Mt. Vesuvious hike
 

Has anyone hiked to the top of Mt Vesuvious? We are going there tomorrow or the next day, depending on the weather. Would love to know if you have to be in 'TOP" condition to do the hike, and how long does it usually take? I have read 2-3 hrs round trip, is that the average time? Thanks for any information anyone can give. Oh almost forgot we are seniors.

Most people take a bus or car to the upper parking lot and take a not-very-difficult walk uphill to a spot where you can view the crater.

The slopes of Vesuvius are a tree-covered public park, and you can probably find a hiking trial through them, but I'm not sure you would find it all that rewarding.

What is really key is not so much your age as what time of year you are going and how well you handle heat. If you are going between late April and mid-October, the midday sun and heat of southern Italy can be intense, even where it is perfectly flat, so you want to arrange your days with that in mind, doing any strenuous outdoor activity in the morning, and retreating to a museum or bar with a breeze + cool drink or swimming in the afternoon.

Excuse my failing to register you are going tomorrow. I imagine it is still quite hot in southern Italy right now. Why not take the bus early in the morning are in the early evening?

-- that should be "or in the early evening"

You might find this web page helpful:

http://www.vesuvioinrete.it/e_arrivare.htm

There was no public transportation from Herculaneum to the upper parking lot of Vesuvius. We had to take a private van which departs from th train station. The hike was not difficult but we ran into trouble with the van schedule. For details see:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-and-paris.cfm

I believe there is public transportation from Pompei, however.

Looking at your report, it seems your trouble with the van schedule was that you didn't understand you had bought a round trip ticket with reserved spaces.

As I recall, it is less than two hours roundtrip. The hike is easy as a wide low gradient trail takes you up. You will be offered the opportunity to rent for the trip a walking stick for about 1 euro, which is a good value, almost everyone did it.

Thank you everyone. Just got back from Mt. Vesuvious! We drove to the parking lot (paid the $2.50) and walked up to the top. The walk really wasn't bad, the only thing was the carter is not that impressive. I think because I have been to Hawaii and other places that have volcanoes that have been active more recently. The walk was good exercise, and I did use a walking stick. I always thought they were a waste of time before, but they really do help. Off to Capri tomorrow then to Florence the next day. If anyone has any input for these places it would be appreciated. Thanks again.

Was any smoke coming out of the crater the day you visited? As for Florence you probably know all the main sights, but another place we visited and enjoyed was the National Archaeological Museum.

On Capri, take the bus to Anacapri and then the chair lift up Mt. Solara for the most incredible views.

In Florence, for something that many miss, visit the Palazzo Medici- Riccardi to see the small chapel with lovely murals of the Procession of the Magi. And of course, the Accademia for Michelangelo's David. If you need a break from museums, take a trip to Fiesole - about 20 minutes by bus from Piazza San Marco. A small town with wonderful views of Florence and a nice place to have lunch.

Thanks so much did quite a few of your suggestions. We also took a side trip into Gaiole in Chianti stayed at a fantastic B&B, Borgo Argenina, place was just beautiful and the owner Elana Nappa is delightful! If you ever get to that area, I would make a point to look this up. Thanks again for all your suggestions. Off to Venice tomorrow. :)