During our Mediterranean Cruise, we stop at Naples as a port of call. The cruise line offered a tour that allowed you to go to the top of Mt Vesuvius (webcam). The mouth of the crater is at about 3000 feet. A bus takes you up the side of the mountain to a trail. From there you need to walk up about 1000 feet to reach the top. This is a strenuous walk and it was pretty hot the day we went up. The trail is dusty and it took us about 45 minutes to walk up, but once we got to the top it was well worth it. There are panoramic views of Naples and the bay. You can also view Pompeii from one side of the crater. From the top, you can peer down into the crater of the volcano, it is quite a view.
Our tour also included a trip to Pompeii. Pompeii was buried in rock and ash in 79 AD from an eruption of Mt Vesuvius. The city was discovered in 1748 and has since been excavated. Pompeii appears as a city frozen in time. You can see the layout of the city, from the baker’s ovens to the shops and forum. Pompeii is a big tourist attraction, there were quite a few people visiting the site when we were there. Pompii is definitely a stop to visit on a trip to the Naples area. Looking at all of the buildings and streets gives a good sense of history. You can see how the cobblestone streets were designed, allowing carts to pass 
through as well as used to draining water during rain storms. Inside of the buildings, you can see how the living quarters were and even writings and depictions could be seen on the walls. From the forum in the city, you can see a view of the volcano, and only image what it would have been like seeing it erupt and having no place to run to.
Overall, I would recommend visiting this historic city and the volcano that destroyed it. It is an experience not to miss.
Michael
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