Pompeii and Herculaneum Walking Tour

Explore Two of the Most Iconic Roman Archaeological Sites

Join me on an in-depth walking tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum, two of Italy’s most famous ancient Roman cities. As an expert archaeologist, I will guide you through the rich history and remarkable ruins of these cities, which were both tragically buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time

Pompeii, an ancient Roman city near modern Naples, has a history that stretches back to the 7th century BC. Initially founded by the Oscans, it grew into a thriving metropolis due to its strategic location and fertile volcanic soil.

Highlights of Pompeii’s History:

• Greek Influence: Before becoming a Roman city, Pompeii was heavily influenced by Greek culture, contributing to its early development.
• Roman Conquest: By the 4th century BC, Pompeii had been absorbed into the Roman Republic, flourishing as a hub of commerce and culture.
• Urban Development: The city saw significant growth in the 1st century BC, with the construction of grand public buildings, temples, and villas.
• Mount Vesuvius Eruption: On August 24, 79 AD, Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash, preserving its ruins for centuries.
• Rediscovery: Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century, offering invaluable insights into ancient Roman life.

Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors eager to explore its well-preserved ruins.

Pompeii Tour (2 hours):

During our tour, we will visit key sites including:

Herculaneum: A Resort for the Roman Elite

Herculaneum, another ancient Roman town near Mount Vesuvius, was founded by Greek colonists and later became a luxurious retreat for wealthy Romans.

Highlights of Herculaneum’s History:

• Greek Foundation: Established in the 7th century BC, Herculaneum began as a small coastal settlement known as Heraklion.
• Roman Control: By the 4th century BC, it had become part of the Roman Republic, renowned for its opulent villas and social life.
• Mount Vesuvius Eruption: Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under volcanic ash, preserving its buildings and artifacts.
• Rediscovery and Excavation: Excavations since the 18th century have revealed incredibly well-preserved structures and organic materials, offering a unique glimpse into Roman life.

Herculaneum’s exceptional state of preservation makes it a critical site for understanding ancient Rome.

Herculaneum Tour (2 hours):

Our tour of Herculaneum will include visits to:

Tour Details

Meeting Point:

• Pompeii: Meet at the “Porta Marina Superiore” ticket office.
• Herculaneum: We will reconvene outside the gate.

Duration: 6 hours (including a 1-hour lunch break)

What’s Included:

• Expert guiding service

What’s Extra:

• Admission fees: €18 for Pompeii, €16 for Herculaneum (free for those under 18)
• Meals are not included.

Customizations:

The itinerary can be tailored to your interests and time constraints.

For a seamless and engaging experience, trust me to bring the history of Pompeii and Herculaneum to life.