Things to do in Ruins of Pompeii
UNESCO heritage listed since 1997, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii needs no introduction. Famously buried under a layer of volcanic ash and pumice, its detailed archaeological excavations offer an intimate look at Roman life - while also making for one hell of a cautionary tale about living next to a volcano.
Before almighty Vesuvius blew its top in 79 A.D, Pompeii was a rich commercial hub home to more than 10,000 inhabitants, with a dense network of residential buildings, shops and entertainment facilities that included an amphitheatre, multiple thermal spas and a brothel. While some of it still remains interred, most has been uncovered fantastically preserved.
Domenico Fontana accidentally discovered the lost city in 1594 while digging a tunnel, but it was only in 1748 that serious excavation began. Liquid plaster was used to take the place of organic material (including human bodies) creating emotionally fraught scenes. From the Forum, the centre of political and social life in the city, to muted frescoes and scrawled graffiti on the walls, you’ll find evidence of a complex modern culture along with poignant details that tell a very human story.
Our recommendations in Ruins of Pompeii
Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this small group tour with an expert guide. Delve into ancient life from 79 AD visiting private and public spaces.
en, it
Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with a local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Don't miss a tour with transport included from Naples to Pompeii, the city buried by meters of ashes and lapilli after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
en, it
Panoramic Tour of Naples with Pompeii Excavation Guided Tour from Rome
Book now your full day tour of Pompeii and Naples departing from Rome! Discover the pearls of Italy declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
en, fr, es, de, pt
Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this small group tour with an expert guide. Delve into ancient life from 79 AD visiting private and public spaces.
en, it
Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with a local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Don't miss a tour with transport included from Naples to Pompeii, the city buried by meters of ashes and lapilli after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
en, it
Panoramic Tour of Naples with Pompeii Excavation Guided Tour from Rome
Book now your full day tour of Pompeii and Naples departing from Rome! Discover the pearls of Italy declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
en, fr, es, de, pt
Pompeii and Naples day trip from Rome
Book your Pompeii and Naples day trip from Rome and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii and explore Positano in winter.
en
Day tour to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast from Rome
Semi-private Pompeii day tour from Rome, feature guided walking tours of Pompeii combined with Positano, Amalfi and the scenic Amalfi Coast road.
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Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano day trip from Rome
Discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, visit the two jewels of Amalfi and Positano, and explore the ancient remains of Pompei with a guide.
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Pompeii and Herculaneum small-group tour from Rome
Experience an unforgettable excursion travelling from Rome to Naples by fast train and visiting the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum with an expert guide!
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Panoramic Tour of Naples with Pompeii from Rome
Book now and depart from Rome for a full day discovering Naples and the Unesco site of Pompei.
en, it, fr, es, de, +4 pt, ru, ja, zh
How to get there
Ruins of Pompeii
Naples
Italy
Reviews Ruins of Pompeii
“I doubt the guide was an archeologist. The tour time of 2 hrs included sorting the guests into groups, no-one was late, we lost 15 mins. The guide took 2 phone calls. He seemed slow to start, not bothering to walk us to the bits he was describing but saying you can look later, then rushed us through the interesting bits, saying omg constantly as there were other tours in his way. Information he did give us he repeated.”
“Insufficient toilet stops on the long drive to Positano. There was a stop at one and a half hours, but then no further stop until arrival and transfer to minibuses. No toilet at changeover point which was a layby on a narrrow winding road. This changeover point is positively dangerous and would not be allowed in UK. Entry into Pompeii was a disorganised shambles with arguments between guides and site staff about who had been scanned in and who hadn't.”
“Pompei, obviously amazing. Directions/meeting location on the ticket was incorrect and we had to pay for audio guides again, because TUI didn't make the reservation.”
“It was a really good deal to buy the Pompeii tickets online, as it saved us probably half an hour of waiting in the sun.”
