Herculaneum was an ancient town devastated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Many have heard of Pompeii, but fewer realize that the wealthier Herculaneum is visible through excavations and is also a treasure trove of history and beauty.

Lesser known than Pompeii but almost equally important, this archaeological site provides numerous details about what life was like during the Roman era. You will discover its perfectly preserved houses, spas, shops, and public and religious buildings adorned with detailed mosaics on the floors, as well as the skeletons of victims who were trying to escape the eruption.

Classic frescoes and mosaics have retained much color and are truly a sight to behold. Your tour includes visits to the House of the Mosaic Atrium, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the House of the Deer. Continuing on our walk, we will visit the Decumanus, the Palestra, the Basilica, and the Thermal Baths of the Forum.

In the company of a professional guide with an archaeological background, your history-focused tour will educate and entertain you as you walk through villas and imagine life as it once was. The scenery is breathtaking at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius, by the Bay of Naples. The ruins are a World Heritage Site and lie within the modern community of Ercolano.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating sites on the tour is the carbonized wood. Furnishings and wood framing appear original and are among the oldest elements in the ruins.

Come prepared to walk on irregular terrain, and if it’s summer, it could get quite hot. Walking shoes, hats, or umbrellas are recommended. It will be an archaeological trek to remember.