Vesuvius: Day Trips and Tours from Sorrento

A day trip to the world-famous Mount Vesuvius volcano from Sorrento is a great way to learn about an important historical event and enjoy the Italian countryside.

Visitors to Mount Vesuvius tend to combine their journey with a visit to the nearby archaeological site of Pompeii. This once-bustling Roman town was destroyed in 79 A.D. when Vesuvius erupted.

The neighboring site of Herculaneum, another town buried by the ash of Vesuvius, is a further popular attraction for travelers. A day trip can combine these attractions and ensure you get the most out of your jaunt from Sorrento to Vesuvius.

How to get to Vesuvius from Sorrento?

Mount Vesuvius is located 45.8 kilometers north of Sorrento, just west of Naples. Pompeii is slightly south of the volcano and sits near the coast of the Gulf of Naples, while Herculaneum is directly west.

From Sorrento to Vesuvius by Car

You can go from Sorrento to Vesuvius by car, which is a 1.5-hour journey depending on traffic. Take the Highway SS145 towards Naples, then take the A3 toll road until the Torre del Greco exit.

Follow the brown signs for “Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio.” Parking at Vesuvius must be booked in advance so make sure you reserve your spot. The fastest route requires tolls, so you will have to take a longer route if you’d like to avoid those.

From Sorrento to Vesuvius by bus/public transportation

You can reach Vesuvius by public transport from Sorrento. You can take the train to either Ercolano or Pompei and then take a bus to the trailhead.

• Ercolano: From Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train to Ercolano-Scavi Circumvesuviana station. You will find the Vesuvio Express bus outside the station, which will take you to Vesuvius.
• Pompeii: From Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei Villa dei Misteri station. Then you can take an EAV bus to the trailhead on Mount Vesuvius and continue on foot to the crater rim.

Guided Tour to Vesuvius from Sorrento

There are numerous guided excursions to Vesuvius and the surrounding archaeological sites. It is possible to start your trip once you reach Vesuvius or Pompeii, or you can start from Sorrento with a tour that includes pick-up and all transportation to the sites.

How much does the entrance ticket to Vesuvius cost?

A ticket is required to visit the Vesuvius crater, and guests can only enter during their chosen time slot. You may enter 30 minutes before your ticketed time and up to 90 minutes later, but you will not be able to enter once this grace period has ended.

Tickets can only be purchased online, and it is recommended to buy them before arriving at the park, as cell service can be spotty.

Prices are as follows:

• Adult: €11.68. Valid for all visitors not in the other categories.
• Reduced: €9.55. Valid for visitors under the age of 25, with a valid ID.
• Free: Valid for children under the age of six and disabled visitors with their companion.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Vesuvius from Sorrento?

Most day trips to Vesuvius from Sorrento also include an excursion to the famous archaeological site of Pompeii. These trips are typically around eight hours long and include the transportation, guide, and sometimes the entrance tickets to Vesuvius and Pompeii.

Start your journey to Vesuvius by meeting your tour guide, either in a specified central location in Sorrento or at your hotel. Then, you will begin your jaunt towards Vesuvius, making your first stop of the excursion, the ancient city of Pompeii.

Your knowledgeable guide will show you around the archaeological site, pointing out the well-preserved ancient streets and buildings.

After visiting Pompeii, many tours will take a break for lunch. Meals may or may not be included with your tour, so be sure to pay attention when booking to get the option you prefer.

Once you have finished your lunch, it is time to visit the infamous Mount Vesuvius volcano. After a short but, in some places, steep hike, you will reach the summit and be rewarded with panoramic views.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Vesuvius?

There are many tours with varied itineraries to visit Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento. You can choose which one fits you best based on your interests, from in-depth history lessons taught by archaeologists to combined Vesuvius and winery tours.

Guided Tours from Sorrento to Pompeii and Vesuvius

This tour is one of the most popular for those who wish to visit Vesuvius. You will be picked up in Sorrento and spend a full day with your guide.

First, you will see the archaeological site of Pompeii, which was destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., burying the town and its inhabitants in ash and pumice.

After walking these ancient streets, you will then begin your journey to Mount Vesuvius itself and enjoy panoramic views from atop the crater rim.

Guided Boat Tour from Sorrento to Pompeii and Vesuvius

Similar to the tour above, you will visit both Pompeii and Vesuvius, but this tour is unique because your transportation is via boat. Skip the traffic and enjoy a boat tour along the coast, to and from Sorrento, to reach your destination.

Once docked, you will be taken to Pompeii and Vesuvius on a bus before returning back to the dock 2.5 hours later. On the sail home, you have the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Naples.

Archaeologist-Led Tour to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius

Those looking for a genuinely in-depth lesson on the significance of the area can book a full-day private tour with an archaeologist. This unique tour brings you to Pompeii, the neighboring town of Herculaneum, which was also destroyed during the eruption, and Vesuvius itself.

Enjoy lunch at a local winery and come away with a new, more profound understanding of what happened when Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.

Vesuvius and Wine Tours

The combination of Vesuvius and Vineyard tours may be an excellent option for those who love history and wine. These day trips include excursions to the top attractions, such as Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, or both, as well as a wine tour and tasting at a local winery.

How much does a tour to Vesuvius from Sorrento cost?

The price of a day trip from Sorrento to Vesuvius varies depending on the type of tour you select.

For a classic guided tour to Pompeii and Vesuvius with a transfer from Sorrento, expect to pay between €99 to €130. Some of these include entrance tickets, and some do not, so be sure to choose whichever option you prefer.

A typical Vesuvius trip with a vineyard visit will be priced between €95 and €290. Again, some of these include entrance tickets and your wine or lunch, while others do not.

A private tour with an archaeologist will run about €685 per group of up to seven people.

What will you see and do at Vesuvius?

Mount Vesuvius is a volcano in Campania, Italy, overlooking the Gulf of Naples. The volcano is best known for its massive eruption in 79 A.D. when it destroyed the nearby bustling town of Pompeii and the neighboring Herculaneum. The volcano last erupted in 1944 and is still considered active today.

Excursions to Vesuvius and the surrounding national park are extremely popular with tourists. It is easy to spend a day admiring the panoramic views from the rim of the crater at an elevation of 1,281 meters.

When is Vesuvius open over the year?

Vesuvius is open year-round, with opening times varying depending on the month.

What are the opening times?

The opening times of Vesuvius are the following:

November to February: Open from 9 AM to 3 PM

March and October: Open from 9 AM to 4 PM

April to June and September: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM

July and August: Open from 9 AM to 6 PM

When is the best time to visit Vesuvius?

The best time for an excursion to Vesuvius and the surrounding sights depends on you and your interests. For the best weather, visit Vesuvius in the spring or the autumn. The weather tends to be mild, and there will be slightly fewer crowds than you’d find in the summer months.

However, if you’d like to skip the crowds entirely, the winter months might be your best bet for Vesuvius. Just keep an eye on the weather and consider packing a jacket.

Are there any tours to Vesuvius from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Italy:

• Day trips to Vesuvius from Amalfi
• Vesuvius day trips from Positano
• Day tours to Vesuvius from Salerno
• Vesuvius day tours from Rome

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for your trip to Vesuvius. The hike to the rim isn’t terribly long, but it is quite steep in sections, and being properly dressed will make the experience much more pleasant.
• Be sure to double-check your tour to see if lunch and drinks are included or not. If not, pack snacks or bring money to purchase your meals.
• Don’t pack a large bag if your tour includes a visit to Pompeii. There is a size limit for bags inside the archaeological site and you might be asked to leave it in lockers at the entrance.
• Understand the significance of the area and know your limits. Pompeii is the site of a tragedy and could be upsetting for some.