Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day with entry tickets, guided visits and the train journey between the two archaeological sites included.
The experience lasts approximately five and a half hours and is led by a professional guide with archaeological training. It begins in Pompeii and ends at the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
This tour is suitable for visitors who want to compare the two ancient cities without organising tickets and transport between the sites separately.
Check availability and book the Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour
Pompeii and Herculaneum were both affected by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, but the two archaeological sites offer very different experiences.
Pompeii allows visitors to understand the layout of a large Roman city, with streets, public buildings, temples, baths, theatres, shops and private houses. Herculaneum is smaller, but preserves multi-storey buildings, decorative elements and materials that provide a different view of Roman daily life.
This organised experience combines admission to both sites, guided visits and the Circumvesuviana train journey from Pompeii to Herculaneum.
Check availability and book the Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour
What is included?
The experience currently includes:
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fast-track admission to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii;
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admission to the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum;
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a guided visit to Pompeii;
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a guided visit to Herculaneum;
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a professional guide with archaeological training;
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the Circumvesuviana train ticket from Pompeii to Herculaneum;
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a group of no more than 20 participants.
The experience does not include organised transport to the Pompeii meeting point or the return journey from Herculaneum to Pompeii.
Food, drinks, admission to Mount Vesuvius and private transfers are not included.
Always check the final list of inclusions and conditions shown by the provider before completing the booking.
Does fast-track admission avoid every queue?
Fast-track admission reduces the need to purchase ordinary tickets at the entrance, but it does not guarantee immediate access.
Waiting may still occur:
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at the meeting point;
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during ticket checks;
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at security controls;
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at the entrances to popular buildings;
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during weekends, public holidays and busy periods.
Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time.
How the tour works
The total scheduled duration is approximately five hours and thirty minutes.
This includes the guided visit to Pompeii, the walk towards the railway station, the Circumvesuviana journey and the guided visit to Herculaneum.
The actual duration may vary slightly because of train schedules, visitor numbers, entrance procedures and walking times.
Meeting point in Pompeii
The current meeting point is:
Piazza Esedra 4, 80045 Pompei
It is near the Porta Marina Inferiore entrance and the Artebus stop.
The guide will be holding a sign marked Askos Tours. Show the booking voucher on your smartphone.
After completing the reservation, the tour operator will send an email containing the current meeting instructions. Check this message carefully before travelling.
Guided visit to Pompeii
The tour begins with a guided itinerary through selected areas of ancient Pompeii.
Depending on the buildings open on the day, the route may include:
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the Forum;
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public and administrative buildings;
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Roman houses;
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baths;
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theatres;
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shops and workshops;
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streets and raised pedestrian crossings;
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surviving frescoes and mosaics.
The precise itinerary cannot be guaranteed. Buildings and rooms may close temporarily because of restoration, conservation, maintenance or visitor-management requirements.
Travelling from Pompeii to Herculaneum
After visiting Pompeii, the group travels to Herculaneum using the Circumvesuviana railway.
The train ticket between the two sites is included in the experience. The group reaches the station with the guide and travels to Ercolano Scavi.
From Ercolano Scavi station, the route continues on foot to the archaeological park.
Circumvesuviana trains are part of the local public transport system. Delays, crowding or timetable changes may affect the total duration of the tour.
Guided visit to Herculaneum
At Herculaneum, the guide explains how the site differs from Pompeii and highlights buildings and details that survived under different volcanic deposits.
Herculaneum is more compact than Pompeii, but its streets and buildings include valuable evidence of domestic architecture, decoration and daily life.
As at Pompeii, the exact itinerary depends on the areas open and accessible on the day.
Where does the tour end?
The experience ends at the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
Return transport to Pompeii is not included. At the end of the visit, you can:
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return independently to Pompeii by Circumvesuviana;
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continue towards Naples;
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travel to another destination;
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remain in the Herculaneum area.
Plan your onward journey before the day of the tour.
Practical information
Languages and group size
The guided tour is currently available in:
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English;
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Italian.
Select the required language during booking and confirm it in the final order summary.
The group includes a maximum of 20 participants under the conditions currently displayed by the provider.
Who leads the tour?
The group is accompanied by a professional guide with archaeological training.
The guide provides historical explanations, identifies the most important buildings and helps visitors compare the layout, preservation and daily life of the two Roman cities.
Participants can also ask questions during the visit.
Who should choose this tour?
This experience is particularly suitable for visitors who:
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want to see Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day;
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prefer an organised itinerary;
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want a guided explanation at both sites;
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do not want to purchase the two tickets separately;
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want the train journey between the sites included;
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are comfortable walking for several hours;
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do not require an organised return to Pompeii.
It may be less suitable for travellers who prefer to explore each archaeological site slowly on separate days.
Visitors who only want admission can compare Pompeii entrance tickets and the options available in the Herculaneum tickets section.
How much walking is involved?
The experience requires several hours of walking.
In addition to walking inside Pompeii and Herculaneum, participants must consider the routes:
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from Pompeii to the railway station;
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from Ercolano Scavi station to the archaeological park;
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between the meeting points and entrances;
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over ancient paving, steps and uneven surfaces.
Wear comfortable shoes with stable soles.
What should you bring?
Bring:
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the booking voucher on your smartphone;
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a valid identity document;
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comfortable walking shoes;
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drinking water;
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a hat and sunglasses during warmer months;
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sun protection;
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a light waterproof jacket when rain is forecast.
Much of the experience takes place outdoors, and shaded areas can be limited during summer.
Avoid bringing suitcases, trolleys or large backpacks. Check the current luggage rules of both archaeological parks before travelling.
Is the tour accessible?
Pompeii and Herculaneum contain ancient paving, steps, changes in level and uneven surfaces.
The experience also includes walking to and from Circumvesuviana stations and travelling on public transport.
Visitors who use a wheelchair or have specific mobility requirements should contact the provider before booking to confirm whether the complete itinerary is suitable.
Cancellation and changes
The provider currently permits:
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free cancellation until 24 hours before the visit;
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a full refund when cancellation is made within that deadline;
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rescheduling until 24 hours before the visit.
Conditions may change. Check the cancellation and rescheduling rules shown during checkout before paying.
Check availability and book the Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour?
The experience includes admission to both archaeological sites, guided visits and the Circumvesuviana train journey from Pompeii to Herculaneum.
How long does the tour last?
The scheduled duration is approximately five hours and thirty minutes, including the guided visits and transfer between the sites.
Where does the tour begin?
The meeting point is currently in Piazza Esedra 4 in Pompeii, near Porta Marina Inferiore and the Artebus stop.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
Is the return journey to Pompeii included?
No. The return from Herculaneum to Pompeii must be organised independently.
Is the train ticket included?
Yes. The Circumvesuviana ticket from Pompeii to Herculaneum is included.
Which languages are available?
The guided experience is currently available in English and Italian.
How many people are in the group?
The provider currently limits the group to a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the guide an archaeologist?
The experience is led by a professional guide with archaeological training, according to the provider’s current description.
Is lunch included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Is admission to Mount Vesuvius included?
No. The experience includes Pompeii and Herculaneum only.
Does the tour avoid every queue?
No. Fast-track admission is provided, but waiting may still occur during checks, security procedures and busy periods.
Is a lot of walking required?
Yes. The tour involves several hours of walking inside both sites and between the archaeological parks and railway stations.
Can the tour be cancelled?
The current conditions allow free cancellation until 24 hours before the visit, with a full refund.
Can the booking date be changed?
Rescheduling is currently permitted until 24 hours before the visit.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour can be suitable for children and teenagers interested in history, but families should consider its duration, the amount of walking, summer heat and travel by local train.
Check availability and book the Pompeii and Herculaneum guided tour
