Pompeii Tours

In its heyday, Pompeii was an upscale coastal city popular as a vacation destination among wealthy Romans. This, combined with its status as a thriving center of trade and industry on the Mediterranean, made it a vibrant and bustling city that was home to around 12,000 residents.

Today, however, Pompeii is remembered as the site of ancient history’s greatest documented natural disaster. The devastating eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed Pompeii and the surrounding towns and villages. An estimated 16,000 people died as a result—2,000 of whom perished in the city of Pompeii—and tens of thousands of residents of the region were displaced.

The disaster left Pompeii buried under 20 feet of volcanic ash for hundreds of years until the first excavation efforts began in the 18th century. The quick burial of the city has provided modern archaeologists with a unique snapshot of Roman life. Pompeii’s well-preserved ruins have revealed intricate details about the architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the inhabitants during that time, making it a fascinating visit and a must-do on any Italy itinerary.

To fully make the most of your time in Pompeii, book a guided tour with an archaeologist. The ruins can be difficult to decipher on your own, and the facts and stories you’ll hear from an expert who has dedicated their life to studying the site will make your experience that much more meaningful.

Short on time in Italy? You’re in luck—taking a day trip to Pompeii from Rome is incredibly doable. That said, travel logistics in southern Italy can be tricky to figure out for the uninitiated, which is why we recommend booking an organized tour that will handle all the details for you.

Our Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive combines an insightful visit to Pompeii with a drive along the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast and a stop in picturesque Positano. This experience offers the most complete view of this unmissable corner of Italy without the hassle of getting there on your own.

Prefer a more food-focused experience? Our Pompeii with Panoramic Winery Lunch on Vesuvius: Day Trip from Rome includes a visit to a family-run winery on the slopes of the infamous volcano following your guided visit of Pompeii. Stroll through the vines and sit down to a homemade farm-to-table Italian lunch, complete with wine pairings and a guided tasting.

While you could easily spend days at Pompeii and still not see it all, these sites provide a unique insight into the daily life, architecture, and art of the ancient Roman world.

• Temple of Apollo: One of the oldest and most important religious structures in Pompeii, dating back to the second century BC.
• House of the Vettii: A well-preserved Roman villa famous for its intricate frescoes. This stunning home made headlines in 2022 when it was re-opened to the public following decades of restoration work, and is a firm favorite on our Complete Pompeii Experience.
• Lupanar: The most famous brothel in Pompeii, known for its erotic paintings, is one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman brothel.
• House of the Tragic Poet: Known for the iconic "Beware of Dog" mosaic and other beautiful artworks.
• Forum of Pompeii: The political, commercial, and social hub of the city.
• House of the Faun: The largest house in Pompeii, home to the "Dancing Faun" statue and the Alexander Mosaic.
• Villa of the Mysteries: Famous for its well-preserved wall frescoes depicting the initiation rites (or "mysteries") of the Dionysian cult.
• Stabian Baths: The oldest and one of the most complete bath complexes in Pompeii.

You’ll need at least half a day to ensure you see the city’s highlights, which will be plenty of time if you’re based in southern Italy. If you’re visiting Pompeii from Rome, plan for a full-day outing.

Pompeii is a vast archaeological site with a lot to see and it can be quite tiring to explore, especially in the hot sun. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen.

In terms of weather, the spring and fall months offer pleasant temperatures that are warm but not excessively hot. The fall season has the added benefit of fewer tourist crowds.

While summer can be hot and crowded, this can be the perfect time to visit Pompeii if you’re looking to combine your experience with the nearby Amalfi Coast and its breathtaking beaches. Small businesses in many towns such as Positano close during the low season, but in the summertime, you’ll have plenty of options for shopping and dining.

Winter sees fewer crowds in Pompeii, allowing you to explore the ruins in relative peace. The quieter atmosphere allows for a more immersive experience that lets you feel the history and mystery of the ancient city.

If you’re already in southern Italy, reaching Pompeii by train is easy and effective. The Circumvesuviana train runs to Pompeii from both Naples (Porta Nolana and Garibaldi stations) and Sorrento. Trains depart hourly (occasionally more frequently during peak times) and take 30 minutes from Sorrento or 35–40 minutes from Naples. Ticket prices vary depending on your starting point, but will set you back less than €3 to get to Pompeii. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the station and cannot be booked online. Get off the train at the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station.

You can also reach Pompeii by train from Rome. The high-speed Frecciarossa train will get you from Roma Termini station to Napoli Centrale in just over an hour. From there, you can easily transfer to the Circumvesuviana train at nearby Garibaldi station in Naples and make your way to Pompeii as described above. However, to take the hassle out of your Italy vacation, consider booking a guided day trip from Rome to Pompeii complete with private round-trip transportation.