Pompeii & Herculaneum: A Journey into the Ancient World
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a time machine, this day trip from Rome to Pompeii and Herculaneum might be the next best thing. Thanks to high-speed rail and expert planning, you’ll skip the traffic and the hassle and dive straight into two of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Europe — all without spending the day on a cramped tour bus.
Highlights
- Explore both Pompeii and Herculaneum — two ancient cities frozen in time
- Enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza in a historic setting
- Learn about daily life in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with expert local guides
- Travel in comfort via high-speed rail and air-conditioned coach
Description
The tragedy of Mount Vesuvius gave us a gift: a vivid, haunting glimpse into Roman life nearly 2,000 years ago. This day trip from Rome takes full advantage of Italy’s modern transportation to bring you face-to-face with ancient history, all in one unforgettable day.
Your adventure begins at Rome’s Termini Station, where you’ll board a high-speed train and coast south to Naples in style — with roomy seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and refreshments. There, you’ll meet your guide and hop on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach to Pompeii.
Once a bustling Roman city, Pompeii was instantly buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD — preserving homes, bathhouses, taverns, temples, and even graffiti. With your guide leading the way, you’ll walk its ancient streets and explore bakeries, forums, and the moving plaster casts of those caught in the eruption’s path.
After your guided tour, it’s time for a proper Neapolitan lunch — pizza, of course — served in a restored rail station that once welcomed royal visitors. It's the perfect way to recharge before heading to your second stop: Herculaneum.
Smaller and better preserved than Pompeii, Herculaneum was a wealthy seaside retreat. Here, wooden doors, vibrant frescoes, and even food remain astonishingly intact. Your guide will bring this lesser-known treasure to life, helping you imagine the daily routines and refined lifestyle of its former residents.
As the day winds down, return to Naples with a deeper appreciation of ancient Roman society — from its grandeur to its sudden end. Then it’s back on the train to Rome, where modern Italy awaits with a little more context and a lot more wonder.
Know before you book
- Tour requires extended periods of walking – a good level of physical fitness is recommended
- Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges
- Prefer to book a private tour instead? Contact us for details.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Bring a hat and sunblock during the hot summer months
Cancellation Policy
- Tours depart rain or shine unless otherwise specified. All cancellations must be received in writing to info@italiatours.com. The cancellation policy for this item is as follows:
- Cancellation with 72+ hours notice: full refund
- Cancellation with less than 72 hours notice: no refunds or exceptions will be made
- Failure to reach the meeting point on time (no-show) is equivalent to cancellation with less than 72 hours notice.
- *If you’ve chosen the Hassle-Free Cancellation policy during checkout, cancel your tour anytime up to midnight of the day before it begins for a full refund, excluding the Trip Protection fee. Remember to notify us of your cancellation in writing before midnight (Rome time) on the night before your tour.