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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(878)

Nathan B

Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
We had a lot of fun. My only issue is that entrance was free that day because of Italian Labor Day. The only reason I booked a guides tour weeks in advance is because I could not find regular entry tickets online that for day. My only advice is do some extra googling to see if it is an Italian holiday.

Castell R

Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Our guide, Alfredo, was fantastic—really friendly, a true archaeologist, and incredibly knowledgeable about history. It wasn’t a rushed tour; in fact, it went a little over time and felt more intimate than the one in Pompeii. You can really get a sense of how people lived in the past.

Jeffrey C

Group
Verified booking
5 days ago
Our guide had such extensive knowledge of Herculaneum and an appetite for answering all our questions providing a tremendous insight. Very surprised there weren't better catering services.

Gaillard S

Group
Verified booking
3 days ago
Sharing all the stories that bring the city and its history to life. The guide’s in-depth knowledge of every topic. His sense of humor and warm welcome!

Kevin K

Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
Fascinating history lesson and our guide Lusciano was obviously passionate about his subject. Our only criticism - could he have drawn breathe and slowed the pace. Hard to take in all of that information when it is delivered in such a quick fire way.

Carolyn J

Couple
Verified booking
Last week
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.
    • 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.

  • 878 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.

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    United States
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    Guests from United Kingdom, United States, France and over 22 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Nathan B

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 days ago
    We had a lot of fun. My only issue is that entrance was free that day because of Italian Labor Day. The only reason I booked a guides tour weeks in advance is because I could not find regular entry tickets online that for day. My only advice is do some extra googling to see if it is an Italian holiday.

    Castell R

    Couple
    Verified booking
    4 days ago
    Our guide, Alfredo, was fantastic—really friendly, a true archaeologist, and incredibly knowledgeable about history. It wasn’t a rushed tour; in fact, it went a little over time and felt more intimate than the one in Pompeii. You can really get a sense of how people lived in the past.

    Kevin K

    Couple
    Verified booking
    5 days ago
    Fascinating history lesson and our guide Lusciano was obviously passionate about his subject. Our only criticism - could he have drawn breathe and slowed the pace. Hard to take in all of that information when it is delivered in such a quick fire way.

    Jeffrey C

    Group
    Verified booking
    5 days ago
    Our guide had such extensive knowledge of Herculaneum and an appetite for answering all our questions providing a tremendous insight. Very surprised there weren't better catering services.

    Gaillard S

    Group
    Verified booking
    3 days ago
    Sharing all the stories that bring the city and its history to life. The guide’s in-depth knowledge of every topic. His sense of humor and warm welcome!
  • 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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