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Herculaneum Private Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Ruins of Herculaneum entrance with ancient stone structures and arches, Italy.
Ancient street with ruins and columns in Herculaneum, Italy.
Ancient frescoes and mosaics in a room at Herculaneum, part of the Pompeii & Herculaneum guided tour.
Visitors exploring ancient ruins at Herculaneum, Italy.

Duration

2 hr

Open today

08:30am - 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

    • A private tour with an expert archaeologist guide who knows the site intimately, tailoring explanations to your curiosity and level of interest.

    • Skip the queue and walk straight in, beginning your exploration without delay.

    • Explore the House of the Bicentenary, the Central Baths, and the ancient shoreline boathouses, where frescoes, wooden structures, and everyday objects have survived in remarkable detail.

    • Enjoy a smooth, well-paced visit, available in multiple languages, with flexible time to pause, ask questions, and understand the significance of what you’re seeing.

    • Private tour of Herculaneum

    • Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum

    • Expert English, French, Spanish, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)

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

  • Explore Herculaneum on a private tour with an expert archaeologist and priority access.

    Getting started

    Meet your guide at the ticket office of Herculaneum Ruins, where your entrance tickets are validated. After a brief introduction, proceed through security and begin your immersive journey into the ancient world.

    What to expect

    Herculaneum

    Step into the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and renowned for its exceptional preservation. Your guide brings the remains to life with detailed historical context and engaging storytelling.

    Features

    • Herculaneum’s preservation: Explore rare second storeys, carbonized wooden objects, and vibrant frescoes that survived the eruption, offering insight into Roman daily life.

    • Ancient beach remains: Witness the poignant site where the skeletons of 300 victims were discovered, providing a powerful connection to the city’s final moments.

    • Key landmarks: Visit the House of the Skeleton, Thermal Baths, and the Temple of the Augustali, each reflecting unique aspects of Roman architecture and society.

  • Herculaneum

    Monday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Tuesday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Wednesday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Thursday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Friday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Saturday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
    Sunday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 03:30pm
  • What to bring

    • Bring a valid photo ID to present at the entrance.

    • Wear comfortable shoes suited for walking over uneven surfaces.

    • Since much of the site is outdoors, carry essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

    • The site is open in all weather, so a light jacket or umbrella is useful on rainy days.

    What’s not allowed

    • Large backpacks, suitcases, and bulky luggage cannot be brought into the site.

    • Eating and drinking may be restricted in certain parts of the site.

    • Only registered service animals are permitted; pets are not allowed.

    • Smoking, alcohol, and prohibited substances are not allowed anywhere on the premises.

    • Tripods, flashes, and professional filming equipment may be limited or require special permission.

    Accessibility

    • The terrain includes uneven walkways and excavation areas, making it difficult for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

    • While some access support (like entrance ramps) is available, several zones may still be hard to reach.

    • Accessible restroom facilities are provided on-site.

    Additional information

    • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the visit.

    • Parts of the site may be temporarily closed depending on ongoing preservation or restoration work.

    • Opening hours vary by season:

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

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

    • Free admission is available on select national holidays and the first Sunday of each month. Reduced fares apply to eligible visitors with valid proof of qualification.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

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

    Meeting point

    • Meet your guide at Biglietteria Ercolano.

    • Address: 80056 Ercolano, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy.

    • Guide identifier: Your guide will be holding a sign with your name on it.

    • Landmark: At the ticket office of the Herculaneum ruins.

    Get directions to the meeting point

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