Vesuvius

After a night at Termini, we took a train from the Termini station to Pompeii via Naples.

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city which was buried under 4 to 6m of volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. I recall when I was a youngster, I read about Pompeii. The feeling of finally being able to visit Pompeii is like a dream come true.

First stop, Vesuvius. Climbing up Vesuvius with a dodgy ankle is one which raises an eye-brown. We bought a tour for a half-day climb Vesuvius and ended up with only 40-50 mins to explore Vesuvius is madness. Trekking up then literal running down the mountain with a dodgy ankle is a sign of insanity.

WARNING! Avoid buying Vesuvius tours from the Tourist Information centres along Via Roma. They do not keep count on number of tickets sold for any tour timing. There are occasions where there is insufficient space onboard the mini-bus that tourist end up cramping 3 to a seat or crouch throughout the journey in the mini-bus from Pompeii to Vesuvius. The drivers tend to not refuel before picking up. Therefore, an hour of the tour might be a wait at the petrol station for a re-fill.

Alternative transportations: EavBus/Sita Public Bus is a local bus between Pompeii and Mount Vesusvius.

Preparation for climb – Items to have: Good and comfortable pair of walking shoes, Wear layered clothes, Hat, Sunblock, Trekking sticks (if any), Water, Energy bar, Some lollies and Camera.

Opening times: January to February and November to December daily from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs; March and October from 09:00hrs to 16:00hrs; April to June and September from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs and July to August from 09:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

Ticket price – EUR10 for adults; EUR8 for students and Free for children shorter than 120 centimetres; disabled and companion.