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 which 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 Archaeology Tour, we dive into the two ancient cities with an archaeologist or classical historian, marveling at and being moved by the remains that astonished viewers since their discovery while developing an in-depth understanding of the importance of these finds.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
For more information on organizing a day trip to the archaeological sites of Mt. Vesuvius, check our guide to Mt. Vesuvius we penned to serve this purpose. Those interested in a briefer look at the archaeological remains may prefer our Pompeii Tour, while families should see our Pompeii for Kids Tour.
Please Note: Due to transportation schedule changes during the holiday season, this tour time may need to be altered for the allotted itinerary. Our team will communicate this to you promptly if necessary - Thank you for your flexibility!
Please Note: Due to transportation schedule changes during the holiday season, this tour time may need to be altered for the allotted itinerary. Our team will communicate this to you promptly if necessary - Thank you for your flexibility!
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 to cover for the cost of lunch for you and the guide.
No, you'll be responsible to cover for the cost of lunch for you and the guide.
Where You'll Start
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71 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.
Paola was a terrific guide and Anita was a lovely driver. Paola could not have been more knowledgeable or accommodating. We were able to tour Pompeii, Herculeaneum, and to see important pieces in the Naples Archaeological Museum without feeling rushed. Paola chose every aspect of our tour with care and imparted so much information. We loved our day.
Susan
Jun 18, 2023
Wow, Roberta was the perfect guide; she is so deeply knowledgeable on the history of Pompeii and Herculaneum and did a wonderful job of educating us about the subject in a way that cast light on other sites we are visiting. Her positive energy and her sense of humor kept us all moving through an extremely long day without losing interest. We were ages 14-83 and she managed to engage each person in our very diverse group. Another shout out for the restaurant, it was fantastic and very close. Also, we were incredibly grateful for Enzo, our stalwart driver. He steered gracefully through the insane coastal roads.
Caitlin
May 29, 2023
ROBERTA IS THE BEST TOUR GUIDE WE’VE EVER HAD IN OUR LIFETIME…..HIGH ENERGY…TREMENDOUS KNOWLEDGE, AND AN ABSOLUTE LOVE OF WHAT SHE DOES…WOULD WANT HER EVERYPLACE IN THE WORLD WE TRAVEL IF WE COULD BRING HER WITH US.
Frank
May 22, 2023
