You can reach Vesuvius by bus (circumvesuviana) which stops at Piazza Anfiteatro, whilst the city of Herculaneum is serviced by a train ride (circumvesuivana) of approximately 20 minutes duration.
Before commencing your excursion, we suggest you wear gym shoes, bring binoculars, sunglasses and water.
The visit to the Volcano, at a height of 1,281 m is certainly an occasion not to be missed, especially for the evocative walk around the crater that is reached after a 20 minute walk commencing from the ticket office.
From here, you may observe the fumaroles of gas (opening in the earth’s crust) arising from this volcano, which is the only one still active in continental Europe. You will also enjoy the wonderful panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples.
Vesuvius, moreover, is part of a fabulous national park that offers various trails amongst the fauna and flora of the Somma-Vessuvio complex. The visit to Mount Vesuvius lasts on average two hours and it is therefore possible to couple it with a visit to the close archaeological area of Herculaneum of equal duration. Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was also buried in the eruption of 79 AD but with the differences to the other site. Here the mode of eruption, allowed the preservation of multi-storey dwellings and the remains of some organic materials, like the wood of some doors, which still run on their hinges.
Attached to the Herculaneum complex is the famous “Villa dei Papiri”, so called because of the discovery of many philosophical writings on papyrus. The villa may only be visited on booking.
Opening hours
From 1 October to 31 March: every day from 9.00 to 15.00.
From 1 April to 30 June: every day from 9.00 to 17.00.
From 1 July to 30 September: every day from 9.00 to 18.30.
Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December.
Tickets
Tour with guided visit: € 6,50
Useful information – Herculaneum excavations
Opening hours
From 1 November to 31 March: every day from 8.30 to 17.00 (last entrance at 15.30)
From 1 April to 31 October: every day from 8.30 to 19.30 (last entrance at 18.00)
Closed: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Tickets
Full price: € 11,00
Concession: € 5,50
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