Pompeii and Vesuvius tour with entrance tickets, lunch and wine tasting
Uncover the marvellously preserved ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii. This is the only tour that combines an in-depth guided visit to this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trip up Mt. Vesuvius, and a delicious lunch of the region’s most cherished recipes paired with 6 superb local wines. Your imagination and palate will delight on this thrilling day spent in the shadow of the volcano with expert local guides, great food and wine, as well as an ideal tour itinerary.
First, you’ll meet up with your expert local guide in the center of Naples and hop aboard a comfortable private coach to the archaeological site of Pompeii. Your guide will prepare you for everything that’s in store for you, sharing the captivating stories and history behind the fateful day in 79 AD when Mt. Vesuvius exploded. As one of the most catastrophic eruptions ever, covering the area in a thick layer of ash and rubble.
Once we get to Pompeii you’ll benefit from instant Skip the Line entry and the expertise of an official local guide, as you walk this former port resort’s main streets just as the ancient Romans did. The stones are still worn with tracks from the chariots that tread them nearly 2,000 years ago! You’ll see the forum, the center of Pompeii’s political and social life, and the startling plaster death casts of the victims of the violent eruption that destroyed the city. You’ll also take a look inside well-preserved buildings complete with their porticoes, mosaics and frescoes. The city’s baths and gymnasiums will also impress as you look gaze upon a moment frozen in time forever.
After Pompeii, we’ll take you up the lush slopes of Mt. Vesuvius itself to meet its most famous wine producer for a tasting of 6 fantastic native varieties, produced from the volcanic soil right beneath your feet! Enjoy an inviting 3-course lunch of some of the region’s most delectable culinary delights, including cheeses, cured meats, pasta with local ‘piennolo’ heirloom tomatoes, and a mouth-watering ‘pastiera napoletana’ pastry dessert with ricotta cheese and fruit. Admire sweeping views from the terrace over the surrounding countryside and visit the vineyards and cellar along with a detailed explanation of the grape varietals and each step in the winemaking process from the family that owns them.
From here, we’ll finish our ascent to the edge of Mt. Vesuvius’s crater. Take the chance to look an active volcano following the 20-minute hike, where you’ll get to look inside the caldera and take in the most breath-taking panoramic views. You’ll see Naples, the bay and the island of Capri from a height of over 4,200 feet, as well as the pristine nature that surrounds you.
Finally, enjoy the drive back to Naples on the comfortable coach as your guide winds down the day with a closing commentary to answer your questions. This is Pompeii and Vesuvius as it is rarely experienced!
