Private Day Tour to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum to appreciate the best of these two important archaelological sites of the Gulf of Naples with your private driver and skip-the-line tickets are included to allow you to avoid long lines.
Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Tour from Naples starts in the morning from your hotel or at disembark from your cruise ship in Naples where meet your driver for your private day tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
In Pompeii your private expert guide will take in a 2 hours private walking tour around the “scavi” and will recount the historical facts of this important roman town destroyed and buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in the morning of the August 24th 79 A D.
Once in Pompeii you have time for a walking tour around the “scavi” to visit of this important city destroyed and buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in the morning of the August 24th 79 A D.
When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in the year 79 A.D., it covered Pompeii and Herculaneum with stone and volcanic mud, the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum remained covered until the 18th century, when a farmer discovered some ruins, then certified as the ruins of Pompeii while digging in his vineyards.
The ruins of Pompeii, thanks to the volcanic ash, are exceptionally well preserved and offer visitors a true understanding of what life was like during the Roman Empire.
The most important highlights: the Forum that was the center of religious and economic life. The Casa del Fauno, one of the largest, and most impressive private residences in Pompeii. The Termopolium a sort of ancient inns where the foreigners arrived in Pompeii could eat and buy wine. The plaster body casts of the inhabitants of Pompeii victims of volcanic ash and gas. The Pompeii wall paintings and the frescoes.
The eruption preserved exactly how it was this important town of about 20.000 inhabitants completely covered in 30 feet of volcanic ash.
Visiting Pompeii you can see the theaters, the temples, the private villas of the rich with their exquisite frescoes and the quarters of the servants, the wine shops, the bakeries and the public baths.
After a pause for a light lunch (payable locally) reach the remains of Roman “Herculaneum” that lie within the area of modern Ercolano, north of Pompeii and south of Naples.
The ruins at Herculaneum are well preserved and much smaller than those at Pompeii, so in a tour of 2 hours with your private guide it is very possible to walk through the entire excavation and see all the highlights.
In the contrast to the mostly single-story buildings of Pompeii, in Herculaneum the private houses and public buildings were with two or even three floors with a great use of wood in doors, staircases, beams and shutters.
We suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Appreciate the Unesco World Heritage Sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Private guide to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum ruins
• Pick up and drop off at your Naples
• Skip-the-line tickets to avoid long lines
DETAILS
Duration:
8 hours
Departure Time:
Morning:
You can request whatever start time you like
Pick up point and drop off point:
your hotel in Naples or at your cruise ship
Inclusions:
- 2 hours personal expert and licensed guide in Pompeii
- Skip-the-line admission tickets in Pompeii and in Herculaneum
- Private Mercedes veichle
- Professional English speaking driver
Exclusions:
- Gratuities (optional)
- Meals and beverage.
Notes:
More than 6 persons rates available on request
F.A.Q.
- Did people in Pompeii know it was a volcano?
The people of Pompeii were likely aware that Mount Vesuvius, the volcano looming over their city, was indeed a volcano. However, there is some debate among historians and archaeologists about how much they understood about the potential dangers posed by the volcano.
There is evidence to suggest that the residents of Pompeii and the surrounding area were aware of volcanic activity in the region. Mount Vesuvius had erupted several times in the centuries leading up to the catastrophic eruption in 79 AD that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. Records indicate that there were earthquakes and other signs of volcanic activity in the years and months leading up to the eruption.
However, it's unclear whether the people of Pompeii fully grasped the magnitude of the threat posed by the volcano. While some may have recognized the signs of impending danger and chosen to evacuate, many others may have been caught off guard by the sudden and catastrophic eruption.
Overall, while the people of Pompeii likely understood that Mount Vesuvius was a volcano, it's uncertain how much they comprehended the specific risks it posed to their city and their lives.
- Why is Herculaneum so special?
Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town located near modern-day Naples in Italy. It is renowned for being exceptionally well-preserved due to the same volcanic eruption that buried the more famous city of Pompeii in 79 AD. There are several reasons why Herculaneum is considered special:
1. Preservation: Herculaneum was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash and mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike Pompeii, which was buried primarily by ash, Herculaneum was engulfed by pyroclastic flows, which resulted in better preservation of organic materials, such as wood, textiles, and even food items. This has provided archaeologists with a remarkable snapshot of daily life in an ancient Roman town.
2. Architecture and Urban Planning: Herculaneum boasts well-preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture and urban planning. Visitors can explore the town's narrow streets, public buildings, luxurious villas, and even a seaside promenade. The layout of the town and the quality of its buildings offer valuable insights into Roman urban life and architecture.
3. Art and Culture: The excavations at Herculaneum have unearthed numerous works of art, including colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble sculptures. These artistic treasures provide glimpses into the aesthetic tastes and cultural practices of the ancient Romans.
4. Social and Economic Insights: The archaeological remains at Herculaneum offer valuable insights into the social and economic structure of an ancient Roman town. From the opulent villas of the wealthy elite to the modest dwellings of ordinary citizens, Herculaneum provides a comprehensive view of Roman society.
5. Ongoing Research and Excavation: Herculaneum continues to be the focus of ongoing archaeological research and excavation, uncovering new discoveries and shedding light on various aspects of ancient Roman life. This continuous exploration contributes to our understanding of the past and ensures that Herculaneum remains a special and significant archaeological site.
Overall, Herculaneum's exceptional preservation, architectural splendor, artistic treasures, and insights into ancient Roman life make it a unique and special destination for historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike.