Pompeii: Archaeology tour with guide & newly opened houses

Summary

Step inside Pompeii’s ruins with a local archaeologist as your guide

You’ll wander Pompeii’s ancient streets with an expert archaeologist as your guide, step inside restored villas rarely open to visitors, listen for echoes in Roman baths and theaters, and pause in the Forum with Vesuvius on the horizon — moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that weird echo when your footsteps hit old stone? That’s the first thing I noticed walking into Pompeii — the sound of gravel crunching under my shoes, bouncing off walls that have seen centuries. Our guide, Lucia, waved us over to a faded fresco. She pointed out details I’d never have spotted alone — like how the red pigment was made from crushed minerals. The air smelled faintly dusty, but not in a bad way; more like sun-baked earth after rain.

We ducked into one of the newly opened houses (I think it was the House of Menander — Lucia said they rotate which ones are open). The mosaics were so sharp I almost reached down to touch them, but stopped myself. Sunlight filtered through a broken roof tile, lighting up bits of tile and paint. Lucia told us about the family who lived there — she even tried to pronounce their names in Latin, which made us all laugh because none of us could repeat it back. It felt strange and kind of moving to stand where people cooked and argued and probably complained about the weather two thousand years ago.

The Stabian Baths were next. Steam used to fill these rooms, but now it’s just cool stone and our voices echoing around. I ran my hand along a marble bench — cold and smooth, nothing like my kitchen at home. We ended up at the Forum, where everything opens up wide and you can see Vesuvius looming in the distance. Lucia paused there for a moment, letting us take it in without saying anything. I still think about that view sometimes — how quiet it was compared to what I’d expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pompeii's Ancient Highlights

• Walk Pompeii's main streets and Forum
• Visit Teatro Grande
• Experience Teatro Piccolo acoustics
• Private tour of Pompeii Archaeological Site
• See Stabian Baths
• Visit House of Menander

Top questions

How long is the guided tour of Pompeii?

The private tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

Are newly opened houses included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit some villas recently reopened after restoration; which ones depends on availability that day.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, but public transportation options are available nearby.

Will we skip the line at Pompeii?

Yes, skip-the-line entry is guaranteed with this tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to bring my passport?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Can the tour be customized?

The guide will customize your route based on preferences and which houses are open during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes a private guided tour led by a professional English-speaking archaeologist, guaranteed skip-the-line entry to Pompeii’s archaeological site (including highlights like the Forum, Great Theatre, Stabian Baths), access to select newly restored villas depending on availability, and plenty of stories along the way.