My tour of Pompeii is tuned on your will and physical attitude. The city is roughly 150 acres large, it hosted once approximately 18000 inhabitants, so the walking tour will be focused on the highlights surrounding the ancient Forum. Would there be any special request please let me know ahead of time: we can plan the itinerary together!
In any case, most of the following places will be thoroughly visited: the Forum and its public buildings, The Thermal Bath, The Big and the Small Theatre, a tavern, a bakery, and one or two wonderful private houses.
5 min
A visit to the Porta Marina offers a dramatic entrance into ancient Pompeii via its primary access point to the sea, where you pass through a sophisticated dual-arched gate designed for both pedestrian and cart traffic. This entry point is integrated directly into the city's robust Cinta Muraria (defensive walls), which visually narrate centuries of the city's history and fortification efforts. As you ascend the gentle slope of Via Marina from the gate, you are immediately funneled toward the administrative and religious core of the city, the Forum, and you are positioned perfectly to explore key initial sites like the Antiquarium museum and the Suburban Baths.
The Basilica Pompeiana (Pompeian Basilica), located at the southwest corner of the Forum via Vicolo delle Terme, was the single most important public building in the city for secular activities. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, this massive, three-aisled structure served as the city's primary courthouse and a major center for commerce and business transactions, rather than a religious site. Visitors today can still walk the length of the grand central nave, flanked by the bases of 28 imposing brick columns that once soared to 11 meters high. The building's importance is underscored by the raised tribunal platform at the far end where magistrates presided over legal matters, showcasing the architectural blueprint that would later be adopted for early Christian churches.
The Temple of Apollo is one of Pompeii's oldest and most significant sacred sites, boasting origins that date back to the 6th century BC and reflecting a unique architectural fusion of Greek and Italic styles. Dominating the western side of the Forum, the temple is surrounded by a majestic portico of 48 columns and features an elevated podium where the cella once stood. Visitors are often captivated by the bronze statues of Apollo as an archer and his sister Diana (replicas of the originals held in Naples) that stand guard over the courtyard. The site also contains a remarkably preserved white marble altar and an ancient Ionic column topped with a sundial, all set against a stunning backdrop that offers a direct, iconic view of Mount Vesuvius.
The Forum of Pompeii, situated at the intersection of the main Via Marina and Vicolo delle Terme, was the bustling political, commercial, and religious heart of the ancient city. This vast, rectangular, car-free plaza served as the central hub of Roman life, surrounded by the city's most important public buildings, including the Basilica (courthouse) and the Temple of Jupiter. Visitors in 2026 can still walk upon the elegant travertine paving stones and view the remaining column pedestals that once held statues of emperors and notable citizens. The space powerfully conveys the grandeur of Roman urban planning and hosted daily markets at the adjacent Macellum, legal proceedings, and religious ceremonies, all presided over by the imposing Mount Vesuvius to the north.
The Macellum was Pompeii’s primary covered food market, located in the northeast corner of the Forum and serving as a bustling center for the city's fresh trade. This rectangular complex featured a central courtyard with a circular "tholos" or pavilion, where the remains of fish scales and bones found in the drainage system reveal it was used for cleaning and selling seafood. The perimeter was lined with small shops (tabernae) that sold meat, fruits, and vegetables, while a dedicated shrine on the eastern side honored the imperial family, reflecting the close tie between commerce and state religion. Today, visitors can still see the well-preserved frescoes of mythological scenes and market goods, along with the mensa ponderaria, the stone table used to verify official weights and measures for fair trade.
A visit to the Forum Baths (Terme del Foro), located just behind the Temple of Jupiter on Via del Foro, offers an intimate look at the daily social rituals of ancient Pompeians, as this complex was the only one still fully operational during the 79 AD eruption. The structure showcases advanced Roman engineering through its perfectly preserved sequence of rooms: the apodyterium (changing room), frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm room), and calidarium (hot room). Within these spaces, you can observe intricate stucco reliefs on the vaulted ceilings, the original bronze brazier used for heat, and the visible system of hollow walls and floors (hypocaust) that circulated hot air. Recent restorations have also opened the women's section, revealing vibrant frescoes and providing a comprehensive view of how citizens from all social strata gathered here to socialize, exercise, and bathe in a marvel of ancient technology.
A visit to the House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno), one of the largest and most luxurious private residences in Pompeii, offers a powerful glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Roman elite. This sprawling complex occupies an entire insula (city block) and is famed for its architectural grandeur, including two large peristyle gardens and two atriums. The house's most iconic features, now primarily displayed as replicas with the originals in the Naples Archaeological Museum, include the beautiful bronze statue of the "Dancing Faun" in the impluvium (which gives the house its name) and the spectacular "Alexander Mosaic," a masterpiece depicting the Battle of Issus. Though the original art is relocated, walking through the vast complex allows you to appreciate the scale and wealth of the owners, showcasing elaborate Second Style frescoes and intricate geometric flooring that define it as a must-see highlight of the archaeological park.
The House of the Vettii (Casa dei Vettii) is a journey into the "Sistine Chapel" of Pompeii, offering a stunning display of wealth and art recently reopened after a 20-year restoration. Owned by two brothers who rose from slavery to become wealthy merchants, the home is famous for its remarkably vivid Fourth Style frescoes and its iconic entry painting of Priapus, a symbol of prosperity. Inside, you can wander through the Room of the Cupids, where exquisite miniature scenes depict various Roman trades, and admire the mythological masterpieces in the dining rooms. The experience is centered around a lush peristyle garden that has been replanted according to ancient patterns and decorated with original-style fountain statues, providing a rare and complete view of the luxurious private life of Pompeii’s elite.
A visit to the Insula dei Casti Amanti (Block of the Chaste Lovers), located along the bustling Via dell’Abbondanza, offers a unique, cutting-edge look at ongoing archaeological research and discoveries in Pompeii. This large block, which includes residential homes (like the House of the Painters at Work) and a bakery, recently reopened to the public in 2024 with an innovative elevated walkway system. This accessible route allows visitors a unique "from above" perspective, offering a global view of the architecture and the active excavation site below, blending historical exploration with public archaeology. This site provides an unparalleled opportunity to see history actively being uncovered and is accessible via the "Pompeii for All" barrier-free itinerary.
The Teatro Grande (Large Theatre) of Pompeii offers a captivating look into ancient Roman entertainment, as this horseshoe-shaped arena carved into a natural hillside could once seat roughly 5,000 spectators. As you walk through its remarkably preserved tiered seating, you can see the strict social hierarchy of the time, from the marble-clad ima cavea for local elites to the higher sections designated for the general populace. The site is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, which visitors can still test today by speaking from the center of the orchestra. In 2026, the theater continues its legacy as a living cultural venue, hosting major events like the Pompeii Theatrum Mundi summer season and special spontaneous choral performances. Located in the city's southern district near the Triangular Forum, it is easily accessible and provides a stunning vantage point with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background.
Visiting the Antiquarium of Pompeii, located at the Porta Marina entrance, provides an essential and immersive introduction to the city's history by housing the site's most precious and fragile artifacts in a modern, climate-controlled museum. The exhibit traces Pompeii's life from its pre-Roman Samnite roots to its tragic end in 79 AD, showcasing highlights such as the Moregine silver treasure, the "sorcerer’s hoard" of amulets, and vivid frescoes like those from the House of the Golden Bracelet. Most poignantly, the museum displays a series of world-famous plaster casts, including the "Dog of Pompeii" and victims frozen in their final moments, which add a profound human dimension to the archaeological experience. In 2026, the museum is enhanced by multimedia projections and digital assistants, making it the perfect starting point to understand the social and cultural complexity of the ruins before you step out into the ancient streets.
Admission not included90 min
Indulge in a relaxing escape to the organic "Cantina del Vesuvio" winery within Mt. Vesuvius National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the volcano's crater during this fun, memorable experience. Your visit begins with a guided 15-minute stroll through sun-drenched vineyards to learn the secrets of the famous "Lacryma Christi" wines. The highlight is a delightful set menu lunch paired with 5 different local wines. Feast on appetizers (bruschetta, cheeses, and cured meats), authentic spaghetti with Vesuvius cherry tomatoes and meatballs, and traditional Neapolitan Pastiera (vegetarian/GF options available). This all-inclusive experience costs just €55 per person (€65 for superior wine upgrade). Fabrizio handles the booking; simply pay on-site by card or cash. You can even ship your favorite wines and olive oils home!
