much more intrigued by Pompeii!! I have a question regarding the food if you don’t mind me asking. What is a Napoleon pizza?

    • Reply
      Zoe | Together In Transit
      3rd December 2017 at 7:58 pm

      We sure would love to go back one day to spend more time there as one day on a tour did give us limitations to Pompeii and the area. The Napoleon pizza is cooked with tomatoes that are grown on the land from Mount Vesuvius and with buffalo mozzarella cheese :). For the rest I believe it’s cooked with the same ingredients as you usually find.

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