Tour Details
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Herculaneum Archaeological Site
- Pompeii Archaeological Site
Photos & Highlights
- Spend a day in the Mount Vesuvius area with an expert archeologist
- Includes a private car service throughout the Mount Vesuvius area
Select a date
Tour Description
In 79 A.D., fierce volcanic eruptions buried several towns and villas that hugged the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius with molten lava and ash. Many of these sites were not unearthed until the modern era, when in the late 18th century, the Bourbon kings of Naples financed vast excavation efforts that greatly enriched the royal collections. Ironically, the volcanic material that settled upon the ancient settlements preserved homes, stores, temples, and bodies to frightening accuracy, allowing for an in-depth investigation into the ancient life and culture of the area.
On this Full-Day Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour, we dive into the two ancient cities with an archaeologist or classical historian, marveling at and being moved by the remains that have astonished viewers since their discovery while developing an in-depth understanding of the importance of these finds.
On this Full-Day Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour, we dive into the two ancient cities with an archaeologist or classical historian, marveling at and being moved by the remains that have astonished viewers since their discovery while developing an in-depth understanding of the importance of these finds.
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- 8 hours with a Ph.D. or MA-level guide
- Skip-the-line entry into the Pompeii Archaeological Site
- Skip-the-line entry into the Herculaneum Archaeological Site
Our day begins in Pompeii, where we will spend the full morning exploring the site and imagining life before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that changed the course of history. We will explore the depth and breadth of the site with an expert who will bring the ancient history of Pompeii to life.
Throughout the day, we will be chauffeured with a car service and will travel in the good company of an expert guide, specialized in archaeology or classic history who also possesses a deep knowledge of the individual sites and the overall context of the Campania region during antiquity and its relationship to Rome, who ruled the area at that time.
After lunch in a local trattoria, we will set out for Herculaneum, located just nearby. Although less well-known then its neighbor, Pompeii, Herculaneum was discovered first and excavated a few years before the larger city. While smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum holds clues to ancient life among the wealthier classes and helps to complete our understanding of ancient life.
Those interested in a briefer look at the archaeological remains may prefer our Half-Day Pompeii Tour, while families should see our Pompeii for Kids Tour.
NOTE: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation in Naples. Please include your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.
After lunch in a local trattoria, we will set out for Herculaneum, located just nearby. Although less well-known then its neighbor, Pompeii, Herculaneum was discovered first and excavated a few years before the larger city. While smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum holds clues to ancient life among the wealthier classes and helps to complete our understanding of ancient life.
Those interested in a briefer look at the archaeological remains may prefer our Half-Day Pompeii Tour, while families should see our Pompeii for Kids Tour.
NOTE: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation in Naples. Please include your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.
What are skip-the-line tickets?
For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to skip the ticket office line upon arrival at the venue. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.
Is the cost of lunch included in the full-day Pompeii excursion from Naples?
No, you'll be responsible for the cost of lunch for you and the guide.
Can I be picked up from a location outside of Naples?
Yes, in most cases, we can arrange pickups from locations such as Port of Naples, Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. Please let our team know when booking, and we’ll confirm availability and make the necessary arrangements
No, you'll be responsible for the cost of lunch for you and the guide.
Can I be picked up from a location outside of Naples?
Yes, in most cases, we can arrange pickups from locations such as Port of Naples, Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. Please let our team know when booking, and we’ll confirm availability and make the necessary arrangements
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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92 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
We very much enjoyed Giaconda’s company and benefited from her knowledge as our guide to Pompeii and Herculaneum. She greatly enriched our visit, deepening our understanding of what happened in 79AD. Our driver, Enzo, was lovely too. Both are first rate. Thanks. Patti and Trevor (Auckland, New Zealand)
Patti
Jun 15, 2025
We had a wonderful day with Riccardo exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum! We had a mixed age group (up to 80) and he navigated us deftly through all of the important sites in each location. He answered all of our questions and made certain that the day was informative and pleasant. Highly recommended! And also highly recommended to take the time to see Herculaneum even though Pompeii is what you might hear more about in popular culture.
Matthew
Jun 15, 2025
As usual, Context provides an exceptional experience. Alberto, our guide, was very knowledgable and personable. He responded to our interests, steering our tour toward features of Pompeii a bit off the standard tourist itinerary. The lunch place he recommended was terrific. The contrast between Pompeii and Herculaneum was also interesting. I would definitely recommend this trip to any of my friends going to Popeil or Naples.
David
May 18, 2025
