Best Shore Excursion of Herculaneum, Vesuvius & Pompeii from Amalfi
Herculaneum, Vesuvius & Pompeii shore excursion from Amalfi
Italy is full of breathtaking views and is unlike any other place you may have traveled to previously. Whether you are a history and mythology enthusiast, an art connoisseur, a foodie or simply a traveler with a hunger for novelty and interesting sights and scenes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Family holiday, an adventure with your buddies, a romantic getaway, or leisure cruise; you are sure to take back memories of a lifetime.
This excellent shore excursion is a whole day tour and will start with our English-speaking chauffeur’s timely pick-up outside the cruise ship terminal at the Amalfi port. During your drive, you can soak in the magic of the beautiful Amalfi coast with its magnificent cliffs and shimmering waters.
As you drive along the foot of Mount Vesuvius, you can gaze in wonder at the history and beauty of the region.
What to Expect from Your Full Day Shore Excursion of Herculaneum, Vesuvius & Pompeii from Amalfi
Your drive to Herculaneum will take you along the base of Mount Vesuvius. As you enjoy the views of the Amalfi coast, your chauffeur will give you interesting information about the area. Use the background of some breathtaking spots on the coast to capture some frame worthy pictures!
Here are some important facts about Herculaneum, a UNESCO World Heritage site:
- Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town named after the Greek hero Hercules was rediscovered in 1709. What was first thought to be a piece of marble by an innocent farmer digging his land for water was actually a Roman theater!
- The settlement was founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. Because of its strategic location near the Bay of Naples, the town became an important trading centre.
- Herculaneum was properly rediscovered in 1738 by workmen digging for the foundations of a summer palace for the King of Naples, Charles of Bourbon.
- Open-air excavation began in 1927 under the archaeologist, Amedeo Maiuri, and most of the Roman city that can be visited today was uncovered in that period.
From Herculaneum, we will continue the steep drive up to 1,000 meters till we reach the top of Mount Vesuvius. To approach the crater, you would have to hike along the spiral walkway around the mountain. To make the walk easier, there are handrails to hold onto or you could even rent walking sticks right there. Make sure you have comfortable closed shoes as the path can be stony.
Here are some important facts about Mount Vesuvius:
- The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. over the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum spewed 1.5 million tons of lava per second.
- This eruption buried nearby cities including Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash, preserving the ancient Roman cultures. Close to 2000 people lost their lives in this natural disaster.
- Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on mainland Europe and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
After you have taken in the majestic grandeur of the mighty Vesuvius, your chauffeur will take you south to Pompeii as you continue to soak in the wonder and amazement of the area.
Some vital information about Pompeii:
- The eruption of Vesuvius had buried Pompeii in ash and pumice, killing around 2,000 people.
- Pompeii is an excavation site and an outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement.
- Pompeiiwas rediscovered as the result of intentional excavations in 1748 by the Spanish military engineer, Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre. Much history has been from the buried city that was mostly intact when excavated.
- The buildings, artifacts and skeletons left behind in the buried city have taught us a great deal about everyday life in the ancient world.
- During the first century A.D., Pompeii was developing into a flourishing city port. It was a prosperous resort for numerous wealthy visitors. It contained many Roman villas, an amphitheatre and several temples.
You can visit this important UNESCO World Heritage Site with or without a licensed guide. To get the best out of your trip, we highly recommend you use the services of an English-speaking guide which we can pre-arrange at an additional cost. The area to be explored is vast (108 acres) and has volumes of history.
At the end of your visit, your chauffeur will meet you outside the ruins. Unwind and relax on your return journey to the Amalfi port as you relive memories of a fabulous day. Entertain your friends at dinner back on the ship with a quiz on ancient civilizations that you now know quite well!
Contact us today to book your Herculaneum, Vesuvius & Pompeii shore excursion from Amalfi or request a quote online.