Pompeii & Vesuvius: Ruins, Crater Hike & Winery Lunch

Summary

Walk Pompeii’s lost city then climb Vesuvius for sweeping Naples views

You’ll wander Pompeii’s haunting streets with a local guide, taste fresh Vesuvian wine over lunch at a hillside winery, then climb Mount Vesuvius for wild views into its crater and across Naples Bay. Expect laughter, ash under your shoes—and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget stepping off the minibus in Pompeii—there was this faint smell of dust and wild herbs in the air, and you could hear cicadas even over the chatter of our little group. Our guide, Paola, handed out headphones (which I honestly didn’t expect but came in handy), and led us straight onto those old stone streets. She had this way of pointing out details I’d have missed: faded graffiti on a wall, grooves from ancient carts along Via dell’Abbondanza. At one point she stopped by the Lupanar and just grinned—“You can guess what went on here,” she said, and a few of us tried not to laugh too loud. The sun was already sharp but there were cool shadows inside the Stabian Baths; it smelled kind of mineral-y in there, like old water and stone. I kept thinking about how people actually lived here—bought bread, watched plays at the Great Theatre. It’s strange how normal it all feels until you remember why it’s so quiet now.

Lunch was at a winery on Vesuvius’ slopes—honestly, I’m not usually big on wine tours but this one felt easygoing. They poured us a glass of something crisp (I forgot the name instantly) and brought out plates of pasta with tomatoes that tasted way sweeter than back home. The view over the vineyards was hazy but you could see Naples glinting far off. I ended up talking to an older couple from Milan who’d done the day trip from Sorrento too—they said they come every year for the wine alone. Maybe that’s a thing?

The hike up Mount Vesuvius started slow—lots of loose gravel underfoot, so yeah, good shoes are smart—and it got windy near the top. Our mountain guide (I think his name was Marco?) pointed out steam rising from cracks in the crater rim and told stories about Vulcan, which made me look twice at every puff of smoke. Standing right on the edge looking down into that huge bowl… hard to describe it without sounding dramatic. You see all of Naples spread below and realize how close everything is. I still think about that view sometimes when I smell sulfur or hear about volcanoes on TV.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

• Visit Pompeii archaeological site
• Explore the Civil Forum
• See the Temple of Jupiter
• Walk Via dell'Abbondanza street
• Visit the Macellum market
• See the Pompeii brothel paintings
• Explore the Stabian Baths
• Visit the Large Theatre
• Enjoy lunch at Vesuvian winery
• Hike Mount Vesuvius slopes
• Reach crater edge with mountain guide
• Admire views over Gulf of Naples

Top questions

How long does the Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius tour take?

This is a full-day tour starting from Sorrento or Naples and includes guided visits to both sites plus lunch.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius?

Yes, a light lunch with local wine tasting at a Vesuvian winery is included.

Do I need to buy tickets separately for Pompeii or Vesuvius?

No, skip-the-line entrance tickets for both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are included in your booking.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup from designated meeting points in Sorrento or Naples.

How difficult is the hike up Mount Vesuvius?

The path can be uneven and challenging in places; comfortable shoes are recommended but it’s suitable for most fitness levels.

What attractions will we see inside Pompeii?

You’ll visit sites like Via dell’Abbondanza, Stabian Baths, Lupanar (brothel), Great Theatre, Civil Forum, Temple of Jupiter, and more.

Are guides provided at both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius?

Yes, an authorized English-speaking guide leads you through Pompeii; a professional mountain guide meets you at Vesuvius’ crater.

What happens if Mount Vesuvius is closed due to weather?

If bad weather closes access to Vesuvius, you’ll receive a partial refund or can choose another date or full refund instead.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Sorrento or Naples meeting points by air-conditioned minibus, skip-the-line entry fees for both Pompeii ruins and Mount Vesuvius crater hike, guided tours with headphones in Pompeii plus a professional mountain guide at the volcano summit, as well as a light lunch with Vesuvian wine tasting before heading back in the evening.