Pompeii and Herculaneum Small-Group Tour with an Archaeologist

6–11 hoursGuided in EnglishRated 4.8/5 · 1,872 reviews
From $73 per personRated 4.8/5 · 1,872 reviewsFree cancellation up to 24 hours before
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About Pompeii and Herculaneum Small-Group Tour with an Archaeologist

This small-group tour visits Pompeii and Herculaneum, the two Roman towns buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, with an archaeologist as your guide. It has 1,872 reviews and a 4.8 rating.

The tour lasts about 6 to 11 hours depending on where you start, with prices from about $73 per person. You can join with transport from Sorrento, Naples or Rome, or meet the guide at the Pompeii entrance.

Itinerary

  1. Basilica (15 minutes)
  2. Foro de Pompeya (10 minutes)
  3. Via dell’Abbondanza
  4. (15 minutes)
  5. (15 minutes)
  6. Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) (15 minutes)
  7. Lupanar (15 minutes)
  8. (15 minutes)
  9. Odeon – Teatro Piccolo (15 minutes)
  10. (15 minutes)
  11. (1 hours)
  12. (10 minutes)
  13. La Terrazza di M. Nonio Balbo (10 minutes)
  14. College of the Augustales (10 minutes)
  15. (10 minutes)
  16. Partem Domus lignea – Casa del Tramezzo di Legno (10 minutes)
  17. House of the Skeleton (15 minutes)
  18. Central Thermae (10 minutes)
  19. (15 minutes)
  20. Casa Sannitica (15 minutes)
  21. Casa del Bel Cortile (10 minutes)
  22. House of the Grand Portal (10 minutes)

What’s included

  • Headsets for all participants
  • Round-trip transportation to/from Naples, outside Starhotels Terminus (Tour from Naples)
  • Train tickets to/from Rome to Naples + Full Day transportation service (Tour from Rome)
  • Guided tour service in both Pompeii and Herculaneum
  • Round-trip transportation to/from Sorrento, P.za Angelina Lauro (Tour from Sorrento)
  • Circumvesuviana one-way train ticket from Pompeii to Herculaneum (Tour from Pompeii)
  • Herculaneum entry tickets – 'Pompeii express' entry tickets

Meeting point

For POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM ENGLISH TOUR FROM ROME participants This option includes round trip train tickets from Rome to Naples. Once in Naples, the meeting point is across the street from the Naples central station, at Starhotels Terminus. Your tour guide will hold an Askos Tours sign. | For POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM ENGLISH TOUR FROM SORRENTO participants This option includes transportation from Sorrento. The meeting point is near the fountain of Piazza Angelina Lauro Square in Sorrento. Your representative will hold an Askos Tours sign for easy identification. | For POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM ENGLISH TOUR FROM NAPLES participants This option includes transportation from Naples. The meeting point is outside Starhotels Terminus, opposite Naples Central Station. Your tour guide will hold an Askos Tours sign for easy identification. | For POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM WALKING TOUR participants This option excludes transportation. The meeting point is at the Pompeii Ruins entrance, PORTA MARINA INFERIORE, in Piazza Esedra Square. Look for our staff holding an Askos Tours sign for easy identification.

What to expect on the day

The tour starts at the Porta Marina Inferiore entrance to Pompeii. Your guide shows you the Forum, the main houses and buildings and the famous plaster casts. After a short break you take the local Circumvesuviana train a few steps from the entrance to Herculaneum. This smaller site is better preserved, and you see the old beach where more than 300 skeletons were found.

Prices and extra costs

  • Included: Guided tours of both sites, headsets, and transport for the option you choose (from Sorrento, Naples or Rome, or the Circumvesuviana ticket from Pompeii to Herculaneum on the walking option). Check your option for which entry tickets are covered.
  • Not included: Meals, drinks and personal expenses. The operator lists adult entry at 20 euros for Pompeii and 16 euros for Herculaneum.

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes for uneven Roman paving.
  • A hat, sunscreen and water, as there is little shade.
  • Cash or a card for entry tickets if your option does not include them.

Tips for a better day

  • From Sorrento: Meet near the fountain in Piazza Angelina Lauro and look for the Askos Tours sign.
  • At Pompeii: The walking option meets at the Porta Marina Inferiore entrance in Piazza Esedra.
  • Pack lunch money: Meals are not included, and the break between sites is short.

Who it’s best for

Best for: History lovers who want expert context at both sites in one day.

Consider another option if: You want a shorter, slower day. The Sorrento farm tour takes about 4 hours and ends with a meal.

Restrictions

The tour suits all fitness levels but is not recommended for wheelchair users. Visually impaired guests should travel with a personal assistant.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

FAQ about Pompeii and Herculaneum Small-Group Tour with an Archaeologist

How long is the Pompeii and Herculaneum tour?

About 6 to 11 hours, depending on the starting point.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from about $73 per person.

Who leads the tour?

An archaeologist.

Can I join from Sorrento?

Yes. The Sorrento option meets near the fountain in Piazza Angelina Lauro.

How do you travel between the two sites?

By the Circumvesuviana local train, which stops a few steps from the Pompeii entrance.

Are entry tickets included?

It depends on the option. The operator lists adult entry at 20 euros for Pompeii and 16 euros for Herculaneum.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

What will I see at Herculaneum?

A smaller, better-preserved town and the old beach where more than 300 skeletons were found.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not recommended for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel?

Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.