tour vesuvio e pompei

Pompeii with Panoramic Winery Lunch on Vesuvius: Day Trip from Rome

• Discover the history of the ancient city of Pompeii and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans who inhabited it before the fateful volcanic eruption.
• Sit down to a hearty three-course lunch prepared with the best regional products, complete with a tasting of four wines from a Vesuvius vineyard led by a local sommelier.
• Take a photo from the best spot on the volcano and enjoy a digestif of Neapolitan coffee or homemade limoncello.
• Relax and enjoy a perfectly planned day trip from Rome, complete with round-trip transport by private van.

Tour description

Take a day trip from rome and explore campania’s greatest treasures..

Join us for an unforgettable escape from the busy streets of Rome and head south for a perfectly curated exploration of history and wine on this Pompeii and Vesuvius tour. Led by a team of experts, you’ll hear stories from the ancient city of Pompeii and learn what makes the regional wines and other culinary products so incredible (and taste some for yourself) on a day-long excursion complete with private transport.

Explore Pompeii’s past and present with a passionate archaeologist guide.

Your experience begins bright and early in central Rome, where you’ll meet your tour leader and board a comfortable private van. The three-and-a-half-hour drive to Pompeii will fly by as your tour leader regales you with stories of the once-thriving city and lets you know what you can expect from the day ahead.

Once we’ve arrived at the Pompeii archaeological site, you’ll jump straight in to exploring its ancient streets, preserved for centuries under 20 feet of volcanic ash. Your expert guide will show you some of the key discoveries archaeologists have made during nearly three centuries of excavation work, including the remains of victims that were later turned into plaster “death casts,” a huge Roman stadium, and even a brothel (adults only!).

Sip fantastic Italian wines on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

After your Pompeii tour, it’s off to one of our favorite nearby vineyards. Located right on Mount Vesuvius itself, this location has been carefully selected on the recommendation of our team of several wine experts. It’s here where you’ll get a crash course in the region’s rich winemaking tradition, including the legend of the famous Lacryma Christi wine, which explains why grapes grow in the areas that they do. Enjoy a walk through the vines before sitting down to a three-course lunch including antipasti, spaghetti, and dessert, complete with a sommelier-led tasting of four organic wines.

To finish the day on an unforgettable note, we’ll take you further up Vesuvius to a panoramic viewpoint. In addition to enjoying a relaxing digestif of Neapolitan coffee or limoncello, this is the best place to get the ultimate selfie!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfectly planned day on this Pompeii and Vesuvius tour from Rome.

This extensive Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour allows you to get a taste for life in the storied city before the infamous eruption, an experience that's complemented by a trip up the volcano to get a sense for the vast area affected (and take some once-in-a-lifetime photos!). You’ll enjoy plenty of local delicacies along the way, including organic wines made in-house as well as a gorgeous three-course lunch.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, apr 06, 2024.

Our guide was amazing! Excellent tour!

Nov 11, 2023

The Pompeii and Winery tour was fantastic! Tour guides were phenomenal and sites were stunning. 10/10 would recommend!

Oct 06, 2023

This is my 6th tour with Walks/Devour out of Rome and I have been thoroughly impressed with every one, as you can see from my previous reviews. I only have one criticism of this particular tour (Pompeii with Vineyard Lunch), and it is in relation to our lunch served at the vineyard. The antipasti plate was tasty; however, the pasta plate (which was the only other savory course served for lunch) was cold, small, and rather flavorless. I am a lover of pasta and have prepared most of the popular Italian (Roman) pastas myself, so I felt they could have done so much better. It was close to two o’clock, I believe, and everyone was starving when the food began to arrive. A few touches like fresh bread on the table, perhaps some Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano on the pasta for a bit more flavor, etc. would have made a big difference. When we did ask for cheese, they brought us little packs, like you get at a fast-food restaurant. Everything else was perfect. The guide was knowledgeable and personable. The setting was idealic. The wine selections on point and delicious. With a bit more attention, the lunch could have met the standards of everything else. Thank you! I am grateful to have found you after listening to Untold Italy podcast and will continue to recommend your company.

Sep 13, 2023

Great tour - very informative with a knowledgable guide. We love Walks Tours and they have become our Go To tour site. Thank you!

Sep 01, 2023

Our tour with Annamaria in Pompeii and at the Sorrentino Vesuvio Winery was fantastic! My friend and I had the most magical adventure. Annamaria is so incredibly knowledgeable of all the history of the area. She shared this with us all along the drive. We were so comfortable—with numerous bathroom breaks and opportunities to stretch out our legs. Our guide at Pompeii was top notch! And our driver, Marco, was so very courteous. We had a beautiful lunch in view of Mount Vesuvius and learned about the vineyards of the Sorrentino Vesuvio Winery. It was so peaceful and relaxing, no crowds. We had personal attention, great views and wonderful company. We also stopped for espresso on the way back to Rome. Another stop with magnificent views of the Bay of Naples. The very best part of our excursion, however, was Annamaria. She was so kind and so engaging with us. She shared stories and cultural anecdotes. We felt she was more of a friend than a guide. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I hope to do this again!

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Similar tours, pompeii tour from rome with amalfi coast drive, the chianti experience: small group half-day wine tour from florence, boat-hopping on the amalfi coast: day trip from rome.

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Pompeii & Mt Vesuvius Tour

Explore Pompeii's incredible ruins and take a trip up dramatic Mount Vesuvius, with private car service

Starts from 985 €

(2 Reviews)

• tour overview
• tour description
• tour reviews

duration 6 hours including a lunch break

Tour Overview

Walk in the shadow of death and explore the extraordinary remains of Pompeii beneath looming Vesuvius, before climbing the volcano that annihilated the city nearly 2,000 years ago. Join us on this amazing journey to decipher the jigsaw of ancient Pompeii, and wander through the perfectly preserved streets, houses, shops and baths that have hardly changed in two millennia. With our expert local guide on hand to bring the ruins to life, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the evening before disaster struck. Afterwards your English-speaking driver will take you to spectacular and dangerous Mount Vesuvius - still an active volcano even today. Here you’ll have the option to join the resident volcanologist’s tour, discovering exactly what happened on that fateful day in 79 AD. This is one exciting adventure not to be missed!

• Private driver and car for the day
• Skip-the-line tickets at Pompeii
• Private expert English-speaking guide for Pompeii
• Trip up Mount Vesuivus

• The archaeological area of Pompeii
• Pompeii's Forum
• Aristocratic villas with incredible frescoes
• Mount Vesuvius

Tour Description

Relive the harrowing events of august 79 ad.

“ On Mount Vesuvius, broad sheets of fire and leaping flames blazed at several points, their bright glare emphasized by the darkness of night .”

That’s how Pliny the Young beautifully describes the tragic events that took place in between August 24th and 25th AD 79: even the writer’s uncle Pliny the Elder, together with thousands of other people, lost his life during those terrible moments.

The eruption lasted several hours and started pretty slowly in the morning of August 24th, AD 79. Around 9:00 AM the Pompeians started hearing a few small explosions coming from the Mount Vesuvius, which got progressively louder and more destructive over the course of the day and the night: by 8:00 PM of the next day, Pompeii was buried under 3 meters of lava , together with its unfortunate inhabitants.

Discover what daily life was like in Pompeii with our expert guide

But what was Pompeii like before the catastrophe? Interestingly enough, the city was already some 900 years old when the volcano destroyed it. Founded by the Osci people in the VIII century BC, Pompeii was probably born out of the fusion of five original villages: the name itself, in fact, very likely comes from the Oscan world “ pumpte ”, which means five. In the 3rd century BC the city was conquered by the Romans, who shaped it into a perfect roman city, complete with efficient roman roads, luxury baths, the forum, a theatre and an amphitheater for gladiatorial shows and so on.

At the time of the eruption Pompeii was a flourishing roman city, thriving on commerce and celebrated for its delicious wine and tasty olive oil. Appreciated also for its mild climate and for the proximity to the sea, Pompeii was also a popular holiday place, particularly appreciated by the families of the roman aristocracy, as witnessed by the amazing rich villas that are still preserved, embellished by magnificent and precious art.

Sealed under 3 meters of lava and pumice stone, Pompeii slept, stuck in the terrible moments of the eruption, for 1600 years: it is only in 1763 that the excavations started and, to the archaeologists’ greatest amazement, the entire city slowly emerged from the ashes, practically intact. And it isn’t quite over yet: as the excavations keep going in other areas of the site, Pompeii still keeps surprising everybody with new amazing discoveries.

Explore temples and villas, baths, bars and brothels

Explore  Pompeii with us, visit its houses, villas, shops, bars, thermal baths, market places, even brothels and discover many aspects of the roman lifestyle: take this once in a lifetime chance to see life through the eyes of a Roman , you might be surprised to discover that, even after 2000 years, people haven’t changed that much.

Every building you will be visiting will provide you with sometimes unexpected insight on a different dimension of the roman society. While in the rich houses  decorated with spectacular paintings inspired from the mythology you will learn about the Pompeians' exquisite taste for art, in the temples , some of them dedicated to foreign gods, you will find out that the Romans were very keen on adopting other peoples’ gods and rituals, thus proving a certain tolerance in the regards of other pagan cults. 

Walking in the Forum of Pompeii you will learn about the political and administrative life of the city and its protagonists, senators, magistrates, plebeians and aristocrats. You will find out about the political elections and the intensive campaign in support of the different candidates, the traces of which can still be seen in the Latin graffiti on the walls: Popidium Secundum IIvirum oro vos faciatis , Vote for Popidium Secundum!

Leaving behind the official buildings of the city, you will discover yet another dimension of the Roman lifestyle: you will be amazed by the perfect engineering and functionality of the thermal baths , complete with amazing saunas with special devices to collect the steam, or the incredibly preserved cafés and restaurants , with the menu beautifully painted on the walls.

Which one of the most renowned Roman delicacies would have you ordered? Flamingo’s tongue, grilled dormouse, rotten fish sauce or boar stuffed with living mockingbirds?

Climb Mount Vesuvius and stare into the crater of Italy's deadliest volcano

At  4,203 feet in height, Mount Vesuvius is by far Italy’s most famous volcano. Considered an actual deity by the ancient inhabitants of the area, the Romans considered it as an expression of Jupiter’s destructive power, while according to other traditions, it was associated to Hercules and to the myth of the twelve labors.

While the most (sadly) famous eruption of the volcano is obviously the one that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD, the Vesuvius has erupted multiple times, the last one in 1944, but it’s far from being extinct: will you dare to climb it and look into its impressive mouth?  

Join us on this incredible adventure at the discovery of history, archaeology, art, nature and so much more.

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Tour Reviews

5.0 (2 reviews)

Our Driver was very hospitable on our way to Pompeii. Monica was very knowledgeable and kept us away from the crowds of people while still seeing the main sites. Once we arrived at MT Vesuvius, we were able to hike to the top. The driver was very skilled as the road is quite narrow and we felt safe as he was cautious. It was a wonderful day.

Lisa - Oct 20, 2022

We had a wonderful day with Massimo and Andrea. Both superbly helpful and knowledgable. The local flavour and information was outstanding and really brought Naples to life for us. They were flexible with our family and so passionate about the place and history. We highly recommend this tour and our guides.

Jacqui - Jan 27, 2020

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• Amalfi Coast
• Pompeii - Mt. Vesuvius
• Experiences

Visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento

All you need to know to visit Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento

Many travellers to southern Italy use Sorrento as a base to visit the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These two Roman cities were buried in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AC, and are considered among the most important archaeological sites in the world . Both were preserved in a state of "suspended animation", as the cities were suddenly frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption rather than being gradually abandoned over the centures or transformed by subsequent conquests. Pompeii was completely buried in just 12 hours, and houses, temples, baths, brothels, restaurants, and citizens were preserved under the ashes until being unearthed in 1748.

Pompeii tours from Sorrento: if you are exploring the Italian coastline south of Naples, you should definitely make time to visit these unique and unforgettable spots...after all, when will you next get the opportunity to walk the perfectly preserved streets of a Roman city or stare into the steaming crater of an active volcano?

Skip-the-line tickets for Pompeii: Buy now 1. Receive your tickets via email or text. 2. Show your tickets from your smartphone. 3. Skip the line to enter the archaeological site.

How to Reach Pompeii from Sorrento

Getting to Pompeii from Sorrento, Italy is very simple: just take the Circumvesuviana train which runs from Sorrento to Naples, and in 20 minutes you'll arrive at Pompeii . The entrance to the archaeological site is right across from the Circumvesuviana station.

How to Reach Herculaneum from Sorrento

Getting to Herculaneum from Sorrento is just as simple: take the Circumvesuviana train which runs from Sorrento to Naples and get off at Ercolano (about 40 minutes from Sorrento). Once you exit the station, follow the main road downhill about 500 meters to the entrace to the archaeological site.

Book online: bus from Naples Round Trip+ticket skip the line Book online: bus from Rome Round Trip+ticket skip the line

Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Pompeii is a much larger site than Herculaneum and more striking, while Herculaneum is better preserved as it was covered in a layer of protective mud and volcanic ash, sealing the remains completely and preserving even materials like wood. The down side of visiting Herculaneum is that many Roman homes and buildings are closed to visitors, so if you have time to visit just one site while in the area, opt for Pompeii. Trying to see both in one day may be overwhelming! Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Hours and Tickets

1 November to 31 March: 9:00am - 5:00pm

1 Aprile to 31 October: 9:00am - 7:30pm

Open daily; closed 1 January and 25 December

Pompei: Ticket price EUR 15 for Pompeii, discounts: EUR 7.50 (students between 18 and 24 and teachers). Free for children under 18.

Herculaneum: Ticket price EUR 11 for Pompeii, discounts: EUR 5.50 (students between 18 and 24 and teachers). Free for children under 18.

You can purchase a pass for both sites for EUR 20

From June 15th to September 15th 2023 a supplement of €1 is applied to all full and reduced tickets to deal with the emergency caused by the floods that occurred in 2023. D.L. 1 June 2023, no. 2023, n.61.

In summer high season and on the weekends, there is often a long line to enter the archaeological parks. Purchase tickets to Pompeii in advance and skip the line. Purchase tickets to Herculaneum in advance and skip the line.

How to Plan Your Visit to Pompeii

It can be tiring to visit the ruins in Pompeii: the site covers 33 square kilometers, you must walk along the ancient Roman streets made of large blocks of stone, and there is little or no shaade. There are public restrooms, a café, and a number of picnic areas inside the site that are marked on the map, and you can stop there to rest and even have a small picnic.

A bottle of water (that you can refill at one of the many water fountains inside the site);

A map of the site, available free at the entrance.

Tip: choose one of the suggested itineraries to follow so you don't get lost or, better still, visit with an expert guide.

To see the major monuments in Pompeii, you will need at least 8 hours, but it will be a tiring day. Opt instead to plan on about 4 hours, and touch on just the most important sights.

Visiting Pompeii with Children If you are travelling with young children, request the keys to the Baby Points located inside the site at the entrance. These are small "stations" where you can change and feed infants, and rest for a while. Touring the site with a pushchair or stroller is difficult, so opt for a baby backpack, if possible. You can leave your stroller in the luggage check at the entrance free of charge.

Trips to Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento

Combining a stop at the top of Mount Vesuvius with a visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum is a great idea. We suggest visiting Mount Vesuvius in the morning and continuing on to Pompeii and Herculaneum in the afternoon; buses between Vesuvius and the archaeological sites run until 3 in the afternoon.

From Herculaneum to Mount Vesuvius :

Vesuvio Express Bus : departs from the Circumvesuviana train station at Herculaneum and arrives at the visitor arrival area on Vesuvius at 1,050 meters above sea level. From here, you will hike with a guide to the crater (about a 20 minute walk along an easy trail).

Departures every 40 minutes beginning at 9:30 am

Price: EUR 20 (includes bus and entrance fee to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)

From Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius :

Busvia del Vesuvio : departs from the Circumvesuviana train station at Pompei Villa dei Misteri and arrives at the entrance to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio. Here passengers transfer to a small 4x4 eco-bus which continues along the historic "Matrone" road to the visitor arrival area on Vesuvius at 1,050 meters above sea level. From here, passengers hike with a guide to the crater (about a 20 minute walk along an easy trail).

Departures every hour from 9 am to 3 pm

Price: EUR 22 (bus + ecobus + entrance fee to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)

Visiting Mount Vesuvius : info and tips

Lunch in a Vineyard For a lunch break between the archaeological sites and Vesuvius' crater, we recommend a stop at the Cantina del Vesuvio winery, which produces local Lacryma Christi wine. They offer winery tours and a tasting lunch each day, featuring their own wines paired with local dishes. Free pick up in Pompei. La Cantina del Vesuvio

For more info about visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius: www.VisitPompeiiVesuvius.com

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From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii Day Trip

• Transfers included
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• Mobile ticket

Unveil ancient history and breathtaking views on a 5-hour tour of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii Archaeological Park with an audioguide.

Explore Vesuvius and Pompeii in a single day with round-trip transfers and audio guides.

Ascend to the crater of Mount Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii in AD 79, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Wander through the ancient streets, well-preserved homes, public buildings, and extensive ruins of the Pompeii Archeological Park.

Marvel at the impressive frescoes, mosaics, and architecture and get glimpses of ancient Roman lives with an audio guide.

Fun fact: The legendary rock band, Pink Floyd, recorded a concert film at the Pompeii Archaeological Park, back in 1972.

Entry to Mount Vesuvius

Round-trip transfers from Pompeii

Entry to Pompeii

Audio guide for Pompeii in Italian, English, French, Spanish & German

Entry to Herculaneum (optional)

Expert archaeologist guide to Pompeii ruins (optional)

Headsets (optional)

Small group tour - Pompeii 20 guests; Vesuvius 8 guests (optional)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ratings & Reviews

Your experience

Step back in time to the ancient roman marvels.

Unleash the explorer within you with a combo ticket that lets you explore Pompeii and Vesuvius in a single day. With round-trip transfers from Pompeii, relax and soak up the captivating scenery as you travel between these iconic landmarks on a small-group tour.

Get Set for an Epic Day of Discovery at Vesuvius & Pompeii

Start your 5-hour tour by ascending the majestic Mount Vesuvius, a volcano that once created havoc on the ancient city of Pompeii. Stand at the edge of its volcanic crater and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding region. Next up, immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient Romans at the Pompeii Archaeological Park. Stroll through the streets frozen in time and step inside the once-thriving amphitheater. Marvel at the well-preserved frescoes and mosaics that once adorned the walls and floors of houses, public buildings, and temples.

Enhance your trip furthermore with an audio guide and uncover the secrets of these ancient wonders and learn about the daily lives and tragic fate of Pompeii’s inhabitants.

Know before you go

What to bring.

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.

Bring along your sunglasses, hat, water bottle.

Guide dogs are allowed on this tour.

How to redeem your tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID to your guide.

Kindly ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting point

• Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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Vesuvius-Pompeii combined tour

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From January to December

At the hotel

Explore the long-forgotten world of Pompeii, where time stood still after the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79!

This combo tour will take you through some of the most surreal ruins in history, allowing you to uncover inspiring stories and mysteries that have captivated the imagination for centuries.

Step back in time as you stroll through ancient streets frozen in an eternal moment: come and discover Pompeii and be mesmerized by the incredible views from the top of Vesuvius.

You will be transported on an unprecedented journey through history!

How the combined Vesuvius-Pompeii tour works

The journey through history begins in the morning. Our driver will pick you up and take you to the meeting point, where, together with a small group of travel companions, you will board a comfortable minibus that will take you to Vesuvius. Once you reach 1000 meters above sea level, you will descend and on foot you will reach the crater where an expert volcanologist will explain the beauties and mysteries of the place. Before leaving again, you will be able to fill your gaze with the breathtaking panorama that can be enjoyed from the top of Vesuvius: the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Coast, Capri and Ischia.

At the end of this incredible adventure, we will leave for Pompeii. Before entering the archaeological site, our guide will show you different types of itineraries that you can choose and enjoy independently thanks to our multilingual audio guides.

You will discover the secrets of Pompeii, a magical city that was buried by the ash of the eruption of 79 AD. until its treasures were discovered centuries later. You'll explore frescoed domus you won't find anywhere else; you will walk in an authentic brothel (or brothel!); you will admire grandiose amphitheaters and much more.

It is no coincidence that the excavations of Pompeii are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The combined Vesuvius-Pompeii tour lasts about five hours and is available for a small group of participants. Our goal is to guarantee a pleasant, interesting travel experience tailored to the needs of the participants.

What are you waiting for? Dive into the splendor of the ancient Roman civilization, in an immersive experience that will take you back 2000 years.

Book in advance to purchase the tour at the lowest price. If you change your mind, or in case of unforeseen events, our cancellation policy allows you to cancel, free of charge, within seven days of the tour date.

Included in the service

• Pick up from selected hotel-place
• Direct transfer by deluxe minibus to Mount Vesuvius
• Free time to visit the Great Cone of Vesuvius
• Direct transfer by deluxe minibus to reach the entrance of the excavations
• Illustration of the itineraries and staff assistance before entering the excavations
• Audio guide and detailed map for the independent visit of Pompeii
• Limited access areas fees

Not included in the service

• Entrance ticket to Vesuvius (you can add it from extra services)
• Entrance ticket to Pompeii (you can add it from extra services)

What you’ll love about this:

Breathtaking views

Vesuvius crater

Nature and landscapes

Stress-free transfers

Mountain guide

Unesco heritage treasures

Crafts and traditions

Authentic itineraries

Experienced local driver

Visit with audio guide

Detailed map of the place and our recommendations

Pick up from the hotel

Small groups

Complete autonomy during free time

Book Service

Customize service

Check your shopping

Safe payment

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Choose your departure

Attention, child age: 0/10 years

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Book now! Free cancellation up to 7 days before with no penalty.

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• Amalfi Coast
• Pompeii - Mt. Vesuvius
• Experiences

How to Visit Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Capri

Tips for a day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius from Capri

It's easy to spend a day exploring Pompeii or Herculaneum from Capri , where you can journey into ancient Rome via their spectacular archaeological remains.

While on the mainland, you can even take a jaunt up to the magnificent crater atop Mt. Vesuvius , the volcano that buried these two Roman cities in mud and ash during an eruption in 79 AD, which preserved them almost intact for posterity.

A Day Trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum from Capri

First, we suggest you choose one of these two ancient cities to visit. Both are fascinating sites with a wealth of ruins, but trying to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum in the same day can be a tiring endeavor, especially if you are setting off from Capri.

Which site should you choose to visit? Keep in mind that Pompeii is larger and more famous, but is also generally more crowded, though the vast area of the site makes it easy for the crowds to spread out. A section of the ruins in Pompeii is accessible to those with limited mobility; wheelchair users can enter through the Piazza Anfiteatro gate to take the dedicated route. If you prefer to explore a smaller and less crowded - though equally compelling - site, Herculaneum is your best bet!

How Long Does it Take to Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum? Many tours stop for 2 hours at Pompeii, but we suggest dedicating at least 3 to 4 hours to take in the top sights inside the ruins. To visit Herculaneum, on the other hand, a couple of hours is more than enough.

How to Visit Mt. Vesuvius from Capri

As long as you are headed to the mainland to tour Pompeii or Herculaneum from Capri, consider stopping at Mt. Vesuvius to hike up to the crater's edge . This scenic hike isn't too strenuous and you can choose to take on a portion of the trail on your own or hire a volcanologist guide to hike the entire trail around the crater. Either way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views across the crater created by the same volcano that destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum 2,000 years ago and a sweeping panorama across the city of Naples to the bay and island of Capri. Packages are also available that include the visit of the ruins of Pompeii and that of Vesuvius .

Information for Visiting Mt. Vesuvius Tips: It takes about 3 hours to visit the crater, including the hike up and down the trail. We do not recommend this trail for those who have limited mobility. In the summer months, the trail can be very hot and there is no shade; try to avoid the midday hours and be sure to bring water, a hat, and sunblock. Opening Hours January, February, November December: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March and October: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April, May, June, September: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July and August: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The trail to the crater's edge is open daily all year round, but may occasionally close for adverse weather conditions or unsafe conditions. Tickets Adults: EUR 10 Children and students: EUR 8 Free entrance for children below 120 centimeters and the disabled with one assistant. Vesuvius tickets:park entrance & guided visit

If you are planning on a day trip from Capri to Pompeii or Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius , we suggest dedicating the morning to exploring the archaeological site you've chosen and then heading to Mt. Vesuvius in the afternoon, perhaps after a lunch break and wine tasting at one of the wineries on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius .

Visiting Mount Vesuvius : info and tips

How to Reach Pompeii and Herculaneum from Capri

Once you've decided to set out from Capri to visit Pompeii (or Herculaneum) and Mt. Vesuvius , it's time to figure out the logistics. Getting from Capri to Pompeii or Herculaneum and then the crater of Mt. Vesuvius can be time-consuming and you'll need to take a number of different means of transportation.

Getting to Pompeii from Capri via Private Transfer

The easiest way to arrange a day trip from Capri to Pompeii/Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius is by taking the ferry or a private boat transfer to Sorrento and then hiring a car service with a private driver. This allows you to skip the hassle and delays of public transportation and have more freedom to schedule your day at Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Capri at your own pace.

Book your tour or private transfer from Sorrento to Pompeii .

Group Day Trips If you are traveling with a group of family or friends, a car service with a private driver is probably the most hassle-free and inexpensive way to reach Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius from Capri without the stress and delays of public transportation.

We also suggest booking skip-the-line tickets for Pompeii or Herculaneum so you won't be caught in a long line at the entrance and can enjoy more time inside the sites!

Skip-the-line tickets for Pompeii Skip-the-line tickets for Herculaneum

Getting to Pompeii from Capri with Public Transportation

If you don't want to hire a private driver, you can always take public transportation to get from Capri to Pompeii/Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius , but keep in mind that you will spend more time traveling, have to change a number of times, and have a longer and more tiring day.

The First Leg: from Capri to Sorrento

First you'll need to reach the mainland from Capri! The easiest way to do that is hop on the hydrofoil between Capri and Sorrento , which runs frequently and gets you to Sorrento in just about 20 minutes. There is another route that stops first in Naples, but it is more expensive and takes longer to reach Sorrento.

View ferry schedules between Capri and Sorrento

The Second Leg: from Sorrento to Pompeii or Herculaneum

Once you've disembarked in Sorrento, you'll need to reach the town's Circumvesuviana station where trains to Naples that stop near Pompeii and Herculaneum depart every 30 minutes. To get from the port in Sorrento to the train station in the town center, you can either walk (it's an uphill walk with about 100 steps halfway in) or take a bus or taxi.

From Sorrento to Pompeii: the train takes about 30 minutes; the stop is Pompei - Villa dei Misteri and the entrance to the archaeological site is just opposite the station.

From Sorrento to Herculaneum: the train takes about 50 minutes; the stop is Ercolano Scavi and the entrance to the archaeological site is about a 10-minute walk from the station, following the signs.

Getting to Mt. Vesuvius

After you've visited Pompeii or Herculaneum , you'll want to head to Mt. Vesuvius to take in the volcanic crater.

There are both buses and shuttles that climb the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius to the park entrance departing from the Circumvesuviana stations in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Getting from Herculaneum to Mt. Vesuvius

Autobus Vesuvio Express: this shuttle departs from the Ercolano Circumvesuviana station and arrives at Piazzale del Vesuvio (1050 meters above sea level). From here, you can hike the trail to the crater's edge on your own (about 20 minutes) or take on the entire trail that encircles the crater with a guide (about 2 hours).

Departures: every 40 minutes beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Cost: EUR 20 (bus + entrance ticket to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)

Buy your Vesuvio Express ticket

Getting from Pompeii to Mt. Vesuvius

Busvia del Vesuvio: this shuttle departs from the Pompei Villa dei Misteri Circumvesuviana station and arrives at the entrance to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio, where passengers transfer to 4x4 minibusses to Piazzale del Vesuvio (1050 meters above sea level). From here, you can hike the trail 20 minutes to the crater's edge on your own or join a volcanologist guide to take on the 2-hour hike around the entire crater.

Departures: hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: EUR 22 (bus + 4x4 minibus + entrance ticket to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)

You can also take the EAV public bus from Pompeii to Piazzale del Vesuvio.

We suggest scheduling your day trip to Pompeii/Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius at the end of your stay on Capri as a stop on your way back home or your next destination. One of the most convenient ways to visit is by booking a private transfer that stops at one of the archaeological sites and/or Mt. Vesuvius on the way to the Naples airport, train station, or hotel. Pompei or Herculaneum?

Pompeii and Vesuvius Full-Day Tour

Take in magnificent Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city of Pompeii on a tour along the Amalfi coast . Explore the ruins of Pompeii, see uncovered remains of Roman life from 79 A.D., reach the summit of Vesuvius, and visit a lovely coral and cameo factory.

Meet your local guide for the day and board on the coach to depart to Pompeii , passing the beautiful towns along the Amalfi Drive. Upon arrival, guided visit of the ruins (2 hrs and ½ approx.). In Pompeii you’ll have the chance to explore one of Europe’s most compelling excavation sites. This Roman city was lost for 1700 years, partially destroyed and buried under ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , you’ll have a unique insight into ancient city life. After lunch depart for Mount Vesuvius. The bus takes you 1000 meters up the volcano, then you’ll be escorted by a guide to the summit. From here enjoy have views over the southern part of the volcano and, during days with good visibility, the entire gulf of Naples . On the journey back, visit one of the most prestigious cameo and coral factories in the region to see the production of typical Italian carvings.

• Description

FROM 1 ST MAY TO 31 ST OCT AVAILABLE ON MONDAYS -WEDNESDAYS -THURSDAYS excluded national bank holidays ( 1 st May, 02 nd June, 15 th August)

What Is & Isn’t Included What’s included:  Full-day tour bus service from Amalfi • English-speaking guide • Headphones inside the ruins with live commentary • Entrance fees * skip-the-line tickets to avoid queues at the entrance Not included:  Meals and personal shopping • Tips • 

Know before you go

• The excursion is via Amalfi
• Small group with max 25 passengers
•  Under 18s + European citizens under 25 MUST take a valid ID or will be required to pay the full entry ticket on the spot.
• At time of booking clients must provide full name of each participant, we will be not responsible for wrong names on the entry tickets.
• It is advised that you bring: sun cream, a bottle of water, an umbrella, a jumper and a camera
• Max admittance size for bags is 30x30x15cm . Bigger bags must be stored on the bus during the visit
• Sit back and relax with your professional guide on this fully-escorted tour

*Entrance Fees Included * K IDS & Y OUTHS MUST BRING A VALID ID OR WILL BE REQUESTED TO PAY LOCALLY ENTRANCE FEES DUE * Y OUTH P RICE APPLIES TO EU CITIZENS ONLY . N ON -E U WILL PAY AS ADULTS .

Please re-confirm the tour 48hrs prior to departure: minimum participants required to operate. Free cancellation up to 48 hrs before the tour

Related products

Pompeii Full-Day Tour

Pompeii and Herculaneum Full-Day Tour

Capri & Anacapri island group tour

Capri Cruise small group tour

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14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)

Visiting Pompeii, the ancient Roman city in southern Italy that was destroyed by a volcano, is on a lot of people’s travel bucket lists – it had been on mine since I was little!

Before I visited Pompeii I felt quite overwhelmed, so I did a ton of research. Read on for tried and tested tips for how to visit Pompeii, along with some advice on how to climb Vesuvius.

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

Tips for your visit to Pompeii

1. use public transport to get to pompeii.

Pompeii is in the Campania region of southern Italy, 15 miles south of Naples and 150 miles south of Rome. It’s 16 miles from the lovely resort town of Sorrento and 22 miles from Positano, on the Amalfi coast.

The best way to get to Pompeii from Naples or Sorrento is by the local train, called the Circumvesuviana. The best station for the ruins is Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri train station, on the railway line from Naples to Sorrento.

The train can be very busy and has a reputation for pickpocketing but there’s no reason to be scared. Keep your bag close and your wits about you and it’s perfectly safe and convenient.

Pompei Scavi station is less than five minutes’ walk from the Porta Marina main entrance to the ruins.

Pompeii from Sorrento

If you’re travelling from Sorrento or one of the other resorts along the coast, the easiest and cheapest way to get to Pompeii is to take the Circumvesuviana local train to the ruins. From Sorrento, the train takes between 25 and 30 minutes, which is almost certainly going to be quicker than driving or taking a taxi.

Pompeii from Naples city centre

Visiting Pompeii from Naples is an easy day trip, and Napoli’s great rail connections make the train the easiest way to get to the ruins.

I recommend catching the train from Porta Nolana station. Since Porta Nolana is the start of the Circumvesuviana line, you’ve got a better chance of getting a seat on what can be very busy trains. Get on a train that’s headed for Sorrento and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri.

Pompeii from Naples cruise port (Stazione Marittima)

If you’re arriving in Naples on a cruise ship, you’re likely to dock at Stazione Marittima. From there, you could walk the 1.2 miles to Porta Nolana station on the Circumvesuviana line. If you’d rather take a bus, the airport bus leaves from outside Stazione Marittima and stops outside Naples Centrale station for the Circumvesuviana line to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri.

If you’d prefer a simpler option for your trip and not rely on public transport, there are shore excursion options.

If you’re planning to drive to Pompeii, it’s worth knowing that there are no official Pompeii car parks, but there are lots of places to park around Porta Marina and between the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances. One of the most recommended is Pompei Parking Zeus near Porta Marina.

2. Don’t take a big bag into the ruins

The level of strictness at Pompeii varies a lot but it’s best to assume that the staff won’t allow you to take large bags or luggage into the ruins. Anything above 30cm wide, 30cm tall and 15cm wide isn’t allowed – as a rough guide that’s a little bit smaller than the size you’d be allowed as a free bag on a budget airline. As well as being for security, it’s also to reduce damage to the ruins themselves from people rubbing against the walls with their bags. There were a small number of luggage lockers at the entrance when I visited but it’s best to leave bulky bags at your accommodation.

Even if you are allowed to take your bag inside, the massive size of the site means that trying to explore while carrying heavy luggage isn’t a great idea, and it’ll restrict you from getting inside some of the most famous buildings. The Lupanar (brothel) house with its famous wall paintings is a particularly tight squeeze.

3. Do take a water bottle

There are drinking water taps all the way along the main thoroughfare where you can refill your bottle with safe drinking water for free. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and it can be very hot. As a bonus, many of the taps are set above Roman troughs so you’ll get to feel a little bit like a real Roman.

4. Don’t worry about food and drink (but do bring snacks)

There are cafes, ice cream/drinks stands and souvenir shops outside all three entrances to the site, but there’s also a reasonably priced cafeteria with a good variety of sandwiches, pizza slices, salads and snacks inside the ruins, just behind the Forum. There are toilets upstairs.

You can also take your own food and drink into Pompeii, which is a good thing when the sheer scale of the place might mean you’re nowhere near the cafeteria when you get hungry. The queues can be long at the cafeteria as well in peak season.

Even if you don’t bring a packed lunch, it’s a good idea to take a snack or two, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day in the ruins.

5. Don’t take one of the guided tours touted outside the ruins

– although they’re cheaper than the official guides they’re much larger groups (30+ people compared to around 15). There’s also a little office just outside the train station with an official-looking sign offering tickets – ignore it, the actual official ticket office is inside the gate.

If you’re visiting Pompeii at a busy time it may be a good idea to buy your tickets in advance . While the queue at the ticket office was relatively short when we visited in April, it can get very busy.

Visitor numbers are already capped at 15,000 on the monthly free entry Sundays and there’s talk of restricting the number of people who can go inside the archaeological site on normal days too in order to protect the delicate site for the future. Buying your ticket for Pompeii online means you’re guaranteed to get in. You can buy a maximum of 5 tickets in each transaction.

6. Do take a guided tour of Pompeii

Official Pompeii tourist guides tout as you’re queuing for tickets *inside* the gate at Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra, between 9am and 2pm. They wear a big official pass around their necks and offer tours in several languages. Tours tend to set off when enough people have gathered.

When we got in we were glad we’d gone on a tour as the ruins are huge and confusing with little signage – we wouldn’t have fully appreciated them even with an audio guide and definitely not with just the map and the guidebook.

If you want to be certain of getting on a tour in your language and at the right time, or if you want a private guide for your group you can book a tour in advance .

Most of the Pompeii tours that you can book in advance will include entry tickets. This small group tour with an archaeologist has great reviews and includes skip-the-line entry tickets.

We had a great guide who’d been a little boy when Vesuvius last erupted in 1944 and he really helped bring the city to life for us. You’ll move quickly and see a lot in two hours, but…

7. …don’t expect to see even the highlights of Pompeii in a couple of hours

With a 2 hour tour and 2-3 hours on your own you can get a taste for the city but Pompeii is easily worth a full day.

We arrived at around 10.30am and didn’t leave until closing time. The main sights are quite far from each other, particularly the larger amphitheatre and the Garden of the Fugitives where the main group of bodies are, and walking on the uneven roads can make distances feel even further.

8. Do get a map of the Pompeii site

While you’re at the entrance, do pick up one of the free maps of the Pompeii site. There’s nothing else really to orientate you when you’re in the ruins and the grid system means it’s easy to get lost.

9. Do wear good shoes

The roads are dusty and uneven underfoot and some of the stones are slippy so you’ll want something comfortable with decent grip. Pompeii is definitely not the place for heels. If you wear sandals, expect your feet to be absolutely filthy when you leave!

10. Do protect yourself from the sun

On sunny days, take a hat, sunscreen and some kind of cover-up. There’s very little shade throughout much of Pompeii (as most of the buildings don’t have a roof!), and the white stone can mean lots of reflected light. An umbrella or parasol could be a good idea. The last time I visited I didn’t see anywhere to buy sunscreen inside the site.

Like many places, summer weather in this part of Italy is becoming increasingly hot – during summer 2023 temperatures at Pompeii hit 40° celsius (104° Fahrenheit). I’d recommend trying to plan your trip to Pompeii to avoid heatwaves, but if it’s unavoidable, then consider getting to the site as soon as it opens so you can see as much as possible during the coolest hours of the day.

11. Do take the time to get some background before your trip

The more you can read up about Pompeii, the more you’ll get out of your visit. I watched a BBC documentary on YouTube and read Robert Harris’s novel  Pompeii before we left – not academic at all but it really helped me make sense of what had happened here when Vesuvius erupted.

If you want a more in-depth discussion of the myths around Pompeii and how people may have actually lived, Mary Beard’s book Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town is excellent and easy to read.

Even if you plan to take a guided tour (and you should), it’d be useful to read the guide book in advance so you can make your own hit list of places you want to visit in Pompeii after the end of the tour.

The official, free Pompeii guide book and map that you get at the site (sometimes known as the red book) has recently been put online as a PDF .

12. Do get a different perspective

by visiting Herculaneum , a few stops along the Circumvesuviana train line from Pompeii and another easy trip from Naples or Sorrento. Herculaneum was also destroyed when Vesuvius erupted, but it’s much quieter than Pompeii. Herculaneum is also much better preserved and many of the buildings still have their upper storey intact.

The tragedy wrought by the eruption feels even more immediate at Herculaneum  – by the Roman shoreline are boat houses full of the skeletons of the people who tried to shelter there.

13. Do climb Mount Vesuvius

Visiting Pompeii is unmissable, but it’s an awe-inspiring experience to go to the top of Mount Vesuvius and see (and smell) the smoke that still rises up from the crater.

I chose to take a bus transfer from Ercolano train station to Vesuvius with Vesuvio Express, which was a really easy way to get there. You can book tickets for Vesuvio Express online .

From the upper car park it’s about a mile to Vesuvius’s crater, all uphill. It’s a fairly shallow gradient but it’s fine, dusty gravel underfoot so can be tough going. If it would help, you can take a walking stick from one of the guys at the entrance in return for a tip.

Wear shoes not sandals but don’t do what I did and wear your new white trainers – they’ll be covered in red Vesuvius dust and pretty much ruined by the time you get back!

There are a couple of souvenir shops which sell drinks and basic snacks, and another at the crater. When I visited Vesuvius there weren’t any public toilets anywhere on the volcano, and after overdoing it on hydration for the climb I ended up begging the shop at the car park to be allowed to use their (non-flushing!) toilet. Recent visitors say if you buy something at the shop or pay 1 euro, they’ll let you use their toilet, but that you might still have to hold your nose.

At the top, walk around the crater at least until you get to a jaggedy part with some steps as the crater looks different from different viewpoints. Try to spot Capri and Ischia on the horizon and Pompeii below and look out for puffs of sulphury-smelling smoke to remind you that it’s still an active volcano !

Read my complete guide to climbing Mount Vesuvius

Our visit to Vesuvius took around 4 hours from leaving Ercolano station to returning back to Ercolano.

14. Make sure you give yourself enough time

There are lots of tours that let you visit Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum in one day, but that seems very rushed to me.

We did it in two days – one full day for Pompeii and another where we visited Vesuvius in the morning and Herculaneum in the afternoon (travelling from Sorrento), and that felt about right to us.

The two archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are both very moving (not least because of the body casts at Pompeii and the skeletons at Herculaneum) and for me it was worth taking some extra time so it wasn’t too overwhelming.

What happened at Pompeii?

In AD79, Mount Vesuvius erupted . The force of the explosion blew the entire top of the mountain off, sending rocks, ash and dust over 10 miles into the sky. The rocks and ash rained down on Pompeii for nearly a full day. Most residents had already fled the city but around 2,000 people (around a tenth of the population) stayed behind.

When, finally, a flood of thick volcanic ash, poisonous gases and superheated rock hit Pompeii at nearly 100 miles an hour, the residents who had stayed were asphyxiated , and the city was buried underneath millions of tonnes of volcanic debris.

The victims’ bodies decomposed where they’d died, leaving body-shaped spaces in the hardened ash. Almost 2000 years later, archaeologists were able to pour plaster into these spaces, revealing the last moments of the victims and creating Pompeii’s famous body casts.

Pompeii has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 as a joint listing with nearby Herculaneum and the Villa Opolontis at Torre Annunziata.

If you’re planning to go to Herculaneum as well as visiting Pompeii (and you should), you can buy the Campania Artecard which will get you into both sites (plus a number of other sightseeing spots in the area) over the course of your visit. Read my full review to see if the Campania Artecard is worth it (spoiler – the 365 Lite card is an absolute bargain!)

Visiting Pompeii in 2024

The information below is correct as of 10 February 2024.

Pompeii opening times in 2024

During winter (dates up until 31 March 2024), Pompeii is open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 3.30pm. Access to some houses is restricted after 4.15pm.

In the summer months (1 April until 31 October 2024) the site is open 9am to 7pm, with the last entry at 5.30pm. Access to some houses is restricted after 6pm.

Pompeii is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and sometimes on May Day. If the site is going to be open on May 1, the authorities tend to announce it only a week or two in advance.

House of the Day

In summer 2023, a new “House of the Day” programme began, and it’s continued into the colder months. This programme gives you the chance to visit a house that isn’t normally open to the public. You can see the latest schedule on the Pompeii website.

How to buy tickets for Pompeii

For your trip to Pompeii you can either book your official Pompeii tickets online or go to the ticket offices at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra. There was a small queue when I visited in mid April so booking online could be a good idea during the hot summer months.

Tickets for the ruins cost €22.00 for an adult ticket for Pompeii and the surrounding villas, and €18.00 just for Pompeii. There’s a €1 booking fee for booking online.

Most guided tours will include a skip the line ticket .

If you’re planning to visit Herculaneum , the Archaeological Museum in Naples or other museums and attractions in the area then it might be worth buying a Campania Artecard . I’ve written a full review of the Campania Artecards, plus competitors like the Naples Pass and Pompeii Card .

Visiting Pompeii is free on the first Sunday of every month but it does get very busy! You can avoid the queues for free Pompeii tickets by booking them online .

How to visit Pompeii from Rome

It’s possible to visit Pompeii on a self-guided day trip from Rome thanks to Italy’s amazing high-speed trains. If you choose the fastest train from Rome Termini to Naples Centrale you’ll be there in 1 hour 13 minutes. Tickets are very reasonably priced if you book in advance. From Naples, take the local Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri.

As of July 2023, there’s a new direct Frecciarossa fast train service between Rome and the modern town of Pompei. The special train runs every Sunday, leaving Rome at 8.53 and arriving in Pompei at 10.40.

A guided tour from Rome , a direct coach transfer or even a private tour is another option for visiting Pompeii from Rome on a day tour.

When to visit Pompeii

Visiting pompeii in spring.

March, April and May can be the best time to visit Pompeii and all the other attractions in the area. March can be a little chilly with a few days of rain, but cooler temperatures are good for exploring the ruins.

Pompeii is open as normal on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, which in 2024 falls at the very end of March (Easter Sunday is March 31 2024). Trains and buses to Pompeii will also be running but to a holiday schedule with reduced frequency.

I visited Pompeii, Vesuvius and Herculaneum in mid April and thought it was the perfect time to take a trip to this part of Italy. The weather was warm and sunny but not too hot, and at Herculaneum in particular the spring flowers were beautiful. Summer opening hours start on April 1, giving you an extra two hours to explore (I needed it!).

Visiting Pompeii in summer

If you visit Pompeii in June, July or August, you’ll need to prepare for high temperatures, but there are some interesting extra events during the summer that could make summer the best time for you to visit the ruins of Pompeii.

During June and July, there are often theatrical and music performances in the Roman Teatro Grande or occasionally in the Amphitheatre.

Long, warm summer evenings allow for other events too, including evening walks, concerts and theatrical performances.

If you’re visiting Pompeii in early May, be aware that May 1 is officially one of the few days that Pompeii is closed, but that’s by no means set in stone. In 2023 the authorities decided to open on May 1 after all, with less than two week’s notice.

Visiting Pompeii in autumn

The autumn or early winter months of September, October and November can still be good months to visit Pompeii. September and October are both still warm and sunny, and the summer opening hours at Pompeii last until the end of October.

In November you can expect more rain in the bay of Naples and cooler, but still comfortable temperatures.

Visiting Pompeii in winter

December, January and February are the low season for tourism in the Bay of Naples, and if you visit during this time you should find the archaeological sites quieter than normal.

If you’re staying anywhere other than Naples you may find that shops and restaurants that cater mainly for tourists are closed for the winter, but prices are cheaper in the ones that stay open. Christmas in Naples looks absolutely magical, with lots of festive lights and crib displays.

If you’re hoping to climb Mount Vesuvius during your trip to Pompeii then it may be better to come during the slightly warmer months as bad weather or even occasional snow can make the hike up to the top hazardous.

Facilities at Pompeii

Toilets and drinking water are available inside the site. There’s a cafeteria near the Forum but it’s a good idea to take your own snacks, especially since the site is so large and you might be a long way from the cafeteria when you get hungry.

Which entrance to use for Pompeii

There are three entrance gates for Pompeii, all with a range of facilities:

• At the Porta Marina entrance (closest to the Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri train station where trains from Sorrento stop) there’s a ticket office, toilets and left luggage lockers.
• At Piazza Esedra, a little further along from Porta Marina from the station, there is a bookshop and toilets. There’s a small police station just outside the Piazza Esedra entrance.
• At the Porta Anfiteatro entrance (closest to the modern town of Pompei) there’s an ATM, bookshop, toilets and left luggage facilities.

Where should I stay for visiting Pompeii?

If you’re planning a trip to Pompeii, a big decision is where to stay. Most people choose to either stay in Naples or Sorrento when visiting Pompeii – both places have lots to do and are roughly the same distance from the ruins but they offer really different vacation experiences.

Since it’s such a big part of what to know before visiting Pompeii, I’ve put together another post with the best places to stay to visit Pompeii along with advice on areas, how to get to Pompeii from each place and what to expect.

Related posts

If you found this guide to visiting Pompeii useful, you might like these other posts about places to visit in the Bay of Naples.

• Where to stay when you visit Pompeii
• How to visit Herculaneum, the “other Pompeii”
• Which is better, Pompeii or Herculaneum?
• How to climb Mount Vesuvius
• Great day trips from Sorrento
• Things to do in Ischia, an alternative to Capri
• Amazing Roman ruins to visit

I hope you’ve found this guide to visiting Pompeii useful. If you have any tips for visiting Pompeii, please let me know in the comments.

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About Helen

Hi! I’m Helen , and Italy is one of my favourite destinations. I’ve been fascinated by ancient Roman and Greek history since I was a kid and I love nothing more than combining a visit to a Roman site with experiencing Italy’s beautiful landscapes and cities.

I live near Manchester, UK and work full time, so I’m all about making the most of my annual leave with day trips, weekend getaways and short breaks.

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68 thoughts on “14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)”

Thank you so much for all of these tips, Helen! Thanks to you, it was easy to organize our trip to Pompeii and we had an amazing visit.

Hi Catherine, thanks so much for your comment, I’m so glad you had a great trip!

Thank you, very useful!

Thanks Sarah!

Hello Helen, Excellent articles, great tips and a lot of very helpful information!

We are going to visit there mid-November. We will for sure go with a tour as you suggested. You mentioned that there are official tour guides *inside” the gate at Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra, between 9am and 2pm. Are there always such tour guides available? We have 9 people. I want to make sure that we can join a tour. Or would you rather recommend us to book a tour in advance at “GetYourGuide”, which is more expensive(55euro) than the official tour guides (15euro). Thank you so much!

Hi Weihua, thanks for your message and I’m so glad you’ve found my site useful!

We were able to get on a tour fairly soon after buying our tickets, we had to wait for a couple more people to join but that didn’t take long. With 9 people though, I’d be tempted to be cautious and book a tour in advance.

Hello Helen! Thanks for all your practical tips. I just wanted to clarify your advice regarding the Vesuvius express bus and crater entry ticket. Did you mean that the combo ticket can only be purchased in person and doesn’t require an online reservation? Also, is there a discount if I get the Campania Artecard? One more question regarding the Campania Artecard, do you still need a reservation for Pompeii before arrival? Thanks!

Hi Helen! It used to be that you couldn’t buy the Vesuvius Express combination ticket including the entry ticket to the crater online, but they’ve recently updated their website and you can buy them together now. I’m afraid there’s no discount on Vesuvius Express tickets with the Campania Artecard.

You don’t need a reservation for Pompeii if you have the Campania Artecard, but you will need to show your Artecard at the ticket desk.

Hi Helen, Your blog is amazing and very informative. Thank you. One question: the Ercolano Scavvi trains seem to be only one every three hours. We would like to use Versuvio express for the transfer and park entry combo you recommend, but I can’t seem to find any more frequent trains. Any ideas where I’m going wrong? Thank you.

Maria, Norfolk

Hi Maria, thank you!

It sounds like you might be looking at Campania Express train times – the normal Circumvesuviana trains are much more frequent and while they’ll be much busier than the Campania Express trains, they’re absolutely fine. Just keep an eye on your stuff as pickpockets operate on the train. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you Helen, Great information about Pompeii and how to make it happen. I’ll be visiting on May 28th and will write afterwards. All the best, Drake

Thanks Drake, hope you have a brilliant trip to Pompeii!

Really useul blog, thanks – we are heading to the Sorrento region in mid-May and your advice has been very helpful.

Thank you Jane, hope you have a wonderful trip to Sorrento!

Thank you for such helpful advice on such an overwhelming amount of possibilities! We’ll be in Sorrento and the surrounding environs in May, and your updated info, as well as links, have answered a lot of my questions / concerns. I look forward to following you for future and past suggestions!

Thanks Liz, hope you have a wonderful trip!

What fantastic tips and information. Wonderful to read and have taken screenshot of the train information. I’m in naples in September and going to do pompeii, herculeum and vesuvius on different days to get the best experience of them all. I really appreciate the work you have put in to help us would be travellers.

Thank you Josie, and that sounds like a great plan to get the most from your time at each site, especially if it’s still hot in September. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks so much for a wonderfully comprehensive guide! We are visiting Pompeii and all of the other archaeological sites in April and can’t wait!

Thanks Joanne, I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

This is a spectacular guide. Extremely informative and helpful, thanks for taking the time to put it together.

Thank you Aurore, your comment really made my day!

Hi Helen Thanks so much for your really helpful guide! One question, do you have any advice for disabled access to Pompeii? Many thanks Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for your comment. The Pompeii authorities have set up a route which is accessible for people with motor impairments, so it’s relatively flat. There’s more information on that and a map here . There are audio guides which might be helpful for people with visual impairments. The site was trialling guided tours in Italian Sign Language but I couldn’t find any more information on this I’m afraid, and it seems like it was in Italian Sign Language only. I hope this helps.

This is so useful – thank you!

Is there anywhere you’d recommend to stay close to Pompei or Vesuvius? If visiting both sites is a two day event, I’m thinking it’d make more sense to stay nearer and avoid the two hour round trip from Sorrento or Naples.

I’ve just found your page on where to stay and it answers all my questions! Thank you!

You’re welcome, hope you have a fantastic trip 🙂

Very useful thank you.

Hello Helen, your blog is very useful. We visited Pompeii on 6th September so wanted to update you. They are no longer insisting that you follow one of the two routes. The arrows are still there, but within the designated areas you can wander about freely. I don’t think any more of the site is open though, for example the brothel is still closed. We made a mistake and bought online tickets from Tiqets rather than the official site, and they said we couldn’t enter until after 11.30,but on changing the QR code to an official ticket at Porte Marina we got in immediately. It also looked as though people were buying tickets at the office rather than online, although the website had not been updated to reflect that. We found it all pretty confusing to start with! The cafe at the Forum is doing takeaway only (which means everyone sits outside closer than they would be at tables in order to be in the shade..) and the toilets there are open.

Thank you for all the info! We stayed in Pompeii and followed your advise, we took our time to visit the Pompeii ruins in one day (… and even though a few places/sites were closed, it was definitely a great experience – we took our time to walk around, it was not crowded and we were able to see a lot in one full day), day 2 we spent in Vesuvius and Herculaneum! Fantastic

Thank you for the helpful tips! Great Blog

Thanks so much for updating this for covid info. My friend and I are travelling for one week to Sorento in October and we were uncertain how/when/what etc to visit Pompeii etc. You’ve just told us perfectly how to do it 😂. Hugs all round x

Thanks for your detailed information. We were supposed to travel last Month but due to Covid-19 this has been moved to next August. A little warmer than we had planned !! So the tips on water and light luggage will be useful. We were so disappointed to cancel but now have a whole year to find interesting info like yours to help us make the most of our trip. Thanks!

Hi Helen – Thanks for this post. We are planning a trip for Easter and your travel tips have been very helpful.

Thanks Jan, I hope you have a fantastic trip.

Hi, thank you for this information. We booked to go to Naples today, we arrive on Friday. I’m very much looking forward to visiting both sites & of course Mount Vesuvius. I’ve noted down your advice, thanks again 😁

I hope you had a great trip, if you have any tips from your visit please do share 🙂

Hi Helen, I agree your article is superb, very clear and informative. I’ve been busy writing little notes down. I’m looking forward to my visit in July with family.

Thank you Nesta! I hope you have a fantastic trip.

Great article, thank you. We did Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day, and loved the contrast between the two sites. And, just to let anyone else reading this know, there are now toilets in the upper car park at Vesuvius!

Excellent intel, hurrah for toilets at Vesuvius! Thanks for your comment 🙂

Hi Helen, superb article, very useful thank you. I and my three grown-up kids (teens and 20’s) are looking forward to a 3 day break in Septmeber. From your description I should have gone for a long week instead of a long weekend. Is there a way that you could set up an “if you enjoyed this article, click here to donate a £1”. I for one would make a contribution. Having purchased Eyewitness & Rough Guide books on the area, your precise info has been the best source so far. Very well done Helen. And thank you. Wishing you continued good travelling. Mark

Thank you for your very kind comment Mark, I hope you have a wonderful time in Italy 🙂

I am going to Pompeii tomorrow morning and am glad that I read your blog first. Very helpful! Thanks.

Thank you, I hope you had a great time!

Thank you so much for such great information . I particularly liked your advice on footwear, and how long to expect to spend at each of the sites. We’re going to Sorrento next week for 4 nights, so we’re gonna be pretty busy!

Thanks Diane, I hope you had a great time in Sorrento!

Currently Vesuvius does not look as scary as we imagine it, but it is worth seeing it up close, because who knows when it will explode again 🙂

True! Hopefully with technology we’d get some warning though!

Thank you Helen for taking the time to do this. Really helpful – precise and comprehensive. Pictures helped too and resources to learn about Pompeii before visiting. Great to know that Pompeii really does take a day to visit properly. Would you advise booking entry tickets ahead? We are going for the first time in mid June this year.

Hi Tamaris, thanks for your comment. The queue to get in wasn’t too bad when I visited in April a couple of years ago, but I don’t think it’d do any harm to book tickets online in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit at a slightly busier time of year. Hope you have an amazing time!

It is a great article! we are planning to visit in June first week and it will be most helpful. I do have a query though, we will be coming from Sorrento and will most probably hire a private car as we need to go to Naples later. Would you recommend getting the tickets beforehand or should we buy at the spot? We have two sons aged 12 and 10 and they are usually short of patience while standing in queues.

Thanks Harshita. If your sons are short on patience it’s probably a good idea to book the tickets online beforehand. Hope you and your sons have an amazing visit to Pompeii!

Thank you very much for this tips! Last time we visited Pompei there wasn’t a cafeteria inside and we had to carry around everything for a picknick. There was no water inside, too… pretty hard on a hot summer’s day!

We’ll visit Pompei this april and if there is any news I’ll let you know!

Oh goodness that must’ve been a tough one, we were constantly filling up our water bottles! Please do let me know if anything has changed when you visit in April, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Hi Helen I read your post letter by letter, your writing is precise and captivating. Me and my daughter (9) plan to visit Pompeii this May. My question is regarding food: can you bring a packed sandwich and eat during the visit? I mean like sit down on a rock, have a sandwich, a drink and keep going…Or fruits? Traveling with my daughter has taught me to always have something to nibble….

Hi, yes there are lots of places where you can sit down and eat a packed lunch – one of the amphitheatres would be a great spot! I always take snacks with me too 🙂 Hope you enjoy your visit!

This looks like such an amazing and unique experience! I’ve only ever heard of Pompeii from old roman and greek stories. I absolutely love visiting historic sites like this one. Thanks for the new travel destination inspiration!

Sending my love xx

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the post!

Hello, is it best to see Pompeii first and the Mount Vesuvius or does it not matter on the order? We will be coming from Sorrento. Is there a train back from Mount Vesuvius if we do that second? Thank you!

Hi, if at all possible then I’d recommend doing them on separate days as Pompeii is enormous and it worked better for us to team Vesuvius with a visit to Herculaneum. Herculaneum is amazing – if you’ve got the time I really recommend it. If you have to do Vesuvius and Pompeii on one day then I’d do Vesuvius in the morning and Pompeii in the afternoon. Go from Sorrento on the train to (modern) Herculaneum and take the bus trip to Vesuvius which leaves from just outside the station. When you get back to the station at Herculaneum, get the train from there to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station which is just outside the Pompeii ruins. Then a train back to Sorrento. Sorrento, Pompei Scavi and Herculaneum are all on the same train line so it’s an easy trip – we also stayed in Sorrento. Hope you have an amazing time!

Hi Helen, very helpulf your info, I have a question, Im going next september, do you think that I can do Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day?

I think it really depends on your stamina levels, what kind of traveller you are and honestly how interested you are in the places themselves. If you get to Pompeii at opening time, do a tour and then hit the major sights that aren’t covered on the tour and go straight on to Herculaneum, it’s definitely do-able. I glad we had a bit more time at both places as I really enjoyed just wandering through the streets, taking it in, imagining what it was like to live there. Don’t underestimate how big Pompeii is though, the amphitheatre and the place where you’ll see most of the body casts are both at the far side of the site – visiting Pompeii is honestly like going on a mini city break. Hope this helps and you have an amazing trip!

I stayed in Pompei June 2017, visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, climbing Mount Vesuvius and visited Sorrento, Capri, Ravello, and more. I just loved this area and I plan to go back in future during the spring. Although I loved Pompeii I enjoyed Herculaneum much more, there were less crowds and easier to get around. I also loved the fact they left what appears to be the original remains ( I may be wrong)of the citizens of Herculaneum in their final resting place in shops located in Bay Area. Also at Herculaneum there was a beautiful cat that really took a shine to me, and I named him Titus . I was told by the staff that this was the first time they had seen him be friendly with anyone including them. Titus even followed me around during my tour. Ahh memories. #memories #missingpompeii #missingherculaneum #titusthecat 🙂

Thanks for commenting! I think they are the original remains, I understood they removed some for testing but the others are original. So tragic, it really brings it home to you doesn’t it. Titus sounds awesome, I love to make friends with a cat on holiday 🙂

My daughter and I are traveling to Pompeii in August! I can’t wait. We were planning 2 Days here and then maybe catching a ferry to Capri.

Oh wow, you’ll have an amazing time. Definitely make sure you take a water bottle to refill though! Hope you and your daughter enjoy your trip.

Thanks a most helpful article.

Thanks Rachel, glad it was useful!

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