Herculaneum small-group tour with a local guide

Corso Resina, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy, Naples, Italy
Free Cancellation. Read More
Overview
Duration
2h
Languages
English, Italian
Voucher type
mobile
What To Expect

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Herculaneum is one of the most dramatic relics of ancient Roman civilisation. This small group tour gives you up-close looks at excavated luxury villas with priceless frescoes and mosaics. It’s hard to believe they’re over 2,000 years old. Giuseppe, one of our local guides, says ‘Herculaneum is so well-preserved that all that’s missing are the Romans interacting in the spaces you see. You’ll learn about the hobbies, work and diets of the tunic-wearing citizens.’Gaze over the seaside town, rediscovered in the 18th century, before you descend the entrance tunnel and admire how original roofs, balconies, steps and floors are still intact today. While smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum was wealthier than it. Antonio, another of our local guides, says, ‘Despite sharing the same tragic fate as Pompeii, the mixture of ash and scorching temperatures destroyed Herculaneum in a different way, leaving beautifully preserved remnants.’Admire the famous mosaic and fountain room at the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, a real crowd pleaser. See how the wealthy lived at Villa of the Papyri and the House of the Deer, lavish waterfront villas decorated with frescoes and marble plaques. As you visit the gymnasium, basilica and baths – adorned with dolphin mosaics and funky geometric tiles – your guide will animate these places with stories of Romans going about their day-to-day lives. Your visit also contributes to future excavation and conservation projects.

What to remember

Important info

  • You will visit in a small group of up to 16 people. The small-group size gives you a personalized experience away from the crowds
  • This is a 2-hour guided tour that only includes the archaeological site. The tour lasts 3 hours if you wish to visit both the archaeological site and the Virtual Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Virtuale). Admission to the museum requires a separate ticket that must be purchased on-site (full price: €7, reduced: €6 for under 18, over 65, students, and teachers)
  • Reduced tickets (child 4-17) can only be purchased together with a standard price ticket
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible
included
What's included
included-item
2-hour small-group tour. Friendly and local expert guide. Entrance ticket
know before you go
Know Before You Go
Highlights

Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Herculaneum. Explore ruins excavated from the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Admire luxury waterfront villas and buildings of what was an opulent seaside town. Enjoy an intimate experience with a small group of up to 16 people. Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Herculaneum’s history

Cancellation Policy
can-cancel You can cancel your tour until a day in advance
Meeting Point

Meet your destination insider at the Ruins of Herculaneum ticket office.