Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 83 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist worth booking?
Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist is a 5.5-hour experience in Naples, Italy, from $567 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 83 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (83)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $567 per person
A marvellous archaeological walk at the discovery of the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, both buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. With this tour, you’ll start your journey in Herculaneum. Smaller than Pompeii but incredibly well-preserved, this ancient city offers a unique glimpse into Roman life. Your licensed expert Archaeologist guide will take you through remarkable highlights such as wooden doors, intricate frescoes, and the ancient beach where more than 300 skeletons were uncovered. After this fascinating visit, take a quick break before continuing to Pompeii. Here, your guide will show you the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Forum – the heart of Pompeii’s social and political life – as well as its grand houses, public buildings, and the famous plaster casts of the victims frozen in time by the eruption. This immersive experience will give you an unforgettable understanding of life in these two extraordinary ancient cities.
What you get
About this experience
A marvellous archaeological walk at the discovery of the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, both buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. With this tour, you’ll start your journey in Herculaneum. Smaller than Pompeii but incredibly well-preserved, this ancient city offers a unique glimpse into Roman life. Your licensed expert Archaeologist guide will take you through remarkable highlights such as wooden doors, intricate frescoes, and the ancient beach where more than 300 skeletons were uncovered. After this fascinating visit, take a quick break before continuing to Pompeii. Here, your guide will show you the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Forum – the heart of Pompeii’s social and political life – as well as its grand houses, public buildings, and the famous plaster casts of the victims frozen in time by the eruption. This immersive experience will give you an unforgettable understanding of life in these two extraordinary ancient cities.
What's included
Included
- Private Tour
- Guidance and assistance by an Archaeologist guide
Not included
- Herculaneum entry tickets - 'Pompei express' entry tickets
- Any kind of transportation to the sites
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Transfer by train to Herculaneum (30 minutes trip + 10 minutes walk) and quick lunch break if required. 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)
60 minutes here · Admission not included
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
Archaeological Park of Pompeii
Meet the guide at the main entrance of the archaeological site called "Porta Marina Superiore". The guide will be holding a sign with our company's name "Askos Tours" on the top.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Lupanar
Visit the most famous brothel in the ruined Roman city of Pompeii.
15 minutes here
Via dell’Abbondanza
Walk through the main street of Pompeii.
Pass by without stopping
Foro de Pompeya
Have a look of the ancient main square of Pompeii.
10 minutes here
In the granary you will see marble tables and baths for fountains that adorned the entrances of houses and some casts of victims of the eruption as well as that of a dog and a tree.
15 minutes here
Basilica
Basilica was an open portico that gave shelter to merchants and other activities.
15 minutes here
Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane)
These occupy a vast area between the Brothel lane, the Holconius crossroads and the Via Stabiana. They represent the oldest thermal complex in the city.
15 minutes here
The house of Faun was one of the largest and most impressive private residences in Pompeii.
15 minutes here
The house of Menander is one of the richest and most magnificent houses in ancient Pompeii in terms of architecture, decoration and contents.
15 minutes here
Visit the most important Theater in Pompeii
10 minutes here
Odeon - Teatro Piccolo
Have a look of the so called Teatro Piccolo of Pompeii.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Naples
Meet your tour guide at the ticket office of Herculaneum Ruins
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends inside Pompeii Ruins
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, cmn, ja, 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
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are suggested
- Comfortable shoes are required, NO flip flops
- 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 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
82 verified traveler reviews for Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding all-around
Giulia’s wealth of knowledge and enthusiastic attitude really made for an outstanding tour. She knows so much about both sites, as well as locations that are typically not on scheduled tours. Don’t miss the opportunity to have her as your guide!
via Tripadvisor
History brought to life
Luciano Leone ( like the pope) was our guide who made the history come alive. We had a wonderful 2 hours in his company in our small group.
via Tripadvisor
Deep knowledge
Gennar,our guide, was incredible with his depth of knowledge of both sites. He pointed out details that would've gone unnoticed or not understood by an average guide. He explained the why behind architecture and showed us how sophisticated these people were back then. It's all worth every penny to take this tour to get the most out of your experience.
via Tripadvisor
Historic sites like no other !
Wow! Herculaneum and Pompeii exceeded my expectations! Even if you aren’t a history buff this experience will open your eyes to an ancient way of life. The preservation of the two townships are incredible. Our tour guide was Rosario and he is an archeologist with a wealth of knowledge. The tour was informative and Rosario was very pleasant and he answered any questions that we had. These sights are historic like no other and I can’t recommend it enough - and ask for Rosario 😀
via Viator
Excellent trip to get the best out of Pompeii and Herculaneum
Nicoletta was a fantastic guide. We were a group of 6. We found her informative, friendly and she spoke excellent English. She took the trouble to explain everything, making sure we didn't miss any small detail which we would have certainly overlooked by ourselves. A thoroughly enjoyable day.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Naples.
How much does Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist cost?
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Prices start at $567 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist take?
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Plan for about 5.5 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 83 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Naples, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist?
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Around 29 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 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist?
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Included: Private Tour; and Guidance and assistance by an Archaeologist guide. Not included: Herculaneum entry tickets - 'Pompei express' entry tickets; Any kind of transportation to the sites; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist?
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Meet your tour guide at the ticket office of Herculaneum Ruins Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour 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.
Is Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour 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 Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Walking Tour with an Archaeologist?
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Across 83 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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