ShoreTrips says...

Prior to 79 A.D., thousands of prosperous citizens sought comfort in the majesty of Pompeii, regarding it as nothing less than a gift from the gods. In those days of abundant plenty, no Neapolitan would have anticipated the hidden threat of their beloved mountain...

Begin with a visit to Mt. Vesuvius, the famous mountain that erupted violently during the morning of August 24, 79 A.D., unceremoniously removing all surrounding cities from the face of the earth. Since then, Vesuvius has erupted about three dozen times. View the crater of Vesuvius, 1,281 meters above sea level, by walking for approximately 45 minutes up the steep mount, as the road for vehicles terminates half way up this climb.

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed and buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D, preserving it forever exactly how it was when the eruption occurred. Your private, local, licensed Pompeii guide will take you on a fascinating tour through this once-thriving empire of nearly 20,000 inhabitants that was completely covered in 30 feet of volcanic ash. Take in the baths, villas, theaters, and wrestling grounds.

Herculaneum is an ancient residential town of Greek origins, a smaller town with a wealthier population at the time of the eruption. Covered by a torrent of mud, rather than ash, the ruins are in some ways even better preserved, and the site offers a variety of beautiful scenery and invaluable arts. Embark on a walking tour through the villas with portico gardens, fountains, and baths, and admire the wall frescoes and floor mosaics. Excavations of Herculaneum began by accident in 1709 when some workers, digging a well, discovered a wall that was later found to be one of the stages of the ancient theatre. Later, there were many human skeletons uncovered at the ancient shoreline, suggesting that numerous inhabitants attempted to escape, but perished when mountains collapsed and volcanic gases were released.