Sorrento: Herculaneum Day Trip With Entry and Lunch

Sorrento’s proximity to the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum makes it an ideal starting point for a day trip back in time. This guided tour offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors through the volcanic ash-covered ruins of a once-thriving civilization. Beyond the archaeological exploration, the tour includes a delightful lunch at a local winery, allowing travelers to savor the flavors that define Campanian cuisine. With both historic and culinary delights on the agenda, this day trip promises to…

Key Points

• The Herculaneum Day Trip from Sorrento is a 7-hour tour that includes round-trip transportation, entry to the archaeological site, and a light lunch with wine tasting.
• The guided tour covers significant highlights of Herculaneum, such as the Sacellum of The Augustales and House of Skeletons, providing insights into ancient Roman life.
• Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved ruins buried under volcanic ash, offering a more intimate exploration compared to Pompeii.
• The dining experience at Cantine Sorrentino includes tasting the local Lacryma Christi wine, though the quality of the light lunch can vary.
• The tour may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues or pregnant women due to the uneven terrain and lack of accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This Herculaneum Day Trip from Sorrento provides an engaging activity for visitors. Priced at £105.11 per person, the 7-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, entry to the archaeological site, a guided tour, a light lunch, and wine tasting.

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. at Lauro Square, with the group exploring Herculaneum’s highlights like the Sacellum of The Augustales and the House of Skeletons.

After the site visit, the group enjoys a lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making this an accessible and flexible day trip option.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip begins at Bar Kontatto, where participants board the air-conditioned bus for the 70-minute journey to the archaeological site of Herculaneum.

The guided tour explores key highlights of the ancient city, including:

• Sacellum of The Augustales

• Casa di Nettuno ed Anfitrite

• Casa dell’Albergo

• House of Skeletons

• Casa del Salone Nero

• Casa dei Cervi

After the 2-hour guided tour, the group enjoys a 1.5-hour lunch and wine tasting at Sorrentino Vini, overlooking the Gulf of Naples.

The return journey by bus/coach takes another 70 minutes, completing the 7-hour Herculaneum day trip from Sorrento.

Archaeological Significance of Herculaneum

Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its remarkably well-preserved ancient city, which was buried under layers of volcanic lava and ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Unlike the better-known Pompeii, Herculaneum is smaller in size but offers a more intimate glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of ancient Romans.

The tour includes visits to significant structures, such as the Sacellum of The Augustales, Casa di Nettuno ed Anfitrite, and the House of Skeletons, providing a unique opportunity to explore the architectural and cultural heritage of this ancient site.

Exploring Herculaneum’s Ancient Ruins

Visitors to Herculaneum can enjoy the remarkably well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city.

Visitors to Herculaneum can enjoy the remarkably well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city.

The guided tour takes guests through key highlights, including:

• Sacellum of The Augustales – A small sanctuary dedicated to the imperial cult

• Casa di Nettuno ed Anfitrite – An impressive villa with mosaics and frescoes

• Casa dell’Albergo – A large inn reflecting the city’s commercial importance

• House of Skeletons – A house where victims of the eruption were discovered

• Casa del Salone Nero – A grand house with a striking black and white mosaic

These excavations provide a unique window into the daily life and traditions of Herculaneum before its tragic end.

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The Dining Experience at Cantine Sorrentino

After exploring the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, the tour includes a visit to the local vineyard "Cantine Sorrentino" for a light lunch and wine tasting.

The meal features a mixed review, with some finding it disappointing in quality. However, the tasting of the Lacryma Christi, the only DOC product produced on Mount Vesuvius, is a highlight for many.

The scenic views of the Gulf of Naples from the vineyard add to the dining experience. The lunch and wine portion of the tour offers a taste of the local culinary traditions, though the quality can be inconsistent.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour departs from Lauro Square next to Kontatto Bar in Sorrento at 8:00 a.m.

Guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for the 70-minute journey to Herculaneum.

The tour includes:

Round-trip transportation, entry ticket, guided tour, headsets, and a light lunch with wine tasting at a local vineyard.

• Round-trip transportation

• Entry ticket to the archaeological site

• Guided tour of Herculaneum lasting approximately 1.5 hours

• Headsets for commentary during the tour

• Light lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard after the site visit

The transportation and meeting point make this Herculaneum day trip from Sorrento a convenient and immersive experience for visitors.

Important Considerations for Participants

Although the Herculaneum day trip from Sorrento offers an immersive archaeological experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

Those with mobility issues, pregnant women, and wheelchair users should avoid this tour, as the uneven terrain and lack of accessibility can be challenging. Participants are advised to bring water and sun protection, as the outdoor exploration can be strenuous. Pets aren’t allowed.

The tour maintains a timely pace to cover the full itinerary, which may cause delays due to traffic or crowds. Travelers should consider their physical capabilities and comfort level before booking this Herculaneum excursion.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided mixed reviews regarding the Herculaneum day trip from Sorrento, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5.

The feedback covers several key aspects:

• Some found the guided tour and commentary informative, while others felt the guide’s quality was lacking.

• The lunch experience at the local vineyard received mixed reviews, with some describing it as disappointing.

• The pace of the tour was generally timely, though delays due to traffic or crowds were occasionally noted.

• The archaeological site itself was widely praised for its well-preserved state and historical significance.

• Accessibility was a concern, as the tour was deemed unsuitable for those with mobility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There don’t appear to be any specific discounts or special offers mentioned for this Herculaneum day trip. The standard price is listed as £105.11 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch and Skip the Winery Visit?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch and skip the winery visit on this Herculaneum day trip from Sorrento. However, the lunch and wine tasting are included in the tour price, so there’s no discount for opting out.

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

Travelers with dietary restrictions or preferences should inform the tour provider in advance. The tour may be able to accommodate special meal requests, but this can’t be guaranteed without prior notice.

Is There an Option to Explore Herculaneum Independently?

Yes, visitors can explore Herculaneum independently. The archaeological site is open to the public, and self-guided tours are available. This allows visitors to explore the ruins at their own pace without a guided group tour.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Unforeseen Delays?

The tour schedule allows for some flexibility to account for unforeseen delays like traffic or crowds. However, there’s a timely pace to cover all the itinerary items, so significant delays could impact the overall experience.

The Sum Up

This Herculaneum day trip from Sorrento offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the well-preserved ancient Roman ruins and savor the flavors of the region. The guided tour, coupled with a delightful lunch, provides an intimate glimpse into the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an ideal excursion for those seeking to uncover the past while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Gulf of Naples.

You can check availability for your dates here: