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Herculaneum

  • Naples, Campania, Italy

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

Pompeii‘s less famous neighbour, the Roman city of Herculaneum, was also destroyed by the AD 79 AD eruption, buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash.

Only partially excavated (a large part of the ancient town still lies under modern Ercolano) it is much smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, and in many ways offers a more vivid glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. You can see well-preserved buildings, intricate mosaics, and even carbonised wooden furniture.

It’s also far less busy than Pompeii – making it a more authentic and evocative experience.

Don't miss

The House of the Bicentenary: This opulent villa showcases beautiful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and a stunning garden, providing a glimpse into the life of the wealthy in ancient Herculaneum.

The House of Neptune and Amphitrite: This grand residence features well-preserved frescoes depicting mythological scenes, including the sea god Neptune and his consort Amphitrite.

Logistics

Price from: £12
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples’ Garibaldi Station. Services are regular, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. If you’re staying in Pompeii or Sorrento, you can also take the Circumvesuviana train in the opposite direction as it stops at Herculaneum.

Upon arrival at the Herculaneum station, it’s a short walk to the archaeological site. Simply follow the signs.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week.

Who to go with: organised tours

7

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Herculaneum Small Group tour with an Archaeologist

  • Naples

Herculaneum Small Group tour with an Archaeologist

Viator

Get the chance to visit the site of Herculaneum being guided by an Archaeologist. Get to know more about this ancient Roman city, inhabited by merchants and nobility, whose life ended dramatically fast in 79 AD. The guide will show you the waterfront where more than 300 remains of people trying to escape by sea were found, but also the Samnite house, the thermal baths, the Temple of the Augustales, the forum, the house of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Gymnasium, the house of the wooden partition and much more. You will get an intense experience: you can see not only stone, marble and ceramics left, but also carbonized wood and even more exquisite paintings and mosaics than in Pompei. Herculaneum was destroyed by a much more powerful force which instantly burnt all wood and buried the city under a thick layer which didn’t let the air go through and cause decay.

Price €50

Min age 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [411 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Pompeii & Herculaneum Day Trip from Naples with Lunch

  • Naples

Pompeii & Herculaneum Day Trip from Naples with Lunch

Viator

This full-day tour of the World Heritage Sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum begins with a pick-up in Naples and a transfer by bus to the ruins of Pompeii. There will be a tour assistant on the bus during this part of the excursion. On arriving in Pompeii you’ll meet your guide and then explore the ruins for around 2 hours. Your guide will show you the traditions and daily life of ancient Pompeii inhabitants. You’ll see the large theater, the necropolis, the thermal baths, and some of the amazing houses that were owned by the richest residents. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, head to Herculaneum where you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins on your own. It’s possible to observe the daily life of the population here even more detailed than in Pompeii, as the mud and volcanic debris that covered the city preserved the structures and artifacts of Herculaneum.

Price €100

Min age 0

Rating 4.13 / 5 [319 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Day Trip of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Naples

  • Naples

Day Trip of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Naples

Viator

Enjoy this full immersion in the history of the region with our small group. Travel first to Herculaneum, the residence of Roman Patricians, completely submerged by volcanic mud. Wander through the streets and see colorful mosaics. Climb the Vesuvius, stroll around its crater and enjoy panoramic views of Napoli. Finally, stop at Pompeii, the impressive open-air museum that holds more than 2000 years of history. During the entire tour, your driver will be at your complete disposal, explaining to you on board the vehicle everything you need to know about the places you will visit. The tour ticket is not the entrance ticket to the archaeological sites. Guide services and audio guide within the archaeological sites are an extra service available on request to guarantee you total independence in the management of your leisure, whether you want to walk alone through the ruins or you want to enrich the visit with a guided tour.

Price €120

Min age 0

Rating 4.47 / 5 [304 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Naples

  • Naples

Private Tour of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Naples

Viator

A full immersion in the archaeological history of Naples. You will walk the streets of the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum and climb to the top of one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Your driver will accompany you throughout the trip, giving you an explanation of the places visited on board the vehicle. The visit inside the archaeological sites takes place in total autonomy and you will be free to move around the ruins as you prefer. Please remember to book your tickets in advance at Vesuvius because they sell out quickly. Recommended ticket time: 11:00pm. You can buy tickets for Pompeii and Herculaneum on site. The tour ticket is not the entrance ticket to the archaeological sites. Guide services and audio guide within the archaeological sites are an extra service available on request to guarantee you total independence in the management of your leisure, whether you want to walk alone through the ruins or you want to enrich the visit with a guided tour.

Price €430

Min age 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [57 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Herculaneum Private Tour with an Archaeologist

  • Naples

Herculaneum Private Tour with an Archaeologist

Viator

A Private Tour of Herculaneum to visit the archaeological site. There will be no other guides besides me and you are guaranteed to be with an archaeological guide. After the experience, you can stay on the site until closing and continue exploring the beauties with the advice I will give you.

Price €290

Min age 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [44 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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