Karen

One of the places on my teenage son's list of places to see in Italy is Vesuvius. Does anyone know the best way to do this? Is there still a funicular, and if so, where exactly is it? Someone on this forum also mentioned hiking up Vesuvius. Where exactly? We will probably do Pompeii as a day trip from Rome (many thanks to Walter's amazingly detailed directions for the train connections), but I would love some advice on getting "up close and personal" with the volcano itself.

Walter

Hi Karen: Thanks for the Plug. I did a search and it seems that the funicular stopped running in 1984. But is seems there is a bus service that runs from the Ercolano CS station to Mt. Vesuvius. I snipped that section from an Italian website perhaps you could have someone from your hotel in Rome call for info. If not, like I mentioned there are the minivan taxis right outside the Ercolano CS station that hawk trips to Mt. V. At the Pompeii CS station while waiting for the train and even on the train I would ask around and see if you can get 2-4 more people interested and split the taxi fare. If you do make this trip please post about it when you get back. Below is the "snip". HTH Regards, Walter...."But it is possible to arrive to us also in train with the Circumvesuviana railroad (for information 081/7792444). A bus company, in fact, connects the Ercolano-Scavi station of the Circum with the Vesuvio." <BR> <BR> <BR>

Maggie

Two years ago we stayed in Sorrento and took a day tour to Pompeii and Versuvius. For the Versuvius part, the bus drove fairly far up and we did the rest on foot. The climb is not particularly steep or difficult, but it can be a little hot and dusty. It is also spectacularly worth it!!!!!! The view from the top over the Bay of Naples is breathtaking. The crater was benignly quiet when we were there but still you get a good idea of what it is all about. <BR> <BR>I'm sure you can figure a way to do it either on your own or on a tour and I think both you and your son will remember and talk about it. Don't know what your full plans are but if you can stay in Sorrento it could work nicely. After our climb we sat on our balcony sipping wine and looking across at Versuvius pretty imressed that a few hours earlier we had been at the top!!

cass

Maggie, Was that an organized bus tour (remember the company?)for which you signed up at a motel or agency, or how did you do that from Sorrento?

Maira

In May 1994, my husband & I hiked to the top of the Vesuvius. We drove and left the car at the base and started climbing up. Hot, dusty, but worth every second of the effort. There was a souvenir stand halfway to the top. Incredible views of the Sorrento Bay. We picked up volcanic rocks as souvenirs. By the way, you do know that the Vesuvius is still an active volcano, so you will see some smoke coming up at some spots. Just make sure it's all done safely.