Pompei Guided Itineraries and Villa Visits
Most visitors see Pompeii on their own with a ticket and a map, but there are organised ways to see more of it. This page covers the guided options that exist at the archaeological park and at the other Vesuvian sites it manages, with prices in euros.
Thematic itineraries run by the park
The park offers guided thematic itineraries such as Civic Pompeii and Daily Pompeii. A visit lasts about 1.5 hours and costs EUR 8 in addition to your entry ticket. Children under 10 join free. Details and current itineraries are on the park website .
Licensed guides at the entrances
Licensed guides are available at the entrances to the ancient city. Ask for the price and the length of the tour before you agree. A guide is a good option for the Forum, the main streets and the larger houses, where context changes what you see.
The Artebus shuttle
The Pompeii Artebus shuttle links the sites run by the park. It is included in the Pompeii+ ticket at EUR 25 and in the 3 day ticket at EUR 30. The shuttle is not wheelchair accessible. Pompeii+ covers the ancient city, the Villa of the Mysteries, the Villa of Diomedes, and the Villa Regina and Antiquarium at Boscoreale, so the shuttle is what connects them.
Villa Poppea at Oplontis
At Oplontis in Torre Annunziata, the excavation of Villa Poppea can be viewed every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:00. The viewing lasts 15 minutes, is in Italian only, takes a maximum of 10 people, and needs no booking. It is included in the standard Oplontis ticket, which costs EUR 8. Oplontis is closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets for guided visits
Every paid ticket at Pompeii carries the holder’s name, and the park caps entry at 20,000 visitors a day. Buy through the official seller, Vivaticket , or at the entrances. Between 16 March and 14 October you also choose an entry time slot, either 09:00 to 13:00 or 13:00 to 17:30. Outside those dates no slot is needed.
If you want to compare small group or private tours before you arrive, search on Viator . Read what the listing says about entry tickets, because some tours include the ticket and some do not.
Tips for choosing a tour
- Check whether the park ticket is included, and which ticket tier it is.
- Ask how long the visit lasts. The ancient city needs a half day at minimum, so a tour of one or two hours leaves time to explore alone afterwards.
- Pick morning departures in warm months. The site has little shade.
- Expect to walk on uneven basalt paving.
Read more: walking tours of Pompei describes routes you can follow without a guide.