Pompeii: Private Walking Tour & Family Activities Option

Summary

Pompeii’s lost city comes alive on a private walk with stories puzzles and laughter

You’ll wander Pompeii’s ancient streets with a private guide who brings history alive through stories, mosaics, and secret corners. With the family option, kids get maps and games that keep everyone engaged. Expect laughs, unexpected details (yes, even brothels), and real moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d feel much standing at the gates of Pompeii — maybe just curiosity, you know? But as soon as we met our guide (Francesca, bright scarf, big smile), something shifted. She led us right past the ticket line (which was already snaking out) and into these old stone streets where everything felt weirdly close: the echo of our footsteps, the sharp smell of dust after last night’s rain. It’s like time got tangled up here. My son kept tugging my sleeve to point at things — “Look! That’s really a bakery?” — and Francesca just grinned and said, “Wait until you see the mosaics.”

The way she told stories made it feel less like a history lesson and more like we were eavesdropping on ancient gossip. We peeked into what used to be shops, saw grooves in the stones from cart wheels (I tried to picture Roman kids running around, probably getting yelled at for tracking mud inside). The Forum was bigger than I expected — open sky, bits of marble everywhere. There was this moment in the bathhouse when Francesca whispered about old Roman routines and my daughter wrinkled her nose at “olive oil massages.” Honestly, I still think about that weird mix of sunlight and shadows on those painted walls.

We chose the family tour option so there were puzzles and this sticker map for the kids — they argued over who got to place the next sticker but actually listened more than I thought they would. It helped that Francesca had this way of slipping little challenges into her stories (“Who can spot the oldest graffiti?”) so even my husband got competitive. Oh, and if you don’t have tickets yet, don’t stress — our guide sorted it out in minutes while we stood under a fig tree trying to guess what that sweet smell was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pompeii with private guide

• Meet your knowledgeable guide
• Visit the Forum and Bath-House
• Explore shops and streets
• See private homes and mosaics
• Learn about Mount Vesuvius eruption
• Take photos of wall-paintings
• Discover daily life in ancient Pompeii
• Enjoy family activities if applicable

Top questions

How long is the Pompeii private walking tour?

The private walking tour lasts about 2 hours.

Is there a special tour for families with children?

Yes, there’s a family option with activities, games, maps and guides trained for kids aged 6–12.

Are entrance tickets to Pompeii included?

No, tickets aren’t included but your guide can help buy them quickly on site.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Pompeii Porta Marina Superiore gate.

Is this Pompeii tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join the tour in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

What will we see during this day trip in Pompeii?

You’ll visit highlights like the Forum, bathhouse, shops, ancient homes and colorful mosaics.

If I forget to buy tickets online can I still join?

Yes—your guide will help you get tickets quickly on arrival.

What’s included

Your day includes a certified private guide (with fast-track ticket help), plus if you choose the family option there are special activities—games, booklets and sticker maps for kids aged 6–12. Admission fees aren’t included but your guide handles tickets on site so you won’t waste time waiting in line.