Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the sister cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were frozen in time. More than 1,600 years passed before they were rediscovered, and today they're undoubtedly two of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Andrea, one of our expert local guides, says, "Pompeii and Herculaneum may have shared the same fate under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius, but they offer two distinct glimpses into ancient Roman life. While Pompeii was a bustling commercial centre, Herculaneum was a refined seaside retreat for the wealthy."

Buried by volcanic debris, these UNESCO-listed sites offer a fascinating and at times haunting insight into ancient Roman life. First up, your guide will lead you through the streets of Pompeii and show you the richly decorated villas of the Roman upper classes as well as public spaces such as the Forum. See the remains of temples and villas and stroll along cobbled streets still rutted from Roman carts.

Then, if you've booked the tour option that includes lunch, you'll enjoy a simple, authentic meal made with seasonal ingredients and a glass of regional wine, before heading to the archaeological site of Herculaneum. Andrea says, "walking through Pompeii is like stepping into a busy city of the past, with its grand public buildings and lively streets, while exploring Herculaneum feels like strolling through a luxurious private estate, with lavish villas and intricate mosaics, boat houses and marble floors." Following your guide through the ancient town, you'll learn about the tragic demise of Herculaneum, destroyed by a fast-moving pyroclastic flow of hot gas and volcanic mud.

The itinerary for this experience is...

- 7:30am to 8:30am – pick-up from your accommodation

- 10:00am to 12:00pm – guided tour of Pompeii

- 12:00pm to 1:30pm – lunch at a nearby restaurant (if tour option with lunch included is chosen)

- 1:30pm to 2:00pm – bus transfer to Herculaneum

- 2:00pm to 4:00pm – guided tour of Herculaneum

- 4:00pm to 5:30pm – return to your accommodation

Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day. It all depends on when entrance ticket slots for the venues can be obtained.

• You can't take any bag larger than 30x30x15cm into Pompeii or Herculaneum – there's a free-of-charge cloakroom where you can leave belongings
• Transport may be from a predetermined pick-up location
• Groups for the visit to the archaeological sites will be a maximum of 35 guests, but transport to them may be in coaches holding more passengers
• On the first Sunday of each month, entrance to the archaeological sites is free of charge – this has already been deducted from the price on the relevant dates
• The official ticket price for Pompeii is €20 for adults, while Herculaneum tickets cost €16 for adults. EU citizens aged 18–25 can access both sites for just €2. Admission is free for children under 18, visitors with disabilities (plus one companion), and all guests on the first Sunday of each month. The price difference reflects the added value and exclusive services included in this experience
• You can book versions of this tour that either do or don't include lunch
• Not suitable for wheelchairs
• Bring a hat
• Bring suitable footwear
• Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change