Today we packed up our bags and said goodbye to Sorrento. Our driver picked us up at 8:30 am and we headed to our first stop which was Pompeii.
Pompeii
We took a guided tour, which I HIGHLY recommend, to understand the history behind this city. Pompeii, originally settled by the Oscans around the 7th century BC, the city later came under Greek rule and eventually became a Roman hub. With its prime location near the Bay of Naples, Pompeii became known for its agriculture, trade, and luxurious villas decorated with colorful frescoes and mosaics. Many of which remain intact today. There were theaters, bathhouses, and even early versions of fast-food stalls that catered to the city’s busy citizens.
All of that changed when Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii under more than 15 feet of ash and pumice. What was a devastating tragedy for its people became a remarkable preservation of history. Entire homes, shops, and even casts of the city’s residents were sealed in time, offering us a window into daily Roman life that would otherwise have been lost. Today, walking through Pompeii’s ruins feels less like touring an archaeological site and more like stepping into a living city, where stone streets, amphitheaters, and courtyards still tell stories of life in the past.
Pompeii was much bigger than I imagined. There is so much to see and learn. You will want to spend at least 2 hours exploring, probably more. We had a schedule to keep so had a little over 2 hours and felt like we were rushed. Our next stop – wine tasting and lunch at Cantina Del Vesuvio.
Cantina Del Vesuvio
Welcome to Cantina Del Vesuvio! We were greeted by a team member with a beautiful glass of Rose wine as we waited for the other tour guests to arrive. What a beautiful property! We were given a 30-minute tour of the grounds and learned about how the volcanic soil makes flavorful wines. We were then shown a table on the rooftop restaurant/tasting room to begin our lunch. Lunch started with an overflowing charcuterie board. We thought the charcuterie board was our lunch with the wine tastings (both red & white). But we were wrong – that was just the start. They then brought out several more courses including a meat course and pasta course, with wines to go with each. It was lovely and we were stuffed!
We were very excited to learn that they ship to the United States, and we purchased wine as well as olive oil.
Mt. Vesuvius
Our driver then took us to Mt. Vesuvius. Thankfully, we had a driver because after that big lunch and wine tasting, we were all feeling a little sleepy. It took about an hour to reach the entrance, where we began the climb. The trail was steep, the soil dry and loose, and we had to watch our footing to avoid slipping. I wouldn’t recommend wine tasting before the climb, but luckily we were in fairly good shape and made it to the peak without too much trouble.
Reaching the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking views that stretched across the Bay of Naples, Sorrento, and even back toward Pompeii. The sweeping landscape was far more impressive than the crater itself, which felt like a bit of a dud in comparison. Still, standing at the rim of one of the world’s most famous volcanoes and taking in those panoramic views was an unforgettable experience.
Inside Mt. Vesuvius – not very exciting – just rock and grasses.
After our climb up Mt. Vesuvius, we headed to the airport for the next leg of our journey—Palermo. It had been a full day of ancient history, delicious food and wine, and breathtaking views. As we boarded our flight to Sicily, we were excited for what awaits us next. Palermo, with its vibrant markets, rich history, and unique culture, would be the start of an entirely new adventure—stay tuned!
This is the last of 5 Blog Posts from the Amalfi Coast. You can go back to the beginning by clicking on these links:
- Amalfi Coast – Day 1 – Sorrento
- Amalfi Coast – Day 2 – Lemon Hike and Positano Dinner
- Amalfi Coast – Day 3 – Island of Capri
- Amalfi Coast – Day 4 – Path of the Gods Hike
I will be creating a freebie of the Amalfi Coast Itinerary. Thanks for joining me on this journey.