Visiting Pompeii is like taking a journey back in time, immersing yourself in the daily life of a 1st-century AD Roman city. During the private tour, visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of houses, temples, theaters, and streets, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. They can discover colorful frescoes, detailed mosaics, and everyday objects that tell fascinating stories of a distant past.
Porta Marina and the Forum
The tour generally begins at Porta Marina, one of the main entrances to the city. From here, visitors can observe the vastness of the archaeological site and get a first glimpse of Roman urban planning, with its orderly streets and the remains of imposing defensive walls. The heart of public life in Pompeii was the Forum, a large square surrounded by temples, administrative buildings, and markets, serving as the center of political, religious, and commercial activities. Here, one can admire the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Apollo, and the Basilica, which functioned as a courthouse and a meeting place for business and civic discussions. Walking along the ancient cobblestone streets, such as Via dell’Abbondanza, visitors can see the grooves left by carts and come across numerous shops, bakeries, and taverns. Many still display visible frescoes, decorative details, and stone containers once used to store food and drinks.
Exploring Private Homes
A highlight of the tour is the visit to the homes of the wealthiest citizens, such as the House of the Faun, famous for the “Alexander Mosaic,” a work of extraordinary beauty and great historical value that reflects the influence of Hellenistic culture on Roman art; the Villa of the Mysteries, which preserves spectacular and enigmatic frescoes depicting mysterious Dionysian rituals linked to esoteric cults and initiation practices; and the House of the Vettii, with its vibrant erotic and mythological frescoes, symbolizing the wealth, luxury, and artistic culture of the time. Not far away, the Large Theatre and the Small Theatre (Odeon) were popular venues for theatrical and musical performances. The Amphitheatre, on the other hand, is one of the oldest in the world and could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators for gladiator fights, offering unforgettable thrills to the ancient inhabitants of Pompeii and visitors from nearby cities.
Bathhouses, the Lupanar, and Gardens
The Stabian Baths and the Suburban Baths offer a detailed glimpse into daily life and the importance of social interaction in ancient Roman culture. Typical areas such as the caldarium (hot baths), frigidarium (cold baths), and tepidarium (warm baths) are well preserved, showcasing the wellness practices of the time. One of the most curious and fascinating attractions is the Lupanar, Pompeii’s ancient and famous brothel. The rooms are decorated with vivid, explicit frescoes illustrating the activities that took place inside, providing a realistic insight into private life. Many beautiful gardens, such as the Garden of the Fugitives, reveal the city’s natural beauty and widespread agricultural habits. Here, plaster casts of some victims of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption can be seen—men, women, and animals trapped in volcanic ash. These casts, created from the voids left by decomposed bodies, offer a poignant testimony to the tragic end of an extraordinary civilization.
A Tour Tailored for You
The visit to Pompeii is completed with a breathtaking view of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for the city’s destruction but also for its unique preservation. The Capri 360 team will organize the visit for you and take care of every detail—from selecting the tour guide best suited to your needs to arranging the fastest route to the site using comfortable speedboats or luxury vehicles from any island or location in our region. This ensures an exclusive, relaxing, and fully personalized experience tailored to your preferences and needs.
