Pompeii is the most famous – and largest – Vesuvian city, and it offers a magnificent attestation of life in the first century. The archaeological site features impressive structures that are perfectly preserved, after all.
Among the ruins you’ll discover are a Roman Forum, an Amphitheater, villas, and a brothel. That’s besides the spectacular frescoes that retain their vivid colors!
If you’re staying in Sorrento, you should 100% make time for a visit to Pompeii. You can make it work even if you have limited time as there are half-day tours available. Just trust me on this – don’t skip it!
I don’t personally visit every single archaeological site with a guide, but in this case? I highly recommend visiting Pompeii with a tour guide.
The experience is inevitably enhanced when you learn about the city’s past, the lives of the citizens, and the history of its discovery from an expert in the subject.
In this article, I’ve compiled the very best day trips from Sorrento to Pompeii. They should help you choose an experience that suits your interests and guarantees a fantastic trip.
From a quick trip to Pompeii to a comprehensive tour including visits to Herculaneum and the Vesuvius itself, the options are plenty. Check them out!
Why should you trust me? As a native of Bologna, Italy, I’ve spent the last 10 years assisting millions of people in planning their dream vacations to Italy. I have honed my skills in finding the right activities and making certain that you only embark on the best tours available.
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. 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.
Limited time? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Sorrento: Full-Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Tour |
| POMPEII & HERCULANEUM | Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour with Skip the Line |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Day Tour to Vesuvius, Herculaneum & Pompeii |
OUR PICK: The BEST Tour to Pompeii from Sorrento
This Sorrento: Full-Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Tour allows you to discover the two faces of Pompeii’s coin. You’ll wander around the ruins of the destroyed city, and then head up to the volcano responsible for burying it.
Start by skipping the lines at the archaeological site and enjoying a very informative tour around it. You’ll get to admire the impressive artwork and mosaics, well-preserved structures, and even the casts of Pompeii’s citizens.
The visit is followed by a trip all the way up to Mt. Vesuvius, from whose crater you’ll enjoy fabulous views over the Gulf of Naples. Choose the lunch option to include a 3-course meal with dessert and a drink.
Why is this the best tour? Because it takes you to both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius with an expert in the site’s history. You’ll get the most comprehensive introduction to the ancient city and its tragic ending, and get up close to the cause of its destruction.
This tour boasts over 3,000 positive reviews, and offers hassle-free transfers plus a scrumptious local lunch.
Read what the reviews say:
“The team were excellent. I really enjoyed having a tour guide for Pompeii. Our guide had so much knowledge. Isabella was also great at getting us organised and from place to place. We opted for the lunch and really glad we did!”
Jenna – Read more reviews
This Sorrento to Pompeii day trip includes: Transfers, skip-the-line tickets, a guided tour of Pompeii, a Mt. Vesuvius entrance fee, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour from Sorrento
History buffs will be delighted with this Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Sorrento with Skip the Line. It takes you to two of the most famous Vesuvius victim towns in a single day.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get to walk the steps of their citizens. Explore the well-preserved structures, artwork, and even a marital bed as you learn about their life and customs.
Admire the mighty Mt. Vesuvius from the distance, and enjoy some free time in between visits to grab a bite or get all your questions answered by your guide.
This Pompeii day trip from Sorrento includes: Transfers, skip-the-line ticket to both sites, a guide, and a light lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Express Tours of Pompeii from Sorrento
▶️ Not enough time for a comprehensive visit? Join this Skip-the-Line Pompeii Express Tour by Train. It includes the train rides, which will take you to the site in only 45 minutes. Upon arrival, skip the queues and head straight to the monument with your guide.
You’ll be taken on a 2-hour tour around the ruins, unlocking its history and secrets. Learn about life in Pompeii before the volcano eruption, and all the details about its later excavation. After the visit, catch the train back to Sorrento with plenty of time left for other adventures.
This Pompeii trip from Sorrento includes: Train tickets, skip-the-line entry fee, and a guided tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you have limited time, a Half-Day Pompeii Tour from Sorrento will do just fine. You’ll depart from Sorrento in an air-conditioned vehicle and head toward the archaeological site. There, an expert will guide you around the ancient ruins.
See the remains of the Roman Forum, the Amphitheater, and the brothel as you learn about the city’s past. You’ll also discover the function of each structure and everything there is known about the eruption that destroyed it.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance fee, and a guided tour around Pompeii. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Pompeii Tours from Sorrento
▶️ This Private Day Tour to Vesuvius, Herculaneum & Pompeii with Pick Up allows you to check out each piece of the Vesuvius’ eruption puzzle.
You’ll wander around the very well-kept Forum, Amphitheater, villas, and brothel. Your guide will provide insights about life in Pompeii before it was buried in ashes as you tour the site.
Your next stop is Herculaneum, a smaller but even better-preserved city that was discovered half a century before Pompeii. It’s believed that Herculaneum was the vacation retreat for the Roman elite, and you’ll get to admire the lavish villas and houses that remain.
Finally, make your way to the very rim of the Vesuvius volcano for glorious views from the top. While you’re there, learn about the protected area where it’s located and the infamous eruption.
This Pompeii and Vesuvius tour from Sorrento includes: Hotel transfers, entrance tickets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip with Pick Up takes you to two of the most magnificent attractions in the area in a hassle-free manner.
The archaeological park of Pompeii is a testament to its ancient life almost 2 millennia later, and you’ll get to discover it with a guide.
Explore its striking buildings, which include a Roman Amphitheater, a Forum, and the famous brothel, as you hear their stories. Make sure to admire the incredible artwork and mosaics Pompeii is known for!
After your historical visit, head to the Amalfi Coast to marvel at the cliff-perched, colorful villages. You’ll have time to stroll along the charming alleys of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, the prettiest towns on the coastline.
This tour includes: Private transfers, parking fees, and fuel surcharge. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Fancy a wine tasting on the slopes of a volcano? This full-day Pompeii, Herculaneum, and wine experience on Mt. Vesuvius with an archaeologist takes you and your group on a memorable journey.
Start your trip with a comfortable ride to Pompeii. There, an archaeologist guide will offer a very comprehensive visit to the site. They’ll explain everything about the city’s history and excavations, and be ready to answer all your questions.
You’ll then head to a family-run winery located on the volcano’s slopes. You’ll have the chance to relish a scrumptious lunch and some wine tasting (own expense), before reaching your last stop of the day: Herculaneum.
Another victim of the Vesuvius eruption, Herculaneum is the first Vesuvian city discovered. It’s smaller than Pompeii, but even better preserved and it’s a fascinating site to explore.
This tour includes: Transportation, a guided tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum (entry fees not included), and a visit to a Vesuvius winery. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
