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Guided Tours

Herculaneum 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

8:30am - 7:30pm

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

4.7/5(868)

Mrs Lisa F

Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Luciano, our guide, was an absolute dream! He was enthusiastic, funny, engaging, but above all knowledgeable, ensuring we had a really worthwhile and rewarding tour. Askos were also flexible, which was appreciated. Our tour was booked for 10:30 but our train from Naples broke down. I contacted Askos via WhatsApp and they advised us to contact one of their team when we got there. We eventually managed to get to Herculaneum and spoke to a very helpful Askos staff member. He arranged for us to join a later tour and gave us our entrance tickets beforehand so we could make the most of our time there. Highly recommended.

Nicole K

Family
Verified booking
3 days ago
The archeologist (Antonella) was so kind, interesting and informative. She did an incredible job of painting the picture for us to really feel immersed in the space and felt like we were walking though real time history .. like we could touch life as it moved thousands of years ago. She left my 7 year old so intrigued that's she has had many questions since then about the history and how to become an archeologist.

Andrew T

Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Luciano nade the experience unforgettable, amazing passion and enthusiasm for the site and his work. Great explanations of the history and culture and insights into the site. 100% recommendation for the tour with this amazing archeological mastermind and hilarious tour guide. Thanks luciano you have our vote for Archealogical Tour guide of the year 👌

Anthony C

Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The surreal experience of standing in literally another world. The atmosphere was quiet and respectful but what I appreciated the most was one of the quietest politely asked some noisy visitors to member it was a museum and to be quieter. ! Clearly not just a tourist attraction a respected site by all .

Mr Christopher B

Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
A very well organised and informative tour. Having Luciano Leone as our guide, an archaeologist who has actually worked at the Ercolano site was excellent as he was able to give us a very personal insight. This is not the first time we have used Askos tours and they have always been excellent.

Russell M

Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The Herculanium site is just fantastic, i feel that you cannot visit Pompeii without seeing Herculanium. Herculanium feels less like a ruin. The archaeologist guide Luciano was knowledgeable and passionate bringing it all to life. It makes us want to go again. Best day of our Italian visit.
    • Skip ticket crowds at Herculaneum, led by an archaeologist guide who shares expert insights, stories, and lesser-known details in your preferred language.

    • Discover remarkably intact frescoes, interiors, and public spaces that still feel close to their original state.

    • Visit highlights such as the House of Neptune and Amphitrite and the ancient bath complex, where everyday life is exceptionally well preserved.

    • Benefit from a focused group size that keeps the experience clear and engaging, with headsets provided when needed.

    • Upgrade to the smaller 20-person multilingual tour to move comfortably through narrow walkways and key viewpoints without crowding.

    • 2-hour guided tour of Herculaneum

    • Access to Archaeological Park of Herculaneum with priority 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)

    • Transfers
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 868 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    678
    142
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    United Kingdom
    United States
    France
    Australia
    Spain
    Germany
    Canada
    Ireland
    Switzerland
    Belgium
    United Kingdom
    United States
    France
    Australia
    Spain
    Germany
    Canada
    Ireland
    Switzerland
    Belgium
    Guests from United Kingdom, United States, France and over 22 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Mrs Lisa F

    Couple
    Verified booking
    3 weeks ago
    Luciano, our guide, was an absolute dream! He was enthusiastic, funny, engaging, but above all knowledgeable, ensuring we had a really worthwhile and rewarding tour. Askos were also flexible, which was appreciated. Our tour was booked for 10:30 but our train from Naples broke down. I contacted Askos via WhatsApp and they advised us to contact one of their team when we got there. We eventually managed to get to Herculaneum and spoke to a very helpful Askos staff member. He arranged for us to join a later tour and gave us our entrance tickets beforehand so we could make the most of our time there. Highly recommended.

    Anthony C

    Couple
    Verified booking
    3 weeks ago
    The surreal experience of standing in literally another world. The atmosphere was quiet and respectful but what I appreciated the most was one of the quietest politely asked some noisy visitors to member it was a museum and to be quieter. ! Clearly not just a tourist attraction a respected site by all .

    Russell M

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 weeks ago
    The Herculanium site is just fantastic, i feel that you cannot visit Pompeii without seeing Herculanium. Herculanium feels less like a ruin. The archaeologist guide Luciano was knowledgeable and passionate bringing it all to life. It makes us want to go again. Best day of our Italian visit.

    Séverine G

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 weeks ago
    Our guide, Silvia, captivated us during the tour by sharing her knowledge and experience as an archaeologist. The tour gave us a chance to learn how people lived back then and to see the main ruins. A wonderful tour with a fantastic guide!

    Carolyn J

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Yesterday
    This was the best of 3 tours we went on, others being Pompeii and the Vatican. Giovanni kindly phoned us beforehand to make sure we were on our way. We could use bathroom beforehand. Giovanni was not only knowledgeable but interesting too and had us captivated. He wanted us to ask questions. Hardly had time to stop for photographs but there was a lot to see. He had change of earpieces for those that didn't work. These were the most comfortable of all and didn't keep falling of ear like others did. It's very dusty there so don't wear best clothes! As most people say, I preferred Herculaneum to Pompeii because you feel like you've seen it all unlike Pompeii where you only see a small section really as it's so vast. It was Giovanni that made the tour and came away feeling very happy.
  • Explore Herculaneum on a 2-hour guided tour with an expert archaeologist amd priority entry.

    Getting started

    Meet your guide near the main entrance of Herculaneum, where your entry ticket will be validated. After a brief introduction, your group will receive headsets if needed and set off directly into the archaeological site.

    What to expect

    Herculaneum archaeological site

    Herculaneum, preserved post the Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD, offers a rare glimpse into daily Roman life. Smaller and exceptionally well-preserved compared to Pompeii, this UNESCO World Heritage site features intact buildings, vibrant frescoes, and original mosaics.

    Features

    • House of Neptune and Amphitrite: Admire detailed mosaics depicting mythological scenes, showcasing Roman artistry at its finest.

    • Villa of the Papyri: Discover the remains of a luxurious villa famed for its collection of Greek papyri and elegant statues.

    • Sacello degli Augustali: Marvel at colorful frescoes in this shrine dedicated to the imperial cult, reflecting the city’s religious practices.

    • Roman life, as it was: Explore the public baths, take in preserved everyday items, and enjoy a wide-open terrace view that ties the ruins to the volcano that shaped them.

  • Herculaneum

    Monday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
    Tuesday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
    Wednesday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
    Thursday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
    Friday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
    Saturday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
    Sunday8:30am - 7:30pmlast entry 6:00pm
  • What to bring

    • Have a valid photo ID with you, as you may need it at ticket check.

    • Comfortable, supportive shoes are recommended, as many paths are uneven.

    • Pack sun essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and carry some water to stay hydrated.

    • Since much of the visit is outdoors and weather-dependent, consider a light rain jacket or umbrella.

    What’s not allowed

    • Large bags, suitcases, and bulky luggage can’t be taken inside or stored on-site.

    • Some zones have restrictions on food and beverages, so follow posted instructions.

    • Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.

    • Smoking, alcohol, and prohibited substances are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.

    • Flash, tripods, and professional filming gear may be restricted in certain areas.

    Accessibility

    • The terrain includes slopes and uneven surfaces, so full wheelchair access is not available.

    • Entrance ramps are available on request, but some sections may still be difficult to reach.

    • Accessible restroom facilities are provided.

    • There is no locker or luggage storage at the site.

    Additional information

    • Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the visit.

    • Some areas may be temporarily closed for maintenance or preservation, which may change the route.

    • Opening times adjust by season:

      • 15 Oct to 15 March: 8:30am to 5pm (last entry 3:30pm)

      • 16 March to 14 Oct : 8:30am to 7:30pm (last entry 6pm)

    • Free admission is offered on the first Sunday of the month and select public holidays; reduced fares are available with valid proof.

    • Group capacity may vary. If the group is larger, headsets are provided.

    • 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.

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