S
Pompeii and Vesuvius day trip from Sorrento
This was a thoroughly enjoyable day trip / tour. It was really interesting with an excellent guide. Great value for money. Highly recommended.
Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Price from
- $569 / person
- Location
- Sorrento, Italy
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
- Languages
- DE, PT, EN, FR
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- IAMME IA! - Gray Line Amalfi Coast
Description
Step into ancient history on a fully private tour of Herculaneum with round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Positano. Travel comfortably by private vehicle and meet your expert, licensed guide directly at the entrance of the site — skipping the hassle of logistics and the lines at the gate. Buried in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this remarkably well-preserved Roman town was sealed under layers of volcanic material that protected wooden beams, colorful frescoes, mosaics, furniture, and even food remains for nearly two millennia. Far quieter than Pompeii, Herculaneum offers an intimate and powerful glimpse into daily Roman life. With a personalized itinerary and a guide dedicated to your interests, you’ll explore ancient streets, luxurious villas, and sacred spaces — all frozen in time.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 7 times a day, 7:30 AM–2:00 PM
- Next available
- Sat, Oct 17
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $569
- Child (ages 3–12)
- $383
- Infant (ages 0–2)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $1,116.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 2:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:06 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Positano
Pickup from your accommodation or central meeting point in Positano with comfortable private transportation
Archeological Park of Herculaneum
Buried in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum was sealed beneath a thick blanket of volcanic material that protected not just stone buildings, but also fragile elements like wooden beams, furniture, vivid frescoes, intricate mosaics, and even food remnants
Casa dei Cervi
The House of the Deer (Casa dei Cervi) is one of the most elegant and panoramic villas in Herculaneum, overlooking the ancient coastline. It is named after two exquisite marble statues of stags being attacked by hunting dogs, found in its large courtyard garden. Unlike the more traditional houses in Pompeii, this residence features a sophisticated layout centered around a central terrace, adorned with high-quality frescoes and intricate floor mosaics. It perfectly represents the luxurious lifestyle of the Roman upper class, designed to blend architectural beauty with stunning views of the Gulf of Naples.
House of the Skeleton
Gemini said The House of the Skeletons (Casa degli Scheletri) in Herculaneum is a fascinating example of a compact yet luxurious urban dwelling. It is named after the human remains discovered in the upper rooms during 19th-century excavations, providing a poignant reminder of the tragedy in 79 AD. Despite its relatively small size, the house is remarkably sophisticated, featuring a private nymphaeum and a courtyard decorated with vibrant mosaics and precious marble. One of its standout features is a small shrine (lararium) covered in blue glass tesserae, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship even in more modest-sized residences.
College of the Augustales
The College of the Augustales (Sede degli Augustali) is one of the most significant public buildings in Herculaneum, serving as the headquarters for the freedmen dedicated to the cult of Emperor Augustus. The square-plan hall is world-renowned for its magnificent Fourth Style frescoes, particularly the central panel depicting Hercules entering Olympus accompanied by Hera and Athena. Its architectural grandeur and high-quality decorations reflect the social importance of wealthy former slaves, who used this space to express their loyalty to Rome and elevate their status within the community.
Central Thermae
The Central Thermae of Herculaneum are a remarkably well-preserved bathing complex, divided into distinct sections for men and women. Built during the Augustan era, they feature stunning black-and-white floor mosaics depicting maritime themes, such as a famous Triton surrounded by dolphins in the women's changing room. Because Herculaneum was buried by pyroclastic flows rather than ash, the complex retains incredible architectural details, including the original vaulted ceilings and the carbonized wooden shelves once used by bathers to store their clothes.
Salone della Barca di Ercolano
The Salone della Barca (Hall of the Boat) is a striking room located within the House of the Relief of Telephus in Herculaneum. It takes its name from the incredible discovery of a large carbonized wooden boat found just outside the house near the ancient shoreline, but the room itself is famous for its unique suspended "maritime" decorations. The hall is a masterpiece of Roman luxury, featuring walls covered in precious colored marble (opus sectile) and a ceiling that was originally decorated with a complex wooden structure, reflecting the high status of its owners who lived overlooking the sea.
Partem Domus lignea - Casa del Tramezzo di Legno
The House of the Wooden Partition (Casa del Tramezzo di Legno) in Herculaneum is world-renowned for the incredible preservation of its organic materials, specifically the carbonized wooden folding door that still stands between the atrium and the tablinum. This rare piece of ancient carpentry, complete with its original hinges and lamp hooks, provides an unprecedented look at Roman interior design. The house further impresses with its grand two-story facade and elegant mosaic floors, serving as one of the most complete examples of a high-status Roman residence frozen in time.
Positano
Drop-off at your hotel in Positano by Private Vehicle
What's included
Included
Expert private local guide with live commentary
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Priority Access to Herculaneum Archaeological Site
Not included
Food and beverages
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano take?
Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano cost?
Prices start at $569 per person for this Sorrento experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $1,116. There are 5 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 7 departures a day between 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM.
How much does Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano cost for children?
Children aged 3–12 pay from $383, adults from $569. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hotel Leone, Tasso Suites & Spa.
What languages is Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, EN, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 7 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Herculaneum Guided Tour from Positano worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by IAMME IA! - Gray Line Amalfi Coast.
Reviews(1)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$569
5.0(1) Free cancellation