Climbing Mt. Vesuvius

[calenita]

Has anyone done this on their own or just as part of a shore excursion? How challenging is the climb? I noticed on the shore excursion through RCCL you have to be at least 10 to climb. Is this just their rule or will they let an 8 year old climb if you do it on your own? Thanks all.

[WeLuvCruzin2]

Hi.

We did Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii with NCL while in Naples last October, my daughter was 9 at the time. I wouldn't call the climb challenging, but wear suitable footwear & wrap up warm....there was already a dusting of snow on the summit!

[dmackay46]

If you send me your email address, I have a few good pics of us doing the climb last year.

[calenita]

Thanks. It's goldenswim@hotmail.com.

 

Does anyone know if there are restrictions on children - 8 years old - climbing Mt. Vesuvius?

[Jana White]

I have done the climb, but would not suggest it in the heat of summer. It can be very hot and there little shade. Any other season is fine and well worth the climb

[RachelG]

No restrictions on kids--it is a public area. The tour you were looking at may have had age restrictions, but if you go on your own, you would be fine.

[calenita]

Thanks all. We have decided to go on our own with a private tour. We are doing Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius and the Archeological Museum in Naples. So we will plan on DS8 climbing too and if he doesn't want to he can stay at the car with either mom or dad. Will work out well.

[calenita]

Thanks for all the input.

 

We don't have hiking shoes. Haven't had those since I lived in Switzerland. So just crosstrainers/running shoes. That is what I would wear for going on a jog/walk/hike here. That should work I think. I have a pair of Clarks I plan on wearing in most ports but I think this will be our American/Canadian tourist day with the running shoes on all our feet.

 

In about 10 days we will summit!

Debbi

[RachelG]

You should be fine with regular running shoes/cross trainers. But no sandals or heels. We once saw a Japanese lady on the trail down into the Grand Canyon wearing 3 inch spike heeled sandals--not a good choice.

[ukbecky]

My youngest was barely 3 when we hiked it on our own and he still remembers it. Take the offered walking sticks (costs a couple of dollars 'donation'). The stick helped alot towards the top where it's quite rocky and a little steep.

[sizzle_sisters]

Depends on your breathing and your back.

i wasn't winded, but the incline was too great for my back. I got 3/4 way up. It was very hot (June). It was slippery coming down due to the loose stone.

Remember.. no toilets. Unless the guy with the portapotty is still down the road and charging $ for use.

I saw many many overweight and old people doing the trek. Some in native dress (very heavy native dress)