Naples and Pompeii

Hercolaneum and Pompeii shore excursion

  • Private Tour
  • 8 Hours
  • Naples and Pompeii
  • 5 reviews

Daytrip to Hercolaneum and Pompeii from Naples with private driver and guide. Ideal for cruise passengers

  • Icona puntinoA seamless private shore excursion from Naples visiting both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one perfectly timed day
  • Icona puntinoWalk through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a licensed private guide who brings ancient Roman life vividly to life
  • Icona puntinoA stress-free experience designed specifically for cruise passengers, with timing perfectly adjusted to the cruise schedule
  • Icona puntinoA fascinating contrast between Pompeii’s grand city ruins and Herculaneum’s remarkably preserved homes
  • Icona puntinoIdeal for history lovers, first-time visitors to Italy, families, and travelers who value comfort and expert storytelling
  • Private transportation from and back to the Naples cruise port
  • Licensed private archaeological guide in Pompeii
  • Guided visit of Herculaneum
  • All entrance fees with skip the line tickets
  • Flexible itinerary aligned with your cruise schedule
  • Restaurant suggestions for an authentic local lunch

Description:

Step off your cruise ship and travel back nearly 2,000 years on this private Pompeii and Herculaneum shore excursion from Naples.

Designed for travelers who want depth, comfort, and expert guidance, this full-day experience takes you to two of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world, both frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

With private transportation, a licensed guide, and a carefully planned itinerary that fits perfectly with your cruise schedule, this tour allows you to explore the ancient Roman world without stress, crowds, or rushing.

 

Itinerary

Naples Port Pickup – Travel in Comfort

Your day begins with a private driver pickup directly at the Naples cruise dock, where you’ll be welcomed by a professional driver and escorted to a luxury sedan or minivan. Sit back and relax as you leave the city behind and head toward Mount Vesuvius, enjoying views of the Campania countryside along the way.

Pompeii – Life Frozen in Time

Your first stop is Pompeii, where a licensed private guide from our team will lead you through the archaeological site for approximately 2½ hours. As you walk along the original Roman streets, your guide will bring the city back to life, explaining how this once-thriving port city functioned before its dramatic destruction.

You’ll explore the forum, step inside ancient homes, admire beautifully preserved frescoes and mosaics, and see everyday spaces such as bakeries, shops, baths, brothels, and the amphitheater. Touch smooth stone counters worn by centuries of use and gain insight into the daily lives of both ordinary citizens and wealthy Romans. Pompeii is vast, powerful, and deeply moving—and with a private guide, its stories truly come alive.

Lunch Break – Taste of Southern Italy

After your Pompeii visit, your guide will suggest local restaurants where you can enjoy lunch at your own pace. Whether you choose a traditional trattoria or something light and quick, this is a great opportunity to savor the flavors of the region before continuing your journey.

Herculaneum – A More Intimate, Perfectly Preserved City

In the afternoon, your private driver will take you to Herculaneum, Pompeii’s smaller but astonishingly well-preserved sister city. While Pompeii reveals the scale of Roman urban life, Herculaneum offers an intimate look inside Roman homes.

Because it was buried by a different type of volcanic material, Herculaneum retains two-story buildings, wooden elements, vibrant frescoes, and intricate mosaics that are rarely seen elsewhere. Walking through these streets feels personal and immediate, offering a powerful contrast to Pompeii and a deeper understanding of Roman civilization.

Return to Naples Port

After your visit to Herculaneum, your private driver will escort you back to the Port of Naples in time to board your cruise ship. Pickup and drop-off times are fully adjustable to match your cruise schedule, ensuring a smooth, worry-free shore excursion from start to finish.

 

Why Choose This Tour

  • Private experience with your own driver and guide at each site
  • Licensed expert guides specialized in Roman archaeology
  • Cruise-friendly logistics with flexible timing 
  • Two iconic sites in one day, carefully paced for comfort and depth
  • Stress-free transportation in a luxury vehicle

 

Who Is This Tour For

  • Cruise passengers docking in Naples
  • History lovers seeking expert storytelling
  • Families and multigenerational travelers
  • Couples and private groups who value comfort and flexibility 

 

Ready to Book or Customize?

Secure your Pompeii and Herculaneum private shore excursion from Naples online, or contact us to customize the itinerary around your cruise schedule, interests, or walking pace. We’re happy to tailor the experience just for you.

 

FAQs – Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples

How long is the tour?
Approximately 7–8 hours, depending on cruise schedule and lunch timing.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes. This tour is specifically designed as a shore excursion with timing tailored to the cruise schedule.

Is this Herculaneum and Pompeii tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s fun and educational. The itinerary can be adapted for families and children.

How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking on uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Parts of Pompeii and Herculaneum are uneven; please contact us to discuss accessibility needs.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour runs rain or shine

Are entrance tickets included?
Entrance tickets are included.

Can pickup and drop-off times be changed?
Absolutely. All timings are adjusted to your cruise schedule.

 

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Included:

  • Private roundtrip transportation from the port of Naples
  • All transportation cost
  • Private guide officially licensed at Pompeii and Hercolaneum
  • Entrance fees

Not included:

  • Food
  • Drinks

Languages:

Italian, English, French, Spanish

Meeting point:

At the port of Naples (details will be emailed). Contact us for other pick-up points

Duration:

8 Hours

Dress code:

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat during summer months

Alternative tours:

Reviews

(5 reviews)
07/07/2025

Jessica-P

Naperrville - IL

Traveling with two kids (ages 9 and 12), I was nervous about keeping them engaged all day. I didn’t need to worry. Our guide brought Pompeii to life with stories about Roman families, food, and daily routines that completely hooked them. Herculaneum felt like stepping inside real homes, not ruins. The driver was punctual, kind, and patient, and the timing worked perfectly with our cruise. This was educational without ever feeling like school. One of the best family tours we’ve done in Europe.

12/08/2024

Robert Y.

Columbus, Ohio

As a retired couple, comfort matters to us. The private transportation, clear explanations, and relaxed lunch break made this an ideal day. We never felt rushed, and we were back at the ship with plenty of time. Truly first-class.