With our trained archaeologist or classical historian, we'll begin with a historical overview starting with the successive habitation on this site of the Oscans, then Samnites, and finally the Romans, until the fateful day in 79 A.D. when the nearby volcano, Vesuvius, exploded, burying the city instantaneously in deep, suffocating ash.

Over the next three hours, we'll explore the site, walking down ancient Roman roads and dipping our heads into private homes, shops, public baths, and amphitheaters. As we move along our guide will talk about the daily life of Romans and how society was structured. We'll learn about the role of women, the education of children, and the institution of slavery, using the well-preserved city as our textbook.

We will pay special attention to the construction and decoration of private homes, most notably the magnificent frescoes of the Villa of the Mysteries. We will also have time to reflect and be emotionally moved in front of the remains of the desperate inhabitants attempting an escape from impending doom.

At the end of our time together, the whole group will walk away with a richer understanding of everyday life in the Roman Empire, as well as the history of the city of Pompeii and its untimely fate. Together we will peel back layer after layer of the past and peer into those last moments before this once-prosperous town was lost to antiquity.

We also offer a Pompeii Full Day Excursion (from Naples) and a full-day Pompeii Full Day Excursion (from Rome), both of which include the Naples Archaeological Museum. We also offer a Full Day Tour of Pompeii for Kids that includes games and fun activities.

Please Note: Due to transportation schedule changes during the holiday season, this tour time may need to be altered for the allotted itinerary. The team will communicate this to you promptly if necessary - Thank you for your flexibility! 

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.   

How does the car service work?
The private car service will pick you up at your accommodation in Naples 30 minutes before the beginning of the tour, depending on where you are staying. The ride out to Pompeii will take approximately 30 minutes. You will meet your guide directly in Pompeii at the start time of the tour. If you have any questions about arriving in Naples, please feel free to contact us at info@contexttravel.com.

Can I book this tour on a Sunday?
Sundays may be possible upon request if you are coming from Amalfi Coast or Naples, but unavailable if coming from Rome due to the train schedule. Please reach out to us at info@contexttravel.com to see if a Sunday is available for your travel dates.