Pompeii & horseback riding on Vesuvius with lunch

Pompeii's buried streets, then saddle up in the shadow of the volcano

A full-day tour combining a guided walk through Pompeii's archaeological site with a slow-paced horseback ride through Vesuvius National Park, both with a local guide. The day includes skip-the-line entry to Pompeii, lunch with homemade local wine, and pickup from Naples or the Amalfi Coast if you book that option. The ride is at walking pace, suited to beginners and experienced riders alike, and takes place 500 meters above sea level in the vineyard slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Step-by-step itinerary

Pompeii tour and Vesuvius horse riding

• Skip the line at Pompeii ruins
• Guided tour with archaeologist
• Explore ancient houses and public buildings
• Travel to Vesuvius National Park
• Enjoy lunch with local food and wine
• Receive horse riding training
• Horseback ride through vineyards and park

The experience

Your morning starts at Pompeii's archaeological site, where an archaeologist guides you past the entrance line and into the excavations. You'll walk through the domus, the ancient Roman houses, and public buildings, seeing how people actually lived before Vesuvius stopped everything in 79 AD. The guided tour runs two hours in a small group, so you get the detail a solo visit misses.

After Pompeii, you head to the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, where a ranch sits among the vineyards. This is where the pace shifts. You'll have lunch made from local products, homemade wine included, and time to settle in before the ride. The horses are saddled, you get a training session to find your seat, and then the group rides out into Vesuvius National Park. The ride stays at a slow walk. It's built for taking in the views and the animals, not for speed. You'll be 400 to 500 meters above sea level, moving through the landscape the volcano shaped. A guide stays with you the whole way, and the group stays small: no more than eight on horseback.

The day runs seven hours total. Pickup is available from Naples or the Amalfi Coast if you choose that option at checkout. If you'd rather meet the group at Pompeii itself, that's available too. The ride suits beginners and experienced riders, though it's not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy. Children from age 8 can join, and there's a weight limit of 105 kilograms for the horse portion. The sequence of activities (whether you ride before or after lunch) can shift based on weather and logistics.

What’s included

• Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii Archaeological Site.
• two-hour guided tour with an archaeologist.
• lunch made from local products.
• homemade local wine.
• one-hour horseback ride through Vesuvius National Park at 500 meters elevation.
• horse training before the ride.
• pickup from Naples or the Amalfi Coast (if you select that option at checkout).

Options for this experience

4 options

Meeting in PompeiiGuide in English · 10:00Meeting in Pompeii

Roundtrip from NapoliGuide in English · 09:00An 8-hour round trip from Naples, with pickup included

From RomeGuide in English · 07:00A 10-hour tour; pickup is included

Round trip departing from the Amalfi CoastGuide in English · 08:00A 9-hour round trip from the Amalfi Coast; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 7h, runs every day, 4 start times, from € 173 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 78 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TASTETHEXPERIENCE

Is this one for you?Book the roundtrip from Naples or the Amalfi Coast if you're starting your day from the coast and want one pickup to cover transport, entry, and lunch. Choose the Pompeii meeting point if you're driving yourself and prefer to join directly at the site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do this tour if I've never ridden a horse before?

Yes. The horseback ride is designed for both beginners and experienced riders. You'll receive training before you mount, and a guide stays with you throughout the ride at a slow walking pace through the park.

What exactly happens during the Pompeii part of the day?

An archaeologist guides you through the archaeological site for two hours, skipping the entrance line. You'll walk through ancient Roman houses and public buildings to see how people lived daily life before the eruption.

Is the horseback ride difficult or fast-paced?

No. The ride moves at a slow walk through Vesuvius National Park, meant for spending time with the animals and taking in the views. It's not suitable for anyone wanting to gallop or ride at speed.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is made from local products and includes homemade local wine. A vegetarian option is available if you need it.

How high up are we during the horseback ride?

The ride takes place 400 to 500 meters above sea level in the vineyard slopes of Mount Vesuvius, giving you views across the landscape the volcano shaped.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Pompeii?

No, if you book the roundtrip option from Naples or the Amalfi Coast, pickup and return are included. You can also choose to meet the group at Pompeii itself.