Shadow of Vesuvius
Italy
In the shadow of the volcano that buried two cities in 79 CE, 90 km through Herculaneum's intact Roman houses, Pompeii's extraordinary preserved streets, the crater rim of Vesuvius itself, and Sorrento's clifftop lemon groves with the Amalfi Coast visible across the bay.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Naples
Birthplace of pizza and home to the world's greatest archaeological museum, holding everything removed from Pompeii. The Spaccanapoli cuts the old city in a straight line through baroque excess.
- Herculaneum
More intimate and better preserved than Pompeii, the pyroclastic flow carbonised wooden furniture and food in the shops. Only a third has been excavated; the rest waits beneath modern Ercolano.
- Pompeii
An entire Roman city of 11,000 people frozen in 79 CE. Plaster casts of victims, intact brothel frescoes, and cart ruts worn into stone streets, all beneath the volcano that still looms above.
- Mount Vesuvius
The only active volcano on mainland Europe. The 30-minute walk to the crater rim at 1,281 m delivers a vertiginous view into the steaming caldera and across the entire Bay of Naples.
- Sorrento
A clifftop city of lemon groves above the Bay of Naples, with Vesuvius visible across the water from Piazza Tasso. The ferry to Capri and the Amalfi Coast departs from Marina Piccola below the cliff.
Where to Eat
- Pizzeria Gino SorbilloPizza
Renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, this historic pizzeria offers a variety of traditional toppings in a lively atmosphere.
- Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890Italian Fine Dining
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Sorrento, celebrated for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine and extensive wine selection.
- Trattoria da EmiliaSeafood
Located by the marina in Sorrento, this family-run trattoria serves fresh seafood dishes with stunning sea views.
Things to Do
- National Archaeological Museum of NaplesMuseum
Houses an extensive collection of Greco-Roman artifacts, including treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- Villa ComunalePark
A scenic public park along the Naples waterfront, featuring lush gardens and the historic Aquarium.
- Marina GrandeScenic Viewpoint
A picturesque fishing village in Sorrento offering charming views of the bay and colorful boats.