Things to do in Ruins of Pompeii
UNESCO heritage listed since 1997, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii needs no introduction. Famously buried under a layer of volcanic ash and pumice, its detailed archaeological excavations offer an intimate look at Roman life - while also making for one hell of a cautionary tale about living next to a volcano.
Before almighty Vesuvius blew its top in 79 A.D, Pompeii was a rich commercial hub home to more than 10,000 inhabitants, with a dense network of residential buildings, shops and entertainment facilities that included an amphitheatre, multiple thermal spas and a brothel. While some of it still remains interred, most has been uncovered fantastically preserved.
Domenico Fontana accidentally discovered the lost city in 1594 while digging a tunnel, but it was only in 1748 that serious excavation began. Liquid plaster was used to take the place of organic material (including human bodies) creating emotionally fraught scenes. From the Forum, the centre of political and social life in the city, to muted frescoes and scrawled graffiti on the walls, you’ll find evidence of a complex modern culture along with poignant details that tell a very human story.
Our recommendations in Ruins of Pompeii
Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this small group tour with an expert guide. Delve into ancient life from 79 AD visiting private and public spaces.
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Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with a local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Pompeii self-guided audio tour
Enjoy having your personal on-demand guide provided by this digital solution, explore the streets, houses and ruins that have been incredibly preserved for centuries and discover Pompeii's ruins at your own pace.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Select Tour with Local Lunch
A real history fest, this tour first takes you to Pompeii, which lay buried under volcanic ash for centuries. After a guided tour and a light lunch, you'll then visit the summit of Mt Vesuvius, the only active volcano on Europe's mainland.
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Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this small group tour with an expert guide. Delve into ancient life from 79 AD visiting private and public spaces.
en, it
Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with a local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Pompeii self-guided audio tour
Enjoy having your personal on-demand guide provided by this digital solution, explore the streets, houses and ruins that have been incredibly preserved for centuries and discover Pompeii's ruins at your own pace.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Select Tour with Local Lunch
A real history fest, this tour first takes you to Pompeii, which lay buried under volcanic ash for centuries. After a guided tour and a light lunch, you'll then visit the summit of Mt Vesuvius, the only active volcano on Europe's mainland.
en
Of all the Roman ruins in Italy, none is as poignant or fascinating as Pompeii. More than a moment frozen in time, it's a window into past. You'll discover its remarkably well-preserved houses and landmark sites on this morning excursion to this UNESCO Word Heritage Site.
en
Pompeii and Herculaneum Select Tour with Local Lunch
This tour takes you to Pompeii and Herculaneum to discover two of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Buried by Mt Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago, they offer a fascinating and at times haunting insight into ancient Roman life.
en
How to get there
Ruins of Pompeii
Naples
Italy
Reviews Ruins of Pompeii
“Needed a break. Due to early set off we missed our hotel breakfast. The 15 mins break when we got there wasn't enough time to have food - just about managed to queue for a drink. The heat was stifling - and really there should be a break. I would cut the tour time by half and allow people to explore on their own and give them enough time to have food.”
“Cinzia our guide superb. Pompeii amazing worth every minute there. Local lunch total disaster. Looked really impressive from outside! Restaurant with no air-conditioning!! Must have been 32deg inside. Food was terrible! Iron hard bread with chopped tomato, burnt pepper as starter. Main penna with veg (not used on starter by look of it)"served", or ladles out from a big pot. After some complaints got a salad and pizza. Other bus tours coming in welcomed with bottle wine on table!”
“A lot of the locations did not have an audio recording (each section is defined by ran numerials then broken down again it was the individual broken down areas that were often missing - from my 3 hour tour I would say about a third of the locations did not have an English audio recording). It was quick to get in (although a was small when we went at 10am on a weekday in mid June) which was good and location easy ish to find (I would recommend using my three words location as a lot going on outsi”
