Pompeii & Vesuvius: Guided Ruins Tour, Horseback Ride & Lunch

Summary

Walk Pompeii’s old streets then ride horses on Vesuvius with wine and laughter

You’ll walk ancient streets in Pompeii with an archaeologist who brings lost stories to life, then head up Mount Vesuvius for homemade lunch and local wine among vineyards. Afterward, saddle up for a gentle horseback ride above Naples—fresh air, laughter, and views you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it—I thought Pompeii would feel like a museum. But stepping onto those old stones with our guide (Antonio, born just outside Naples) changed everything. He pointed out little things I’d have missed—the grooves from chariot wheels, the faded frescoes in someone’s living room. There was this moment in a quiet alley where I caught the smell of damp earth and wild herbs. It hit me that people actually lived here, argued here, probably got annoyed at their neighbors just like we do now. Antonio told us about a bakery oven still blackened from 79 AD. That stuck with me.

After wandering through all that history, we drove up toward Mount Vesuvius—suddenly it was all green hills and grapevines instead of ruins. The ranch felt almost too peaceful after Pompeii’s ghosts; birds everywhere, the air smelling sharp and sweet from something growing nearby (basil? wild fennel?). Lunch was loud in the best way—homemade pasta, bread still warm, wine poured by a woman who winked when I tried to pronounce “Aglianico.” I’m not sure if it was the mountain air or just relief after walking so much, but everything tasted brighter than usual.

I’d never been on a horse before (not unless you count that one birthday pony ride as a kid), but they gave us time to get used to it—my horse was called Stella and she seemed to know I was nervous. We rode right through the vineyards at about 500 meters up, with Vesuvius looming over us and Naples somewhere hazy below. You could hear nothing but hooves and wind for long stretches. Our guide Li told stories about her grandfather working these same fields; she laughed when my horse decided to stop for a snack mid-trail. Honestly, by then I’d stopped worrying about looking silly.

I keep thinking about that afternoon light—how it made even the volcanic rocks look soft somehow. If you’re wondering whether this day trip from Naples or Sorrento is worth it… well, I still think about that view above the vines every time I open a bottle of red at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pompeii tour and Vesuvius horse riding

• Skip line and tour Pompeii ruins
• Explore ancient houses and public buildings
• Travel to Vesuvius National Park ranch
• Enjoy local lunch with homemade wine
• Receive horse riding training
• Ride horse through vineyard and park

Top questions

Is entry to Pompeii included in this tour?

Yes, your Pompeii entry ticket is included in the experience.

How long is the guided tour inside Pompeii?

The guided tour inside Pompeii lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included and features local products with homemade wine; vegetarian options are available.

Do I need horse riding experience for the Vesuvius ride?

No previous experience is needed; training is provided and guides help throughout.

How high will we be riding on Mount Vesuvius?

The horseback ride takes place around 400–500 meters above sea level.

Is pickup available from Naples or Amalfi Coast?

Pickup is available if you select roundtrip from Naples or Amalfi Coast during booking.

What is the total duration of this experience?

The entire day trip lasts about 7 hours including all activities.

Are there any health restrictions for participants?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues; max weight for horse riding is 105 kg.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-line entry to Pompeii with an expert archaeologist guide leading a small group tour, followed by transfer up Mount Vesuvius for a homemade lunch featuring local wine tasting. After relaxing at the ranch you’ll enjoy an hour-long horseback ride through vineyards at 500 meters elevation—with hotel pickup offered if you choose roundtrip from Naples or Amalfi Coast.