The ruins of Pompeii are one of the most incredible sights on the planet. The city was almost completely destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, leaving a skeletal husk of its former glory.
While you can easily explore this 163-acre site on your own, it’s best to take a guided tour so that you don’t miss out on anything. This is a fantastic option and many of these tours have knowledgeable guides who know all about the ancient Romans.
1. Book a Guided Tour
There are many ways to visit Pompeii, but if you want to get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend booking a guided tour. This will make the whole experience much easier and less stressful.
In addition to saving you time and money, a guided tour will also allow you to visit all the major sites within the ruins on a fixed itinerary. Plus, it will also provide you with a guide who can answer all your questions about the history of the area.
A guided tour is especially good if you’re traveling solo or have limited time to spend at the ruins. They will take care of everything for you, making the entire experience a breeze.
2. Take a Guided Tour in Summer
If you’re short on time and want to see the highlights of Pompeii then a guided tour can be a great option. These are usually around two hours long and include skip-the-line entry to the site plus a guide who’ll take you through the major areas of Pompeii and explain the history.
If you have a mobile phone, you can download a free walking itinerary from the Pompeii website or pick up a paper copy at any entrance to the site. The ruins can be confusing, especially when there’s little or no signage, so a guide will help you find your way and learn more about the ancient city.
Summer can be a great time to visit the ruins as you’ll avoid the crowds and get better access to the sites. But if you’re worried about the weather then you might be better off visiting during March, April or May as these are typically cooler and less rainy in the bay of Naples.
3. Take a Guided Tour in Winter
If you're visiting Pompeii in winter, the best option is to take a guided tour. This way, you'll avoid the queues and be able to focus on learning about ancient Roman history from your expert guide.
As well as seeing the ruins of homes, shops and temples, you'll also have access to masterful art depicting all sorts of epic myths and legends. It's a rare opportunity to explore the streets of an ancient city buried by volcanic ash, so don't miss out!
The archaeological site is open every day during the year with the exception of Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May Day (May 1). Entry lasts 90 minutes before closing time.
4. Take a Guided Tour in Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Pompeii. From Norway’s wildflower season to Japan’s cherry blossoms, there’s something special about a trip to destinations around the world during spring.
As a result, there are plenty of tours to choose from in spring. Some are designed to showcase the main sights of the ancient city, while others offer a more intimate and engaging experience.
For a truly authentic, immersive experience, book a guided tour with an expert guide. They’ll show you the ruins, tell you the story behind them, and give you a glimpse into the lives of people who once called this town home.
5. Take a Guided Tour in Fall
A guided tour of Pompeii in fall is a great way to see one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman towns. It also gives you a chance to see the stunning autumn leaves that line New England's countryside.
Aside from walking the streets, you can also take a guided tour of the archaeological site's tombs. This can be a particularly powerful experience as you'll see the death casts, often depicting the final moments and expressions of people who perished during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
There's a lot to see in Pompeii, so be sure to pace yourself accordingly and give yourself enough time to fully explore the sites. It's also worth bringing a water bottle as there isn't much shade inside the site.
