Discover the imposing ruins of Pompeii
25 August 79 AD: it’s the dawn of a hot day when Mount Vesuvius explodes and destroys Pompeii in an instant. The streets of Pompeii are filled with molten ash and lava. Trees and buildings are buried for centuries. Some people are lucky and manage to flee. Those left behind die where they fall, petrified for all eternity.
Our Pompeii day trip from Rome by fast train is the perfect opportunity to discover the destiny of Pompeii, and the daily life of its people. Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii, but buried underneath the blanket of lava, countless remnants were preserved. Findings include statues of the gods, oil lamps, jewelry, furniture, and even a lovers’ last kiss. As you explore Pompeii on your private tour, you’ll hear the story of one of the greatest tragedies in history, experiencing first hand the places where the events actually took place.
To truly understand Pompeii, however, we must journey even further back in time - before the tragic events of 79 AD. On your day trip to Pompeii from Rome, you will walk through the streets of Pompeii with your private guide, exploring through the streets, villas, bars, and baths that were once bustling with life. You’ll gain a deeper insight into the daily lives of the Pompeians, discovering another side to this fascinating chapter of Roman history.
Our private walking tour of Pompeii
The huge archaeological site of Pompeii can seem overwhelming, especially for a first-time visitor. But with the help of your passionate personal guide, an expert on the history of Pompeii and in most cases an archaeologist, you will make sense of Pompeii. During your Pompeii walking tour you’ll get to see the most famous temples and villas as well as some intriguing lesser-known sites, which tend to be overlooked by most visitors.
During your Pompeii day trip from Rome, you’ll learn about both public and private aspects of daily life in Pompeii, through your exploration of the city’s atmospheric ruins. We will start with a visit to the large, well-preserved amphitheater, the perfect chance to learn about public entertainment in Roman times, including gladiator fights and drama. The crowds that gathered to watch the spectacles came from all ranks of society, and there was often conflict between rival groups of fans. A riot broke out during one infamous gladiatorial fight, leading to the closure of the amphitheater for a decade.
When you discover famous temples such as the Temple of Isis you’ll learn about the mysteries of Roman religion, including cults, funerary rites and the nature of superstitions. The ruins of the temples are impressive in themselves, but the explanations of your personal guide will enrich the experience, revealing the secrets of Roman religion and rituals. On your Pompeii walking tour, you’ll also learn about other aspects of its daily life, as you visit the bars, brothels, and bathhouses of Pompeii.
Many of Pompeii’s inhabitants were wealthy art-lovers, as you’ll discover when you explore the ruins of their opulent villas. The House of the Vettii was one of the most extravagant private residences. This richly decorated villa has some of the most impressive wall frescoes in Pompeii. You’ll also discover the elegant House of the Faun, which has a large garden and courtyard, and the mysterious House of the Tragic Poet. Visiting these atmospheric houses gives us a fascinating glimpse of the lives and artistic tastes of their owners.
On your private tour of Pompeii, you’ll also explore the most mysterious building in the city - the appropriately named Villa of the Mysteries. The strange Dionysian rituals depicted on the walls continue to capture the imaginations of all who visit the villa. Your personal guide will discuss the different interpretations of these mysterious frescoes, enriching your understanding of religious rituals and the civilization of Pompeii.