ACNA3 - Pompeii & Herculaneum, enroute to Naples

If you're staying on the Amalfi Coast and heading to Naples, a detour to both Pompeii and Herculaneum offers a perfect combination of two of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Pompeii’s vast ruins and Herculaneum’s exceptional preservation provide a unique opportunity to explore Roman life before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Whether you're part of Amalfi Coast day tours or creating your own itinerary, this combined tour offers flexible timing and routes, allowing you to visit these iconic sites in the order that suits you best.

Begin your journey from your Amalfi Coast accommodation, taking in the stunning views of the coastline as you travel through towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your departure point, with your driver providing insights into the local culture and history along the way. You can visit Pompeii first or Herculaneum—the order of the sites is entirely flexible, depending on your schedule and preferences.

Pompeii – The Larger, Iconic Site

Pompeii is a vast archaeological site, offering a powerful insight into the daily lives of ancient Romans, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Highlights of Pompeii include:

The Forum – The heart of public and religious life in the city, surrounded by important civic buildings and temples.

The Villa of the Mysteries – Famous for its vivid frescoes depicting initiation rites.

The House of the Faun – A lavish home with beautiful mosaics, including the renowned Alexander Mosaic.

The Amphitheatre – One of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatres, once home to gladiatorial games.

The Plaster Casts – Haunting plaster casts of victims, forever preserved in the volcanic ash.

Herculaneum – The Better-Preserved Town

Herculaneum is smaller and often less crowded than Pompeii, but it offers remarkable preservation, thanks to being buried under volcanic mud rather than ash. Key highlights include:

The House of the Deer – A luxurious villa with stunning mosaics and frescoes.

The Bath Complex – Well-preserved public baths showcasing Roman engineering.

The Forum – A smaller but significant civic space, central to Herculaneum's social life.

The Theatre – An intimate venue where locals would have enjoyed performances.

The Boat Houses – Remains of boats and the waterfront, illustrating Herculaneum’s maritime connection.

To enrich your visit, we recommend hiring a private 2-hour guide at either site. A knowledgeable guide will provide deeper insights into the history, architecture, and daily life of both Pompeii and Herculaneum, enhancing your experience and ensuring you don’t miss any of the important features. After visiting Pompeii and/or Herculaneum, it's a short 30–40-minute drive to Naples. Whether you're heading to Naples Central Station, Naples International Airport, or your hotel, your guide or driver can ensure a smooth continuation of your journey.

Visiting both Pompeii and Herculaneum gives you a complete picture of life in Roman times—Pompeii for its expansive ruins and grandeur, and Herculaneum for its exceptional preservation. Whether as part of Amalfi Coast Day tours or a personalized route, this combined tour offers an unforgettable historical experience. The flexibility of the order allows you to make the most of your day as you travel from the Amalfi Coast to Naples.