Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get the chance to visit the site of Herculaneum being guided by an Archaeologist.
Get to know more about this ancient Roman city, inhabited by merchants and nobility, whose life ended dramatically fast in 79 AD. The guide will show you the waterfront where more than 300 remains of people trying to escape by sea were found, but also the Samnite house, the thermal baths, the Temple of the Augustales, the forum, the house of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Gymnasium, the house of the wooden partition and much more.
You will get an intense experience: you can see not only stone, marble and ceramics left, but also carbonized wood and even more exquisite paintings and mosaics than in Pompei.
Herculaneum was destroyed by a much more powerful force which instantly burnt all wood and buried the city under a thick layer which didn’t let the air go through and cause decay.
Available options
Spanish Tour
French Tour
Italian Tour
German Tour
English Tour
What's included
Licensed guide with archaeological background
Herculaneum entry tickets
Small Group (maximum 20 people per guide)
Headsets
Guidance and assistance
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
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)
2
The house receives its name from marble statues of stags/deer found in the peristyle.
3
M. Nonius Balbus was the city's major benefactor restoring and building many public buildings. On his death he was made patron and feted with many honours, detailed in the long inscription on his funeral altar.
4
It is thought that the building was a centre of the cult of the Emperor Augustus and the headquarters of the Collegium Augustalium (or possibly even the local curia).
5
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.
6
It is very important house for the elegant wooden partition remained.
7
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.
8
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.
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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/drinks
Private transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
548 reviews
5★
494
4★
31
3★
12
2★
7
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.9
430 reviews
5★
400
4★
19
3★
6
2★
2
1★
3
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Dogs are allowed at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park without breed or size restrictions, however they must be kept on a leash or muzzle and it is mandatory to have bags to collect any droppings. For reasons of logistics and conservation, within the Antiquarium premises, the Boat Pavilion, and the domus featuring mosaic floors, access is permitted only to dogs that are carried in arms or transported in an appropriate carrier.
Herculaneum ruins' entry tickets: 16 euros (adult) 2 euros (EU citizens 18-25 y.o.)
Meeting point
Meeting place 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)
Important notes
Meeting: Ticket office of Herculaneum ruins. The guide will hold a sign with ASKOS TOURS on top.
DELAYS: be there at least 10 min before the tour. If you won't show, please let us know. Maximum wait is 5 minutes.
About Naples
Naples, Italy's third-largest city, is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis known for its rich history, incredible food, and vibrant street life. As the birthplace of pizza, Naples offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, stunning coastal views, and a bustling urban atmosphere.
Top Attractions
Naples National Archaeological Museum
One of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing a vast collection of artifacts from the Roman era, including those from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Museum
2-3 hours
€15
Pompeii
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii, preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Historical
Half day to full day
€15
Castel dell'Ovo
A medieval castle located on the former island of Megaride, connected to the mainland by a causeway. It offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and a rich history.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Mount Vesuvius
The famous volcano that erupted in 79 AD, destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. It's an active volcano and offers a unique hiking experience with breathtaking views.
Nature
Half day
€10
Galleria Umberto I
A beautiful 19th-century shopping gallery with a stunning glass and iron roof, elegant shops, and cafes. It's a great place to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Free to enter
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pizza Margherita
The original Neapolitan pizza, made with simple ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It's a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a must-try in Naples.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy.
Spaghetti alle Vongole
A classic Neapolitan dish made with spaghetti, clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. It's a delicious and simple representation of the local seafood cuisine.
Dinner
Contains gluten and seafood.
Sfogliatella
A traditional Neapolitan pastry made with layers of crispy, flaky dough filled with sweet ricotta cheese and semolina. It's a popular breakfast or snack item.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy.
Babà al Rhum
A small, rum-soaked cake that's a popular dessert or afternoon snack in Naples. It's often served with whipped cream or pastry cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy.
Popular Activities
Hiking Mount Vesuvius
Boat tours to nearby islands
Scuba diving in the Bay of Naples
Beach relaxation on the Amalfi Coast
Spas and wellness centers
Coffee and pastry at historic cafes
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The peak season offers the best weather for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the crowds are manageable.
15-28°C
59-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Napolitan (local dialect)
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Naples is a vibrant and exciting city, but it can also be chaotic and overwhelming. While violent crime is relatively low, petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams is common, especially in tourist areas. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and always ensure the meter is running.
Getting there
By air
- Naples International Airport • 5 km from city center
By train
Napoli Centrale, Napoli Garibaldi
By bus
Napoli Centrale, Napoli Garibaldi
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is clean and efficient but has limited coverage. It's useful for reaching major attractions and connecting to other public transport.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Historic Center (Centro Storico)
Chiaia
Posillipo
Quartieri Spagnoli
Day trips
Pompeii
25 km • Half day to full day
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii, preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Herculaneum
15 km • Half day
An ancient Roman town, also preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Herculaneum is smaller and less crowded than Pompeii, offering a more intimate and well-preserved look at Roman life.
Sorrento
50 km • Full day
A charming coastal town known for its stunning views of the Bay of Naples, lemon groves, and historic center. It's a popular destination for day trips from Naples.
Festivals
Festa di San Gennaro • September 19
Pizzafest • June
Napoli Teatro Festival • June to July
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to communicate with locals and enhance your experience.
- Try the local specialties, such as pizza, seafood, and pastries, and support local businesses.
- Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Visit the historic center and other attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Use public transportation, walk, or bike instead of driving to reduce your environmental impact and experience the city like a local.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
