Vesuvius: Horseback Riding Tour with Bay Views & Pickup

Ride volcanic trails above Sorrento bay with local guides

You’ll ride gentle horses along Vesuvius’s volcanic slopes with local guides who know every story and shortcut. Take in sweeping Bay of Sorrento views, feel the crunch of ancient lava beneath your boots, and share laughs with fellow travelers, even if you’ve never ridden before. It’s less about reaching the top than seeing Vesuvius from a quieter side.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding on Vesuvius slopes

• Meet at Vesuvius National Park
• Ride horses at 500 meters elevation
• Follow ancient lava trail paths
• Enjoy panoramic Bay of Sorrento views
• Listen to expert guide's history stories

The experience

“Don’t worry, he’s gentle,” said Marco, handing me the reins, and honestly, I needed to hear that. The air up on Mt. Vesuvius felt sharp and piney, mixed with a faint mineral smell I couldn’t place. We were already 500 meters above sea level but it felt higher somehow, maybe because the ground looked so different: blackish soil, little tufts of wildflowers poking through old lava rock. My horse snorted like he agreed. There was this quiet except for our group’s laughter and the horses’ hooves crunching over gravelly paths.

I’d never been on a horse before (unless you count that one carnival pony ride as a kid), but Marco and his friends made it feel like no big deal. He pointed out where Roman soldiers used to march: right here, he said, waving his arm so wide I nearly laughed. The views just kept opening up: vineyards curling down toward the Bay of Sorrento, sunlight flickering off distant water. At one point we stopped to drink water (bottled for us in the saddlebag) and I tried to pronounce “Vesuvio” properly. Li laughed when I butchered it in Italian. You can’t actually go up to the crater on horseback (something about park rules), but honestly? The ride along these old lava trails was its own kind of wild.

The horses seemed to know every twist and dip by heart: sometimes they’d pause as if they wanted us to look around too. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for wind in the grass and someone’s phone camera clicking behind me. It felt weirdly peaceful up there, even with my nerves jangling at first. When we headed back down toward Pompei, legs a bit wobbly but grinning like idiots, I realized I hadn’t thought about anything else all hour except what was right in front of me. Still think about that view sometimes, you know?

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Pompei, bottled water tucked into your saddlebag for breaks along the trail, safety helmets for everyone (no matter your experience), and an hour-long guided horseback ride across volcanic slopes at 500 meters above sea level before heading back down together.

Options for this experience

2 options

Horseback riding on Mount VesuviusGuide in English or Spanish · 09:30, 11:15 and 14:00

Pickup from Naples for solo travelersGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Horse ride: we collect you in Naples for the ride, and when the experience ends we drop you off in Pompeii. Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from € 69 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30, 11:15 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by TASTETHEXPERIENCE

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high do you go on the Vesuvius horseback tour?

The horseback ride reaches about 500 meters above sea level on Mt. Vesuvius but does not go up to the crater rim due to park regulations.

Is transportation included from Pompei for this tour?

Yes, transportation from Pompei and back is included in your booking.

Can beginners join the horseback riding tour on Vesuvius?

Yes, beginners are welcome! No previous riding experience is needed.

Are helmets provided during the horseback riding tour?

Yes, helmets are provided for all participants as part of the tour inclusions.

Does this tour include access to Mount Vesuvius crater?

No, horses are not allowed up to the crater rim. Rides stay at 400-500 meters elevation. For crater access you need a separate hike or tour.

What is included in the Vesuvius horseback riding experience?

The experience includes bottled water, transport from Pompei and back, helmets, and a one-hour guided ride at 500 meters elevation.