Pompeii Herculaneum and Vesuvius private tour

It is almost ironic how thanks to such a devastating event like the eruption of mount Vesuvius in 79 D.C., today we have the possibility to visit one of the most fascinating locations in the world.
Once in Pompeii you really have the sensation to be transported nearly two millennia back in history, the city has been almost perfectly preserved by the layers of crystallized ashes remained by the Vesuvius, to the point that you will even see the casts of the citizens of Pompeii frozen in time in the last moments of their lives

The many frescos, most of which are still very well preserved, will gradually tell you the story of this ancient city, you will learn about the way of the people that lived there, you will get to know the names and the lives of notorius inhabitants of the city, you will see with your eyes what where the customs, the virtues and the vices of a community that on the fatal day of August the 24th, 79 AD., met their end by the eruption of mount Vesuvius, which with very little warning wiped the population of this bustling and flourishing city.

In contrast to modern Ercolano, classical Herculaneum was a peaceful fishing and port town of about 4000 inhabitants, and something of a resort for wealthy Romans and Campanians.

Herculaneum’s fate paralleled that of nearby Pompeii. Destroyed by an earthquake in AD 63, it was completely submerged in the AD 79 eruption of Mt Vesuvius. However, as it was much closer to the volcano than Pompeii, it drowned in a 16m-thick sea of mud rather than in the lapilli (burning pumice stone) and ash that rained down on Pompeii. This essentially fossilised the town, ensuring that even delicate items, like furniture and clothing, were discovered remarkably well preserved.

The town was rediscovered in 1709 and amateur excavations were carried out intermittently until 1874, with many finds being carted off to Naples to decorate the houses of the well-to-do or to end up in museums. Serious archaeological work began again in 1927 and continues to this day.

Looming above the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 and covered Pompeii in ash, preserving parts of the ancient city that can still be seen today.

The volcano itself is still active—the only active one in continental Europe—and, though dormant, is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. Despite this, many visitors hike the mountain to see its infamous crater and are rewarded with stunning views of Pompeii, the Bay of Naples, and the surrounding Italian countryside.

A trip to the volcano itself provides the best understanding of the area and its impact on the region’s history. A hike up the mountain begins in Mount Vesuvius National Park, which has nine nature trails and allows for summit access. The crater’s lunar landscape is otherworldly, and the views are tough to beat.