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Itineraries

Every visit to Pompeii is a journey through time, but not all travellers move at the same pace. Some may only have a couple of hours and want to capture the essence of the site, while others may spend the entire day wandering through the houses, temples, and ancient streets. In this section, you’ll find tailored itineraries designed to guide you through the city based on the time you have available. Whether you opt for a short route or a more in-depth exploration, Pompeii will offer you something truly unique.

FAQ about recommended itineraries

The choice of itinerary depends on the time you can devote to the visit. If you have only 2 hours, we recommend our essential route to see the main landmarks without covering long distances. With 3 hours, you can expand your visit with a few more stops. A 5-hour itinerary offers a complete experience, while with 7 hours you can explore Pompeii in depth, visiting lesser-known areas and the famous Villa of the Mysteries.
 

Yes, all four itineraries are designed for first-time visitors to Pompeii. They are structured to be easy to follow and well-balanced, offering a comprehensive introduction to the ancient city. You can choose the level of in-depth exploration based on the time you have available.

It’s not essential. The itineraries are designed to be followed independently, thanks to the detailed directions and the reference system (Regio – number) which corresponds to the official sections of the archaeological site. However, if you prefer a richer experience, you can opt for a guided tour or an audio guide.

Each itinerary starts from a different entrance, selected based on the logistics of the route to optimise your visit time:

The 2-hour and 5-hour itineraries start at the Upper Marina Gate entrance, ideal for quick access to the heart of the ancient city.

In contrast, the 3-hour itinerary starts at the Piazza Esedra entrance (Lower Marina Gate), which is convenient and well-connected to the suggested route.

The 7-hour itinerary starts at the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, perfect for an extended tour that covers all of Pompeii, including the Villa of the Mysteries.

Each starting point is clearly indicated at the beginning of the relevant route, making it easy to organise your visit.

 

Each stage of the routes is accompanied by an abbreviation, such as (Regio VI – 1): this is the official mapping system of Pompeii. The Roman numeral (Regio) indicates the area of the ancient city (e.g., residential or public area), while the Arabic numeral denotes the specific building. This system will help you easily identify each point of interest on the map and follow the route without confusion.