If you’re visiting Positano any time soon (lucky you!), it might seem really tempting to just chill at the beach and go on boat tours to the nearby island of Capri. It’s one of the main reasons to be in the area, after all.
However… it would be a shame not to visit one of Italy’s most captivating ancient wonders, Pompeii, which is only a short drive away. Exploring Pompeii from Positano offers a fascinating journey through time, and it’s a trip I can’t recommend enough!
You will witness the remarkable preservation of a once-thriving city, tragically halted by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Wander through its ancient streets and marvel at the incredible sculptures and paintings that remain intact.
Plus, you will gain insights into the daily life of its former inhabitants, which dates back to the very first century!
Is it really worth it to visit with a guide, though? I get this question often, so I thought I’d introduce it here before moving on with the article. I often visit archaeological or historical sites without a guide, but I think that for some attractions, having a savvy guide is vital. And Pompeii is one of those places.
Learning about the city’s history, its civilization, and the findings of the excavations makes a major difference. Plus, the site is huge to navigate on your own!
In this guide, we will unveil the best Pompeii tours from Positano, each of which offers a unique perspective on the site. From hiking to the top of the volcano, tasting wine, and sharing the trip with your closest ones, there are quite a few options.
Read on, and prepare to unearth the secrets of an ancient civilization!
Why should you trust me? I was lucky to be born and raised in northern Italy, and had the opportunity to travel extensively through Italy. Plus, I’ve been running this travel blog for 9 years, and I have the expertise to choose the best activities and tours that are available.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours when I travel. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
In a rush? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Pompeii Guided Tour from Positano Small Group |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Skip-the-Line Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius Guided Tour |
OUR PICK: The Best Pompeii Tour from Positano
Step back in time with a fantastic Pompeii Guided Tour from Positano Small Group. It’s a half-day trip that takes you to one of the most famous ancient Roman cities with a professional guide.
You’ll get to explore the ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Stand in awe in front of the preserved ruins and frescoes as a guide provides context and fascinating historical insights.
You’ll see the casts and learn about the tragic demise of the city’s inhabitants, before strolling through the Forum, the Basilica, and the baths. The comprehensive tour lasts two hours.
Skip-the-line tickets and roundtrip transfers are covered for a hassle-free experience.
Why is this the best tour? It offers a guided tour of the ruins with an expert in the field, ensuring you’re immersed in the history of Pompeii as soon as you step foot in it. The experience is hassle-free with hotel roundtrip transfers and skip-the-line tickets, and it’s very time-effective.
Read what the reviews say:
“Our guide, Sasa, was fabulous! He was knowledgeable, patient and very passionate about the ruins. He clearly painted a picture of what life was like pre and post Roman occupation but did so in an informative yet humorous way. His expert guidance made the whole experience of being in Pompeii all the more special. Grazie Sasa!!!”
Mona_I – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entry ticket, and a guided tour of Pompeii. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pompeii + Vesuvius + Wine Tasting in One Day
▶️ Unleash your inner explorer on an all-inclusive Amalfi Coast: Pompeii, Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch tour.
Dive into the intriguing ruins of Pompeii and wander through its ancient streets. Guided by an expert, you’ll learn about the daily life of its citizens, strolling past the thermal baths and residential houses.
Next, prepare to conquer Mount Vesuvius, one of the world’s most infamous volcanoes and the cause of Pompeii’s destruction. Go up to 3280 feet (1000 mts) above sea level and enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples from the volcano’s rim.
Cap off your day at a winery, indulging in a delectable lunch and a wine-tasting session overlooking beautiful vineyards.
This tour includes: All transfers, Pompeii skip-the-line tickets, a guide, a Vesuvius visit, and lunch with wine tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Positano
Embark on a time-traveling quest to not one, but two legendary ancient cities! Simply book this Pompeii and Herculaneum Small Group Tour + Skip the Line from the Amalfi Coast.
The trip takes you on an 8-hour odyssey through the remnants of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both victims of the Vesuvius eruption.
Led by a savvy guide, you’ll wander through Pompeii’s ruins, discovering the thermal baths, the Forum, and the spectacular artwork. Then, move on to Herculaneum, a lesser-known city that was also buried in ash for centuries.
Spend 2 hours learning about the city and its well-kept structures as you tour the site with an expert.
This tour includes: A guide, skip-the-line tickets, and transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Tours To Pompeii from Positano
▶️ Embark on this Skip-the-Line Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius Guided Tour from Positano. You’ll be whisked away in a cozy, climate-controlled minibus to the archaeological park.
There, marvel at the grandeur of the Basilica and the bustling Forum, and be in awe of the luxurious Stabian Baths. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into Pompeii’s inhabitants and the fatal eruption.
After the visit, stand at the edge of Mount Vesuvius’ crater for a jaw-dropping panorama of the Bay of Naples.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guided tour of Pompeii, and skip-the-line access to both sites. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Traveling with a group? Book this Private Day Tour to Vesuvius, Herculaneum & Pompeii with Pick Up. You’ll get to uncover the extraordinary excavation sites in an exclusive excursion for you and your friends.
Wander through the preserved ruins of Pompeii, guided by a licensed expert, and marvel at the site’s artwork and architecture.
Then, explore Herculaneum’s archaeological park, the first victim of Mt. Vesuvius to be uncovered. Stroll around its impressive structures, and pay a visit to the intriguing Salone della Barca di Ercolano.
You will also discover the ancient volcano that entombed them in the first century. Journey to the peak of Mount Vesuvius for an exhilarating walk to the crater, and be swept away by the tales of this remarkable region!
This day trip to Pompeii from Positano includes: Transportation, entry tickets, and an optional guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join this Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip with Pick Up and trust the navigation to a professional. It’s a driving tour that offers you flexible pickup location and time, and it allows you to explore at your own pace.
You’ll head to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, with plenty of time to either explore them on your own or hire a guide on-site. Delve into history, art, and architecture, and then continue to the enchanting Amalfi Coast.
You’ll have free time in the charming towns of Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano to wander around their alleys or relax at the pebbled beaches. It provides the convenience of a tour, but the flexibility of planning your own trip.
This tour includes: Private transportation with fuel surcharge and parking fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
