Overview
It is possible to do both the Ancient Roman city of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day. It is a worthwhile day trip itinerary, as the sites offer much in history, drama, and emotion. This can be done either by car or by train and bus, with or without a guide or tour. Previous planning is recommended as the area can get quite busy with tourists during the peak season. Below, we will provide an overview of these two iconic sites, background information, relevant data and perspectives from experts, and our own insights and analysis.
Pompeii
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city, located in the south of Italy. On the 24th August 79 AD, the nearby Mount Vesuvius expulsed molten ash and pumice into the air for 24 hours, resulting in the intricate city being buried up to 20 feet deep. The eruption caught the population unaware, with approximately 2000 citizens losing their lives in the event. Within the ash lay the frozen souls of Pompeii, as the citizens were forever encased in the ash as they ran in a panic. Pompeii was discovered in 1599 by architect Domenico Fontana, after which scholars and archeologists have been able to learn a great deal about the culture and society. This has been done through studying the ill-fated city and its occupants, as they have been unbelievably well preserved. Remarkably, it was possible to identify some of the victims of the eruption due to their death poses, as it was thought to be the nearest thing to a fossil.
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is an active strato-volcano located on the Gulf of Naples and considered to be one of the most dangerous in the entire world. The iconic mountain is considered the most prolific volcano in mainland Europe, and the only one on the continent to have erupted within the last hundred years- with the last eruption taking place in 1944. The Volcano is 400,000 years old and has wrought devastation to neighboring cities such as Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. After the devastating event, people have continued to inhabit and even farm on the volcano. This is a testament to human nature as it encompasses part of an ecological cycle which risks catastrophic consequences in the fear of modern-day disaster.
Organizing the Trip
Organizing a trip to both sites can be done by car or by public transport and bus, usually within one day. It is possible to go by train from Naples to Pompeii and then take a bus from the nearby town of Ercolano to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. The majority of the sites are outdoors, so it is important to bring sun protection, and sufficient water, snacks and insect repellent. Some prefer a self-guided tour of Pompeii, whilst others prefer to go through the site with a guided tour. This can be done in conjunction with a drive up to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum, where there is an educational observation path.
Advantages of a Guided Tour
When taking a guided tour of Pompeii, a professional tour guide can share their insights and knowledge to properly explain the history and culture of Ancient Rome. A long-lasting and impactful encounter, the tour guide will provide interesting anecdotes and be able to answer any questions the tourist has with anecdotes. Additionally, the tour guide can tailor their route in order to meet the tourist’s desires, and bring the city to life for them in ways which would not be possible if the trip was done independently.
Disadvantages of a Guided Tour
The main disadvantage of undertaking a guided tour as opposed to taking a car or public transport is the cost. Tour guides usually require a fee for their service, and may charge extra for additional features such as entrance to sites. Additionally, the tour guide may make the tour overly academic, focusing too much on historical and academic points which may not be overly interesting to the tourist. If taking a train or car, the main disadvantage is the time. Driving to both destinations can take up to around four hours and trains can take just as long.
What Other Options Exist?
For those who don’t want to drive or organize their own tour, there are many organized tours available. Arrangements can be made by hotels, travel agents, or tour companies to provide sightseeing tours which are suitable for tourists. These tours will usually include lunch, transportation, and guided tours of the sites. In addition to this, many of the tour companies offer packages of two or three days, making it possible to explore both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in-depth.
Essential Travel Tips
Traveling to both sites in one day is a commonly done trip and can be highly rewarding. It is important to do some research beforehand and plan ahead, as large crowds can be expected during the peak season in Italy. It is best to allow at least four hours for the trip, as both roads and trains to and from the sites can be congested with other tourists during peak hours. To gain a full experience of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, it is best to avoid attending during the afternoon, when temperatures can be high and it is best to have the time to explore the sites properly.
What to See
Pompeii is an incredibly well-preserved city, and visitors can experience the ruins of the city and the everyday life back in Ancient Rome. Some of the things to see are the city walls, temples, the amphitheater, and the remains of the public baths. On the other hand, Mount Vesuvius is a remarkable natural formation, filled with interesting geological formations, flora and fauna. Guests can take a hike to the top of the volcano or explore the nearby attractions such as the archaeological site at Herculaneum and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean views.
Safety
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano, and as such it is important to be aware of the risk of an eruption and what action to take if one were to occur. Tour guides and tour companies are are aware of this and will provide accurate information on the state of the volcano. Warnings will be present across the volcano and tourist destinations, and visits to the summit should be avoided if warning signs are present.
Other Activities
There are a variety of other activities on offer in the area, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and boat trips around the bay. This provides a last activity to the trip, and often, a great opportunity to rebalance after all the history, drama and emotions experienced throughout the day.
