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Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Naples Shore Excursion - Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
 



Private Naples shore excursion combining a guided hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Pompeii, buried by the volcano's eruption in 79 AD. A geological licensed guide leads you to the crater's edge at about 3800 feet on a volcano that rises 4203 feet above sea level, still active and monitored today. Entrance to both Mount Vesuvius National Park and Pompeii is included, with a private vehicle and English speaking driver guide, round trip from Naples.

8 hours (private)
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Hotel or Port in Naples
  • Private English Speaking Driver Guide
  • Geological Licensed Guide for Hike to Crater
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Entrances- Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius National Park
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
INAPL-04


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $676 Per Person
3 People - $480 Per Person
4 People - $428 Per Person
5 People - $360 Per Person
6 People - $316 Per Person
7 People - $302 Per Person
8 People - $275 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius Shore Excursion from Naples

This Naples shore trip retraces one of the most terrible days of ancient history, the destruction of Pompeii. You hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius and then afterwards visit the archaeological site of Pompeii.

After meeting your driver guide at the pier in Naples you start your journey towards the volcano named Vesuvius, which rises 4203 feet (1281 meters) above sea level. A powerful eruption in 79 AD completely destroyed the city of Pompeii. When you reach a level of about 3000 feet above sea level, you come to the end of the road. It is here where you meet a Geological Licensed Guide who will accompany you to the crater's edge at approximately 3800 feet above sea level. During the hike up to the crater's edge, the guide will explain the secrets and history of Vesuvius.

After this impressive stop you have free time for lunch (meal not included) in this area which is famous for pizza and spaghetti.

This afternoon you visit Pompeii where you will have time to explore the site with audio guides. Pompeii was once a major port, as well as a center of wealth and politics. When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city was almost instantly buried beneath 30 feet of volcanic ash and cinder. A huge part of the bay was also filled in with debris during the disaster, leaving the ruined metropolis some distance from today's shoreline.

This ancient site is perhaps the most famous archaeological excavation in the world. Buried for 1,700 years, the town has been resurrected and presents a clear picture of daily life in ancient times. At the height of its influence, 20,000 people lived in Pompeii, and it is estimated that 2,000 of them perished instantly when volcanic ash rained down on the city.

Please note
  • Due to the hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius and uneven terrain at the Pompeii site, this tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations. Please contact us if you have mobility concerns so we can discuss alternatives.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Hotel or Port in Naples
  • Private English Speaking Driver Guide
  • Geological Licensed Guide for Hike to Crater
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Entrances- Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius National Park

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    1 Hour and 15 Minutes
    Drive up Mount Vesuvius
  • 2
    2 Hours
    Guided Hike on Mount Vesuvius
  • 3
    1 Hour and 30 Minutes
    Free time for Lunch
  • 4
    30 Minutes
    Drive to site of Pompeii
  • 5
    2 Hours
    Explore site of Pompeii
  • 6
    30 Minutes
    Return to pier in Naples

Resources

Port of Naples - Autorita di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Centrale. Naples cruise terminal authority, Molo Beverello departure point for this tour Official Website

Vesuvius National Park - Official Site. Official park info for the Gran Cono summit visit Official Website

Note: Vesuvius summit (Gran Cono) entry tickets can only be purchased in advance through the official park, not at the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius?
The trail to the crater rim is about 860 meters (roughly half a mile) with an elevation gain of about 230 meters. Most guests complete the hike in 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate pace, and your geological licensed guide sets the pace for the group.
Is entrance to Pompeii included in this tour?
Yes. Entrance to both Mount Vesuvius National Park and Pompeii is included in the tour price.
Is Mount Vesuvius still an active volcano?
Yes. Vesuvius last erupted in March 1944 and remains classified as active. It is closely monitored today by the Osservatorio Vesuviano using an array of seismographs, since roughly 600,000 people live on the volcano's flanks.
How big is the crater at the top of Mount Vesuvius?
The crater is about 300 meters deep and 400 meters across, formed by the volcano's historical eruptions, including the catastrophic 79 AD event that destroyed Pompeii.

Also Available in Italy

  • Sorrento and Pompeii - prefer a relaxed morning in the seaside town of Sorrento instead of a volcano hike, this tour visits Pompeii in the afternoon with entrance included
  • Amazing Amalfi Coast - to swap the volcano and ancient ruins for coastal scenery, this tour drives the cliffside towns of Positano and Amalfi instead

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›


Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 72 Write a review »

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Naples Saturday, August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Walter H from Union Hall VA  
We had a wonderful vacation. Every one of the tour guides were great. My family was really impressed with their knowledge, service, and friendliness. I was pleasantly surprised with how much better an experience we had compared to the Princess Cruise Ship Tours. For example, our tour guide for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii knew that Pompeii was closed until 1130 AM and changed our itinerary to travel along the coast in the morning and go to Pompeii at the end of the day. The other tours just took people to the gate and waited for two hours. Thanks again. My wife and kids felt that each guide was a   friend   by the end of the tour. The guides in Florence and Ephesus were probably the highlight for us. The Mercedes vans that were used in most cities were always nice and all of our drivers were really great. Ive already recommended you to a friend.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Naples Monday, August 3, 2026
Reviewer: Travel Agent Pam S from Liberty Travel, Englewood, NJ  
I cant thank you enough for the excellent service. The private tours you arranged far exceeded any expectations. When we walked off the ship and saw our drivers waiting we all felt like Royalty. They made wonderful recommendations regarding our itineraries. The vans were absolutely immaculate. They always opened our doors and assisted us in and out of the vehicle. They were so knowledgeable about their destinations.  I cant wait to contact some of my clients who are planning European cruises for next season and together with you planning their private tours

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Naples Sunday, August 2, 2026
Reviewer: Awilda L from Coral Gables FL  
We had a great time. Max did A great job. We really enjoyed it. Stefano was our driver a great help. Thank you.  We tipped him well.  Hope he remembers us!

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Naples Saturday, July 4, 2026
Reviewer: Carolyn M from Lake Mary FL  
Thank you so much. We enjoyed the guides you provided for us. We have ALREADY mentioned your company to others. I hope we were gracious enough for your people. We were a bit unsure what to tip and hope the guides were satisfied with what we did give. I really appreciate your attention to detail with our tours and we were extremely happy. Thank you.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Naples Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Reviewer: Lisette T from Coral Springs, FL  
The guide in Naples was wonderful! Raffa was very knowledgeable and helpful. The other guides were also fabulous!

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