A tour through the geological history of the biggest active volcano in Europe famous for the ancient history of the village of Pompei, buried by an amazing eruption in 79 B.Ch. An experience that allows you to visit the astonishing city of Naples even discovering its amazing hidden underground. Finally the islands of Naples Gulf, as Capri and Ischia, release the joy to relax at the seaside and discover the amazing cliffs, caves and secret seashores of the Mediterranean sea.  The program is organized with hiking and boating: starting from natural landscapes, reaching volcanoes summits and historical cities in a very special tour based on nature, geology, culture, amazing food and wine.

DAILY PROGRAM

D1 – Arrival at International airport of Capodichino (Naples) and transfer the Gulf of Naples, below the slopes of Vesuvius volcano.

D2 – Early morning transfer to the archaeological site of Pompei UNESCO world heritage site. In this site we will learn how a volcanic eruption in 79 AD interred an entire village, preserving it until our days. In the afternoon we will drive back to Naples where we will discover the very interesting (and amasing) underground city following a path that will allow us to admire old tunnels and huge water tanks of the ancient aqueduct. In the late afternoon we will be in Naples, an amazing historical city also known for being the birthplace of pizza. Nice small restaurant in front of the sea with an enchanting atmosphere. HB

D3 – Transfer to the geosite of Campi Flegrei (represented by a quiescent volcano settled hundred of meters underground). This area allows us to observe different volcanic phenomena as geothermal fields and hot water springs. Pozzuoli is the most important historical village in the area. We will visit the old Roman harbour, the fish market (early in the morning) and ancient Roman archaeological sites as Teatro Flavio. An easy walk up to the top of Monte Nuovo allow us to discover the youngest mountain in Europe, that is also a nice natural reserve in front to the sea. Back to the hotel in Naples. HB

D4 – Hiking day (eventually possible to have 2 different way to visit Vesuvius, one it is easier, mostly by car) We will spend the entire day on the volcano, starting our trekking from Ottaviano and climbing the path of the Valle dell’Inferno up to the summit crater (600mt altitude gap; 5hrs walking). We will discover different volcanic rocks and thanks to the presence of a geologist we will retrace their origin. HB

D5 – After an early breakfast we visit the traditional fish market, and after that we take a boat to Ischia island, where we will stay for the next 2 nights. After a visit to the Castello Aragonese (an ancient Spanish establishment) we will enjoy the late afternoon for free time and relax. We can take a bath in one of the amazing seashores or relax at the thermal bath of Negombro, a facility already existing in Roman age. BB

D6 – Ischia Island, after breakfast we cross the urban centre by nice small ape-car (the only that can move into the narrow street of Ischia) till reaching the forest in the midland. From here we start hiking to reach the top of the Mount Epomeo and it’s very old tower, curved by the Romans into the volcanic rocks. From here we have a great view on the Islands of the Naple Gulf and on the Vesuvius Volcano. After descending we enjoy a famous thermal pool, the Poseidon that include a beautiful garden, a nice beach to bath into the sea and an interesting place to see some geological outcrops. Return to the hotel and free time in the evening. BB

D7 – A boat will take us though the Gulf of Naples to Capri island. We will spend the day enjoying this small island full of amazing cliffs, caves and secret seashores. We will walk though the village reaching the top of the mountain where we visit a famous old Roman Villa, Villa Jovis, owned by Emperor Julius Caesar (the famous one!). After that we reach an impressive cliff and an amazing natural rock arc, the Matermania cave up to the viewpoint of Piano delle Noci with the amazing landscape on the Faraglioni, huge rock monoliths standing above the sea. Later we have some free time in Capri Village, to take coffee, lunch or who likes, can rent a small private boat to reach hidden caves (as like Grotta Azzurra) or a wild beach. Late in the afternoon  we will sail back to our first hotel, in Naples.  BB

D8 – Free time in the morning depending on the scheduled flight, private transfer to the International airport of Capodichino (Naples).

Proposed departure for this group

1 October arrival in Naples/8 October departures from Naples

COST

€ 1.300 pp (for 20 people group)

Single sup: € 250

Costs include: English speaking Kailas Guide, a geologist expert of the area, all transports needed for the program (by bus and by ferry); all nights in double rooms in selected hotel in Naples and in Ischia, breakfast included + dinners in hotel, when mentioned HB; all entrance fee in the mentioned excursions (Pompei Archeological area, Underground Naples, Pozzuoli-Campi Flegrei, Vesuvius Volcano, Roman Villa in Capri), thermal pool in Ischia.

Not included: drinks excepted warter, other excursions not mentioned, lunches (possible both organize a pic nic or to stop in any caffè or small restaurant as preferred by the group), other dinners not mentioned. Travel insurances to made in own country.

Booking: 30% deposit within June 2016 (for October), balance 30 days before the date of departure.

Difficulties: Easy slopes for the way from hut to hut (green)

Group:  20 People

Hotels available at the moment:

Naples, Hotel Real Orto Botanico 4 Star, 5 nights  (http://www.hotelrealortobotanico.it )

Ischia, Hotel La capannina 3 stars, 2 nights ( http://www.hotellacapannina.it )