Learn About the Ancient City of Pompeii on a Comprehensive Pompeii Tour
All Your Pompeii Tour Options
Pompeii Guided Tours
Set on the coast of the Bay of Naples, Pompeii is a vast archaeological site deeply rooted in myth and history. Once a vibrant town, Pompeii was reduced to ruins and covered under a thick blanket of volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Exploring the ruins of the lost city of Pompeii should definitely be on top of your list if you’re visiting the city.
Why Take a Pompeii Guided Tour?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii is deeply ingrained in history making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. We list a few reasons why you should take a Pompeii tour.
- Pompeii tours are the best way to learn more about this historical archaeological site because they include an expert guide who knows the attraction inside out.
- Opt for guided tours with a skip the line feature if you want to avoid waiting in long queues for hours.
- A Pompeii guided tour offers an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the history of the attraction, art, architecture, and culture.
- Pompeii is vast, which is why we recommend booking a guided tour because it gives you the chance to explore the ruins more efficiently.
- The expert possesses in-depth knowledge of the ruins making it easier and convenient for you to gain more insight and know interesting stories about the site.
- A major tourist attraction, Pompeii usually sees a huge crowd of tourists every day. Pompeii tours make it easier and quicker to access the attraction.
Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided Tours
- Pompeii guided tours include an expert tour guide, who knows the attraction thoroughly. They will provide you with all the information you need and tell you fascinating stories about the attraction.
- Your guided tour ticket includes a skip the line feature, which will allow you to walk past long queues and access the ruins on priority.
- Guided tours have a fixed itinerary that includes all the major sites you should visit within the ruins. It makes it easier to get around an attraction as big as Pompeii.
- Pompeii tours include a small group of people for a more complete, wholesome, and interactive experience.
Non-Guided Tours
- A general admission ticket allows you to explore the attraction at your own pace.
- You can get yourself an audio guide (available in Italian, German, Spanish, Mandarin, English, and French languages) at the entrance to learn about the history of the ruins.
- You cannot skip the line or walk past huge crowds to enter the attraction on a non-guided tour. This means that you will have to wait in long queues that could take anywhere between 30 minutes to a couple of hours, to access the attraction.
What to Expect on a Pompeii Guided Tour?
An attraction as vast and expansive as Pompeii can be tricky and overwhelming to explore or navigate on your own, which is why we suggest that you book a Pompeii tour for yourself. A Pompeii tour includes an expert who possesses in-depth knowledge of the attraction making them the best person to give you facts and information about the history of the ruins.
Once you enter the archaeological site, you’ll be taken around all the major attractions within the ruins like the House of the Vettii, House of the Fawn, the forum, Villa Dei Misteri, the temples of Isis and Apollo, the Stabian Baths, Pompeii Spectacula, Lupanare, and more. Get a glimpse into the ancient Roman lifestyle, beautiful frescoes, furniture, artwork, and buildings of the time. You will also get a chance to walk to the edge of the Mount Vesuvius crater for a closer look at the volcano.
Highlights Covered on Your Pompeii Guided Tour
The Temple of Isis
Located near the Forum of Pompeii, the Temple of Isis was one of the first monuments to be discovered when the excavation process started in 1764. It is dedicated to Isis, the Egyptian goddess, and is believed to be a significant part of Roman life. Mostly unscathed, the Temple of Isis rests on an elevated platform. It includes a vaulted roof drawing the visitor’s gaze to the top of the monument.
Stabian Baths
Reserved for the elite members of society, the Stabian Baths are the oldest baths in Pompeii and one of the most interesting structures to have been discovered during excavation. Divided into four building phases, the baths are located at the intersection of the Via Stabiana and the Via dell’Abbondanza. Most of their original structure remains intact despite being buried under volcanic ash for centuries.
House of the Vettii
Named after owners Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva Liberti, the House of the Vetti is dedicated to Priapus, the God of Prosperity. It also represents the affluence of the owners, who achieved economic growth and opulence through trade. Excavated between 1894-95, the House of the Vetti is one of the largest dwellings of ancient Roman life featuring Pompeian Fourth Style wall frescoes.
Villa Dei Misteri
Villa Dei Misteri, which translates to the Villa of Mysteries in English, is an ancient Roman villa discovered during an excavation in 1909. Located on the outskirts of Pompeii, Villa Dei Misteri is famous for its series of frescoes, which illustrate the initiation or introduction of a young woman into a Greco-Roman mystery cult. The frescoes are beautiful making the Villa of Mysteries a must-visit when you’re in Pompeii.
Temple of Apollo
Constructed in 120 BC, the Temple of Apollo is situated in the Forum of Pompeii and is considered one of the most religious monuments in the town. It is dedicated to Apollo, an Olympian deity or God in Greek and Roman mythology. The temple is an amazing blend of Italian and Greek architecture. It sits on a high podium with an imposing set of steps and also features a peripteros with 48 Ionic columns or pillars.
House of the Tragic Poet
Discovered by archaeologist Antonio Bonucci between 1824-25, the House of the Tragic Poet dates back to the second century BC and is known for the mosaic at the entrance that reads “CAVE CANEM”, which translates to “Beware of the Dog” in English. The house has retained its original shape of an atrium, which had beautiful mosaics. The house boasts interiors featuring frescoes and stunning mythological paintings depicting episodes from the Iliad.
Lupanar
Derived from Latin word “Lupa”, which means “prostitute” in English, the Lupanar is located to the east of the Forum of Pompeii and used to be the most famous brothel in the city during its hay days. Divided into two floors, the place features erotic paintings and 134 graffiti that tell stories of the activities that took place inside the brothel. The prostitutes comprised Greek and Oriental slaves who were paid some money for their services.
House of the Faun
Spread across an area of 3000 square meters, the House of the Faun is one of the largest, most luxurious, and most impressive private houses in Pompeii. This aristocratic residence dates back to the second century BC and features some incredible and astounding works of art. The house is adorned with several mosaics and statues, the original versions of which are preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Forum of Pompeii
The forum is one of the major highlights of the ruined city of Pompeii. It houses some of the most beautiful and important commercial, public, and religious buildings in the city. Back in the day, it was the focal point of daily life, administration, justice, business, worship, and trade activities of the citizens of Pompeii. Excavations revealed that the square of the Forum was originally an open area but went through several modifications between the third and second century BC.
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Pompeii Spectacula
Constructed in 70 BC, Pompeii Spectacula is the oldest amphitheater in Rome made of stone with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators. The structure is adorned with frescoes of gladiators and inscriptions that are still readable. The Senate of Rome decided to shut the arena after a brawl in 59 AD but withdrew its decision after a massive earthquake struck Pompeii. The amphitheater is currently used as a venue for concerts and other public events.
Visitor Tips
- Make sure you book your Pompeii tour tickets online and in advance.
- Pompeii is wheelchair friendly. There are several pathways designed to make it accessible to those with reduced mobility.
- There are several toilets located within the site.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the attraction, except in designated areas.
- There are baby changing facilities available as well in case you’re traveling with infants or children. You can collect the keys at the entrance and return after your tour.
- There’s a cloakroom at the entrance in case you want to store heavy or big luggage and bags.
- Touching furniture, frescoes, or any other object within the ruins is strictly prohibited.
- Big dogs or pets are not allowed inside. If you’re visiting with a small dog or pet, you will have to carry them inside the attraction.
- You can enter the site only through the Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances.
- There are several restaurants nearby if you’re looking for dining options after your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pompeii Tours
A. Yes. Pompeii tours are available for booking.
A. You can book a Pompeii tour online.
A. Pompeii tours start from €42.40.
A. There are different types of Pompeii tours that you can choose from – Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line, Pompeii Half-Day Guided Tour with Transfers from Naples, and Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento.
A. Pompeii tours include all the major attractions inside the ruins like the forum, the Baths, Lupanar, the different temples, House of the Tragic Poet, a visit to the Mount Vesuvius crater, and more.
A. Pompeii guided tours are available in languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
A. Pompeii guided tours have a maximum capacity of 20 guests.
A. Yes. Pompeii tours are worth it because it’s one of the best ways to explore the ruins and gain more knowledge about its history, art, and architecture.
A. Yes. Pompeii guided tours include skip the line access.
A. Yes. You can cancel your Pompeii guided tour and get a full refund up to 48 hours before the scheduled date.
A. Pompeii guided tours can be anywhere between 2 hours to a day long depending on the type of tour you book. It ideally takes about two days to see the entire ruins, but you can cover the major sections within a day.
A. Yes. Infants aged 1 and under get free entry while children 2-12 years of age get discounted tickets. You will have to carry a valid photo ID of your child.
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