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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: 0
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

  • Naples

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 €44

Min age 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [671 ratings]

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  • Naples

Experience ancient history and natural wonders on a full-day trip from Naples, visiting Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii. Herculaneum: Explore this elite Roman city, preserved under volcanic mud since 79 AD. Walk through its streets, admire ancient villas, and see vibrant mosaics that offer a rare glimpse into the past. Vesuvius: Head to the crater of the iconic volcano. Hike to the rim, enjoy panoramic views of Naples and the Bay, and experience the thrill of standing atop the legendary Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii: Conclude your tour at the famous ruins of Pompeii. Wander through ancient streets, discover well-preserved buildings, and immerse yourself in daily life before the devastating eruption. Travel in comfort with guided insights, free time at each site, and convenient pickup from Naples. Book your unforgettable journey with Di Sarno Car Service to explore Herculaneum, Vesuvius, and Pompeii in one seamless day.

Price €112

Min age 0

Rating 4.52 / 5 [399 ratings]

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  • Naples

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 €125

Min age 0

Rating 4.20 / 5 [366 ratings]

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  • Naples

Experience Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii on a private day tour from Naples, blending ancient history with natural wonder Herculaneum: Explore the well-preserved streets of Herculaneum, once a luxury retreat for Roman elites. Admire vibrant mosaics, visit ancient villas, and discover the unique charm of this archaeological site buried under volcanic mud Mount Vesuvius: Ascend to the crater of Mount Vesuvius, the legendary volcano. Walk along the crater’s edge and enjoy breathtaking views of Naples and the Bay. Experience the thrill of standing atop one of the world’s most iconic active volcanoes Pompeii: Wander through the vast ruins of Pompeii, the city frozen in time by Vesuvius’s eruption. Explore ancient streets, grand villas, and public spaces like the Forum, gaining insight into daily Roman life before the disaster Travel in comfort with an English-speaking driver. Book your private tour with Di Sarno Car Service for a memorable journey through history and nature.

Price €495

Min age 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [69 ratings]

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  • Naples

You will visit the second most famous Roman ruins in the world in the city of Herculaneum After a long sleep,Vesuvius woke up on the 24th of August od 79 AD. This eruption was apocalyptic, since it destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and  Herculaneum was discovered in XVIII century

Price €139

Min age 3

Rating 4.51 / 5 [62 ratings]

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