Herculaneum Tour With Archaeologist: Skip-the-Line
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Overview
Herculaneum Small Group Tour and Ticket With an Archaeologist lets visitors explore the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum with an expert guide. This walking tour is perfect for history buffs who want to discover the secrets of this well-preserved site. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a thick layer of ash and mud, preserving wooden structures and vibrant mosaics.
Visitors can expect to walk through the city's main areas, including the waterfront where the remains of over 300 people trying to escape by sea were discovered. The tour also includes the Samnite house, the thermal baths, the Temple of the Augustales, the forum, and the House of Neptune and Amphitrite. The guide will lead you to the Gymnasium and the House of the Wooden Partition.
During this tour, you will see the Herculaneum Ticket Office, House of the Stags, Tomb of Marcus Nonius Balbus, Sacello degli Augustali, House of Marcus Nonius Balbus, House with the Wooden Partition, House of the Skeleton, Central Thermae, House of the Black Hall, Samnite House, House of the Neptune Mosaic, and Domus. This tour includes headsets to hear the guide clearly, entrance fees, and a small group size of no more than 20 people. Meals and private transportation are not included. With knowledgeable guidance and archaeological insights, discover carbonized wood, exquisite paintings, and more. This experience will create long lasting memories.




Highlights
Explore Herculaneum with an Expert: Discover the ancient city with a licensed archaeologist as your guide.
Skip the Line: Enjoy fast-track entry to Herculaneum and save valuable time.
Small Group Experience: Tour the site in an intimate group of no more than 20 people.
See Well-Preserved Roman Life: Witness carbonized wood, mosaics, and more, better preserved than in Pompeii.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers rave about the knowledgeable guides and small group setting, making for an engaging and informative tour of Herculaneum. However, some found the meeting point confusing and had difficulty hearing the guide.

Customers enjoyed the in-depth knowledge of the archaeologists.
Many reviewers appreciated the small group size, allowing for a more personal experience.
Several guests found the tour well-paced and informative.
The guide's passion for Herculaneum greatly enhanced the tour for many visitors.
Some visitors found the meeting point instructions unclear.
A few reviewers mentioned difficulty hearing the guide at times.
The Journey
Herculaneum Ticket Office
Begin your Herculaneum adventure at the Ticket Office, the gateway to exploring this remarkably preserved Roman town. Conveniently accessible by car via Via Pignalver (with nearby unguarded parking) or a short 10-minute walk from the Circumvesuviana train station at Corso Resina 1, the Ticket Office marks the starting point to uncovering the secrets of a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Here, prepare to step back nearly two millennia and witness the daily life of Herculaneum's inhabitants, immortalized in volcanic ash.
House of the Stags
The House of the Stags, named for its striking marble statues of stags found within its peristyle, represents the epitome of luxury in ancient Herculaneum. This opulent residence offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the elite, showcasing elaborate decorations, stunning views of the sea, and an exquisite garden adorned with sculptures. Imagine strolling through its lavish rooms, transported to a time of prosperity and artistic grandeur.
Tomb of Marcus Nonius Balbus
Honor the legacy of Marcus Nonius Balbus, Herculaneum's greatest benefactor, at his monumental tomb. Balbus's generosity transformed the city, funding the restoration and construction of numerous public buildings. His death was met with great public mourning, and he was made patron of the city, a tribute detailed in the extensive inscription on his funeral altar. Visiting his tomb offers a profound insight into the civic pride and reverence for benefactors in Roman society.
Sacello degli Augustali
Explore the Sacello degli Augustali, believed to be the headquarters of the Collegium Augustalium and a center dedicated to the cult of Emperor Augustus. This site provides valuable insights into the religious and political life of Herculaneum, reflecting the imperial cult's influence on the city's social structure and daily rituals. Discover the artifacts and architectural elements that once defined this important center of worship and community.
House of Marcus Nonius Balbus
Step inside the House of Marcus Nonius Balbus, possibly the residence of the city's most generous benefactor. This grand house offers a unique glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Herculaneum's elite. One of its most unusual features is the private access to the adjacent Suburban Thermae, showcasing the wealth and influence of its owner. Explore the intricate architecture and imagine the daily life of a prominent figure in this ancient Roman town.
House with the Wooden Partition
Marvel at the House with the Wooden Partition, an incredibly important structure renowned for its remarkably preserved elegant wooden screen. This delicate partition offers a rare glimpse into the interior design and craftsmanship of ancient Roman homes. Witness the intricate details and imagine the lives of the residents who once lived within these walls, divided by this stunning piece of artistry.
House of the Skeleton
Uncover the mysteries of the House of the Skeleton, an intriguing dwelling named for the discovery of human remains in an upstairs room during the 1831 excavation. Originally three smaller buildings combined into one, this house offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Roman domestic architecture. Explore the rooms and corridors, imagining the lives and secrets hidden within its walls.
Central Thermae
Relax and imagine the daily ritual of bathing at the Central Thermae, built in the 1st century AD. These well-preserved baths were divided into separate sections for men and women, each with its own entrance. Explore the various rooms, including the caldarium (hot bath), tepidarium (warm bath), and frigidarium (cold bath), and envision the social interactions and cleansing rituals that took place within these ancient walls.
House of the Black Hall
Indulge in the opulence of the House of the Black Hall, one of Herculaneum's most luxurious mansions. Admire the monumental entrance, still bearing the carbonized remains of its doorposts and lintel, and imagine the grandeur that once defined this elite residence. The 'Black Hall' itself would have been a dining room, its dark walls a stylish backdrop for the entertainments within.
Samnite House
Delve into the history of the Samnite House, reflecting the architectural traditions of the ancient Samnites, who once inhabited this region of central Italy. The house boasts a splendid atrium, surrounded by a gallery with elegant Ionic columns, and features rooms adorned with captivating frescoes. Immerse yourself in the unique design and artistry of this historic dwelling, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of ancient Italy.
House of the Neptune Mosaic
Discover one of Herculaneum's most original houses, featuring a courtyard with a stairway and a stone balcony instead of a traditional atrium. This unique design offers a fresh perspective on Roman domestic architecture. Be sure to notice the exquisite mosaics on the walls behind the stall. This unique construction would have provided a source of light for the building.
Domus
Explore the beauty of this Domus, centrally located within the archaeological area, featuring a variety of spaces adorned with columns and frescoes. Admire the charred remains of wooden elements, offering a tangible connection to the past. This well-preserved house provides a comprehensive view of Roman domestic life and artistry.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes headsets for clear communication, a licensed guide with an archaeological background, entrance fees, and guidance. The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 people. Meals and private transportation are not included. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven ground. Bring water, especially on hot days. Arrive early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start to the tour.