Herculaneum Archaeological Tour
From€35
2 hours
Naples, Italy
About this activity
Join a small group tour of Herculaneum with an expert archaeologist, exploring ancient Roman villas, frescoes, and more in 2 hours.
Highlights
- Explore ancient Roman villas
- Discover well-preserved frescoes
- Learn about volcanic eruption history
- Visit the House of the Deer
- See the Forum and public baths
Full description
Step back in time with a captivating 2-hour guided tour of Herculaneum, led by an expert archaeologist. Uncover the secrets of this ancient Roman city, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Wander through well-preserved villas, admire intricate frescoes, and learn about daily life in antiquity. With skip-the-line access and a small group setting, you'll enjoy an intimate and informative experience. Don't miss the chance to explore the House of the Deer, the Forum, and the public baths, all while delving into the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Book now for an unforgettable journey into the past!
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
- Guided tour with an archaeologist
- Small group experience
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Meeting place is the Ticket Office of the Herculaneum ruins. You can get there as follows: - By car in via Pignalver (There is a not guarded parking very close the meeting place) - By train in Corso Resina 1 (Circumvesuviana train station is 10 minutes walk away)
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
The house receives its name from marble statues of stags/deer found in the peristyle.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
M. Nonius Balbus was the city's major benefactor restoring and building many public buildings. On his death he was made patron and feted with many honours, detailed in the long inscription on his funeral altar.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
It is thought that the building was a centre of the cult of the Emperor Augustus and the headquarters of the Collegium Augustalium (or possibly even the local curia).
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
The house possibly belonged to one of the town's leading benefactors, Marcus Nonius Balbus and is somewhat unusual in that it has its own private access to the adjoining Suburban Thermae to the south.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
It is very important house for the elegant wooden partition remained.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
The House of the Skeleton probably the aggregation of three smaller buildings, derives its name from the discovery of human remains in a second floor room in 1831.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
The Central Thermae were built around the beginning of the 1st century AD and were divided, as was then the common practice, into men's and women's baths, each with their own separate entrances.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
The House of the Black Hall is one of Herculaneum's more luxurious mansions. The house has a monumental entrance which still retains the carbonised remains of the doorposts and lintel.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
The house has an arrangement that was typical of the Samnites (an ancient people of the Sabine race who occupied this mountainous part of central Italy). The splendid atrium is skirted by a gallery with Ionic columns. The rooms are decorated with frescoes.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
This is one of the most original houses in Herculaneum. It has a courtyard with a stairway and a stone balcony instead of an atrium.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
Beautiful domus in the Centre of the archaeological area, with various environments, collonnati, frescos e-com everywhere at Herculaneum-charred remains of wooden parts.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Photography is allowed without flash
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a bottle of water
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Dogs are allowed at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park without breed or size restrictions, however they must be kept on a leash or muzzle and it is mandatory to have bags to collect any droppings. For reasons of logistics and conservation, within the Antiquarium premises, the Boat Pavilion, and the domus featuring mosaic floors, access is permitted only to dogs that are carried in arms or transported in an appropriate carrier.
- Herculaneum ruins' entry tickets: 16 euros (adult) 2 euros (EU citizens 18-25 y.o.)
Traveler reviews
4.91,155 reviews
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Paolo is an amazing...
Paolo is an amazing guide. He took us to the well known and less well known parts of the town, talking about how life would have been for the rich and the workers. 2hrs passed by very quickly and enjoyably. Grazie Paolo.
Anne_SJul 5, 2026VIATOR
Amazing tour!
Excellent tour of Herculaneum! Our guide Luciano was an amazing storyteller. Our entire multigenerational family was engaged the whole time
AnneMarie_DJul 4, 2026VIATOR
A great tour, great guide, highly recommend
Rosa was knowledgeable, personable, happy to answer questions, and all around a great guide! We had already seen Pompeii (self guided for 6+ hours) and were especially intrigued with what was different about Herculaneum. Very worth doing. Definitely recommend!
Julie_LJul 3, 2026VIATOR
Recommend tour with archaeologist
Great tour with archaeologist Luciano Leonie as our guide. Very knowledgeable in his field. Made tour very interesting with his dept of knowledge. Highly recommend.
W6995PJmargaretbJul 2, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great location, great...
Great location, great guide, exciting experience! We would recommend it unreservedly! But it was quite warm and there was little shade there.
Nadine_SJul 1, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Dogs are allowed at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park without breed or size restrictions, however they must be kept on a leash or muzzle and it is mandatory to have bags to collect any droppings. For reasons of logistics and conservation, within the Antiquarium premises, the Boat Pavilion, and the domus featuring mosaic floors, access is permitted only to dogs that are carried in arms or transported in an appropriate carrier.