Full Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Tour from Rome

Skip-the-line at Pompeii, savor a three-course meal, and walk amid Mt. Vesuvius’ volcanic formations

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4.9 / 5 See All 47 Reviews

· 12.00h · Rome, Italy

Did you know that Pompeii is 110 acres of maze-like ruins? Forget trying to explore this sprawling site on your own. Our skip-the-line tour with an archaeologist guide ensures you don’t miss a thing. In a small group, you’ll explore Pompeii’s top highlights and uncover hidden gems, gaining a vivid look at Roman life frozen by Mount Vesuvius. Skip the confusion and dive into the city’s secrets with an expert, making this the ultimate way to experience Italy’s legendary ruins.

Full Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Tour from Rome

Meet your guide at Piazza del Popolo, in central Rome
Roundtrip transportation
Pompeii
Pompeii Archaeological Park
Lunch

Mt. Vesuvius
Positano
End your tour at Piazza del Popolo

As Rome begins to wake around you, meet your tour leader at 7:30 am at Piazza del Popolo and board a comfortable coach bound for the historic ruins of Pompeii. With a skip-the-line ticket in hand, you’ll soon be following your licensed archaeology guide along ancient cobblestone streets and perfectly preserved homes that once belonged to a thriving Roman town.

Then, pause for a decadent three-course lunch featuring Italian specialties before conquering the second leg of your journey. Meet up with an expert geologist for a naturalist walk amid Mt. Vesuvius’ volcanic remnants, or, during the winter months, enjoy free time to explore Positano. Either way, return to Rome around 7:30 pm feeling captivated by southern Italy’s intriguing past.

Full-Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Rome Tour Description

Your 12-hour tour includes:

Friendly, English-speaking tour leader for the day
Skip-the-Line access to Pompeii ruins
Expert archaeologist guide in Pompeii
Mt. Vesuvius geological walk
3-course lunch, including appetizer, pizza, and dessert (lunch stop will not be included when going to Positano)
Visit the cliffside village of Positano (early November to March)
Comfortable, air-conditioned round-trip transport from Rome
All entrance and reservation fees

From early November to February the Vesuvius isn't accessible and it is replaced with Positano, except for Christmas period (from 26/12 until 2/1) when Vesuvius is open.

During summer months in rare cases of inclement weather or strikes, the crater of Vesuvius may be closed to visitors, therefore, if this is the case, it is replaced with a visit to Sorrento where you will get free time to explore the city.

A Comfortable Drive from Rome

Bright and early, at 7:30 am, you'll meet your tour leader and fellow group members at Piazza del Popolo in the heart of Rome. Hop aboard a comfortable coach bus and get settled in for a scenic drive along the famed Highway of the Sun. The drive takes around 2.5 hours, and thanks to an expert driver behind the wheel, you'll quickly let go of any travel worries and instead bask in the rolling beauty of Italy's enchanting countryside unfolding outside your window.

Discover Pompeii

Upon arrival at Pompeii, you'll quickly appreciate your skip-the-line tickets as you bypass the lengthy queues and head straight inside this archaeological wonder. Accompanied by your licensed, expert guide, you'll explore the ancient cobblestone streets and delve into a world preserved under ash for almost two millennia.

From the haunting emptiness of homes and amphitheaters to the remarkably preserved murals and mosaics, you'll come face to face with the vivid remnants of life and catastrophe. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide intriguing insights and captivating tales about this once-thriving city and its dramatic end.

Naturalist Mt. Vesuvius Walk

If your visit falls between April and early November, prepare for a fascinating walk on the scarred slopes of Mt. Vesuvius, the same volcano that once devastated Pompeii. Led by an expert geologist, this naturalistic walk offers insights into the area's geology, the history of its eruptions, and the impact on the surrounding landscape. Walk amid volcanic formations, discover layers of rock and ash, and spot evidence of former steam vents–all while enjoying marvelous views of the Bay of Naples. Afterward, settle back into the comfortable coach for a return to Rome. Your expected arrival is 7:30 pm, perfectly timed for an Italian dinner at your leisure.

Winter Months Visit to Positano

In the cooler months, when Mt. Vesuvius is closed to visitors, your attention shifts to the Amalfi Coast with a visit to Positano. Perched on a cliffside, Positano is famed for its colorful buildings, exquisite beaches, and artisan shops. Here, you'll have time to explore at your leisure, whether walking the winding streets, relaxing by the sea, or discovering local crafts. Then, as the day draws to a close, you'll embark on the scenic journey back to Rome. Expect to arrive in Piazza del Popolo around 7:30 pm, just in time to enjoy a delightful Italian dinner at your leisure.

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What you get with this tour

Ruins of Pompeii
Mt. Vesuvius volcano (summer)
Positano (winter)
Expert tour leader
Licensed Pompeii guide
Comfortable coach transfer
Free time to explore
Pizza lunch (not included when visiting Positano)

See what people are saying

47 total reviews

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4.9/5 (based on 47 reviews)

5 stars

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1 stars

04 October 2025

Reviewed by
Travis Platt

Pompeii & Vesuvius

25 September 2025

Reviewed by
Matt Heimerich

Alberto our guide did a wonderful job. He keep us on time without being overbearing. Nice commentaries on the bus trip. A long day and Alberto helped to make it a good experience.

Fast highlights

10 September 2025

Reviewed by
Eric Lievens

The positives: - the guide from City Wonders who was absolute TOP (Alberto(?) if I remember correctly): entertaining, polite, clear, knows a lot, engaged with his audience. - bus company/driver: on time, quiet ride, safe. One cannot ask more. - the walk on Vesuvius: fantastic scenery, a little bit of volcanic smoke, truly impressive. - smoothness of the whole day: everything organised as good as possible in a highly touristic setting. The negative: Carlo, the official Pompeii expert guide: was not engaging, rushed thru everything like he was forced to work there, I did not learn a single item from him - in fact he made some doubtful historical assumptions: below average at best (not really TRG's fault, but they are the organiser of this tour). A better experience here would result in 5 stars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

This tour involves a fair amount of walking: comfortable shoes are recommended , a bottle of water and a hat are recommended especially in summer months.

Where you meet?

You will meet your friendly tour leader in Piazza del Popolo, in central Rome.

What to bring?

This tour involves a fair amount of walking: comfortable shoes are recommended , a bottle of water and a hat are recommended especially in summer months.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Rome.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour includes walking on uneven terrain and navigating steep staircases, and unfortunately cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

What happens if it rains?

We run our Full Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Rome Tour rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and we cannot proceed with the tour, we'll let you know as soon as possible. If the crater of Vesuvius is closed due to bad weather, you will visit the city of Naples.

Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?

On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.

Do Pompeii or Mt. Vesuvius ever experience sudden closures?

During adverse weather events or due to maintenance or safety reasons, Pompeii or Mt. Vesuvius may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If this occurs, we will inform you as soon as possible. Also, please keep in mind Mt. Vesuvius is closed during winter (early November to March), so it will be replaced with a lovely visit to Positano.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?

A complete, traditional Pizza lunch is typically included in this tour. However, when visiting Positano instead of the Vesuvius (winter months and in case of severe weather conditions) lunch won't be included.

Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?

Yes, everyone is welcome on our Full Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Rome Tour. Infants under 1 year of age are free, and children under 17 enjoy a discounted rate. Please choose accordingly when booking.