Start your day with an early departure from Naples.

Pompeii is a vast archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region, near the coast of the Bay of Naples. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved site features excavated ruins of streets and houses that visitors can freely explore.

The Forum was the beating heart of Pompeii, serving as the city's main piazza and the center of all political, religious, and economic life. Surrounded by a majestic two-story colonnade, this vast open space was strictly pedestrian and hosted the city's most important public buildings, including the Basilica and the Temple of Jupiter. Framed by the dramatic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the background, it remains the most iconic spot in the ruins, where citizens once gathered for elections, markets, and sacred sacrifices.

The Temple of Jupiter, Capitolium, or Temple of the Capitoline Triad was a temple in Roman Pompeii, at the north end of its forum.

The Macellum of Pompeii was located on the Forum and as the provision market of Pompeii was one of the focal points of the ancient city. The building was constructed in several phases. When the earthquake of 62 CE destroyed large parts of Pompeii, the Macellum was also damaged.

Via dell'Abbondanza is the main commercial artery of Pompeii, stretching from the Forum to the Sarno Gate. As the city's longest thoroughfare, it offers a vivid glimpse into ancient daily life through its well-preserved shops, workshops, and vibrant electoral graffiti. Walking its basalt stones today, you can still see the iconic raised stepping stones and grand facades that once defined the heartbeat of this Roman city.

The Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) are the oldest and largest public bathing complex in Pompeii, located at the intersection of Via dell'Abbondanza. They represent a masterpiece of Roman engineering, featuring a sophisticated underfloor heating system known as a hypocaust and distinct sections for men and women. Visitors can still admire the elegant stucco decorations, the open-air gymnasium (palaestra), and the large swimming pool that made this site the ultimate social and wellness hub of the city.

Via delle Ville (often referred to as the path to the Villa of the Mysteries) is a scenic road located outside Pompeii’s city walls, leading away from the Porto Ercolano gate. This ancient route is famous for connecting the urban center to the suburbs, passing through a significant necropolis lined with impressive tombs. Its most famous destination is the Villa of the Mysteries, a suburban estate renowned for its breathtaking frescoes depicting Dionysian rites, offering a quiet, atmospheric contrast to the bustling city streets.

The House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno) is one of the largest and most luxurious private residences in Pompeii, occupying an entire city block. Named after the iconic bronze statue of a dancing faun found in its main atrium, the house is a masterpiece of Roman architecture and Hellenistic influence. It is most famous for housing the magnificent Alexander Mosaic, which depicts the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia. With its two peristyle gardens and intricate floor mosaics, it remains a powerful symbol of the immense wealth and sophisticated taste of the city's elite.

The Teatro Grande is a majestic horseshoe-shaped auditorium built into a natural hillside, designed to hold roughly 5,000 spectators. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, it was the first Greek-style stone theater in Pompeii and served as the city's primary venue for comedies, tragedies, and pantomimes. The theater features a grand tiered seating area and a large stage background (scenae frons), offering a spectacular look at how the Roman elite and commoners alike enjoyed large-scale public entertainment.

The Basilica is one of the most significant buildings in Pompeii, located at the southwest corner of the Forum. Constructed in the 2nd century BC, it served as the city’s primary center for legal and commercial activities, acting as both a courthouse and a place for business transactions. Its monumental interior featured a central nave surrounded by towering columns and a raised tribunal where judges presided over hearings. As the oldest building of its kind in the Roman world, it stands as a fundamental example of pre-imperial civic architecture.

Guided walking tour of Sorrento’s historic center, including free time for lunch and to explore at your leisure

Finally, enjoy free time for lunch at a local café or restaurant, shop for handmade souvenirs, or simply relax and take in Sorrento’s coastal charm before returning to Naples..

Return trip to Naples