Typical brochures for travel in southern Italy will include Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Isle of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, but what about Mount Vesuvius.

When travelling through the gulf of Naples region, this volcano is an ever present reminder of the power of nature.

Not wanting to be typical tourists, I was lucky to have the opportunity to be driven up the mountain to the start of the walking trail.

On the way up the mountain, the scars from the last lava flow from the 1940's are still quite visible.

From that point it took about one hour to walk to the crater. The path is not an easy walk and the surface is loose, so good hiking shoes are a must. A warm jacket is also advisible. The hike is worth the effort. The first thing you notice is steam flowing out from various cracks in the rocks within the crater. We were told that the scientists can predict an eruption three days in advance. We were also told that it is estimated to take three weeks to evacuate the region!

Looking outward toward the Gulf of Naples provided a panoramic view of the region and the potential for mass destruction that was documented by Pompeii over 2,000 years ago.

So take the opportunity to leave the typical tourist spots and enjoy a side trip that you will never forget.