Hi Hayley
I did this tour last September and you'll have a fantastic time. A few tips:
-Take some really comfortable shoes because the giant uneven cobbles in 'old' Pompeii are surprisingly difficult to walk on and you'll find your calves aching afterwards!
- There is very little shade at the ruins, so make sure you have a sun hat, sun screen and carry a water bottle (you can refill it around the ruins as all the fountains are safe to drink from)
- If you get a chance to do the Herculaneum excursion, take it. It's smaller but much better preserved and more impressive in many ways. I actually preferred it to Pompeii.
- If you do Vesuvius, the cinder path to the top is quite steep but well worth it. Be aware, however that there are no loos, either at the 4x4 drop off point or at the summit.(They've managed to get a café and souvenir stalls up there though!") There is one at the coach drop off at the base but it's not obvious. It's also one of the few public loos on the trip that you won't be charged 50 cents to use.
- Capri is well worth the trip and, even if you don't like heights, have a ride on the chairlift to Monte Solaro because it's delightful.
- If you like gelato (and if you don't already, you will after this trip!), there is an amazing place half way between the hotel and the ruins on the Via Roma in Pompeii called De Vivo. It's also a patisserie and a bar and swiftly became the 'local' for our group!
Happy to help if you've got any other questions
Have a super time
Mandy
