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Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii
Mount Vesuvius is regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the potential danger it poses to the population of 3,000,000 people living close to it. In fact, it is one of the most densely populated volcanic regions in the world and it is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years. Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption on August 24th /25th AD 79 which lasted for 19 hours and led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the death of 10,000 to 25,000 people. Pompeii was a city being rebuilt at the time of the eruption. 17 years prior, on February 5th AD62, an earthquake, believed to have magnitude 7.5, devastated the city. Temples, houses, bridges, and roads were destroyed. It is believed that almost all buildings in the city of Pompeii were affected.


Getting There
Take the Circumvesuviana rail system from Naples to Pompeii for 2 or 3 euros. Board the train at Piazza Garibaldi (roughly 1 mile from the port). Make sure you validate your ticket at the turnstyle and watch for those pickpockets. Take the Sorrento line to Pompeii Scavi/Villa dei Misteri (roughly 30 minute ride). Note: If you go to plain old Pompeii, you will be surprised to find yourself in the current city of Pompeii. Pompeii Scavi (excavation) is where the ruins are. Buses from Pompeii to Vesuvius are available for a nominal fee (roughly 9E round trip) a run every 1/2 hour until 10:30am, and then hourly beginning at 11:25am. Taxis are also available -- remember to agree/haggle the price before getting in. If you visit Vesuvius first, make sure your bus is returning to Pompeii, not Ercolano(Herculaneum). The walk from the parking lot to the crater is 20-30 minutes. Leave plenty of time to visit Pompeii. It is 164 acres!


Hours and Fees
Vesuvius
9am to 5:30pm 6.5E
You will be offered a walking stick -- a small tip is appreciated on the return.
Admission includes a compulsory guide service.

Pompeii
8:30am to 7:30pm 11E
Free map and info booklet with admission -- but you have to ask for them.

Extras
Bring water, snacks, and an umbrella -- there is no shade.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Oh yeah, Spartacus camped out at the crater.