Pompeii and Herculaneum small group tour - skip the line
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Pompeii and Herculaneum small group tour - skip the line

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(15 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Pompeii and Herculaneum are among the world’s most important Roman archaeological sites, but the ruins can be hard to interpret to the untrained eye. With this tour, we will take a deep dive into ancient history by visiting both sites with an archaeologist guide. Learn about the history and architecture of these two cities buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79, taking in the highlights in just a few hours.

Available options

English tour

Italian Tour

What's included

skip the line tickets in Herculaneum
skip the line tickets in Pompeii
guidance in Pompeii and Herculaneum ruins for the entire duration of the tour
Circumvesuviana train tickets one-way from Pompeii to Herculaneum

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Meet the guide at the main entrance of the archaeological site called "Porta Marina Superiore". The guide will be holding a sign with our company's name "Askos Tours" on the top.

2

Basilica was an open portico that gave shelter to merchants and other activities.

3

Have a look of the ancient main square of Pompeii.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Walk through the main street of Pompeii.

5

The house of Menander is one of the richest and most magnificent houses in ancient Pompeii in terms of architecture, decoration and contents.

6

In the granary you will see marble tables and baths for fountains that adorned the entrances of houses and some casts of victims of the eruption as well as that of a dog and a tree.

7

These occupy a vast area between the Brothel lane, the Holconius crossroads and the Via Stabiana. They represent the oldest thermal complex in the city.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

The most famous brothel in the Pompeii Roman city of Pompeii

9

The house of Faun was one of the largest and most impressive private residences in Pompeii.

10

Have a look of the so called Teatro Piccolo of Pompeii.

11
Stop 11

Visit the most important Theater in Pompeii

12
Stop 12

Parco Acheologico di Ercolano, Corso Resina, 80056 Ercolano Italy Transfer by train to Herculaneum (30 minutes trip + 10 minutes walk) and quick lunch break if required. Meeting place is the Ticket Office of the Herculaneum ruins. You can get there as follows: - By car in via Pignalver (There is a not guarded parking very close the meeting place) - By train in Corso Resina 1 (Circumvesuviana train station is 10 minutes walk away)

13

The house receives its name from marble statues of stags/deer found in the peristyle.

14

The house receives its name from marble statues of stags/deer found in the peristyle.

15

The house receives its name from marble statues of stags/deer found in the peristyle.

16

The house possibly belonged to one of the town's leading benefactors, Marcus Nonius Balbus and is somewhat unusual in that it has its own private access to the adjoining Suburban Thermae to the south.

17

It is very important house for the elegant wooden partition remained

18

The House of the Skeleton probably the aggregation of three smaller buildings, derives its name from the discovery of human remains in a second floor room in 1831.

19

The Central Thermae were built around the beginning of the 1st century AD and were divided, as was then the common practice, into men's and women's baths, each with their own separate entrances.

20

The House of the Black Hall is one of Herculaneum's more luxurious mansions.

The house has a monumental entrance which still retains the carbonised remains of the doorposts and lintel.

21

The house has an arrangement that was typical of the Samnites (an ancient people of the Sabine race who occupied this mountainous part of central Italy). The splendid atrium is skirted by a gallery with Ionic columns. The rooms are decorated with frescoes.

22

This is one of the most original houses in Herculaneum. It has a courtyard with a stairway and a stone balcony instead of an atrium.

23

Beautiful domus in the Centre of the archaeological area, with various environments, collonnati, frescos e-com everywhere at Herculaneum-charred remains of wooden parts.

What's not included

meals and personal expenses
transportation to Pompeii and to your accommodation at the end of the tour

Available languages

Guide guide
EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
15 reviews
5★
14
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the left side of Pompeii entrance named Porta Marina INFERIORE close to the ''Arte bus'' stop.

Important notes

You will find a GREETER holding a sign ASKOS TOURS written on top who will welcome you and show you your guide outside the gate of the main entrance of Pompeii ruins, called PORTA MARINA INFERIORE (meeting point)
Your guide will have your tickets so you do not have to redeem or change any voucher or tickets, just show to the greeter with the name on your reservation and they will show you your guide.

About Pompeii

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near modern-day Naples, famously preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It offers a unique glimpse into Roman life, with remarkably well-preserved ruins and artifacts. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world.

Top Attractions

Pompeii Archaeological Park

The main attraction in Pompeii, this vast archaeological site preserves the ruins of the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It offers a unique glimpse into Roman life and architecture.

Historical 3-5 hours €18 (full price ticket)

Mount Vesuvius

The volcano that famously destroyed Pompeii offers a scenic hike with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. The crater is accessible via a short walk from the summit.

Nature 2-3 hours €10 (entry fee)

Villa of the Mysteries

One of the most famous villas in Pompeii, known for its well-preserved frescoes depicting mysterious rituals. The villa offers insight into the daily life and beliefs of the ancient Romans.

Historical 30-45 minutes Included in the general admission ticket

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pizza Margherita

A classic Neapolitan pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It is a must-try in the region.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy and gluten

Spaghetti alle Vongole

A traditional Italian dish made with spaghetti, clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. It is a popular seafood dish in the region.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and gluten

Sfogliatella

A traditional Neapolitan pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and candied fruit. It is a popular dessert in the region.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Mount Vesuvius Biking in the surrounding countryside Beach visits in nearby coastal towns Wine tasting in local vineyards Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Boat tours in the Bay of Naples Visiting nearby ski resorts

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The peak season offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. The weather is ideal for exploring the ruins.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Italian
  • Widely spoken: English, Neapolitan
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pompeii is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or requests for money

Getting there

By air
  • Naples International Airport • 20 km (12 miles)
By train

Pompeii Scavi - Villa dei Misteri Station

By bus

Naples, Sorrento, Salerno

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available in the modern town of Pompeii, but the archaeological site is best explored on foot.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Pompeii Town Ancient Pompeii

Day trips

Naples
25 km (15 miles) • Full day

Naples is a vibrant city known for its rich history, art, and culture. It offers a variety of attractions, including museums, churches, and historic sites.

Sorrento
20 km (12 miles) • Full day

Sorrento is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful views, lemon groves, and traditional crafts. It offers a variety of attractions, including beaches, shops, and restaurants.

Herculaneum
15 km (9 miles) • Half day

Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town that was also buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It offers a unique glimpse into Roman life and architecture.

Festivals

Festa di San Gennaro • September 19 Pompeii Wine Festival • May Napoli Teatro Festival • June to July

Pro tips

  • Arrive early to the archaeological site to beat the crowds and the heat
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sun protection
  • Consider hiring a guide or using an audio guide for a deeper understanding of the site
  • Try traditional Neapolitan pizza and other local dishes in Pompeii and the surrounding region
  • Visit nearby attractions, such as Naples, Sorrento, and Herculaneum, for a more comprehensive experience
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 4-11
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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