Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Small-Group Tour, with Archaeologist Guide

Highlights

• 8-hour guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
• Save time with tickets included, and follow your expert guide through the Pompeii Archaeological Park
• Discover the secrets of key sites including the Forum, the Thermopolium of Asellina, and the Stabian Baths
• Stroll along the historic Via dell’Abbondanza to the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of the Lares, and the Teatro Grande
• Enjoy a comfortable transfer to the top of Mount Vesuvius, where you’ll take in spectacular views over the crater and the Gulf of Naples beyond
• Your tour includes round-trip transportation from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius
• Benefit from personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour

Location
Pompeii ruins main entrance, known as the Porta Marina Superiore. (Please note that there are three different entrances, head to the Porta Marina Superiore to meet us)

Itinerary

• Meet Your Expert Archaeological Guide
• Check in with your Askos Tours representative at the Porta Marina Superiore, the main entrance of the UNESCO-listed ruins. The representative will be holding up an Askos Tours sign. With your admission tickets to hand, head straight into the Pompeii Archaeological Park. Here, meet your expert archaeological guide and begin your guided walking tour.
• Explore UNESCO-listed Pompeii
• From the Porta Marina Superiore, head into the heart of ancient Pompeii – the Forum – as your guide brings the city’s tragic but fascinating history to life. Looming large in the background, the mighty peak of Mount Vesuvius acts as a constant reminder of the tragedy that befell Pompeii back in 79 AD.
• During your 2-hour Pompeii walking tour, walk along the Via dell’Abbondanza to the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of the Lares, and the Teatro Grande – the most important theater in Pompeii. Along the way, learn the secrets of top attractions including the Basilica, the Thermopolium of Asellina, and the Stabian Baths – the city’s most ancient thermal complex.
• A Short Break to Relax and Refresh
• When your Pompeii tour ends, take time to rest and relax before the second part of the tour – exploring Mount Vesuvius. Afterward, take a seat aboard your comfortable minibus by the Porta Marina Superiore, and enjoy the beautiful views on route to the top of the world-famous volcano.
• This sleeping giant last erupted in 1944, and has lain dormant ever since – but don’t be deceived, it is still active! For now, Mount Vesuvius’ volcanic activity is largely limited to emissions of hot sulphureous gases.
• Visit Mount Vesuvius’ Mighty Crater
• On arrival at the top of Mount Vesuvius, follow your trekking guide on a 40-minute uphill hike to the crater – where breathtaking views over the immense chasm await! Here, follow circular walking trails around the crater and gaze out over the Gulf of Naples to Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento. Few places on earth hold so much natural beauty and evidence of ancient civilizations in such a small space.
• Conclude Your Guided Walking Tour
• When your time atop Mount Vesuvius comes to an end, return in comfort with your guide back to your starting point at the entrance to Pompeii – where your guided tour will conclude.

Inclusions

• Expert archaeologist guide to Pompeii ruins
• Small group size (Pompeii max 20 people; Vesuvius max 14 people)
• Tickets to Pompeii and Vesuvius
• Headsets to Pompeii ruins (for groups of more than 10 people)
• Round-trip transportation to Mt Vesuvius from Pompeii by modern minivan (up to 14 people)

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

Important Info

• The Pompeii walking tour is limited to 20 people, and the Vesuvius tour is limited to 14 people (due to vehicle size)
• Our guides follow a flexible itinerary to accommodate any opening or closing restrictions, as well as restoration work. Therefore, the exact sites you visit on your tour may vary.
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult, and young children under 6 years old are not admitted on this tour.
• Due to challenging terrain, this tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or impairments. Please contact us to discuss suitable private tour options tailored to your needs.
• If Mount Vesuvius is closed due to force majeure event, the tour will include an independent visit to Herculaneum instead (with entry tickets included, but no guide.)

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water
• A valid ID/Passport
• The tour takes place in rain or shine, so we recommend bringing a raincoat with you

• Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Unfortunately this itinerary is not suitable for wheelchair users and with any kind of mobility issues.

• How long will I walk to reach the top of Vesuvius?

You will take an uphill path of about 800 meters to reach the crater of the volcano.

• What happens if it’s bad weather and it rains on the day of the tour?

This tour will take place regularly even in case of rain, so we recommend bringing an umbrella or a raincoat with you if it rains. The tour is canceled only if the authorities decide to close both Pompei and Mt. Vesuvius due to emergency weather conditions. In case only one of the tour sites comes shut, you will be offered an alternative visit.

• What if I’m running late for my tour?

We always recommend joining us at the meeting point about 15 minutes early. The driver can wait only a few minutes after the scheduled starting time. After that, the tour will start.

• How to reach Pompeii by public transport?

If you are coming from Naples or Sorrento you can reach Pompeii by Circumvesuviana local train (Sorrento – Naples line). Your stop is called “Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri” and the meeting point is only a few steps away. If you are coming from Salerno, you can take a Trenitalia train and stop at the train station Pompei Centrale: from there it will take you about 20 minutes walking to reach the meeting point. If you plan to come from Rome, catch a high-speed train to Napoli Centrale, then the Circumvesuviana local train line towards Sorrento and stop at “Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.”

• I’m driving to Pompeii: where can I park my car?

If you reach Pompeii by car, we recommend parking in one among many private car parkings around the Porta Marina Superiore Entrance area, contact us and we can give you tips on the best parking areas.

Cancellation Policy

• A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
• No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.