From Sorrento: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Day Trip with Skip-the-Line Access
Discover frozen-in-time ruins and hike volcanic trails, round-trip transport included
In 79 AD, Mt. Vesuvius erupted with the force of 100,000 atomic bombs, burying Pompeii under 20 feet of ash and pumice in less than 24 hours. What remained became history's most perfectly preserved Roman city. This tour brings you face-to-face with both victim and villain. Skip the long ticket lines at Pompeii and walk the Forum with a local guide. Then hike Mt. Vesuvius to its crater at 1,280 meters and peer into the volcano that stopped time. Round-trip transport and expert guides included.
What You Get With This Tour
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Stand where fire stopped time in 79 AD
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Priority access to Pompeii ruins
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2-hour guided Pompeii tour
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Priority access to Mt. Vesuvius
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Guided volcano hike
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Round-trip minibus transport
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Guide tips
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Lunch
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet at Piazza Tasso in central Sorrento
Your journey into ancient history begins at the Gray Line office behind the statue of Torquato Tasso. Board your comfortable minibus as the sun rises, heading to one of the world's most haunting archaeological treasures. -
2
Skip the long ticket lines at Pompeii Archaeological Park
Step past the crowds and through the gates of this UNESCO site, where 2,000 years of history await. In 79 AD, Mt. Vesuvius buried this thriving Roman city in ash and pumice, preserving it as a time capsule of daily Roman life. -
3
Explore Pompeii's Forum and grand public buildings
Stand in the Civil Forum where Roman senators once debated and merchants traded. Gaze at the Basilica's towering columns, the Temple of Jupiter beneath Vesuvius's shadow, and the Macellum market where fresh fish and produce were sold. -
4
Discover Pompeii's baths, villas, and theaters
Walk Via dell'Abbondanza, where Roman chariot wheels carved grooves still visible today. Enter the Stabian Baths where citizens bathed before disaster struck, and step inside the House of Menander with its vivid Trojan War frescoes frozen in time. -
5
Ride to the base of Mt. Vesuvius at 1,000 meters
Leave the ruins behind and ascend the slopes of the volcano that ended Pompeii forever. Your minibus climbs through vineyards and hardened lava fields to reach 3,280 feet, where your hike to the crater begins. -
6
Hike to the crater's edge at 1,280 meters
Follow the volcanic trail that winds through the barren landscape shaped by centuries of eruptions. Reach the crater's rim where you can peer into the active mouth of Vesuvius and witness the power that buried an entire civilization. -
7
Return to Piazza Tasso in Sorrento
Reflect on the day's journey as your minibus descends back to the coast. Your tour ends at Piazza Tasso, where you'll return with a profound understanding of how a single day in 79 AD changed history forever.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven ancient terrain in Pompeii and the steep volcanic slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. Strollers are permitted but may be challenging on cobblestones and trails. If you have concerns, please contact us in advance before booking to discuss your needs.
Fitness Level: Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. This tour involves walking on uneven surfaces at Pompeii's ruins and a 30-minute uphill hike on volcanic terrain to reach the crater's edge of Mt. Vesuvius.
Weather Advisory: In rare cases of inclement weather or safety concerns, Mt. Vesuvius may be closed to visitors. If this occurs, you will visit the archaeological site of Herculaneum with skip-the-line access as an alternative.
Dress Code: Comfortable attire and sturdy walking shoes are essential for exploring the ancient ruins and hiking volcanic slopes. Bring layers, as temperatures can vary between sea level in Sorrento and the summit of Mt. Vesuvius.
Please Note: Skip-the-line access cannot be accommodated on the 1st Sunday of the month, as Pompeii offers free admission and no priority tickets are available. This tour is not suitable for cruise passengers due to timing constraints.
Infants and Children: Infants are welcome and must sit on laps during transportation. Children under 18 may need to show government-issued ID at site entrances.
Multi-lingual Guide: This tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide depending on group composition.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 8-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Headsets for clear audio (for groups over eight)
Priority access to Pompeii Archaeological Park
Priority access to Mt. Vesuvius National Park
Two-hour guided walking tour of Pompeii
Round-trip transportation in minibus
Maximum group size of 30
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Water bottle
Sunscreen (during warmer months)
Camera
Light jacket or layers (for elevation changes)
Money for lunch
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly. Children will enjoy exploring the ancient ruins and hiking the volcano, though please note the day involves significant walking on uneven terrain and a moderately challenging uphill hike. Infants are welcome and must sit on laps during transportation. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are essential for younger travelers.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven ancient terrain in Pompeii and the steep volcanic slopes of Mt. Vesuvius.
How much walking is involved?
This is an active day with extensive walking. You'll spend around two hours exploring Pompeii on foot over uneven ancient surfaces, plus a 30-minute uphill hike to the crater's edge of Mt. Vesuvius on volcanic terrain. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included on this tour. You'll have free time to purchase food during the day, so bring money for a meal and snacks.
What happens if Mt. Vesuvius is closed?
In rare cases of inclement weather or safety concerns, Mt. Vesuvius may be closed to visitors. If this occurs, you'll visit the archaeological site of Herculaneum with skip-the-line access as an alternative, and we'll notify you as soon as possible.
Can I skip the line on any day?
Skip-the-line access is included at both sites, except on the 1st Sunday of each month when Pompeii offers free admission and no priority tickets are available.
