Pompei and Amalfi Coast tours from Rome

The drive along the highway from Rome to Pompeii takes about two and a half hours. Our pleasant, informative driver will tell you about the local sites and the ancient city, and how the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the town.

If you have chosen to have a licensed guide (especially in Pompeii), we can ensure you’ll get the most from your excursion Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast tours from Rome.  Your private licensed guide can answer all questions about Pompeii’s architectural and artistic past, and is sure to make your adventure into Roman history come alive!

Once you’ve arrived in Pompeii, you’ll begin your journey exploring Roman history.

In Pompeii, first, you’ll see the city’s ancient walls, which date back to the 4^th century B.C. The gates are called Porta Marina, and one path to the town is solely for people. Before entering, we’ll explore the Suburban Bath House, an ancient site that was just recently excavated and is therefore remarkably well-preserved.

When we arrive in town, you’ll walk on basal stone, made of volcanic rock that left imprints of tiny, white flecks. This material shone in the darkness when torches were used and were the only guiding light at night. Today, this substance is called “cat’s eyes.” Pompeii didn’t possess sewers as it was built on lava. You will find the large stones marvellous. They were placed there, so people had somewhere to step when it rained.

The city center is called the Forum because it has several buildings used for different purposes. The religion building houses the Temple of Apollo, the Capitolium, and the Temple of the Emperor.  There was also a textile market, a fish and meat market, a currency exchange, public scales for weighing large items like the goods farmers brought, and much more. It is in the Forum that you will see the prominent display of human casts.

Nearby are the Public Bathhouses, where anyone could stop in for a daily wash. Men and women were in separate quarters, but all were allowed in – rich and poor, free and enslaved. Pompeii had three complexes: they all included an Apoditerium or changing room, a Tepidarium, as well as a hot room, and a gym. Several buildings have massive vases built into the front masonry counter – these are what we call taverns or pubs, today!

These enormous jugs were teeming with food and drink, and many Romans would stop in around mid-day for lunch and something to drink.

A visit to Pompeii is not complete without a peek at the Lunaire – the Brothel! Here you will see a marvelous display of-of Roman frescoes that include several erotic images. Another “must-see” on any visitor’s list is one of the public spaces where entertainment was held. The Outdoor Theatre is where comedies and tragedies were staged. At the large amphitheater, games were put on, pitting gladiators against each other or huge beasts. The Indoor Theatre is where mime and poetry readings were offered.

At mid-tour, it’s essential to stop for a refreshing drink at one of the many street vendors, or browse the souvenir shops and pick up a memento for somebody back home.

Although we recommend these visits, our tours are curated to your tastes, so how your day unfolds is up to you. We want to give you an idea of what your trip can “look like.”

But our trip isn’t over!

 When your tour of Pompeii is over, your private driver will take you on the coastal road, and we will drive across several villages of the beautiful Sorrento coast and Amalfi coast.  We will stop every time you want some beautiful pictures overlooking the Gulf of Naples, on the Sorrento peninsula and Amalfi drive. Still, we advise of visiting two of the lovely towns, so you don’t feel hurried throughout the day. Consider that once we will start from the Amalfi coast, drive back to Naples can take about two hours.

Once you reach Amalfi Drive, you will experience the true Mediterranean beauty:

You will admire the typical wild vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub, the blue sea under the cliffs

some luxurious villas perched on top of the surrounding mountains and the narrow winding road that extend along the coast that crosses the picturesque villages decorated with beautiful local artistic ceramics and colorful flowers.

The breathtaking scenery that you will admire will make you feel in a unique and exceptional place.

For your leisure and visits consider these choices:

Sorrento: This is our favorite spot for lunch and shopping. It is renowned for “limoncello,” a liquor available almost everywhere in town. The view of the Bay of Naples is awe-inspiring from the Garden of St. Francis.

Positano: This village is the first one you will cross along the Amalfi Coast. Its white-washed houses, its fancy art, and ceramics galleries have attracted visitors from around the world, making it a very touristy destination. If you like, you can leave the vehicle and discover the village. The starting point for visiting Positano is almost all in the pedestrian area that leads to the beach, where there are many shops, art galleries, hand made sandals, bars, the church, and restaurants on the harbor. The upper part of Positano is far from the crowd, and you can enjoy a stunning view from some very welcoming taverns – ask your driver to recommend one!

Amalfi: Steeped in history, Amalfi is a beautiful stop on your trip along the coast. You can visit the Cathedral — the burial place of St. Andrew — or get away from the crowds by exploring the maze of white-painted alleys and travel back in time to the Middle Ages!

Ravello: This is maybe the most beautiful a village of Amalfi coast, certainly is the most scenic town in which you can enjoy free time walking around, and perhaps stopping for a glass of local wine on a terrace overlooking the divine coast. The city is 350 meters on the sea, and here you can visit the Villa Ruffolo and Villa Cimbrone, or stroll around the village by doing some shopping in one of the best wine shop, extra virgin olive oil and ceramic shop of the coast.

Lunch will decide which option is best suited to your needs. We will be happy to recommend one of the excellent sea-view restaurants along the itinerary for a delicious and fresh seafood meal or a simple snack.

Whatever destinations you decide to explore, you will take home lifelong memories of the ancient site of Pompeii, and the beauty and history of the Amalfi Coast will stay with you always.  Like we say in Italy, Salut!