From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Ian Nurser

Ian

Oct 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Luciano Leone was an amazing guide, providing his enthusiasm and archeological knowledge to bring the site alive! Fun and informative, an action-packed tour. No way we could have enjoyed it or learnt so much without him.
Sara Lubowitz
AU

Sara

Australia
Oct 2025
5/5

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Very good tour guide who really knows his subject. Even though it was raining the tour was so very well organised. Really worth the money. I would highly recommend.
Marie Milburn
GB

Marie

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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My experience was beyond my highest expectations. This was a dream destination for me. The degree of preservation there is amazing! I had an injury and struggled to get around easily but it was worth the struggle. I hope I'll be able to return someday to see some of the sights I didn't get to. There's so much to see!!! I loved doing this at my own pace, and having time to linger in areas of particular interest. Thank you to all those hard workers for making my visit and this site so special!
Makayla A Byerly
US

Makayla

United States
Oct 2025
5/5

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I would highly recommend Herculaneum over crowded Pompeii. It is very reasonably priced, there are practically no waiting lines and it is much better preserved than Pompeii. It is a much better experience overall! You will not regret seeing this wonderful site.
TEYSSIER ép MONTBRESSOUS Sabine
FR

Teyssier

France
Jul 2025
5/5

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Exceptional site 🤩🤩🤩 We spent 5 hours there and didn't see the time go by
Fanny Poirier
FR

Fanny

France
Aug 2025
5/5
Vincenzo was really interesting and passionate, it was really interesting! I recommend the most the combo Pompei+Herculanum, it was worth it!
Kevin Tracey
US

Kevin

United States
Sep 2025
5/5
Excellent guide and great tour, highly recommended. I recommend booking the ride back to Naples before hand as taxis were difficult to find.
Jennifer Michelle LeRow

Jennifer

May 2025
5/5
We were through the line quickly at Peastum - it was a beautiful! Pompeii was another story as we were not aware of the 1st Sunday of each month being a Museum holiday where everyone egts in free. We waited in line for 2 hours because the "voucher" did not count as a printed ticket aloowing us immediate acccess, and then we were smooshed in through the gates by hoards of people trying to get in before it closed.


The ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, remarkably preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers an intimate glimpse into everyday life from nearly 2,000 years ago. Day trips to Herculaneum let you explore its stunning villas, mosaics, and frescoes, walk along ancient streets, and learn the fascinating history of its residents, all in a single immersive visit.

Overview:

  • Best time of year: March through October
  • Starting points: Tours from Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii
  • Key stops: Herculaneum Archaeological Park, Pompeii Archaeological Park (optional)
  • Most popular tour: Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

Herculaneum day trips starting points

Archaeologist explaining Herculaneum ruins to tourists in Naples, Italy.

Naples

Distance: ~11 km (7 miles) to Herculaneum
Travel time: ~25 min by car or shuttle

The most common starting point

Naples is the main hub for Herculaneum day trips. Its proximity and excellent transport options make it easy to reach the archaeological site quickly, allowing for a smooth half- or full-day guided tour.

Book Herculaneum guided tour from Naples
Tour guide leading a group overlooking Sorrento's coastline and colorful buildings.

Sorrento

Distance: ~23 km (14 miles) to Herculaneum
Travel time: ~40 min by car or private transfer

For travelers staying along the Sorrento Peninsula

Sorrento provides a quiet and convenient departure point for Herculaneum tours. Guests board in Sorrento and head straight to the site, making it an easy choice for visitors.

Book Herculaneum guided tour from Sorrento
Tour guide in Pompeii holding a map and briefing tourists.

Pompeii

Distance: ~17 km (10 miles) to Herculaneum
Travel time: ~30 min by car or shuttle

For visitors looking to combine multiple sites

Pompeii serves as a departure point for tours that cover both Pompeii and Herculaneum, giving travelers the chance to experience two of the region’s most iconic Roman ruins in a single day.

Book Herculaneum guided tour from Pompeii

What to expect on your Herculaneum day trip?

Tour guide leading tourists through ancient ruins of Herculaneum on a half-day tour.
Herculaneum Ruins with ancient stone structures and columns in Italy.
Wooden partition in Herculaneum house interior, Italy.
Group listening to a guide at Herculaneum with city ruins in the background.
Pompeii ruins with ancient brick arch and stone columns under a blue sky.
Mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, Herculaneum.
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Seamless travel from nearby hubs

Whether you’re starting from Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii, tours include comfortable round-trip transfers by air-conditioned coach or private minibus. Most departures are timed to maximize your visit, with optional hotel pick-up and drop-off for convenience.

Step back into ancient Roman life

Herculaneum’s well-preserved streets, villas, and mosaics reveal the daily routines of Roman citizens. Walk along original pavements, peek into luxury homes with intricate frescoes, and discover public baths and shops that have survived nearly 2,000 years.

See the eruption frozen in time

Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under pyroclastic material, preserving wooden structures, furniture, and even food. Witness these rare finds that give an intimate glimpse into the lives of its residents on the fateful day of 79 AD.

Guided insights bring history to life

A local archaeologist guide highlights fascinating details you might miss alone: from the architecture of Roman villas and clever urban planning to personal stories etched into graffiti and household objects. Learn how Herculaneum’s citizens lived, worked, and worshipped.

Optional combined Pompeii tours

Some departures allow a combined visit to Pompeii, offering a broader perspective on life in the Bay of Naples region before the eruption. Compare the scale, architecture, and preservation of both sites for a complete Roman experience.

Take your time with photography and reflection

With well-paced itineraries, you can pause to admire frescoes, mosaics, and ancient artifacts. Capture memories of the site, reflect on its dramatic history, and enjoy a more personal, immersive experience of one of Italy’s most remarkable archaeological treasures.

Where should you start your Herculaneum day trip?

Naples is the most practical starting point for first-time visitors. Tours from Naples are designed for day-trippers, with hotel pick-ups and comfortable transfers ensuring you reach Herculaneum in about 25 minutes. This makes it easy to enjoy a focused, guided visit without any logistical stress.

Sorrento is an ideal departure hub for travelers staying along the Sorrento Peninsula. About a 40-minute drive to Herculaneum, tours from here are convenient for those looking for a seamless experience, with direct transfers and well-paced itineraries that allow plenty of time to explore the ruins.

Pompeii offers the perfect option for visitors already exploring the region’s archaeological sites. Just 30 minutes from Herculaneum, many tours combine both Pompeii and Herculaneum in a single day, giving travelers an efficient way to experience two of the Bay of Naples’ most iconic Roman ruins.

Know before you go on your Herculaneum day trips

Visitors exploring ancient ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Herculaneum Ruins Guided Tours.
  • March through June and September through October offer mild weather and smaller crowds.
  • Summers can be hot and busy; early morning visits are recommended in July and August.
Know more about Herculaenum opening hours
Wheelchair accessibility sign on a paved pathway.
  • Uneven streets, steps, and narrow pathways make some areas challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
  • Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
  • Some museum sections are easier to navigate for visitors with limited mobility.
Samnite House interior with ancient frescoes in Herculaneum, Italy.
  • Respect the ruins; avoid climbing on walls or touching mosaics and frescoes.
  • Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted in indoor areas to preserve artifacts.
Ancient columns and walls at Herculaneum ruins, Italy, during a guided tour.
  • Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or included in guided tours.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially in summer.
  • Guided tours provide valuable context for understanding villas, mosaics, and Roman daily life.
  • Explore larger villas like the House of the Deer and the House of the Mosaic Atrium.
  • Smaller homes and streets offer unique insights into ancient Roman life.
  • Visit the on-site museum for preserved artifacts from the eruption

Frequently asked questions about day trips to Herculaneum

What are my primary transport options to avail a day trip to Herculaneum?

You can either book a GT coach with AC from Naples or take the Circumvesuviana train to the Ercolano Scavi station. From Pompeii, a local driver will escort you to Herculaneum and back.

What sights can I cover as part of the day trip?

You can definitely visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum as part of your day trip. If you’ve opted for it, you can also top up your experience with a visit to Mount Vesuvius as well.

How long will I spend at each destination during my day trip?

Typically, a trip to Pompeii lasts longer than Herculaneum or Vesuvius as there’s more to see there. So, you can expect to spend at least 2.5-3 hours in Pompeii alone. Generally, Herculaneum can be visited in under 2.5 hours, and Vesuvius takes about 1.5 hours at most. These estimates also include travel time between these destinations.

What facilities are available on board the transfers?

You will get to travel in an air-conditioned train or coach. If you are opting for a pick-up and drop-off from Pompeii, an expert local driver will ferry you to the archeological park and back. However, no snacks or drinks are available during the transfer. Guided tours will begin only once you reach the destination.

Are Herculaneum day trips wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the round-trip transfers (which include transport and access to Pompeii and Herculaneum) are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, the hike up to Mount Vesuvius is not.

Are day trips suitable for children?

Traveling with children above the age of 5 is generally an enjoyable experience for the family. Be sure to load up on snacks and water as there are very few fueling stations nearby and temperatures can get quite hot. To be on the safer side, we recommend not bringing along toddlers or infants as a day trip more or less spans the entire day, and they might feel uncomfortable by the end of it. Additionally, Pompeii and Herculaneum are not entirely stroller-friendly.

More reads

Ancient ruins and bronze statues at Pompeii archaeological site, Italy.

Herculaneum and Pompeii

Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Guided tours

Guided tours