Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide

Summary Description

Take the stress out of deciphering Pompeii on a guided tour of the excavations, including recent discoveries. Explore more of the ancient site than on any other tour with a trained archaeologist. 

Highlights
  • Explore Pompeii’s ruins with an expert archaeologist.
  • Learn how Pompeii is still being excavated today.
  • See more of Pompeii than on any other tour. (If Complete Pompeii option selected)
  • Stroll the best-preserved streets of the Roman Empire.
  • Discover the remains of baths, villas, & shops.
Description

Skip the lines to enter Pompeii on an in-depth three-hour tour. Covering more ground than on other guided tours, your archaeologist guide will take you through the ancient city that was decimated by the explosion of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. Follow them through the UNESCO World Heritage site to see the amazing ruins of ancient shops, temples, homes and more. As an active archaeological site, there is always something to discover and your in-the-know guide will take you to the latest excavations. Wrap up with a walk along the city walls for sweeping views of Naples and Capri. Your small-group tour is limited to 15 people in order to ensure a more personal experience. If you're short on time, select the Pompeii Express Option at time of booking. This two-hour express tour is led by an expert archaeologist and designed for travelers who want to see Pompeii's highlights without committing to a full day at the archaeological park.

Exploring Pompeii on your own can be difficult and at times baffling. The vast site is one of the best-preserved reminders of what life was like during the Roman Empire. This specially designed tour unveils the Buried City to bring you closer to its amazing history and tragic end, while highlighting the ongoing excavations and preservation work that continue to reveal more about this fascinating city. 

Led by an official Pompeii tour guide and trained archaeologist, you’ll wander the fully preserved streets of Pompeii. Visit the most interesting and emotional sights from a city that was buried under the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Go beyond the best-known locations to get an in-depth look at life in Pompeii. 

Skip the long lines to enter the ruins and stroll past the remains of shops, temples, public baths, and houses that comprised the once-thriving city. Hear fascinating stories about life in the Roman Republic and see how ordinary people lived nearly 2,000 years ago. 

See the remains of a Roman bakery where the food is still almost intact, the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Forum, and even an ancient supermarket and an old cemetery. Marvel at the eerie and heart-wrenching plaster casts of those caught in the eruption at the exact moment of their death.  

About a third of Pompeii remains uncovered and excavations and preservation efforts are ongoing. Your expert guide adapts their itinerary as new discoveries are made, keeping the itinerary dynamic and giving you a taste of what it's like at a real archaeological site. 

You’ll also go to one of the old brothels (if appropriate for your group) and stroll along the old city walls for panoramic views of Naples. 

If you prefer a shorter 2-hour experience, select the Pompeii Express Option at time of booking. This express tour is led by an expert archaeologist and takes you on a curated route of the park's highlights, including the Forum, temples and shops.

Touring in a small group, you will never struggle to hear your guide and will have plenty of time to ask any questions you might have. These expert archaeologists have dedicated their lives to the study of this city, and no one else is better qualified to introduce you to this jewel of world heritage. 

IMPORTANT: The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted. All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID may result in security staff denying entrance to the monument.

Included / Excluded
  • Pre-reserved entrance tickets to Pompeii
  • Official Pompeii tour guide
  • Small groups of 15 people or fewer
  • Headsets when needed
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Start / End Locations

Start Location: Via Villa dei Misteri, 1, Pompei, IT

Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior the start of the tour. This tour meets at the Entrance Gate for the Pompeii Archaeological Park across from the Hortus Pompei restaurant. Your guide will be holding a green walks sign.

Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7WHehMfoA2YdVFJu8

End Location: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Pompei, IT

End Location Notes: The tour ends inside the Pompeii Archeological Site.

End Location Direction: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pompeii+Archaeological+Park/@40.7483353,14.4817913,19z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x133bbcbd87d1ea83:0x7ca462808e529b35!8m2!3d40.7512189!4d14.4886761!16s%2Fg%2F1tctbwg6

Commentary

Guide : English

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Know Before You Go
  • This tour meets 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • Taking the train from Rome to Pompeii is fairly easy. Departure station: "Roma Termini", Arrival station: "Napoli Centrale". The fastest train, "Frecciarossa" takes about one hour to Naples. Tickets can be booked at trenitalia.com. When you arrive at Napoli Centrale, transfer to the "Napoli-Sorrento Circumvesuviana" line. Trains depart every 30 minutes to Pompeii. Tickets for this train can only be purchased once you arrive at Napoli Centrale. Exit the train at the "Pompei Scavi - Villa Dei Misteri" stop to meet our tour.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.
  • All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID may result in security staff denying entrance to the monument.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Terms and Conditions

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

Additional Information

Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)

Redemption Information

Tickets will be held at the box office

FAQ

Can I bring a bag with me into Pompeii?

Toggle FAQ

Small bags and purses are allowed inside Pompeii. However, any large backpacks or luggage will have to be left outside.

Is Pompeii accessible to people in wheelchairs?

Toggle FAQ

The streets of Pompeii have never been repaved or smoothed over so much of the city is nearly impossible to navigate for those with mobility impairments.

Is there a parking close to the Pompeii site?

Toggle FAQ

For parking near the Best of Pompeii Tour meeting point, we typically suggest Camping Zeus, a guarded parking area. The address is Via Villa dei Misteri, 3, 80045 Pompei . From here, you can easily reach our meeting point on foot only 50 meters away. As an alternative, you may also consider parking at the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri Station of the Circumvesuviana commuter rail system.

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.

Basic Information
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Trip difficulty: Moderate
  • Max Group Size: 15
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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