SCHOOL PROPOSALS
EXCURSIONS
TIRONE ALTO-VESUVIUS FOREST RESERVE sent. n. 4
A walk along the beautiful path in the Forest Reserve that crosses the Ginestre Plain and is one of the most protected areas in the Park in terms of preservation and naturalness. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for children, and it passes through forested areas and more exposed and panoramic zones, offering a different explosion of colors, protected species, traces of wild animals, as well as lava flows and volcanic formations each time you visit. The path, lined with dry stone walls, is continuously maintained and monitored, crossing the heart of the UNESCO MAB Reserve. It's an ideal trail to understand the history of Somma-Vesuvius and the importance of protected natural areas and their conservation. It helps discover the biodiversity that the Vesuvius National Park protects, which is a treasure for all of us.
TECHNICAL SHEET
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Age Groups |
Children, Primary I-V grade, Secondary I and II grade |
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Info
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3 Km (intermediate goal) - 6 km (full route) - 3 hours - 600 m above sea level Tree cover, ~50m elevation gain with two access points |
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Entrances from: |
Ercolano - Accessible by bus up to 12 meters in length |
LAVA RIVER sent. n. 9
This trail is of short length and alternates between downhill and flat sections, first through mixed forest environments with species such as acacia, chestnut, black hornbeam, and various species of oaks, before reaching the spectacular lava flow formed during the 1944 eruption of Vesuvius. The endpoint offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the western slope of Vesuvius.
TECHNICAL SHEET
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Age Groups |
Primary I-V grade, Secondary I and II grade |
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Info
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1.5 km - 2 hours - 550 m above sea level |
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Entrances from: |
Ercolano - Accessible by bus up to 12 meters in length |
VESUVIUS GREAT CONE sent. n. 5
This path allows you to reach the crater rim of Vesuvius at an altitude of 1175m above sea level. After purchasing tickets, you walk along a path with panoramic switchbacks, offering views of the ancient volcanic structure of Monte Somma and the Valle del Gigante, rich in spectacular geological formations, native vegetation, ancient and new forests. During the ascent to the crater, the guides will explain the geological, naturalistic, and historical features of Somma-Vesuvius, and you can observe native plant and animal species of significant interest. It's possible to take a tourist itinerary (yellow) suitable for primary and lower secondary school and a circular one (red) recommended mainly for upper secondary school.
*Note*: Visiting the Vesuvius Great Cone from an altitude of 1000m above sea level and higher requires payment and the purchase of an online access ticket by the Vesuvius National Park Authority.
TECHNICAL SHEET
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Age Groups |
Primary V grade, Secondary I and II grade |
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Info
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4 km - 3 hours - 1170 m above sea level |
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Entrances from: |
Ercolano - Accessible by bus up to 12 meters in length Parking at www.parkingsuvio.it |
CRATERE SIDE WALK sent. n. 1 e 6
This path allows you to reach the Ottaviano square at an altitude of 1050m above sea level, along the eastern slope of Vesuvius Crater, offering a marvelous view of the Valle dell'Inferno, surrounded by the ridges of Monte Somma, the Nocerino-Sarnese plain, Pompeii, Oplontis, and the Sorrento Peninsula. You can experience the thrill of being on the slopes of Vesuvius, with excellent views but without steep climbs. During the excursion, guides will explain the geological, naturalistic, and historical features of Somma-Vesuvius, as well as observe native plant and animal species of significant interest. It's possible to extend the itinerary by ascending to the Crater Rim from the eastern slope after purchasing online tickets (recommended for upper secondary school).
TECHNICAL SHEET
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Age Groups |
Primary III-V grade, Secondary I and II grade |
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Info
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3 km - 2/3 hours - 1050 m above sea level |
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Entrances from: |
Ercolano - Accessible by bus up to 12 meters in length Parking at www.parkingsuvio.it |
HELL VALLEY sent. n. 1
The trail starts from an altitude of 965m and descends into the caldera of Monte Somma for about 2 km. Due to its terrain, it's ideal for observing the typical geological structure of the Somma-Vesuvius volcano-stratified enclosure. The Valle dell'Inferno separates Monte Somma from the younger Vesuvius and has been invaded by lava flows from eruptions in the 20th century. At the endpoint, near the beginning of the Cognoli di Levante, there's one of the most interesting volcanic formations in the complex, the so-called "rope lavas," formed in 1929, crossed by a deep crevice formed by the southwest sliding of the volcano. The visit to Valle dell'Inferno offers a fascinating walk to discover the eastern side of Vesuvius, providing insight into the history, origin, and activities of both volcanoes
TECHNICAL SHEET
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Age Groups |
Secondary I and II cycle |
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Info
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4 km - 3 hours - 950 m above sea level |
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Entrances from: |
Ercolano - Accessible by bus up to 12 meters in length Parking at www.parkingsuvio.it |
TERZIGNO PINE FOREST sent. n. 11
The path of the trail is predominantly flat and designed to be accessible to people with mobility and visual impairments. Modern natural engineering techniques and natural materials were used in its construction. The path consists of a wide wooden platform that crosses a spectacular area composed of recent lava, where a pine forest was planted in the past and is now being restored. The route is designed to enjoy the Vesuvius landscape in just 3 hectares, with beautiful views from the western slope of Vesuvius to the sunny Mediterranean scrubland, from pine groves to areas where pyroclastic substrate emerges. The proximity to fragrant plants allows visitors to also enjoy the scents and aromas along the way. The path is near the Vesuvius National Park Museum and can be easily combined with a visit.
TECHNICAL SHEET
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Age Groups |
Infants, Primary, suitable for motor and sensory disabilities, visit and psychosensory |
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Info
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2 km - 2 hours - 250 m above sea level |
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Entrances from: |
Terzigno - Accessible by bus without limitations |
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
"ON CAMP"
Nature Treasure Hunt
TECHNICAL SHEET
An exploration-based activity discovering nature through riddles, puzzles, and clues, for an exciting journey of fun and discovery in Somma-Vesuvius! The activity takes place within private green areas and on the natural paths of the Vesuvius National Park, involving teams in the search for biodiversity clues, an opportunity to understand the richness and fragility of our natural heritage. It takes place on the trail.
Si svolge sul sentiero.
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Age Groups |
Primary III-IV-V grade – Secondary I grade class one |
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Info |
2 km – 3 hours – 30 m above sea level |
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Features |
Covered and sunny, ~50m elevation gain |
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Entrance at: |
Ercolano |
Ecoorienteering in Valle dell’Inferno
TECHNICAL SHEET
Ecoorienteering is an educational/sporting activity created by the APS "Vesuvio Natura da Esplorare," combining orienteering techniques with the study and observation of natural ecosystems and their basic characteristics. It involves navigating unknown, wooded but well-marked terrain using a compass and the instructions on the ECOORIENTEERING CARD, in the shortest time possible while completing all indicated parts of the handbook. The card includes assessments of both biotic and abiotic aspects of the territory and considerations about naturalistic engineering techniques, as well as human impact on the ecosystem.
The activity takes place on the Valle dell'Inferno trail, starting at an altitude of 965m and descending, alternating between downhill and flat sections. The Ecoorienteering course allows you to descend into the valley, first reaching the Arena and the Natural Arch and then the Cognoli di Levante, where the most beautiful "rope lava" formation on Vesuvius is located, carved by a deep fracture, inhabited by numerous fern species. Along the route, there will be four guides monitoring the progress of the teams, assisting with in-progress tasks such as archery, compass orientation, and overcoming both competitive and naturalistic challenges. The workshop helps build self-esteem, work on team building and group inclusion, promoting the abilities of each individual student.
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Age Groups |
Secondary II grade, maximum 50 participants |
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Info |
5 km – 4 hours – 950 m above sea level |
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Features |
Light tree cover, ~130m elevation gain |
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Entrance at: |
Ercolano - Accessible by bus up to 12 meters in length |
The Naturalist's Notebook
TECHNICAL SHEET
A guided exploration excursion as true naturalists! Each student will receive a personal kit consisting of the naturalist's notebook, a test tube, and a personal pencil. Along the trail, guides will accompany students in filling out their personal notebooks, with field workshops and data collection through small experiments. A biodiversity laboratory with the creation of a personal collection of data and species encountered during the walk. It takes place on the trail.
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Age Groups |
Primary V grade – Secondary I classes I-II-III |
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Info |
2 km – 3 hours – 30 m above sea level |
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Features |
Covered and sunny, ~50m elevation gain |
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Entrance at: |
Ercolano |
VISIT TO MUSEUM
Visita guidata al Museo del Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio
TECHNICAL SHEET
An exhibition journey that illustrates the geological evolution of Somma-Vesuvius, biodiversity, and the main plant and animal species through panels, interactive installations, educational games, and audio-visual points. The guided visit to the museum is an interesting journey to discover the Park's territory, especially when combined with a naturalistic excursion in the field.
*Museum Link*: [Vesuvius National Park Museum](https://www.museoparcovesuvio.it/visita)
Location: Vesuvius National Park Museum – Via Le Corbusier 9, 80041 Boscoreale Napoli
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Age Groups |
Infants, Primary I-V grade, Secondary I and II grade |
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Info |
At the Vesuvius National Park Museum – approximately 1.5 hours |
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Features |
Exhibition and multimedia halls of the Park's museum |
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Entrance at: |
Boscoreale |
MANIPULATIVE LABORATORY
Vesuvian Mineral Box
TECHNICAL SHEET
A hands-on educational workshop dedicated to the hidden treasures of volcanoes, aimed at telling the story of the region through the observation and manipulation of volcanic rocks, minerals, and crystals. Through simulations and educational videos, we will explore the inner structure of a volcano, learning interactively about the mechanisms that make our Earth alive and ever-changing. We will assemble a young geologist's kit, consisting of six natural minerals similar to those that characterize the eruptive history of Somma-Vesuvius. Each student will have the materials to build their kit, and they will be given information about the characteristics and curiosities of the natural minerals placed in the box.
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Age Groups |
Infants, Primary I-V grade, Secondary I and II grade |
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Info |
1 hour per group of up to 40 people |
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Features |
In a classroom setting, tailored to various age groups |
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Entrance at: |
Ercolano, at Lava Rock Gift |
