Explore Pompeii with an Expert Tour Guide:
2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
Embark on a 2-hour journey through the ancient city of Pompeii, complete with skip-the-line access.
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city situated near present-day Naples in Italy. Originally a small agricultural settlement, it grew into a thriving city thanks to its strategic location near the Bay of Naples and its fertile volcanic soil.
The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried the city, preserving it with unparalleled detail in the field of archaeology. This tragic natural disaster froze time, leaving behind an intact record of the great Roman civilization—a society that significantly shaped the course of history and left a clear imprint of its glorious past.
The History of Pompeii:
Greek Influence: Before it became a Roman city, Pompeii was shaped by Greek culture, similar to many cities in the region. The Greeks established trading posts throughout southern Italy, including Pompeii, contributing to its cultural growth.
Roman Conquest: In the 5th century BC, the Samnites, an Italic tribe, took control of Pompeii. By the 4th century BC, the city was absorbed into the expanding Roman Republic during the Samnite Wars. Under Roman governance, Pompeii thrived as a hub of commerce and trade.
Prosperity and Urban Development: In the 1st century BC, Pompeii underwent significant growth and prosperity. The city expanded, with the construction of numerous public buildings, temples, theaters, and luxurious villas. Pompeii evolved into a vibrant center of commerce, art, and culture.
Mount Vesuvius Eruption: One of the most pivotal events in Pompeii’s history occurred on August 24 (or October) in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically. The eruption covered Pompeii and nearby towns under thick layers of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving them astonishingly well for centuries.
Rediscovery: After being buried and largely forgotten for centuries, Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century. Excavations began in the mid-1700s and continue to this day, offering invaluable insights into daily life in ancient Rome.
Archaeological Site: Today, Pompeii stands as an archaeological site of immense historical and cultural importance, attracting millions of visitors each year. These visitors explore the well-preserved ruins, streets, buildings, and artifacts, gaining a fascinating insight into the daily life, architecture, art, and society of ancient Rome.
Overall, Pompeii’s history is one of prosperity, destruction, and rediscovery, providing a unique window into the ancient world.
Curious about the average lifespan, height, workday length, wealth, leisure activities, or the origins of slaves in ancient Pompeii? I’d be delighted to answer these and many other questions.
ITINERARY
During our guided tour of this ancient city, we will visit the following sites (the order may vary as we explore):
Customizations to the tour are available upon request.
– The Large Theatre
– The Small Theatre
– A Bakery
– A Laundry
– The House of the Menander
– The Main Street, Via dell’Abbondanza
– A Roman Fast Food Spot
– The Stabian Baths
– The Brothel
– The Forum (Main Square)
– The Plaster Casts of Victims
MEETING POINT AND TOUR DURATION
Meeting Point Options: Address or Intersection, Suggested by Guide: At the Pompeii ticket office, “Porta Esedra”
Duration: 2 hours
TRANSPORTATION This is a walking tour within the Ruins.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Guiding Services
ESTIMATED LOCAL CASH NEEDED
18 euros – Admission fees; prices are per person. Free entrance for those under 18.
WHAT’S EXTRA
Additional Costs: Admission fee (18 euros per person). Free entry for those under 18.