NAAC3 - Pompeii & Herculaneum, enroute to the Amalfi Coast

Take a fascinating day trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, with two incredible stops: the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This tour offers a deep dive into the rich history of the region, making it the perfect blend of ancient ruins and stunning coastal views as you head towards your Amalfi Coast destination.

Your Naples sightseeing tour begins with a scenic drive south from Naples. As you travel along the beautiful Sorrentine Peninsula, enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and Mount Vesuvius, the very volcano that destroyed these ancient cities.

Pompeii

Your first stop is the famous Pompeii, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Buried by volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii provides a rare glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire. Key highlights of Pompeii include:

The Forum – The city’s central hub, surrounded by grand temples and public buildings.

The Villa of the Mysteries – Known for its elaborate frescoes depicting Roman initiation rites and mystery cults.

The Amphitheatre – One of the oldest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, used for gladiator games and public events.

The House of the Faun – A luxurious Roman home with intricate mosaics and artwork.

The Casts of Victims – The haunting plaster casts of Pompeii’s residents, forever preserved by the eruption.

For a richer understanding of this historic site, we recommend a private 2-hour guide at Pompeii. Your guide will bring the ruins to life, explaining the city’s fascinating history, the eruption, and the daily lives of its citizens before their sudden destruction.

Herculaneum

After your time in Pompeii, continue your journey with a visit to Herculaneum, another ancient city destroyed by the eruption, but better preserved due to its unique burial by pyroclastic flows. Herculaneum offers an even more intimate look at Roman life, with wooden structures and furniture still intact. Highlights of Herculaneum include:

The Villa of the Papyri – A luxurious villa with a large collection of carbonized scrolls and an amazing sea view.

The House of the Wooden Screen – A beautifully preserved home that offers insights into Roman domestic life, complete with intact mosaics and woodwork.

The Bathhouse – Well-preserved public baths that showcase Roman engineering, complete with mosaics and frescoes.

The Forum – The central gathering space of Herculaneum, where public life occurred.

To fully appreciate the historical significance of Herculaneum, we recommend a private 2-hour guide for a detailed exploration. Your guide will explain the history, architecture, and the remarkable preservation of this ancient city, offering you a more profound understanding of its cultural importance.

After exploring both Pompeii and Herculaneum, your driver will continue the journey towards the Amalfi Coast. The scenic drive will offer you picturesque views of the Mediterranean coastline, winding through cliffs and charming towns that lead to the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Your tour concludes with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re staying in Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, or another beautiful town, the drive offers magnificent views of the coast, setting the perfect tone for your stay.

This Pompeii and Herculaneum tour enroute to the Amalfi Coast from Naples provides an extraordinary opportunity to explore two of the world’s most famous ancient cities before continuing to your Amalfi Coast accommodation. The combination of a private guide at both Pompeii and Herculaneum, along with scenic views during the drive, makes this day trip from Naples an unforgettable way to discover the history and beauty of southern Italy.