The Best Pompeii Tours - The Best Sites Visitors Can Explore

The ancient sites visitors can explore, pompei is a true time machine, where visitors can step back to life as it was when one of history’s most devastating volcanic eruptions smothered the thriving town in ash. Pompeii, along with the nearby town of Herculaneum, provides a remarkable look at what life was like around AD 79.

The incredibly well-preserved site has been open for tourists since 1748, and archaeologists are still excavating parts of the city to this day. The best Pompeii tours will take you through the sites that were most important to people in the city, including homes, markets, bath houses, theaters and even a brothel. But the real treasures are the less-visited locations that offer an evocative glimpse into daily life in this ancient Roman city, such as the stunning Villa of Mysteries with its frescoes.

Book The Best Pompeii Tours

Visiting Pompeii is a must for anyone who is planning a trip to Italy, but the huge site can be a bit overwhelming and difficult to navigate without the help of a local guide. It’s also difficult to know if you’re seeing the highlights of the city if you visit on your own, as many of the most important buildings and points of interest are not clearly marked. So a guided tour is the best option for most visitors, as you’ll be able to relax in transit on a bus or train and hear your guide explain Pompeii’s history and significance before you arrive.

With pre-reserved tickets into the site, you’ll be able to skip the line and get straight to exploring Pompeii with a minimum of fuss. Small group sizes of 15 people or fewer ensure an intimate experience and unparalleled access to your expert guide, who’ll provide historically accurate stories that bring the city to life for you. See Pompeii’s most significant sites, from public bath houses to a theater and the incredible House of the Vettii, and explore lesser-visited gems such as the Sanctuary of Apollo and the brothel, all while learning about the city’s fascinating history from an archaeologist.

There are two main entrances to Pompeii: Porta Marina (and the adjacent Piazza Esedra) at the southwest corner of the site and Piazza Anfiteatro at the southeast corner. When you purchase your ticket, you’ll be given a map and can ask for the 150-page booklet that has detailed descriptions of highlighted sites.

Pompeii is a popular attraction, attracting more than 3.5 million visitors each year, so the summer can be very crowded. Consider visiting during the shoulder season (May or October) for a more relaxed experience. Make sure to dress comfortably, as Pompeii is quite warm during the summer and has very little shade. Make sure you have a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen and drink water regularly to stay hydrated. Also, don’t forget to pack a snack if you plan on spending a few hours at the site. There are few food options inside Pompeii, and the nearest restaurant is in Sorrento.