Sorrento Tours






























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Nistor Vlad Lucian
RO

Nistor

Romania
Jul 2025
5/5
The guide was very resourceful and knowledgeable. We found out new interesting things about Pompei and it's one of a kind experience to see the ruins in person.
Claudia Reese
US

Claudia

United States
Oct 2024
4/5
i liked the guide at Pompeii. He was quite knowledgeable and personable. But the day was pouring rain and it was a bit hard to navégate the streets which were actually flowing creeks. Hard to see much in the rain. I'm going back again tomorrow and hoping for better weather.
Richard Scott

Richard

Oct 2023
4/5
The tour was great and really enjoyed visiting Pompeii. As the site is so large - having a map of the site prior to arrival ( perhaps passed out on the bus) would have helped. The tour route could also be marked out on such a map, We would have spent more of our time at the site and not outside over the lunch period - perhaps offer this as an option.
Ian Alvis

Ian

Oct 2022
4/5
Excellent tour guide, very informative. This trip was a great way to see Pompeii and Vesuvius in a day if you are short on time. The lunch in the middle was ok, nothing very exciting. I could have done with just one more hour at Pompeii to see a little more too, but overall a really positive experience
kathie boniface

Kathie

Sep 2022
5/5
Mena was our tour guide she was excellent especially considering the extreme crowds. Mena was excellent at keeping our large group together and moving forward. Mena explained the history of Pompeii and the volcano and gave us choices so we did not have to stand in endless lines. She turned us loose on mt Vesuvius and we loved the opportunity to climb to the rim.. thank you Mena you are awesome
Grite Apanaviciute

Grite

Aug 2022
5/5
It was a neat experience to walk the pathways that were build so long ago and be part of the history. Truly wonderful experience.
Rachel Carter

Rachel

Aug 2022
5/5
Really fun day out; very well lead and informative. Ornella was a lovely guide both to the general area and around Pompeii. She's very knowledgable, and spoke superb English. She also had a lovely sense of humour- vital in this business. Luigi was a magnificent driver, navigating the hairpin bends and other traffic (including mad moped riders) with great aplomb. It was the best day out of our holiday.
Daniela Rusu

Daniela

Aug 2022
4/5
It was great to have a guided tour of Pompei, it was more interesting to hear the stories from a person than a recorded audio guide. Mena was funny and gave us a great tour of the essence of Pompei. We covered a lot in half day.

Top things to do in Sorrento

A journey through time: Sorrento to Pompeii

Every corner of ancient Pompeii tells a story about Roman life and culture nearly two millennia ago, with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background. About 16 miles away from Pompeii, Sorrento makes for the ideal coastal base to explore its dramatic ruins that are nothing short of a real-life time capsule. Let us guide you through the best tour options, essential information and insider tips to make the most of your time there!

Why go on a Sorrento to Pompeii tour

Ruins of Mount Vesuvius Eruption
  • Explore the historic ruins: Imagine life as it was before Mount Vesuvius erupted. Stroll the same streets as ancient Romans, see their preserved villas, grand amphitheater and the haunting plaster casts of victims.
  • Perfect for first-time visitors: A knowledgeable guide can provide historical context, and share engaging stories about Pompeii’s daily life and its destruction by Mount Vesuvius. Without a guide, you might miss key details of this vast UNESCO World Heritage site on your visit.
  • Convenience: A tour takes care of all the logistics — transportation, tickets, and skip-the-line access, so you can enjoy the experience with ease. This avoids the stress of navigating public transport, parking or waiting in long lines.
  • Scenic views: The route from Sorrento to Pompeii boasts Mediterranean coastal views and glimpses of the majestic Mount Vesuvius.
Highlights & history of Pompeii

Things to know before booking a Sorrento to Pompeii day tour

  • Reach Pompeii in the deluxe air-conditioned bus and begin your tour with an English-speaking licensed guide. Headsets are provided for groups with more than 10 members.
  • Pompeii is a vast area, and a guide can explain the significance of the surrounding frescoes, houses, temples, and streets, making your visit more meaningful and immersive
  • The tour’s highlights include exploring the Civil Forum, Temple of Jupiter, Via dell’Abbondanza, Forum Baths, House of Menander, and the Large Theater of Pompeii. These important landmarks maximize your time at the site.
  • After about 2-2.5 hours, you will get to skip the lines and be escorted to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius
  • From here, you can opt to enjoy a beautiful trek to the edge of the crater, at 1280 meters.
  • It is important to note that trekking shoes are a must, given the uneven surface in the area. This also makes the tour inaccessible to people in wheelchairs or those with back problems.
  • From the top, you can catch panoramic views of Pompeii and the Gulf of Naples.
  • The tour is inclusive of round-trip transfers and you will safely be transported back to Sorrento.
  • The duration of the tour varies from 2 to 8 hours depending on the traffic, and add-ons selected, hence it is advisable to carry light snacks and drinks for the long journey. You can refill your bottle from water fountains around the site.

Important stops on your tour

mount Vesuvius aerial view

Mount Vesuvius

A delight for geological enthusiasts, the summit offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius is infamous for its eruption in 79 AD, which affected Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other nearby towns. Visiting it will enhance your trip to Pompeii and help you understand the scale and impact of the catastrophic event.

Best ways to reach Pompeii from Sorrento

Best for: Fast & convenient travel

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Closest train station: Stazione di Sorrento - Pompeii Scavi Villa dei Misteri

Frequency: Every 30 minutes

  • With a one-way ticket costing about €3-4, the train will pass through the small towns of Sant’Agnello, Piano di Sorrento, Castellammare di Stabia, and Torre Annunziata.
  • The Porta Marina entrance, one of the primary entrances to the ruins, is just a 5-minute walk away from the station.
  • The Circumvesuviana train is a budget-friendly and convenient service.

Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel

Duration: 30-40 minutes (29 kms / 18 miles)

  • Take the SS145 (Strada Statale 145), which runs along the coast before heading inland toward Pompeii.
  • As you get closer, follow the signs for Pompei Scavi.

Parking: Parking Zeus (near the Porta Marina entrance), Piazzale Anfiteatro (near the Anfiteatro entrance)

Best for: Budget travelers and sightseeing

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Frequency: Several departures daily

  • Similar to trains, a one-way ticket costs about €2 to €3, with SITA Bus as the primary operator. Buses depart from Sorrento’s main bus station, located near the train station in the city center.
  • Passengers are dropped near the Anfiteatro entrance of Pompeii.

Pompeii’s must-see gems

Building of Eumachia Pompeii civil forum

Civil Forum

The center of public life in Pompeii, it is surrounded by temples, government offices, and markets serving as the hub for all political, religious, and social activities.

Ancient ruins of Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background, part of a half-day guided tour from Naples.

Temple of Jupiter

The temple’s steps treat visitors to a direct view of Mount Vesuvius and its ionic columns are typical of Roman architecture.

Pompeii Amphitheater

The Amphitheater

One of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters, it was used for gladiatorial games and public events, seating up to 20,000 spectators.

House of Meander Pompeii ancient ruins with intricate mosaic floor and stone columns.

House of Meander

A luxurious residence in Pompeii, whose frescoes provide insight into elite Roman domestic life.

Stabian Baths pompeii

The Baths

Pompeii’s public baths are excellent examples of Roman engineering and social life, showcasing rooms for hot, cold, and warm baths.

Forum Granary, Pompeii

Forum Granary

This area contains plaster casts, made from voids left in the ash by decayed bodies, capturing the final moments of Pompeii's residents.

Best time to take a Sorrento to Pompeii tour

  • Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) are ideal for a day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii when the crowds thin out and the weather is more pleasant. 
  • If you’re visiting during Summer (July to August), carry your water bottle, sunscreen, and umbrella/hat for protection against the heat. 
  • Winters (November to March) offer cooler weather, but unpredictable rains can make some areas inaccessible.

Remember that the fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month. Irrespective of the season, it's best to visit either early in the morning, around 9am, or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds and the midday heat. The site remains closed on the following dates: January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Climate considerations: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during Spring, 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 79°F) during and Fall; 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) during Summer, 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) during Winter

Pompeii's opening hours

Frequently asked questions about Sorrento to Pompeii tours

What essentials should I carry and is photography allowed?

Wear comfortable clothing and trekking shoes and make sure to carry light snacks, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. Drones are prohibited in Pompeii, but photography is allowed.

Can I bring children on the tour?

Children are welcome on the tour, but the extensive walking and uphill trek may be taxing for younger children.

Is Pompeii accessible for people with disabilities?

Given Pompeii’s uneven terrain, this tour is not recommended for visitors with mobility challenges or back issues.

Are there restrooms and other facilities available in Pompeii?

Yes, there are restrooms and water fountains throughout the archaeological site. There are also cafes near the entrance where you can take a break.

What are the opening hours of Pompeii?

Pompeii is generally open from 9am to 7pm, but hours can vary slightly by season.

How far in advance should I book my Pompeii tour?

It is highly recommended to buy your Pompeii tickets online 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long lines at the entrance and to gain skip-the-line access to Mount Vesuvius.

Top Things to do
Transportation Services:
Sorrento Tours
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX