Pompeii Tours from Naples

The excavated city of Pompeii offers visitors a genuine feel for ancient Roman life, as they can travel back in time to stroll the cobbled streets that were buried in volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago. Here’s how to best visit this UNESCO-listed site from Naples.

Half-Day Tours

The ruins of Pompeii are close enough to the center of Naples that it’s easy to visit the archaeological site with a half-day tour. Fit it into your trip to Naples with a morning or afternoon trip, but keep in mind that there’s not much shade so it’s best to bring sun protection in summer. You’ll be back in Naples in time for an evening out exploring the city.

Full-Day Tours

With a full-day tour, you can add other destinations and activities to a Pompeii tour, including a hike up to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius—the volcano that buried the city in the first place. Another option is to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, a smaller yet better preserved ancient city also buried by Vesuvius. For a break from history, consider a tour that combined Pompeii with an exploration of Sorrento or the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Things to Know

• The excavated ancient city of Pompeii is set 16.6 miles (26.5 kilometers) from Naples.

• Pompeii tours involve quite a bit of walking over uneven surfaces, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and sunscreen during warm weather, too.

• Half-day tours tend to be five hours or fewer, while some full-day tours can be about nine hours long.