5 (1)
Sorrento
Herculaneum Tour: Lunch, Tickets & Expert Guide
420
Overview
Explore the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum on a guided tour with light lunch and entrance ticket. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Vesuvius, offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by a pyroclastic flow, preserving wooden structures and other organic materials. On this tour, you'll walk through remarkably preserved ruins with an expert guide, diving deep into the daily lives of Herculaneum’s residents.
During the tour, visitors can expect to see many of Herculaneum's best preserved locations, including the thermal baths, shops and the gymnasium. Significant stops include the House of the Hotel, Sacellum of the Augustales, House of the Deer, House of the Black Salon, Skeleton House, and the stunning House of Neptune and Amphitrite, each revealing unique aspects of ancient Roman life.
Included in the experience are entrance tickets to Herculaneum, ensuring seamless access. For groups larger than 10, earphones are provided to clearly hear the authorized English-speaking guide. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle and savor a delightful lunch featuring local products, complete with wine tasting. Please note that this experience does not include additional food and drinks beyond the included lunch, or any personal shopping expenses. Pickup and drop-off will be at Bar Kontatto in Sorrento. 
Highlights
Skip-the-Line Access: Bypass the queues with pre-booked entrance tickets to Herculaneum.
Expert Local Guide: Explore the ruins with a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.
Comfortable Transport: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle from Sorrento.
Delicious Lunch Included: Enjoy a light lunch with local products and wine tasting near Vesuvius.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors generally praised the guide's expertise and the quality of the experience, particularly the small group setting and the included lunch. Some mentioned issues with the meeting point and tour length.
Customers loved the guide's knowledge and enthusiasm.
Many visitors appreciated the small group size.
Travelers enjoyed the included lunch and wine tasting.
Guests found the ruins to be well-preserved and fascinating.
Some found the meeting point hard to find.
A few guests felt the tour was too short.
The Journey
Sorrento
Perched dramatically on a tufa rock overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a captivating town where the verdant landscape blends seamlessly with the vibrant colors of the city. Renowned since ancient times as the land of the mythical sirens who lured sailors with their enchanting songs, Sorrento offers breathtaking views, picturesque streets, and a lively atmosphere. Explore the historic center, sample local delicacies like limoncello, and soak in the stunning sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. A visit to Sorrento is an immersion into beauty, history, and the heart of Italian charm.
Sorrentino Vini (Vesuvius)
Discover Sorrentino Vini, the largest winery on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, nestled within the Vesuvius National Park. Founded in 1990, this estate cultivates 35 hectares of vineyards, producing exceptional wines like Lacryma Christi, the only DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine made on Vesuvius. Tour the vineyards, learn about the unique volcanic terroir, and indulge in a wine tasting experience that captures the essence of this extraordinary region. It's a sensory journey through the flavors of Vesuvius, complemented by the stunning backdrop of the volcano itself.
Herculaneum Ruins
Journey back in time with a visit to the Herculaneum ruins, a remarkably preserved Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a pyroclastic surge, which carbonized organic materials, preserving wooden structures, fabrics, and even food. Explore the remarkably intact houses, shops, and public buildings, guided by an expert archaeologist, and witness a snapshot of daily life in ancient Rome. The site offers a profound and intimate glimpse into the past, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts.
House of the Hotel (Herculaneum)
Unearth the secrets of the "House of the Hotel," a grand Roman residence in Herculaneum, rediscovered after being buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Once thought to be a hotel due to its size and features, including a luxurious spa, this house stands as the largest discovered in Herculaneum, covering over 2,250 square meters. Positioned on the edge of the hill, it offers panoramic views and an insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Roman elite. Explore its well-preserved rooms and imagine the lives of those who once lived within its walls, a unique glimpse into ancient Roman luxury.
Sacellum of the Augustales (Herculaneum)
Explore the Sacellum of the Augustales in Herculaneum, a significant building dedicated to Emperor Augustus, constructed during his reign near the forum. This quadrangular structure houses stunning frescoes depicting Hercules's ascension to Olympus, alongside Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, as well as Hercules's battle against Achelous. The discovery of the janitor's skeleton within his room offers a poignant reminder of the sudden and tragic end to life in Herculaneum. This well-preserved sanctuary provides a rich insight into Roman imperial cults and artistic achievements.
House of the Deer (Herculaneum)
Step into the House of the Deer in Herculaneum, a lavish residence once belonging to Q. Granius Verus, a freed slave who achieved considerable wealth before the city's destruction. The house is celebrated for its exquisite garden adorned with marble sculptures, including two statues depicting deer being attacked by dogs, which give the house its name. With its sea-view terrace and elegant design, the House of the Deer offers a glimpse into the refined tastes and opulent lifestyle of Herculaneum's elite during the Roman era.
House of the Black Salon (Herculaneum)
Discover the House of the Black Salon in Herculaneum, named for its elegant party hall adorned with geometric patterns painted entirely in black. This residence is notable for the discovery of waxed tablets belonging to L. Venidius Ennychus, revealing details of his life, including his eligibility for Augustale priesthood, the purchase of a slave, and the birth of his daughter. Explore the house and uncover the stories of its inhabitants, gaining a deeper understanding of daily life and social structures in ancient Herculaneum. It provides a fascinating insight into the personal and professional lives of the city's residents.
Skeleton House (Herculaneum)
Explore the Skeleton House in Herculaneum, an intriguing structure likely formed by the merging of three smaller buildings. Its name derives from the discovery of human remains in a second-floor room in 1831. This poignant find serves as a stark reminder of the tragic events of 79 AD, when Vesuvius buried the city. While the architecture and layout of the house offer insights into Roman domestic life, the discovery of the skeleton adds a layer of somber reflection to the visit, connecting visitors with the human cost of the eruption.
House of Neptune and Amphitrite (Herculaneum)
Marvel at the exquisite mosaics in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite in Herculaneum, showcasing the wealth and artistic sophistication of its former inhabitants. The mosaics feature vibrant floral and hunting scenes, with the centerpiece being a stunning depiction of Neptune, the god of the sea, and his consort, Amphitrite. These mosaics, crafted with expensive vitreous materials, offer a glimpse into the refined tastes and luxurious lifestyles of the Roman elite. The remarkable preservation of these artworks provides an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the artistry and cultural richness of ancient Herculaneum.
Know Before You Go
This guided tour includes the entrance ticket to Herculaneum, earphones for groups larger than 10 people, an authorized English-speaking guide, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a light lunch with wine. It excludes any additional food and drinks, or personal shopping expenses. The tour starts and concludes at the meeting point Bar Kontatto in Sorrento for pickup and drop-off.
Hot Tip
Some past guests recommend arriving at the Bar Kontatto meeting point a little early to ensure you find it without stress. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as the ground in Herculaneum is uneven.
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