43902ROM
Mount Vesuvius – visit of the crater (weather permitting)
Lunch included
Pompei – guided visit of the excavations. NOTE: original passports required for under 18 visitors
IMPORTANT!
Free admission is granted to all visitors aged under 18 in all state-run museums, art galleries and archaeological sites. ALL passengers under 18 will have to provide their original passport at the entrance of the excavation, otherwise they have to purchase a full price ticket at their own expense.
Be sure everyone knows this before departure from the hotel this morning.
Entrances to Pompei will be paid through Effetto voucher. The local guide will expedite the payment.
Entrances to Mt. Vesuvius will be paid through Effetto voucher.
(**This might change in 2025: It is no longer possible to climb Mt Vesuvius by touring coach, only the dedicated minibuses by a company called Vesuvio Espress will go. The driver holds the tickets to the crater. This also includes guide service if you need it.)
· Check that your dinner reservation is not before 8pm.
· Rome – Pompei 250 km 3 ½ hrs
· On a sunny day tell your group to bring a hat and good sunscreen.
· Sensible shoes are a must.
07.00
Leave for Pompei. Take the A1 to Naples and continue towards Salerno on the A3. Exit at Ercolano, continue 300 metres to Via Amedeo Bordiga up to the ENERGAS service station, transfer onto Vesuvio Espress minibuses and ride to the end of the road at 1.000 asl (bars, toilets and souvenir shops).
**VERY IMPORTANT** cell phone reception on Vesuvius is spotty at best, so BE SURE to arrange a pick-up time with the driver when you are dropped off, as you might not be able to reach them.
You’ll then climb the crater on foot. Discourage participants with walking difficulties. There is a small bar on the crater rim, and a stall selling jewelry and nick knacks made of lava.
Allow 30 to 40 mins to walk up to the rim and another 30-45 mins for the visit and to walk back down.
On the way back the minibus will take you to the restaurant located on Mt Vesuvius slopes, wait and then drive you back to Via A. Bordiga to re-join your motor coach.
11.45
After the visit return to the bus which will be parked along the road below the drop off point (be sure to have pre-arranged time with driver). Drive to lunch (usually on the road heading down off Vesuvius). After lunch rejoin your touring coach and head to Pompei Scavi.
14.00
Meet your guide at the Piazzale di Porta Marina Inferiore by the entrances to the excavations. Make sure you have the right guide by showing your service voucher. Hand over the Effetto voucher to the guide to let the group into the site. Toilets are just inside the entrance to the excavations. The visit takes approximately 2 hours. Give group some free time for souvenir shopping in the piazza outside the exit (time permitting).
16.30 Depart Pompei. Rest stop en route. FYI for commentary, about an hour and a half after departure, you will pass by Monte Cassino. The abbey is visible on the right up a small mountain. Very important WWII battle fought there.
20.00 Arrive Rome