
Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,288 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist worth booking?
Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist is a 2-hour experience in Naples, Italy, from €10 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,288 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,288)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- €10 per person
Get the chance to visit the site of Herculaneum being guided by an Archaeologist. Get to know more about this ancient Roman city, inhabited by merchants and nobility, whose life ended dramatically fast in 79 AD. The guide will show you the waterfront where more than 300 remains of people trying to escape by sea were found, but also the Samnite house, the thermal baths, the Temple of the Augustales, the forum, the house of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Gymnasium, the house of the wooden partition and much more. You will get an intense experience: you can see not only stone, marble and ceramics left, but also carbonized wood and even more exquisite paintings and mosaics than in Pompei. Herculaneum was destroyed by a much more powerful force which instantly burnt all wood and buried the city under a thick layer which didn’t let the air go through and cause decay.
What you get
About this experience
Get the chance to visit the site of Herculaneum being guided by an Archaeologist. Get to know more about this ancient Roman city, inhabited by merchants and nobility, whose life ended dramatically fast in 79 AD. The guide will show you the waterfront where more than 300 remains of people trying to escape by sea were found, but also the Samnite house, the thermal baths, the Temple of the Augustales, the forum, the house of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Gymnasium, the house of the wooden partition and much more. You will get an intense experience: you can see not only stone, marble and ceramics left, but also carbonized wood and even more exquisite paintings and mosaics than in Pompei. Herculaneum was destroyed by a much more powerful force which instantly burnt all wood and buried the city under a thick layer which didn’t let the air go through and cause decay.
What's included
Included
- Licensed guide with archaeological background
- Entrance fees
- Small Group (maximum 20 people per guide)
- Headsets
- Guidance and assistance
Not included
- Meals/drinks
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Archeological Park of Herculaneum
Meeting place is the Ticket Office of the Herculaneum ruins. You can get there as follows: - By car in via Pignalver (There is a not guarded parking very close the meeting place) - By train in Corso Resina 1 (Circumvesuviana train station is 10 minutes walk away)
Pass by without stopping
The house receives its name from marble statues of stags/deer found in the peristyle.
10 minutes here
La Terrazza di M. Nonio Balbo
M. Nonius Balbus was the city's major benefactor restoring and building many public buildings. On his death he was made patron and feted with many honours, detailed in the long inscription on his funeral altar.
10 minutes here
College of the Augustales
It is thought that the building was a centre of the cult of the Emperor Augustus and the headquarters of the Collegium Augustalium (or possibly even the local curia).
10 minutes here
The house possibly belonged to one of the town's leading benefactors, Marcus Nonius Balbus and is somewhat unusual in that it has its own private access to the adjoining Suburban Thermae to the south.
10 minutes here
Partem Domus lignea - Casa del Tramezzo di Legno
It is very important house for the elegant wooden partition remained.
10 minutes here
House of the Skeleton
The House of the Skeleton probably the aggregation of three smaller buildings, derives its name from the discovery of human remains in a second floor room in 1831.
10 minutes here
Central Thermae
The Central Thermae were built around the beginning of the 1st century AD and were divided, as was then the common practice, into men's and women's baths, each with their own separate entrances.
10 minutes here
The House of the Black Hall is one of Herculaneum's more luxurious mansions. The house has a monumental entrance which still retains the carbonised remains of the doorposts and lintel.
10 minutes here
Casa Sannitica
The house has an arrangement that was typical of the Samnites (an ancient people of the Sabine race who occupied this mountainous part of central Italy). The splendid atrium is skirted by a gallery with Ionic columns. The rooms are decorated with frescoes.
10 minutes here
Casa del Bel Cortile
This is one of the most original houses in Herculaneum. It has a courtyard with a stairway and a stone balcony instead of an atrium.
10 minutes here
House of the Grand Portal
Beautiful domus in the Centre of the archaeological area, with various environments, collonnati, frescos e-com everywhere at Herculaneum-charred remains of wooden parts.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Naples
Meeting place Ticket Office of the Herculaneum ruins. You can get there as follows: - By car in via Pignalver (There is a not guarded parking very close the meeting place) - By train in Corso Resina 1 (Circumvesuviana train station is 10 minutes walk away)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends inside Herculaneum Ruins
Options you can book
transportation from Naples
Minibus: Day trip from Naples by minibus with a 2h archaeologist-led Herculaneum tour. Tickets included.
English Tour
French Tour
Italian Tour
with transportation from Rome
Train + Minibus : Day trip from Rome by high-speed train with a 2h archaeologist-led Herculaneum tour. Tickets included.
German Tour
Spanish Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Askos Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Dogs are allowed at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park without breed or size restrictions, however they must be kept on a leash or muzzle and it is mandatory to have bags to collect any droppings. For reasons of logistics and conservation, within the Antiquarium premises, the Boat Pavilion, and the domus featuring mosaic floors, access is permitted only to dogs that are carried in arms or transported in an appropriate carrier.
- Herculaneum ruins' entry tickets: 16 euros (adult) 2 euros (EU citizens 18-25 y.o.)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,277 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
1,277 verified traveler reviews for Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Having a Great Guide Brings Ercolano to Life!
If you are deciding between Pompeii and Herculaneum, do not miss Herculaneum—and make sure you do it with a guide! Exploring this remarkably preserved ancient city was an absolute highlight of our trip, and having an expert guide made all the difference. Because Herculaneum was buried by volcanic mud rather than ash, the level of detail is astonishing. Seeing original wooden beams, two-story houses, intricate mosaics, and even carbonized furniture intact after nearly 2,000 years felt completely surreal. It is much more intimate and remarkably well-preserved than Pompeii. What truly elevated the entire experience was our phenomenal guide. Their depth of knowledge, passion, and storytelling ability brought the ancient streets to life. Instead of just looking at ruins, we understood the daily lives, culture, and tragic final moments of the people who lived here. Every question we had was answered with incredible detail and enthusiasm, and they navigated us perfectly through the site to highlight the absolute best preserved spots. This tour was deeply fascinating, educational, and moving. I cannot recommend visiting Herculaneum with a knowledgeable guide enough
via Viator
Herculaneum Tour
Great experience seeing the highlights and hearing details about the site. Luciano Leone was very informative, passionate, and entertaining.
via Viator
Herculaneum tour
Excellent tour because of our AMAZING guide Luciano Leone. One of the best tour guides I have ever had! I travel a lot and he is the guide you want to have! Luciano is passionate about his studies and it’s reflected in the tour. Extremely knowledgeable and passionate. Not only that but he’s is very funny and kind. The tour with Luciano was exemplary!!!
via Tripadvisor
Herculaneum wonder
I missed my earlier spot, due to being late, so I thought I would go down to see if I could join another tour group, which i was able to, which is very good of the tour operators. We had a very knowledgeable, funny & interesting guide, Luciano Leone, who was full of passion about the subject. If you go there, try & get on his tour of Herculaneum. Unlike Pompeii, the tour can cover this site in 2 hours. But I still recommend going around yourself, after the guided tour has finished. It is easier to walk around Herculaneum compared to Pompeii, which has a more uneven surface. Definitely go to both sites, both equally interesting.
via Viator
Fabulous tour and the perfect guide
An absolutely fantastic tour of Herculaneum with Luciano Leone at Askos Tours! It is such an incredible place, and so well preserved, in fact many buildings are much better preserved than at the much bigger Pompeii site! Luciano is an incredible guide, a fountain of knowledge and all presented with relentless enthusiasm, showering us with fascinating details and fact about the site and its history , and injecting a little humour here and there along the way! Couldn’t recommend any more highly - a fabulous tour!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €10 to €155
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 451
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Askos Tours, who run 78 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.1 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Askos Tours runsWhy this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Naples.
How much does Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist cost?
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Prices start at €10 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Naples usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Naples is not rushed.
Is Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,288 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Naples, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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Around 451 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Naples can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Naples and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Naples within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Naples?
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On Outty we rank every Naples experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Caserta Royal Palace & Gardens Small Group Tour with Shuttle, Naples Guided Tour by Bike, Naples Pizza and Tiramisu Cooking Class. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Naples?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Naples?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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Included: Licensed guide with archaeological background; Entrance fees; Small Group (maximum 20 people per guide); Headsets; and Guidance and assistance. Not included: Meals/drinks; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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Meeting place Ticket Office of the Herculaneum ruins. You can get there as follows: - By car in via Pignalver (There is. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Naples. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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Across 1,288 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist?
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There are 7 options to choose from, including transportation from Naples, English Tour, French Tour, Italian Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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