Conca dei Marini to Herculaneum and Vesuvius: Day trip

A sister site to Pompeii, Herculaneum was founded around the 6th century BC. By the time it was destroyed, had blossomed into a wealthy town with a population of around 4,000. The pyroclastic surge that killed its inhabitants, and left the city buried under 16-25 meters of rock, also carbonized wood, and other organic material, perfectly preserving it. Much of the ancient city lies under the modern suburb of Ercolano, so it remains unexcavated. Even so, the preserved houses revealed wooden lofts, wine racks, and bed frames, offering an intimate look into ancient Roman life. A walkthrough shows not only the well-preserved buildings but also stunning mosaics, ancient advertisements, and even fossilized remains of the city’s unfortunate inhabitants. Please note: tickets are not included in the stop price.

Perhaps best known for its infamous eruption on August 24, 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, this dormant volcano is now a national park - layering a unique natural environment over a shroud of history. The fateful eruption left a large crater that has fluctuated in size with each subsequent eruption. Since 1995, the volcano has been a national park, requiring visitors to walk 15-20 minutes up to the crater’s rim. At the top, visitors can walk around the crater to appreciate the contrasting views of Vesuvius’ moon-like landscape, and stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance at https://www.vivaticket.com/it/ticket/visita-guidata-al-gran-cono-del-vesuvio/79785