If you’re planning a trip to southern Italy, adding Pompeii to your Amalfi Coast itinerary is a no-brainer. It’s easy to visit whether your home base is Naples, Sorrento, or Positano.
And with so many tour options out there, the key is finding one that fits your travel style, your schedule, and your starting point.
In this post, I’ve curated the best Pompeii tours for couples, history lovers, and first-time visitors who want more than a generic walk-through.
Whether you’re looking for a private guide, a wine tasting after the ruins, or a full-day combo with Mount Vesuvius, I’ve got you covered.
I book all my tours through Viator because I like knowing things are safe, legit, and refundable if plans change.
Best Pompeii tours from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast include skip-the-line guided experiences, private day trips with transportation, and combo tours that pair Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
From Naples, travelers often choose fast-track archaeological tours with expert guides.
If you’re based in Sorrento, small group tours with wine tastings are popular. Visitors staying along the Amalfi Coast can opt for private transfers from Positano or Ravello with personalized itineraries.
Keep scrolling for my top picks for the best Pompeii tours and tips for what to expect, how to prepare, and why this day trip should be at the top of your Amalfi Coast travel guide.
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- How much does it cost to visit Pompeii?
- Do you need tickets to visit Pompeii?
- How much time will you need to visit Pompeii?
- Can you visit Pompeii in one day?
- Should you take a self guided tour or group tour?
How to Get to Pompeii from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast
The world-famous Pompeii is 150 miles south of Rome and not far from the coast of Naples. If you are staying in Praiano, Positano, or Amalfi, you’ll have to travel first to Sorrento to take public transportation to Pompeii and Herculaneum.
If you do not want to purchase a private tour to visit Pompeii, the Sita bus will drop you right in front of the Circumvesuviana train station in Sorrento.
Buses depart about every 30 minutes from Sorrento, with stops along the route at the Pompeii and Herculaneum sites.
- From Sorrento to Pompeii: 30 minutes
- From Sorrento to Herculaneum: 50 minutes
Getting to Pompeii Independently
If you using public transportation in order to visit Pompeii will involve a trip on Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento to the Pompeii Scavia train station.
It is roughly about 30 minutes from either location.
Four Different Pompeii Tours
- Large Group Pompeii Tour
- Small Guided Walking Pompeii Tour
- Private Pompeii Tour
- Self-Guided Pompeii Tour
Large Guided Walking Pompeii Tour
What To Expect
Leave your Sorrento hotel in the morning, and relax on the journey inland to Pompeii.
Once you arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed archaeological digs, meet your guide and head off on a tour to discover Pompeii’s highlights.
As you explore, learn about the destructive volcanic eruption of AD 79 that buried the ancient city for centuries. The ash and molten lava that streamed out of Mt. Vesuvius preserved the town remarkably, and many original landmarks can be found around the site.
See the old public baths, the Macellum (market), and the Temple of Jupiter, and hear about their history from your guide.
After a break for lunch at your own expense, continue with a drive up the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. Stretch your legs on a short hike up to the crater’s lip and learn about the infamous volcano from a mountain guide.
Make use of some free time to gaze out over the Bay of Naples, then return to your transport for the drive back to Sorrento.
Your day trip ends with a hotel drop-off in the evening.
Small Guided Walking Pompeii Tour
What To Expect
Make your way to the Pompeii excavation on your own (it’s an easy trip from Naples or Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei Scavi station).
Meet your guide at the coffee shop in the Hotel Vittoria, not far from the entrance to the Pompeii archaeological site.
From there, you’ll follow your guide into the ancient city and travel back in time. Learn about the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD that buried Pompeii and preserved it.
Walk on ancient Roman cobblestones, looking out for the ruts left by wagon wheels. Visit the theater, where once there were lively performances of tragedy and comedy.
See Pompeii’s thermal bathhouse, where residents would go regularly to bathe, exercise, and gossip. Peek into the remains of local businesses, such as restaurants, bars, and shops selling food and clothing.
Walk through the forum, the heart of any ancient Roman city, to see the ruins of both temples and civic buildings.
This is where priests and politicians spent their time, and where government and religion came together. Look at the barracks where Roman gladiators once trained and lived.
🚍 From Naples
1. Skip-the-Line Pompeii Guided Tour from Naples
If you’re short on time but want to see the ruins without waiting in lines, this guided tour is ideal. It includes fast-track entry, a certified guide, and round-trip transport.
💰 Approx. $104.08 per person
👉 Book it on Viator
2. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Day Trip with Lunch
This combo tour gives you history and a little adventure. After touring the ancient ruins, you’ll head to Mount Vesuvius and hike up to the crater for panoramic views.
💰 Approx. $160.75 per person
👉 Reserve your spot
3. Half-Day Express Pompeii Tour with Transfers
Perfect if you’re tight on time. You’ll get hotel pickup and a focused two-hour walk through the highlights of Pompeii.
💰 Approx. $75 per person
👉 Check availability
🚐 From Sorrento
4. Pompeii Small Group Tour with Archaeologist
Skip the delays of the train and bus and enjoy time-saving pickup and direct transfers to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Positano.
💰 Approx. $80 per person
👉 Book this tour
5. Sorrento to Pompeii Half-Day Tour with Wine Tasting
History meets wine. After the ruins, you’ll head to a nearby vineyard for a tasting session with regional wines and light bites.
💰 Approx. $110 per person
👉 Book it now
6. Pompeii & Vesuvius Volcano Tour with Hotel Pickup
A full-day experience that gives you ruins, volcano views, and no hassle with transportation.
💰 Approx. $429.04 per person
👉 Check times
🏞️ From Amalfi Coast
7. Pompeii Day Trip from Amalfi with Expert Guide
This full-day tour offers round-trip transport and a knowledgeable guide who brings the ruins to life with stories and context.
💰 Approx. $95 per person
👉 Reserve now
8. Skip-the-Line Bus Tour from Amalfi to Pompeii
More affordable and great for those staying in towns like Maiori or Ravello. Includes entry ticket and bus transport.
💰 Approx. $429.04 per group
👉 Book it
9. Private Pompeii Tour from Positano or Ravello
Looking for a more exclusive experience? This private tour gives you flexibility, personal attention, and a stress-free day.
💰 Approx. $439.45 per group
👉 Inquire here
🔁 Combo Tours
10. Pompeii and Herculaneum Full-Day Tour
Double the ruins. Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, so seeing both gives you a more complete picture of Roman life. Save time with skip-the-line admission and head directly inside both sites to admire the preserved remains of villas and baths, shops, theaters, temples, and more.
💰 Approx. $433.67 per person
👉 Explore the tour
11. Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius Combo Tour from Naples
See the cause and effect in one trip. You’ll tour Pompeii then climb Mount Vesuvius. Wear walking shoes and bring water.
💰 Approx. $143.78 per person
👉 Book this combo
12. Pompeii and Sorrento Day Trip with Limoncello Tasting
A fun day of history and flavor. After Pompeii, head to Sorrento for shopping and limoncello sampling.
💰 Approx. $79.99 per person
👉 Check tour info
I also suggest downloading a comprehensive free Pompeii guide PDF that is an explanation of all of the excavations by the Board of Cultural Heritage of Pompeii.
What To Know Before You Visit Pompeii
You’ll want to dedicate several hours to Pompeii.
Visiting Pompeii is different from visiting the ruins in Rome. Pompeii is extremely well-preserved which means it will take hours to tour Pompeii.
You will be able to tour the forum, courthouse, amphitheater but do not forget Pompeii is full of hidden treasures you wouldn’t expect to find in an ancient city like a fast-food restaurant, brothels, homes, kitchens and functioning vineyard that is still is use today!
When you visit Pompeii I recommend spending a minimum of 5 hours if you are interested in the history of Ancient Rome or Pompeii I promise you will not be disappointed.
Pompeii opening times:
Pompeii is open every day except 25th December, 1st January and 1st May.
From 1st April to 31st October the site is open 9.00 – 7.30pm (with last entrance 6pm).
At other times the site is open 9.00 – 5:30 pm (with last entrance 3.30pm).
Do you need a private Pompeii Tour / audio guides:
If you want to understand what you are seeing make you really will need a guided tour.
There is no way you will be understand how the people of Pompeii lived, their daily lives, and the aftermath of Mount Vesuvius.
Hours and Tickets To Pompeii
- 1 November to 31 March: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 1 April to 31 October: 9:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Open daily; closed 1 January and 25 December
- Pompeii: Ticket price EUR 15 for Pompeii, with discounts available: EUR 7.50 (for students between 18 and 24 years old and teachers). Free for children under 18.
- Herculaneum: Ticket price EUR 11 for Pompeii, discounts: EUR 5.50 (students between 18 and 24 and teachers). Free for children under 18.
- Free entrance the first Sunday of each month
- You can purchase a pass for both sites for EUR 20.
What to Pack for a Day Trip to Pompeii
Pompeii is not, and I repeat, is not an amusement park, so you will not have luxurious facilities that provide 5-course meals, ice cream for the kids, and a lounging area for you to relax when your feet get tired.
There is just one small restaurant and restroom facility in the middle of Pompeii, plus restrooms at the entrances.
Pompeii is hot AF! Think back to a time when you felt like your skin was melting off, and double that. Pompeii has minimal shade so it is imperative you bring the following:
Visiting Pompeii requires a ton of walking, and the cobblestone streets are painful to walk on so this is not the time to be cute.
Save your feet the pain and anguish by wearing comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re going to be visiting Mount Vesuvius on the same day. Check out my post on What to pack for Italy.
Bring a Snack
There are not many food options, so please make sure to bring a snack. There is a picnic area in Pompeii for you to sit down for a break, rest your feet, and recharge.
If you forget to bring a snack, there is a restaurant in Pompeii located near the forum. However, be advised that the prices are high and the menu options are limited.
What Not To Miss at Pompeii
The House of Faun
The House of the Faun which was built in the 2nd century BC during the Samnite period (200 – 80 BC.
Although the eruption was devastating, the layers of ash covering the abandoned town preserved artworks, like the mosaics of the House of the Faun, which would have otherwise been likely destroyed or decayed due to the passage of time.
The House of the Faun was named for the bronze statue of the dancing faun, a basin for catching rainwater; it has been moved to the center of the impluvium, as seen in the picture below.
Villa of the Mysteries
Next on our tour was the Villa of the Mysteries or Villa dei Misteri. The Villa is named for the paintings in one room of the residence.
Although covered with ash the villa sustained only minor damage in the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the majority of its walls, ceilings, and most particularly its frescoes survived largely undamaged.
The Villa had both very fine rooms for dining and entertaining and more functional spaces. A wine-press was discovered when the Villa was excavated and has been restored to its original location.
It was not uncommon for the homes of the very wealthy to include areas for the production of wine, olive oil, or other agricultural products, especially since many elite Romans owned farmland or orchards in the immediate vicinity of their villas
The ownership of the Villa is unknown, as is the case with many private homes in the city of Pompeii. However, certain artifacts give tantalizing clues.
A bronze seal found in the villa names L. Istacidius Zosimus, a freedman of the powerful Istacidii family.
The Stabian Baths
This is the oldest preserved bath in Pompeii and you can also see a few preserved bodies here as well. The Stabian bath also includes an area for wrestling and a large Olympic-sized swimming pool.
House of the Small Fountain
The House of the Small Fountain is a stunning home with oversized back room where you can see frescoes, mosaic fountain and a beautiful atrium.
Garden of the Fugitives
There are 13 bodies in the garden which reflect the horrible final moments of the city. It felt uneasy looking at bodies frozen time but I couldn’t turn away.
Great Palestra
Right next to the amphitheater, the “great palace” which was an exercise park that was used for sports and games.
House of Sallustio
This is the oldest house in Pompeii. Our guide told us it was most likely an inn, and there is a small garden and covered porch in the back, along with a fresco of the goddess Diana.
When To Visit Pompeii
I suggest visiting Pompeii in the summer months but be advised it be hotter than hell and extremely busy. If the heat isn’t your thing, consider visiting in the off-season (May or October) to avoid the heat and crowds, while still enjoying nice weather.
I visited Pompeii in early June, and the hubby and I spent approximately 6 or 7 hours touring Pompeii, and it felt like we needed another 3 or 4 hours.
My husband is a history geek and he could have spent our entire Italy vacation visiting ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Pompeii
You can reach Pompeii by train from Naples or Sorrento in under an hour. If you’re staying on the Amalfi Coast, especially in towns like Positano or Ravello, the easiest option is booking a day tour that includes round-trip transportation. Many tours also offer hotel pickup.
Yes. A guided tour adds depth and context that you simply won’t get wandering on your own. You’ll learn about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the layout of Roman homes, and how life was frozen in time. Look for skip-the-line or small group tours for the best experience.
Plan to spend at least four to five hours exploring Pompeii. Most guided tours last around three hours, but if you’re doing a combo tour with Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum, expect a full day.
Wear breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes (those ancient stones are no joke), and bring a hat or umbrella for sun protection. There’s little shade on site and the heat can be intense, especially in summer.
Most tour companies and ferry operators allow one small bag or backpack. For example, NLG ferries allow one item up to 5kg, while Caremar allows up to 20kg (44 lbs). Larger bags may need to be stored in lockers outside the site.
Yes. Pompeii is well-visited and generally safe, but stay alert for pickpockets around train stations. If you’re visiting alone, a guided tour adds an extra layer of comfort and structure to your trip.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I can’t say this enough but please get insurance when traveling to Italy! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.
Have fun while visiting Florence, but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.
Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Pompeii was one of the most memorable parts of my Amalfi Coast trip. There’s something powerful about walking through a city that was frozen in time, knowing the stories behind the ruins.
Whether you’re coming from Naples, Sorrento, or a cliffside town like Positano, there’s a tour that fits your pace, your budget, and your interest in history.
I highly recommend booking your experience through Viator. It’s reliable, trusted, and gives you peace of mind with flexible cancellation options.
Before you go, make sure you’re prepared with the right gear and up-to-date safety tips.
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This guide covers everything from petty theft prevention to navigating public transportation with confidence. It’s the resource I wish I had when I first visited.
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Let me know if you’ve taken a Pompeii tour you loved or have questions about planning your day trip. I’m always happy to help fellow travelers plan smarter, safer, and more enjoyable experiences.
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