Pompeii Tours

Pompeii has attracted tourists from all over the world since its ruins were discovered in the 19th century. Once a vibrant port full of wealthy Romans with a passion for theater and brothels, Pompeii became a city lost in time after Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, covering the city in volcanic ash, preserving its remains.

Pompeii was a large town, with 15,000 residents, so there is a lot to see when walking around the ruins. Even to this day they're still excavating undiscovered features of the town.

Be sure to pay a visit to Pompeii's large theater, numerous temples and the markets. For a more unusual experience, head to the brothels (Pompeii has more brothels than temples!). In the wall of each room you’ll find a painting of a different sex act. The residents of Pompeii, business minded as they were, put these up for the aid of foreign travelers who had docked in the port for the night, so that they could just point at what they wanted without negotiating a language barrier.

Practical Info

Pompeii is only 17 miles (28 km) from Naples and can be accessed by local train, which runs every 30 minutes. However, the best way to see Pompeii is by taking one of the guided Pompeii tours from Naples or a Pompeii day tour from Rome (130 mi / 209 km). You'll get a knowledgeable guide who can (literally) walk you through Pompeii's historical context, as well as helping you to avoid the busiest parts of the town.

Many of the tours offered also provide a trip to the crater of Mt Vesuvius, which most recently erupted during a bombing campaign in World War II, so make sure you pick the right one to make the most of your journey.