Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Capri Their fourth weekend abroad, the students traveled to Southern Italy to visit the ancient city of Pompeii and climb Mt. Vesuvius, a still-active volcano. When Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, it buried the Roman city of Pompeii. Preserved for centuries under layers of dried lava, the excavated city offers visitors a rare glimpse of ancient life. Their trip also included a visit to the Isle of Capri, a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking scenery and famous blue grotto.