Walking Tour

8 hrs

Naples

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 that 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour, we dive into the two ancient cities with an archaeologist or classical historian, marveling at and being moved by the remains that have astonished viewers since their discovery while developing an in-depth understanding of the importance of these finds.

Sites Visited

Pompeii
Herculaneum

Included

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

Itinerary Details

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.

Those interested in a briefer look at the archaeological remains may prefer our Half-Day Pompeii Tour, while families should see our Pompeii for Kids Tour.

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.

FAQ

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 for the cost of lunch for you and the guide.

Can I be picked up from a location outside of Naples?
Yes, in most cases, we can arrange pickups from locations such as Port of Naples, Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. Please let our team know when booking, and we’ll confirm availability and make the necessary arrangements

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

pompeii and herculaneum tour from naples

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Pompeii Archaeological Site
Roman city preserved by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, with streets, homes, and frescoes.
Herculaneum Archaeological Site

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

110 Reviews

Our day with Roberta at Pompeii and Herculaneum was incredibly memorable —— full of discovery, awe, and enjoyment. She was able to share her depth of knowledge in a vivid, engaging way that helped us imagine these extraordinary places and the lives of the people who inhabited them as they were two thousand years ago. Her professional expertise and insights also gave us a deep appreciation for the complexities of unearthing and conserving these sites with sensitivity.. These excavations are large and meandering and Roberta’s experienced navigation revealed many important highlights and details we would never have found on our own. Her easy manner, great story-telling, and kindness made the day an absolute pleasure!

Doreen Apr 12, 2026

Absolutely superb tour with an experienced, knowledgeable and very kind guide. Having an expert put everything in context made the visit rich and so interesting.

Melody Apr 10, 2026

Monica was awesome -- an absolute top-notch guide. She's extremely knowledgable and engaging, with a warm personality that leaves our whole family feeling very positive about our trip to Naples. We've taken many Context tours, and she's one of the absolute best you have!

Chris Mar 23, 2026

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.