The thriving Roman city of Herculaneum met its fate in 79 A. D., when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The volcanic ash from Mt. Vesuvius buried the entire town and many of its inhabitants. Herculaneum is much smaller but better preserved than Pompeii. While Pompeii was covered in four to five meters of ashes, a landslide of 20-meter deep mud buried Herculaneum.  Carbonized wooden objects, intact paintings and mosaics are still preserved and the city will come to life with a two-hour tour by your guide. Highlights include the Temple of the Augustali, the beach where more then 300 skeletons were found, the thermal baths, the forum, the house of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Samnite house, the gymnasium, the house of the Dears and much more. Afterwards, take a break for lunch in a typical Italian restaurant for some good wine and  traditional dishes. After lunch the driver will take you to Mount Vesuvius. A 20-minute walk is required to reach the highest part of the crater.