Took a tour to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Because it was pouring in the morning, the tour bus took us to Pompeii first. The street vendors made a bundle selling umbrellas, rain ponchos, and rain jackets (we contributed to the cause!). But the rain did not dampen our spirits, Pompeii is definitely worth a visit. We got to see lots of dwellings, small ampitheaters, an outdoor gymnasium, public baths, the red light district (the guide had way too much fun describing this part of the tour!), plumbing (they used lead pipes!), and the forum area with Mount Vesuvius towering in the background.

Because the rain stopped we were able to visit Mount Vesuvius after a short lunch break in Pompeii. The bus stopped at a cameo factory on the way up the road to Mount Vesuvius. Didn't realize cameos were made from seashells. The drive to the top of Mount Vesuvius was an amazing feat by the tour bus driver (very narrow road with lots of switch backs). At end of road we hiked the last 500 yards up a steep path to the top of the crater. Sadly, there was too much fog (and rain again!) to see into the crater or enjoy the view, but at least we can say we made it to the top of Mount Vesuvius.

As our cruise ship left Naples, Mike got some very spectacular photos of the island of Capri.

Click here to return to previous page.

Click a picture to see a larger view.