Rome boasts a wealth of archaeological treasures, but there is nothing quite like Pompeii. A thriving Roman city before a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 AD, the site was buried under layers of ash and contains remarkably well-preserved ruins that offer a snapshot of Ancient Roman life, including homes, temples, theatres, and even graffiti. The volcano that destroyed Pompeii was, of course, the notorious Mount Vesuvius, an enormous fissure that remains active to this day, a striking symbol of the power of nature that looms over the Bay of Naples. On our epic private excursion, you can embark on a journey from Rome to experience these two incredible sites and see firsthand how they shaped European history for centuries to come.
On your full-day excursion from Rome, you will:
- Journey from Rome to Campania to discover two of Italy’s most important sites: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius;
- Enjoy the convenience of hotel pick up and drop off in central Rome;
- Cruise through the Italian countryside in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, with an experienced driver at your disposal for the whole day;
- Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii on a guided tour with an archaeologist;
- Enjoy the undivided attention of your private guide and see the most interesting parts of Archaeological Park, including the Forum, the Amphitheatre, and the Brothel;
- Learn how the city was frozen in time following the massive volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD ;
- Find out about recent advances in archaeology and how they help us piece together what happened on that fateful day;
- Make your way to Mount Vesuvius National Park, with entry tickets included;
- Explore Vesuvius at your leisure, with the option to climb to the summit and behold the immense crater;
- Take in spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and beyond.
Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Rome that seamlessly blends history, nature, and the timeless beauty of southern Italy. Your private journey begins bright and early, when your professional driver will collect you directly from your hotel in central Rome and whisk you away through the rolling hills and sunlit vineyards of the Italian countryside, heading south toward the stunning region of Campania, where ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes tell one of the world’s most remarkable stories.
Your adventure typically begins at Pompeii Archaeological Park, the most evocative window into daily life in the ancient Roman world. Here, you’ll meet your private archaeologist guide for a two-hour curated exploration of the site’s most fascinating areas, from the grand Forum and Amphitheatre to the hauntingly preserved baths, frescoes, and villas. As you walk through cobbled streets and shadowed courtyards, your guide will bring to life the rhythms of Pompeii before the eruption of 79 AD, recounting how the city was entombed under volcanic ash and rediscovered centuries later. You’ll also hear how modern archaeological methods continue to uncover new secrets about this once-thriving metropolis.
After your visit to Pompeii, you’ll have time to enjoy a relaxed local lunch (at your own expense). Your driver will be happy to recommend authentic, well-loved spots that suit your party’s preferences. Next, your driver will be waiting to escort you to the nearby Mount Vesuvius National Park, where entry tickets are included. Here you’ll have free time to self-explore one of Europe’s most famous volcanoes at your own pace. You’ll have the opportunity to hike up to the crater’s edge and enjoy sweeping views across the Bay of Naples, the islands of Capri and Ischia, and the distant outline of the Amalfi Coast shimmering on the horizon. Standing on this dramatic summit, you can feel the quiet energy of a mountain that once changed history forever.
Following your volcanic expedition, your driver will be ready to return you to Rome, completing a journey that captures the essence of Italy’s dramatic contrasts, from its living landscapes to its lost cities, from the height of Roman civilisation to the depths of a powerful volcano. This full-day private excursion is perfect for travellers eager to experience two of Italy’s most extraordinary places in a single day.
