Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius: Private Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Pompeii’s ruins, Herculaneum’s secrets and a windy walk up Vesuvius

You’ll wander ancient streets in Pompeii with a local guide, touch mosaics in Herculaneum where life stopped mid-breath, and hike up Vesuvius’ gritty slopes for views over Naples you won’t forget soon. Every step feels close to history — sometimes heavy, sometimes surprising — with pickup included so all you have to do is show up curious.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out of the car and the air just smells different? That’s how it started for us in Pompeii — a kind of dusty warmth mixed with something old, like sun-baked stone. Our driver dropped us right at the gate (no hunting for parking or anything), and we met our guide, who looked like he’d spent half his life wandering these ruins. He pointed out little things I never would’ve noticed — faded graffiti on walls, tiny grooves in the street where cart wheels ran over and over. I tried to imagine people living here, buying bread or arguing in the forum. It’s weirdly easy to forget you’re walking through what used to be someone’s normal Tuesday.

Herculaneum felt quieter somehow. Maybe it was the way the light hit those mosaics or the fact that there were fewer people around — I could actually hear birds somewhere off in the distance. Our guide told us about this boat they found near the marina, buried under ash with hundreds of skeletons. I didn’t expect to feel much but honestly, standing there made my chest feel tight for a second. There was this moment where an older Italian couple passed by, whispering to each other; I caught “che tragedia” and just nodded at them because what else do you say?

Then came Mount Vesuvius. The drive up twisted through pine trees and switchbacks until we reached this gravelly parking area where everyone seemed slightly windblown already. The walk up wasn’t too bad (about 35 minutes if you don’t stop too much), but man — that last stretch is all crunching pumice under your shoes and sulfur in your nose. The view from the top is wild: Naples spread out below, sea shimmering way off, and inside the crater it’s just silent except for wind whipping past your ears. Our guide joked about “Sterminator Vesevo” — sounded dramatic but looking down into that pit, I kind of got it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius

• Meet guide at Pompeii main gate
• Tour Pompeii ruins
• Visit Pompeii west city gate
• Explore Pompeii Civil Forum
• See Pompeii business and justice area
• Visit Pompeii cook-shops
• Tour large Pompeii house
• Visit House of the Vettii
• Explore Stabian Baths
• See Great Theatre of Pompeii
• Drive to Herculaneum Archaeological Park
• Meet guide at Herculaneum main gate
• Tour Herculaneum ruins
• Admire restored boat remains
• Visit wealthy private home in Herculaneum
• Drive to Vesuvius trail start
• Visit Vesuvius info point
• Hike to Vesuvius summit
• Return hike and drive back

Top questions

How long does it take to walk up Mount Vesuvius?

The walk from the parking area to the summit takes about 35 minutes each way.

Are tickets to Pompeii and Herculaneum included?

Yes, entry tickets are included if you select that option when booking.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, pickup is available from hotels, ports, train stations or airports.

Is this day trip suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are also available.

How accessible is this tour for wheelchair users?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible; check ahead for site-specific accessibility details.

What should I wear on this tour?

A casual dress code is recommended; comfortable shoes are best for walking on uneven ground.

How far apart are Pompeii and Herculaneum?

The two sites are about 17 kilometers apart; driving time is roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes door-to-door pickup from your hotel or port by private driver, entry fees to both Pompeii and Herculaneum (if selected), bottled water along the way, plus a licensed local guide who leads you through each site before heading up Vesuvius together.