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Experience the best of Herculaneum

Visit the ruins of Herculaneum, once a thriving civilization reduced to ashes by the eruption of Vesuvius. Explore its perfectly preserved ruins with tickets or a guided tour to discover life and culture before 79 AD.
4.3/5
25,752 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 14, Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
1 more
  • Explore Herculaneum, the remarkably preserved Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, with priority entry to the archaeological park.

  • Walk through ancient streets, homes, bathhouses, and vibrant frescoes that offer a rare glimpse into everyday Roman life.

  • Discover original wooden structures, mosaics, and the remains of hundreds of residents preserved by the volcanic eruption.

  • Explore at your own pace and choose from multilingual digital audio guides available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

  • Upgrade to an expert-guided tour in English or add round-trip transfers from Naples for a seamless day trip.

More details
  • Explore Herculaneum, the remarkably preserved Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, with priority entry to the archaeological park.

  • Walk through ancient streets, homes, bathhouses, and vibrant frescoes that offer a rare glimpse into everyday Roman life.

  • Discover original wooden structures, mosaics, and the remains of hundreds of residents preserved by the volcanic eruption.

  • Explore at your own pace and choose from multilingual digital audio guides available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

  • Upgrade to an expert-guided tour in English or add round-trip transfers from Naples for a seamless day trip.

from
€16
Slide 1 of 15, Group listening to archaeologist during Herculaneum tour inside ancient ruins.
Group listening to archaeologist during Herculaneum tour inside ancient ruins.
2 hrs
  • Skip the ticket queue and walk straight into one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, guided by a licensed archaeologist.

  • Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a pyroclastic surge so swift it preserved wooden furniture, food, and carbonized remains that paint a startlingly complete picture of Roman daily life.

  • Your archaeologist guide leads you through the Samnite House, Forum Baths, Temple of the Augustales, and the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, with rich context at every stop.

  • Visit the waterfront boathouses, where the skeletal remains of over 300 residents who fled toward the sea were discovered — one of the most emotionally charged spaces in all of archaeology.

  • Groups are capped at 20 guests, keeping the experience intimate and giving you real room to ask questions, slow down, and absorb what you're seeing.

More details
  • Skip the ticket queue and walk straight into one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, guided by a licensed archaeologist.

  • Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a pyroclastic surge so swift it preserved wooden furniture, food, and carbonized remains that paint a startlingly complete picture of Roman daily life.

  • Your archaeologist guide leads you through the Samnite House, Forum Baths, Temple of the Augustales, and the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, with rich context at every stop.

  • Visit the waterfront boathouses, where the skeletal remains of over 300 residents who fled toward the sea were discovered — one of the most emotionally charged spaces in all of archaeology.

  • Groups are capped at 20 guests, keeping the experience intimate and giving you real room to ask questions, slow down, and absorb what you're seeing.

from Original price€35
€31.50

10% off

Slide 1 of 15, Pompeii ruins with Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum archaeological site panorama.
Pompeii ruins with Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum archaeological site panorama.
Explore at your pace
  • Contrast the vast scale of Pompeii with the intimate, finely preserved details of Herculaneum, all with one simple, fast-track entry combo ticket.

  • Breeze past the queues at Herculaneum and wander through well-preserved streets, frescoed villas, ancient bathhouses, and the impressive House of the Deer.

  • Enter Pompeii at a reserved time to avoid long waiting lines, and explore the Forum, amphitheatre, ancient baths, the House of the Faun, and the moving plaster casts of victims.

  • Enjoy complete flexibility at both sites, giving you more time to truly absorb the stories, atmosphere, and everyday life preserved within.

More details
  • Contrast the vast scale of Pompeii with the intimate, finely preserved details of Herculaneum, all with one simple, fast-track entry combo ticket.

  • Breeze past the queues at Herculaneum and wander through well-preserved streets, frescoed villas, ancient bathhouses, and the impressive House of the Deer.

  • Enter Pompeii at a reserved time to avoid long waiting lines, and explore the Forum, amphitheatre, ancient baths, the House of the Faun, and the moving plaster casts of victims.

  • Enjoy complete flexibility at both sites, giving you more time to truly absorb the stories, atmosphere, and everyday life preserved within.

from Original price€42.90
€39.90

7% off

Slide 1 of 14, Archaeologist explaining Herculaneum ruins to tourists in Naples, Italy.
Archaeologist explaining Herculaneum ruins to tourists in Naples, Italy.
2 hrs
  • Just your group and one dedicated archaeologist. No shared queues, no shared commentary, no compromises on where you go or how long you stay.

  • Your guide isn't following a fixed route. They're building the visit around your group's specific curiosities, whether that's the forensic detail of the eruption, the social hierarchy written into the houses, or the remarkable organic materials — wood, food, textiles — that no other Roman site has preserved quite like this.

  • Explore the Samnite House, Forum Baths, Temple of the Augustales, and the House of Neptune and Amphitrite with the kind of depth and pace that a group of 20 simply never allows.

  • Stand at the waterfront boathouses, where over 300 residents were found exactly as the surge left them in 79 AD. Ask every question you have, without an audience or a clock.

  • When the guided portion ends, your group is free to stay and keep exploring the site independently.

More details
  • Just your group and one dedicated archaeologist. No shared queues, no shared commentary, no compromises on where you go or how long you stay.

  • Your guide isn't following a fixed route. They're building the visit around your group's specific curiosities, whether that's the forensic detail of the eruption, the social hierarchy written into the houses, or the remarkable organic materials — wood, food, textiles — that no other Roman site has preserved quite like this.

  • Explore the Samnite House, Forum Baths, Temple of the Augustales, and the House of Neptune and Amphitrite with the kind of depth and pace that a group of 20 simply never allows.

  • Stand at the waterfront boathouses, where over 300 residents were found exactly as the surge left them in 79 AD. Ask every question you have, without an audience or a clock.

  • When the guided portion ends, your group is free to stay and keep exploring the site independently.

from
€108.75
Slide 1 of 14, Ruins of the College of the Augustales with frescoes and columns in Herculaneum, Italy.
Ruins of the College of the Augustales with frescoes and columns in Herculaneum, Italy.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Book your entry ticket and the park's official audio guide together in advance. Arrive at any point during opening hours and head straight inside without worrying about the ticket office queue.

  • Work through 63 geo-localised listening points at your own pace, with 150 minutes of expert adult commentary and a dedicated 40-minute narration path designed specifically for younger visitors.

  • The guide was built by the park's own archaeological team, and the difference is evident in every stop, from the forensic account of the eruption to the social history written into each household you walk through.

  • Unlock immersive 360° virtual tours narrated by park director Francesco Sirano, reconstructing the city as it stood before Vesuvius sealed it in the autumn of 79 AD.

  • The audio guide is available in Italian, Spanish, English, French, and German. Collect your device at the desk on arrival, leave a valid photo ID as deposit, and the site is yours for the day.

More details
  • Book your entry ticket and the park's official audio guide together in advance. Arrive at any point during opening hours and head straight inside without worrying about the ticket office queue.

  • Work through 63 geo-localised listening points at your own pace, with 150 minutes of expert adult commentary and a dedicated 40-minute narration path designed specifically for younger visitors.

  • The guide was built by the park's own archaeological team, and the difference is evident in every stop, from the forensic account of the eruption to the social history written into each household you walk through.

  • Unlock immersive 360° virtual tours narrated by park director Francesco Sirano, reconstructing the city as it stood before Vesuvius sealed it in the autumn of 79 AD.

  • The audio guide is available in Italian, Spanish, English, French, and German. Collect your device at the desk on arrival, leave a valid photo ID as deposit, and the site is yours for the day.

from
€26
Slide 1 of 10, Group of tourists on a Herculaneum private guided tour inside ancient ruins.
Group of tourists on a Herculaneum private guided tour inside ancient ruins.
2 hrs - 8 hrs
2 more
  • Explore Herculaneum the easy way, with a seamless all-in-one package that includes round-trip transfers from Naples or Sorrento.

  • Your guide is a working archaeologist who can explain why Herculaneum is, in some ways, even more impressive than its more famous neighbor Pompeii.

  • Walk through the Samnite House, the thermal baths, the Forum, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the haunting boat sheds at the ancient waterfront.

  • See carbonized wood, vivid mosaics, and intact upper floors—pyroclastic flow sealed it all in like a time capsule for nearly 2,000 years.

  • Make it a full-day trip by adding a guided tour of Pompeii, with round-trip transfers available from Naples or a one-way transfer directly from Pompeii for added flexibility.

More details
  • Explore Herculaneum the easy way, with a seamless all-in-one package that includes round-trip transfers from Naples or Sorrento.

  • Your guide is a working archaeologist who can explain why Herculaneum is, in some ways, even more impressive than its more famous neighbor Pompeii.

  • Walk through the Samnite House, the thermal baths, the Forum, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the haunting boat sheds at the ancient waterfront.

  • See carbonized wood, vivid mosaics, and intact upper floors—pyroclastic flow sealed it all in like a time capsule for nearly 2,000 years.

  • Make it a full-day trip by adding a guided tour of Pompeii, with round-trip transfers available from Naples or a one-way transfer directly from Pompeii for added flexibility.

from
€70
Slide 1 of 12, Temple of Giove ruins in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Temple of Giove ruins in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
7 hrs - 8 hrs
3 more
  • Travel stress-free with round-trip air-conditioned coach or minivan transfers and a central Naples pick-up point: no logistics to figure out, no trains to catch, just show up and go.

  • Follow your expert guide through Pompeii's vast archaeological site with skip-the-line entry, moving through the Forum, ancient baths, taverns, and bakeries, and pausing at the haunting plaster casts that capture the city's final moments in extraordinary detail.

  • Step into Herculaneum for a quieter, more intimate chapter of the same story. Intact villas, vivid mosaics, carbonised wooden furniture, and everyday objects that survived the eruption in a way Pompeii's never could.

  • Cover two of the most significant archaeological sites in the world in a single, well-paced day, without the planning, the ticket queues, or the guesswork of doing it independently.

  • Tailor the day to your group: add a sit-down lunch between the two sites to break up the visit, or upgrade to a live archaeologist guide at either or both sites for deeper context and a richer understanding of what you're actually looking at.

More details
  • Travel stress-free with round-trip air-conditioned coach or minivan transfers and a central Naples pick-up point: no logistics to figure out, no trains to catch, just show up and go.

  • Follow your expert guide through Pompeii's vast archaeological site with skip-the-line entry, moving through the Forum, ancient baths, taverns, and bakeries, and pausing at the haunting plaster casts that capture the city's final moments in extraordinary detail.

  • Step into Herculaneum for a quieter, more intimate chapter of the same story. Intact villas, vivid mosaics, carbonised wooden furniture, and everyday objects that survived the eruption in a way Pompeii's never could.

  • Cover two of the most significant archaeological sites in the world in a single, well-paced day, without the planning, the ticket queues, or the guesswork of doing it independently.

  • Tailor the day to your group: add a sit-down lunch between the two sites to break up the visit, or upgrade to a live archaeologist guide at either or both sites for deeper context and a richer understanding of what you're actually looking at.

from Original price€116
€98.60

15% off

Slide 1 of 14, Tourists taking photos at the crater of Mount Vesuvius, Italy.
Tourists taking photos at the crater of Mount Vesuvius, Italy.
6 hrs - 8 hrs
1 more
  • A unique adventure awaits as you visit two marvels in one day: Mount Vesuvius and either Herculaneum or Pompeii.

  • Round-trip transfers from Naples and skip-the-line access ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to these iconic historical sites.

  • Feel the excitement of hiking up the Vesuvian crater on the Gran Cono trail and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.

  • Explore Pompeii, a city once bustling with everything from public baths to markets and even brothels, a vivid snapshot of ancient life.

  • Or, uncover the wonders of Roman history at Herculaneum, where you’ll find exquisitely preserved relics and ancient scrolls at the Villa dei Papyri.

  • Want the entire picture? Cover all three sites, Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum for an all-round perspective of the eruption and its aftermath.

More details
  • A unique adventure awaits as you visit two marvels in one day: Mount Vesuvius and either Herculaneum or Pompeii.

  • Round-trip transfers from Naples and skip-the-line access ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to these iconic historical sites.

  • Feel the excitement of hiking up the Vesuvian crater on the Gran Cono trail and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.

  • Explore Pompeii, a city once bustling with everything from public baths to markets and even brothels, a vivid snapshot of ancient life.

  • Or, uncover the wonders of Roman history at Herculaneum, where you’ll find exquisitely preserved relics and ancient scrolls at the Villa dei Papyri.

  • Want the entire picture? Cover all three sites, Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum for an all-round perspective of the eruption and its aftermath.

from
€95
Slide 1 of 14, People walking through the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, Sorrento, with historic buildings in the background.
People walking through the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, Sorrento, with historic buildings in the background.
2 hrs
  • Take in panoramas of the Naples Gulf on a scenic train ride before turning the hidden corners of Herculaneum on a captivating tour.

  • Skip past queues and follow an expert guide around the marketplaces, boathouse, and temple structures of this UNESCO-listed site.

  • Express round-trip transfers from Sorrento ensure a peaceful day trip, perfect for those vacationing on the Sorrentine Peninsula.

More details
  • Take in panoramas of the Naples Gulf on a scenic train ride before turning the hidden corners of Herculaneum on a captivating tour.

  • Skip past queues and follow an expert guide around the marketplaces, boathouse, and temple structures of this UNESCO-listed site.

  • Express round-trip transfers from Sorrento ensure a peaceful day trip, perfect for those vacationing on the Sorrentine Peninsula.

from Original price€85
€76.50

10% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Skip-the-line tickets for Herculaneum are definitely worth it! They can save you anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, letting you skip those long lines and get right to exploring.

If you’re coming from Naples, go for the Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Day Trip. In just half a day, you can hop on an air-conditioned coach, explore both Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius, and make the most of your time!

Some areas of Herculaneum may be temporarily closed for preservation work. Check the calendar or inquire at the entrance to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Your Herculaneum and Pompeii combo tickets allow you to choose different dates of entry. If visiting both on the same day however, plan entry times to allow ample exploration and account for travel between sites.

For a place as rich in history as Herculaneum, a guided tour is a smart choice! Join an expert archaeologist who can dive into the fascinating details, hidden secrets, myths, and stories that bring the site to life.

About Herculaneum

As you enter the world of Herculaneum, history's layers are peeled back to reveal ancient Roman life. From household items to grand frescoes and sculptures, the Vesuvius eruption of 79AD preserved all these and more through the intense pyroclastic surge that swept the city.


AddressCorso Resina, 230, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy
Visitors per year300000
Expected wait time - Standard0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Unesco status1997

Did you know?

It was found that the Vesuvius eruption caused the brains of one of the victims to turn to a glass-like material. This was because the brain had heated up very quickly before cooling down just as fast, thereby crystallizing brain matter.

Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was engulfed by a pyroclastic surge that carbonized and preserved wooden structures, furnishings, and even food.

The ancient Romans believed that Herculaneum was founded by the god Hercules on his return from Iberia.

Archaeologists found about 300 skeletons along the ancient beachfront, providing crucial information on the physical characteristics, health, and diet of the Roman population at the time of the Vesuvius eruption.

Herculaneum was discovered accidentally in 1709 when a well was being dug, revealing the ancient theatre of Herculaneum beneath the ground, marking the start of its rediscovery.

Why visit Herculaneum?

Preservation of ancient ruins

Herculaneum gives you an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Roman life, thanks to its remarkable preservation under layers of volcanic material from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum's ruins are well-maintained, revealing frescoes, intricate mosaics, and carbonized wooden objects. The level of detail here allows you to vividly imagine life in a Roman town.

Lesser crowds, more intimate experience

While its neighbor Pompeii often overshadows it, Herculaneum's quieter ambiance allows for a more intimate exploration of ancient Roman life. Fewer crowds mean more time to linger over the ruins, contemplate the history, and enjoy a peaceful visit.

Easy accessibility and visitor amenities

Conveniently located near Naples and well-connected by public transport, Herculaneum is easily accessible for day-trippers or those on a longer journey. The site is well-organized, with clear signage, guided tours, and visitor amenities ensuring a comfortable and informative visit.

Interactive programs

Herculaneum is not just a static archaeological site; it hosts a variety of educational programs and events that bring ancient history to life. Interactive tours, workshops, and special exhibitions are regularly organized here.

Highlights

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What our guests say

Sophie J

United Kingdom
Group
Last week
Really knowledgeable guide around heraculum The tour was delayed start by two hours which was slightly inconvenient but couldn't be helped and we still enjoyed the guides enthusiasm and sheer knowledge of the guide:)

Herculaneum Priority-Entry Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

T.david S

United Kingdom
Group
2 weeks ago
Had an extremely knowledgeable guide who spoke good English and communicated well with all the party. The headsets were easy to use and efficient. Our guide started by explaining the difference between Pompei and Herculaneum and how those effected what had been found at the two sites. The museum was fascinating and the depth of the excavation is unbelievable.

Herculaneum Priority-Entry Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Rose Z

Couple
Last week
With prepaid tickets, you save a lot of time. Unfortunately, part of the first floor (the famous mosaics) was closed for renovations. But everything else was truly thrilling. Thank you.

Combo: Herculaneum + Naples National Archaeological Museum Tickets

Ana Ž

Croatia
Couple
Last week

+7 more

Easy to book, nice place, worth to see. Pompeii offers a haunting, yet fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life, frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walking through its remarkably preserved streets, visitors can explore homes, temples, and vibrant frescoes that look almost untouched by centuries. The tragic plaster casts of the victims serve as a powerful, emotional reminder of the human toll. It is not just an archaeological site, but an extraordinary, unforgettable window into the past that bridges centuries.

Combo: Pompeii + Herculaneum Tickets

Lucas S

Group
Last week

+3 more

The experience with Headout was incredible: with tickets in hand, we had instant access to the park, not to mention the digital guide with accurate information about each spot in several languages. There were 4 of us and we all left very happy with our experience in Pompeii. Greetings from Spain.

Combo: Pompeii + Herculaneum Tickets

Patrick W

Group
Last week

+4 more

The entry into Herculaneum was very smooth and efficient. We were in the archeological site within minutes of arriving. Although the site was busy it wasn't crowded and it was easy to find quiet spots and return to other areas when it was quiet abd crowd free. The whole park is very impressive and in good condition. Personally, the most memorable parts of the park are the beautiful frescoes painted in such rich colours. Some are remarkably intact. Overall, it was a very memorable visit. Thank you Headout for the easy access.

Herculaneum Entry Tickets

Mark R

United Kingdom
Group
2 weeks ago
We traveled from Naples by train, very easy train ride followed by a short (10 minute) walk, the entry process was then easy without the need to print tickets. The site itself was amazing, so much to see and take in, we will go back again.

Herculaneum Entry Tickets

Simon S

United States
Couple
Sep 2026

+3 more

This was an extraordinary visit to an extremely well-preserved site, frozen in time. The survival of so many wooden artifacts—cots, room panels, and cupboards—brings the daily life of the era vividly to life. It is incredible to think that 80% of the ancient town remains buried beneath modern Ercolano.

From Sorrento: Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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