Italy’s Mountains of Fire: Etna & Vesuvius

Study Leader - Sam Bowring

Leading this program will be Dr. Samuel Bowring, MIT Professor of Geology and Geochemistry. Dr. Bowring has been on the faculty at MIT since 1991. Much of his research focuses on determining the ages of key events in earth history by dating volcanic ash beds. Dr. Bowring’s interest in the ...more

Summary

On this trip, explore two of the world’s most thrilling geological phenomenons: Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius, the grandest and most celebrated volcanoes in Italy.

Towering above Catania (Sicily), Mount Etna has one of the world's longest documented records of historical volcanism, dating back to 1500 B.C. Despite its fearsome appearance during eruptions, Mount Etna is not a killer volcano, however. Etna keeps its explosive eruptions rare and close to its top, and its lava moves very slowly down its flanks, making it ideal for observation.

One of the world's most noted volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius forms a dramatic backdrop to the Bay of Naples. Eight major explosive eruptions have taken place in the last 17,000 years. It was during the restoration of the 1631 explosion that workers discovered the ruins of Pompeii, buried and forgotten for nearly 1600 years. Our trip includes a full day exploring this extraordinary archeological wonder, as well as a look into the mouth of Vesuvius!

This trip also takes in the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Syracuse, the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the world famous landmarks of Rome, and the unforgettable sites of the Vatican.

Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: USA / CATANIA
• Day 2: CATANIA / TAORMINA
• Day 3: MOUNT ETNA
• Day 4: SYRACUSE
• Day 5: NAPLES / POMPEII / SORRENTO
• Day 6: MOUNT VESUVIUS
• Day 7: AMALFI COAST
• Day 8: HERCULANEUM / ROME
• Day 9: ROME / LAKE BRACCIANO
• Day 10: ROME
• Day 11: ROME / USA