He visited Pompeii, Naples, Milan, Tivoli, Florence, Turin and Genoa.

Additionally, he visited Pompeii once after the eruption and again the following year.

I fulfilled a lifelong desire to explore Neapolitan art and culture, and to visit Pompeii, Ravello and the Amalfi Coast.

From July to August 1779 he and Jacques-Louis David visited Naples, Herculaneum and Pompeii.

He visited Naples, Rome, Florence and Pompeii, where the volcano was unusually active.

He visited Pompeii and Herculaneum and saw antique bronze furniture for the first time.

He visited Florence, Rome, the Vatican and Pompeii, but he was more attracted to the world of nature.

He climbed Vesuvius, visited Pompeii, found himself contrasting Neapolitan gaiety with Roman solemnity.

Prof. William Abbott explains, "At the time of the eruption, Pompeii had reached its high point in society as many Romans frequently visited Pompeii on vacations."

During their tour of Italy, Breckinridge met with Pope Pius IX in Rome, and also visited Pompeii.