Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Guided Tours

Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Herculaneum ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Italy.
Visitors exploring ancient ruins at Herculaneum, Italy.
Remains of Herculaneum house interiors with frescoes and mosaics on walls.
Tour group with archaeologist at Herculaneum site viewing ancient skeletons.

Duration

2 hr

Open today

08:30am - 07:30pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Venture through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, Herculaneum, with an expert archaeologist!

4.7/5

(716)

Sheila Hislop

Sheila

Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
If you want to get a real feel for what life may have been like for the wealthy inhabitants of Herculaneum then this is the best way. Our guide Luciano Leone was brilliant, so knowledgeable giving bits of information that may be missed on a self guided tour. He ensured that all in the group were able to see the various points of interest, no fear of missing out. Some great information on the difference between the fate of Pompei and Herculaneum and therefore the differences in the archeological sites. There is some wonderfully preserved original mosaics and buildings giving a real idea of what it may have been like nearly 2000 years ago. Absolutely amazing and still looming above is Vesuvio.
Vanessa Palombi

Vanessa

Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Herculaneum is a gem. It is a very special and interesting visit to make. It is certainly less touristy than the excavations of Pompeii but it is just as good to visit. The guide Ida I had was very knowledgeable, thorough and entertaining in the explanations she gave us. I am very glad I had this visit chosen!
Valerie Kirkman

Valerie

Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The meeting point was easy to find. Luciano was a well-informed, passionate, and engaging guide with great insights. The pace was just right, with time for questions and photos, and the group size made it easy to follow along. I enjoyed every minute and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Herculaneum.
    • Uncover hidden secrets at ancient Roman ruins under the guidance of an expert archaeologist who reveals fascinating details.

    • Bypass the ticket lines and join a small group of up to 20 people to explore the remnants of bustling marketplaces and squares in Herculaneum.

    • Tailor your experience with rich insights available in five languages, ensuring an immersive and personalized and journey.

    • Guided tour of Herculaneum with skip-the-line entry
    • Expert English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)
    • Group of 20 or 25 people (as per option selected)
    • Audio guide
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.7
    716 ratings
    5/5
    550
    4/5
    124
    3/5
    23
    2/5
    5
    1/5
    14
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • United States
    • Spain
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Belgium
    • Germany
    • Switzerland
    • Ireland
    Guests from United Kingdom, France, United States and over 22 countries have loved this experience

    Francesca Russo

    Francesca

    Jul, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    Our guide Edoardo, was kind and knowledgeable. He gave us the opportunity to learn about this very interesting reality of Herculaneum.
    Kristien Karin D. Gennar

    Kristien

    Jul, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    We had an amazing guide Luciano who was very funny and enjoyable to listen to. We learned a lot from his stories and he also brought a map full of pictures to help us visualize the story. The site is also very beautiful and it tells the story from millennia ago. The cats are a fun bonus!
    Carolynn M Stanton

    Carolynn

    Jun, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Tickets were easy to obtain. When we arrived at the Herculaneum site we were greeted by the check in lady. We were introduced to the Archaeologist Theresa who was brilliant. The tour started on time with the small group as was promised. We all had headsets and could hear Theresa clearly. Her enthusiasm for her chosen profession was inspiring. I'm so glad she was working with us. I would recommend Theresa and this tour to all who are interested even a little, in the Herculaneum site and its history. You will be drawn in and want to learn more. Herculaneum was the main reason I came to Italy. It was so worth while, I loved every minute. Thank you Theresa!!!
    Viviane DEVAIRE

    Viviane

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    A passionate guide who shared her passion with us. It must be said that there were only four of us!
    Vanessa Palombi

    Vanessa

    Aug, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Herculaneum is a gem. It is a very special and interesting visit to make. It is certainly less touristy than the excavations of Pompeii but it is just as good to visit. The guide Ida I had was very knowledgeable, thorough and entertaining in the explanations she gave us. I am very glad I had this visit chosen!
  • Visit the ancient town of Herculaneum overlooking the Gulf of Naples on this guided venture alongside an archaeologist and just 19 other people.

    Getting started

    Arrive at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park on Corso Resina at least 15 minutes before your selected time slot. Present your online booking and ID for quick entry, bypassing the ticket queues. Meet your archaeology guide and group, then step into the fascinating world of Herculaneum’s excavations.

    What to expect

    Herculaneum

    Due to its proximity to the volcanic Mount Vesuvius and its sudden devastation in 79 AD, much of the architecture and artifacts were near-pristinely preserved under 25 meters of ash. The excavations of this fishing village unearthed exciting finds, like scrolls belonging to an ancient library – the Villa de Papyri.

    Features

    This city has evident Samnite, Greek, Etruscan influences, with an overriding Roman presence. These excavations were included in the UNESCO World Heritage site list in 1997.

    Your tour lets you explore the entire site: the unique distribution of houses, the monumental basilica, the grand spa complex, the gymnasium, and more. A walk through town lets you see bronze parts and the elevations of the houses, conservation of woods, and the various styles of Vesuvian paintings. All the while, your expert archaeologist will engage you with captivating anecdotes, secrets, and stories about this world-famous attraction.

  • Herculaneum

    Monday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Tuesday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Wednesday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Thursday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Friday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Sunday08:30am - 07:30pmlast entry 06:00pm
  • What to bring

    • Please carry a valid ID or passport for verification purposes.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
    • Dogs are allowed into the venue, without restriction of breed or size. However, they must be kept with a leash and/or muzzle (the latter is obligatory for all breeds and opportunities provided by current regulations). Pet parents must have bags to collect any droppings.
    • In the Antiquarium, inside the Padiglione della Barca and in the domus with mosaic floors, access is allowed only to dogs carried in their arms or in the appropriate carrier.

    Additional information

    • Facilities: restroom, cloak room.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID to your guide.

    • Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid delays.

    • If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

    Meeting Point

    • Meet your guide at the Ticket Office of Herculaneum Ruins.

    • Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy.

    • Your guide will be holding a sign with Askos tours written on it.

    Get Directions to the Meeting Point.

    Getting There

    • The closest bus stop is Umberto, a 10-min walk to the ticketing office.

    • Bus 5, 176, 177, and more will bring you here.

    • The closest train station is Circumvesuviana, a 10-min walk to the ticketing office.

Similar experiences you'd love

Guide explaining Pompeii ruins to tourists with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Guided Tours
4.4(10,931)
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 10931 ratings.
from
€31.50
Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Landmarks
4.4(2,499)
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 2499 ratings.
from
€16
Free cancellation
Red double-decker sightseeing bus in Naples with colorful designs and international flags.
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Naples
4.1(1,069)
Rated 4.1 out of 5.0 from 1069 ratings.
€26
Free cancellation
Tour group exploring ancient ruins in Pompeii with guide.
Guided Tours
4.6(2,685)
Rated 4.6 out of 5.0 from 2685 ratings.
from
€31.50
Free cancellation
Ancient Pompeii ruins with large sculpture and Mount Vesuvius in background, Naples, Italy.
Landmarks
4.4(27,911)
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 27911 ratings.
from
€28
Download app section background

We've served 42 million+ guests and we are here for you

42 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime