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Guided Tours

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Ancient ruins of Pompeii with stone columns and archway under a clear blue sky.
Ancient ruins and columns in Pompeii, Italy, part of a skip-the-line guided tour.
Tourists exploring the ancient Samnite House interior in Pompeii, Italy.
Tourists with a guide exploring an ancient room in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy.

Duration

2 hr - 3 hr

Open today

09:00am - 05:00pm

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

With skip-the-line entry, explore key excavations of Pompeii, including the ancient amphitheater, accompanied by an archaeologist guide.

4.6/5

(3,383)

Esquier Pierre

Esquier

Nov 2025
Verified booking
We were fascinated by our guided tour of Pompeii... so much to see, and so important also to try to mentally project ourselves into the catastrophic event of the year 79. Our guide was easy to understand and very knowledgeable. We did, however, find that a little too much time was spent focusing on the lupanar and all the sexual symbols encountered on the site. Other more interesting aspects could have been developed a little more (family life, politics, economics, sports, culture...). We had climbed Vesuvius the day before visiting the ruins, and the whole experience was very complete and rich.
NOWACKI Cécile

Nowacki

Dec 2025
Verified booking
Our guide Alfredo was a great listener, knew his subject perfectly and spoke very good French. It was a real pleasure to discover Pompeii with him. He's a very good guide and we were delighted. I put 4 stars and not 5 because the tour was supposed to be yesterday and was cancelled the day before. Staying in Naples and taking the plane at 19.00, we had to hurry at the end and we could not visit the Antiquarium and spend more free time after the visit because we had to return to Naples to leave for the airport ... I will return!
ROMAN BELMONTE

Roman

Jan 2026
Verified booking
The organization was very good. Five minutes of courtesy in case anyone was late arriving, headphones included in the price, and formal attendance checks. Marina, the guide, spoke Spanish very well, gave us lots of information, gave us time to enjoy the place, answered questions, and made suggestions. At the end, she invited us to visit other areas of the archaeological park not included in her services, such as the amphitheater, on our own. A 10 out of 10.
    • Discover the Pompeii Archaeological Park with an expert archaeologist guide, with a skip-the-line entry ticket.

    • Walk through the ancient streets of Pompeii, and marvel at Mount Vesuvius while your guide recounts the dramatic history of this city.

    • Stroll along Via dell’Abbondanza to Teatro Grande, uncovering ancient artworks and Roman graffiti at Casa del Menandro along the way.

    • Marvel at the frescoes depicting the Nucerians-Pompeiians battle, and opt for an English, Spanish, Italian, French, or German-speaking guide, as per your comfort.

    • Fun fact: Pompeii's Amphitheater could hold up to 20,000 spectators, showcasing the scale of entertainment in ancient Rome.

    • 2-hour guided tour of Pompeii

    • Skip-the-line entry

    • English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)

    • Entry to Villa dei Misteri (optional)

    • Small group (optional)

    • Earphones for small groups (optional)

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

  • 3,383 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.

    2.4K
    634
    105
    53
    93
    Guests from Spain, France, United States and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Sofia Suarez Fernandez

    Sofia

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    It was supposed to rain and in the end it didn't rain so we were able to enjoy a quiet visit. It started 30min late because the microphone was not working properly and had to be changed, so the rest of the visit was very accelerated to make up for the lost time. That aside, it was very entertaining and well explained.
    Sabrina giannotti

    Sabrina

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    Very satisfied! A journey back in time 2,000 years, lots of historical curiosities and impressive casts really help you understand the desperation of those moments... a very knowledgeable and kind guide, Ida, I highly recommend her! Thank you for this unforgettable experience!
    Nicola Chiesa

    Nicola

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    Pompeii was fantastic! A unique experience, it feels like walking back in time. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, I highly recommend it, as it gives you the opportunity not only to see all the ruins, but also to discover various interesting facts and the meanings behind the most hidden details!
    Laura De la Nuza Ballesteros

    Laura

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    Correct, that's all. The guide tells her story, knows the terrain but is neither an archaeologist nor a historian. If it is the first approach to Pompeii, fine. But it won't leave you impressed beyond the place itself. If I came back I would be more careful to choose a better guide.
    Karina Gemma Guiral Alonso

    Karina

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    Carmelo explained everything really well. He was fantastic! He made the tour very enjoyable and interesting, explaining all the most important points.
  • Through an archaeologist's lens

    Take a 2-hour guided walk through Pompeii, an archaeological marvel, offering insights into daily life during the Roman Empire. Breeze past the queue with the skip-the-line ticket, and begin your expedition with an archaeologist guide through ancient streets and the bustling Forum, a central public space serving as the heart of civic, commercial, and social activities.

    Learn about the city's history, including the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This volcanic eruption buried the city under a thick layer of ash and pumice, preserving it remarkably well for centuries. Discover hidden secrets of attractions like the Basilica, the Thermopolium of Asellina, and the Stabian Baths, considered to be the oldest public baths in the city, constructed during the 2nd century BC.

    Walk through Pompeii’s highlights

    Stroll down the Via dell’Abbondanza to reach the Teatro Grande, Pompeii's foremost theatre, primarily hosting theatrical performances, musical events, and various public spectacles. Throughout the exploration, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate ancient Roman artworks. Have the opportunity to step into the culinary world of ancient Pompeii as you explore the Thermopilia, ancient Roman "fast-food" establishments that once served as communal gathering spaces for locals.

    Get to see the erotic frescoes woven into the walls of Pompeii's ruins where your guide will provide a nuanced perspective on the sensual aspects of Pompeii's culture.

    Visit Foro, a hub of ancient political activities where you can get a sense of political chatters that once existed in these ruins. End the tour at the 'Calchi dei Corpi,' plaster casts that preserve the final moments of victims during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

  • Pompeii

    Monday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
  • What to bring

    • Bring along comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour.

    • It is recommended to bring along sunscreen in summer.

    What's not allowed

    • Due to venue restrictions, only small dogs on a leash can be brought inside the park. Guide dogs with a certificate are permitted.

    • Strict dress code: Modest clothing is recommended.

    • Keep in mind sharp metallic tools or objects are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

    Additional information

    • The fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month.

    • Guides will adapt the route to accommodate opening/closing restrictions or restoration work, so the specific tour sites may vary.

    • Facilities: Cloakroom

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Meeting point

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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