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Italy's Volcanic Soul
- 8-days study and walking tour in the Bay of Naples: Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Phlegrean Fields, and Ischia Island -
Highlights
 | All historically active volcanoes of the Bay of Naples
| | Excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum
| | Easy to moderate hiking
| | Wonderful volcanic beaches
| | Relaxing boat trips and spas
| | Delicious Southern Italian food
| | Competent volcanologist guide |
In short:
Tour code: ITA_SOL
Best travel period: All year
Grading: Moderate
Tour character:Easy to moderate walks and excursions
Next departures:
no scheduled dates at present
Price (p.p.): 1550 €
(Prices for smaller or larger groups on request.)
Included: | 7 nights accommodation in double room (4 in the center of Naples, 3 on the Island of Ischia)
| | Copious half board (breakfast + full dinner menu excluding drinks)
| | Mineral water during meals
| | All transports and excursions as described
| | Entry fees to museums, volcanoes, archaeological sites, spas, guided tours etc. as described
| | Detailed information material
| | Volcanologist guide |
Arrival info:Travel arrangements to and from Naples are not included in the tour package, in order to give everybody the best chance to plan the trip according to his/her preferences. Naples is easily reached by plane or train (e.g. from Rome airport or other cities). A taxi transfer to the hotel (ca. 15-25 EUR) can be arranged upon request. We will be to help you with such travel arrangements, as well as assist you with your international travel to Italy.
In the boisterous and colorful frame of the Bay of Naples a delightful journey to discover the true heart of southern Italy. We travel through its volcanic past that has shaped the history, culture as well as the economy of the region in the past and present.
Inhabited since the X century B.C., Naples appears at all time as a place of myth, extolled for the beauty of its bay, the mildness of the climate and the violence of the natural sceneries.
8 days itinerary
Day 1: |
Arrival in Naples
Own arrival in Naples, transfer to hotel in the lively historic center, group meeting at hotel in the lively downtown of the city.
Acc.: Hotel*** in the historic center of Naples (D)
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Day 2: |
Vesuvius Observatory, Vesuvius and Somma volcanoes
Visit to the oldest volcano observatory in the world, climb to the crater of Vesuvius, easy hike to Monte Somma and the Giants' Valley of Vesuvius.
Acc.: Hotel in Naples (B, L, D)
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Day 3: |
Archeological excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum
Full day to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, the excavated Roman cities buried by Vesuvius volcano in 79 AD.
Acc.: Hotel in Naples as before (B, D)
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Day 4: |
Boat trip to the Phlegrean Fields, Averno lake and Monte Nuovo volcano
Spectacular private boat tour along the Posillipo and Pozzuoli coasts (incl. swimming break). Afternoon excursion to the Phlegrean Fields, Cape Miseno, Solfatara, Averno lake and Mt. Nuovo volcano.
Acc.: Hotel in Naples as before (B, L, D)
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Day 5: |
Naples underground, free afternoon
Explore the old city of Naples and the underground excavations of the Greek-Roman town beneath the present foundations. Free afternoon.
Acc.: Hotel in Naples as before (B, D)
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Day 6: |
Rotaro volcano & historic volcanism on Ischia
Easy hike to Rotaro volcano with its active fumaroles, continue to the southern side of the island with magnificent views, observation of the most recent lava flow, erupted in 1302. Continue to a large beach full of thermal springs, natural spas and fumaroles. Time to swim and explore some ancient spas dating back to Roman times.
Evening: visit an old picturesque fishing village and a volcanic “islet” attached to the mainland by a thin isthmus of sand.
Acc.: Hotel on Ischia Island as before (B, D)
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Day 7: |
Sorgeto hot spring, Epomeo volcano, spas in San Montano Bay
Hike to an isolated bay with submarine hot springs (bathing even in winter!). Climb to the Epomeo volcano, enjoy a fabulous circular view on the whole Bay of Naples. Walk down to the village of Forio.
Rest of the day to relax in the natural spas of the beautiful bay of San Montano.
Acc.: Hotel in Ischia as before (B, D)
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Day 8: |
Ischia Ponte, Aragonese Castle, departure from Naples or tour extension
Walk to the harbour, visit of the Aragonese Castle, departure or own extension program.
Acc.: none (B)
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The oldest volcano observatory in the world
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Capitel from Pompei
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Lunch break on Vesuvius (well, near not on the crater...)
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The Macellum in Pozzuoli, a Roman market (falsely known as Serapide temple)
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Mergellina (Naples) from the sea
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Boat tour around the Posillipo coast
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The medieval Maschio Angioino castle in the port of Naples
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View towards Procida and Ischia Islands
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Tuff layers at the Posillipo coast
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Roman caves in the tuffs at Posillipo cape
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Oscar Wilde's villa on Gaiola islet
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Posillipo Cape's white cliffs made of tuff from the Phegrean Fields volcanoes
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