Pompeii is hands down one of the most fascinating places you can visit in Italy. Frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, it’s an open-air time capsule of ancient Roman life, with perfectly preserved streets, villas, an amphitheater—even a brothel. And those frescoes? Still incredibly vivid after nearly 2,000 years!
If you’re staying in Sorrento, visiting Pompeii on a day trip is a no-brainer. Even if you’re short on time, there are half-day tours that make it easy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip it.
I don’t always take guided tours of archaeological sites, but for Pompeii? It’s 100% worth it. A great guide brings the ruins to life, sharing the stories of the people who lived (and died) here and the history behind its rediscovery.
To make things easy, I’ve rounded up the absolute best Pompeii tours from Sorrento—whether you just want a quick visit or a full-day adventure including Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius.
➥ Why should you trust me? I’m Italian (from Bologna!) and have spent the last 10 years helping millions of travelers plan their dream trips to Italy. I know how to spot a great tour, and I only recommend the ones that are truly worth your time and money.
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.
Are you in a rush? 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 is our pick because it 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.
You’ll be picked up (and dropped off) at a central meeting point early in the morning, so you get to avoid the traffic and the crowds.
Skip the lines at the archaeological site of Pompeii and enjoy a very informative tour of the ruins with your guide. 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. Your vehicle will bring you 1000 meters up the volcano, and then you’ll have to walk for about 30 minutes up to the crater’s edge. The ascent is a bit steep, but the effort is worth it because you’ll enjoy fabulous views over the Gulf of Naples.
Lunch is not included but the tour will stop for lunch at a local restaurant near Mount Vesuvius. This is optional, you can also decide to bring your own food if you prefer.
➤ Why is this the best tour? Because it takes you to both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day, so you get to make the most of your time in Italy. Thanks to being guided by 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 4,000 positive reviews and offers hassle-free transfers.
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
