This tour consists of a pleasant walk around the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by the ashes of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Your tour will be conducted in English, and will cater only to a small group with a maximum of 15 people. During the infamous eruption, Pompeii and its inhabitants were buried by tons of pumice and volcanic ash, which preserved many things and materials in amazing conditions. Following your tour in Pompeii, you will have time to grab some lunch, or to stroll through the souvenir shops outside the ruins. Afterwards, take the Circumesuviana train leading to Ercolano (a 20 minute trip), where you will start your walk through the ruins. There, discover that Herculaneum is much smaller, but better preserved than Pompeii. While Pompeii had been covered in four meters of ashes, an avalanche of mud 20 meters thick had buried Herculaneum. Second floors of the buildings, carbonized wooden objects, intact paintings, and mosaics are still preserved and on display. The site gives a vivid impression of the opulent lifestyle which was enjoyed by the wealthier citizens of the Roman Empire.

This full-day tour of the World Heritage Sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Naples and a transfer by bus to the ruins at Pompeii. There will be a tour assistant on the bus during this part of the excursion. On arriving in Pompeii you’ll meet your guide and then explore the ruins for around 2 hours. Your guide will show you the traditions and daily life of ancient Pompeii. You’ll see the large theater, the necropolis, the thermal baths, and some of the amazing houses that were owned by the richest residents. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, head to Herculaneum where you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins on your own. It’s possible to observe the daily life of the population here in even more detail than in Pompeii, as the mud and volcanic debris that covered the city preserved the structures and artifacts of Herculaneum.