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

8:30am - 5:00pm

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

4.7/5

(791)

Poirier Hervé

Poirier

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The explanations of an archaeologist and guide are absolutely essential to understanding the site. It's very moving to see the past come to life thanks to the commentaries. The compactness of the site and the preservation of Herculanum is truly extraordinary. I don't know if it's very common, but our train was 1/2 hour late and we arrived 5 minutes before the start of the visit, which created a bit of stress.
Alan Schwarz

Alan

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Amazing place. Have been to Pompeii, and while Ercolano is smaller, the degree to which it wea preserved is much better than Pompeii. If I had to pick, I would say Ercolano first. But if possible both because they are different. We did a tour of Ercolano with Luciano, an archeologist. He was excellent and gave us information that we would not otherwise learn about. And, he was entertaining and passionate. Would highly recommend a tour with him!!
Lyn Soltani-Sadeh

Lyn

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The archaeologist guided tour of Herculaneum exceeded my high expectations! Firstly the process ran on time and like clockwork. The guide Silvia was exceptional. Her passion for her subject shone through. Not only was she knowledgable but she was also very personable and could impart information in a very enjoyable manner with some added humour. I learnt so much from this tour and it was worth every single euro.
    • See Herculaneum come to life with an archaeologist who studies the site professionally, sharing 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.

    • Enjoy priority entry and 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

    • Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum

    • 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.

  • 4.7
    791 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.

    615
    131
    25
    6
    14
    Guests from United Kingdom, United States, France and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Mark Yandle

    Mark

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Our guide brought Herculaneum to life with his thoughtful explanations, stories, and details of life in the city. The details he pointed out and comparison of one building to the next really helped us understand the architecture and social interactions the people would have experienced before the catastrophe. We would have been lost and never knew what we had missed without his expertise.
    Rosana Canella

    Rosana

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Me and my husband had an absolutely great time with Antonella, the amazing archaeologist guide that received and guided us brilliantly! Thank you very much for all your patience, organization and dedication! You have made a huge impact on our lives today! Great job you all! 👏👏👏👏
    Ian Nurser

    Ian

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Luciano Leone was an amazing guide, providing his enthusiasm and archeological knowledge to bring the site alive! Fun and informative, an action-packed tour. No way we could have enjoyed it or learnt so much without him.
    Sara Lubowitz

    Sara

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Very good tour guide who really knows his subject. Even though it was raining the tour was so very well organised. Really worth the money. I would highly recommend.
    Poirier Hervé

    Poirier

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The explanations of an archaeologist and guide are absolutely essential to understanding the site. It's very moving to see the past come to life thanks to the commentaries. The compactness of the site and the preservation of Herculanum is truly extraordinary. I don't know if it's very common, but our train was 1/2 hour late and we arrived 5 minutes before the start of the visit, which created a bit of stress.
  • Explore Herculaneum on a 2-hour skip-the-line guided tour with an expert archaeologist.

    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 - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
    Tuesday8:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
    Wednesday8:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
    Thursday8:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
    Friday8:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
    Saturday8:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
    Sunday8:30am - 5:00pmlast entry 3:30pm
  • 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:

      • Oct 15th to Mar 15th: 8:30am–5pm (last entry 3:30pm)

      • Mar 16th to Oct 14th: 8:30am–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.

Similar experiences you'd love

Free cancellation
Guide explaining Pompeii ruins to tourists with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Guided Tours
4.5(11,666)
Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 from 11666 ratings.
from
€31.50
Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Landmarks
4.4(2,754)
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 2754 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(1,112)
Rated 4.1 out of 5.0 from 1112 ratings.
€26
Free cancellation
Tour group exploring ancient ruins in Pompeii with guide.
Guided Tours
4.6(3,252)
Rated 4.6 out of 5.0 from 3252 ratings.
from
€31.50
Free cancellation
Ancient Pompeii ruins with large sculpture and Mount Vesuvius in background, Naples, Italy.
Landmarks
4.4(28,869)
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 28869 ratings.
from
€24.80
Download app section background

We've served 44 million+ guests and we are here for you

44 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