Explore Pompeii with Expert Guides

Natalia’s Tour Tips

Make the most of your Pompeii experience

Pompeii is much more than a collection of ancient ruins. It is a vast archaeological city, and the best way to experience it is to choose the right pace for you.

Choose the right length for your visit. How much time should you spend in Pompeii?

There is no single right way to visit Pompeii. The ideal length depends on how much you would like to see and how deeply you want to explore the ancient city.

2 hours – The Classic Pompeii Tour
Two hours is the standard length for a guided visit and offers a carefully selected introduction to the highlights of Pompeii. We will walk through the ancient streets and explore some of the most important houses, public buildings and landmarks, while discovering the stories of the people who lived here almost 2,000 years ago.

It is the perfect choice if you are visiting Pompeii as part of a busy day or if you want a complete and engaging introduction without spending too many hours walking.

3 hours – The In-Depth Experience
If you have more time, three hours allow us to go beyond the essential highlights. We can explore additional houses, frescoes and areas of the city, spend more time looking at the details and discover aspects of Roman life that are easy to miss during a shorter visit.

4 hours – The Explorer Experience
Four hours are for those who really want to immerse themselves in Pompeii.

With more time, we can explore a wider area of the archaeological site, include less-visited corners and take the time to appreciate the architecture, art and everyday details preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

There is no need to rush from one highlight to another. We can slow down, follow our curiosity and let Pompeii unfold at its own pace.

This is a great choice for travellers who want to understand Pompeii rather than simply see it.

What should you bring?

Pompeii can be hot and sunny, especially during the summer months, and the ancient streets can be uneven. I recommend bringing:

• Water – there is quite a lot of walking.
• Documents/ID Cards
• A hat or cap – shade can be limited.
• Sunscreen – especially during the warmer months.
• A light scarf or foulard – useful for sun protection and surprisingly handy on windy or dusty days.
• Comfortable shoes – Pompeii’s ancient streets are beautiful, but they are not always easy to walk on.
• Your camera or smartphone – there will be plenty of moments worth remembering!

The Archaeological Park also recommends paying particular attention to uneven surfaces, changes in level and the irregularity of the ancient streets.

Travelling with a stroller or with reduced mobility?

Pompeii has a dedicated accessible itinerary called “Pompeii for All.” Starting from Piazza Anfiteatro, the route covers more than 3.5 km and has been designed to reduce architectural barriers while allowing visitors with mobility difficulties, as well as families with strollers, to experience a substantial part of the ancient city.

For a private tour, this can be a great option. We can adapt the itinerary to your needs, choose a more comfortable route and allow extra time where necessary. Please let me know about any mobility requirements when booking, so I can plan the visit with you in advance.

Please keep in mind that Pompeii remains an ancient archaeological site: some sections of the accessible route still have slopes, small changes in level and uneven ancient paving.

One last tip: choose your guide carefully!

Pompeii is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and having the right guide can make an enormous difference.

For a genuine experience, I recommend booking directly with a professional, officially licensed local guide, rather than accepting offers from people approaching visitors around the archaeological site, or booking through non-verified and overpriced online portals.

A professional guide should be able to clearly identify themselves and explain their qualifications. Booking in advance also allows us to get in touch, plan the itinerary, arrange the tickets correctly and tailor the experience to your interests.

And remember: official Pompeii entrance tickets should be purchased through the channels indicated by the Archaeological Park; since March 2, 2026, online tickets for the Great Pompeii sites are sold exclusively through Vivaticket online portal, or directly on site.

My advice? Don’t simply visit Pompeii. Take your time, ask questions, look closely and let the ancient city tell you its story.