Pompeii Tour Guides

We toured Pompeii in May. Originally planned to do it on our own, but then decided to join one of the tour groups at the enterance. There are many local gentlemen at the enterance offering tours. You do not have to find them, they will find you! The one we joined was 10E/per person, plus admission tickets and lasted 2 hours. It covered the highlights of Pompeii, but there was certainly more to see after the two hour tour, and our guide pointed us in the right direction. I think it'd be a confusing place to try and do on your own, and we were pleased with our guide and his level of knowledge. It was very affordable and I think it'd be crazy to spend 150E apiece!!! But it depends on what you want too. The tour I went on was the basics, and exactly what we wanted. If you're after something more extensive and in-depth, you may want to do the higher priced, pre booked tour guides. There were probably 15 people in our group, and we had to wait about 20 minutes for the group to fill up and assemble. Hope this helps!

Thanks Jodi! That's helpful information. I was just curious, how did you end up choosing a specific guide? I'm imagining many men clamoring for our patronage haha.

(Just to clarify, his quote was for all three of us, which would be 50euros + tix/ person...Just a bit too much still for us.)

We also had a private guide at Pompeii for our family of 4. Just one of the official guides waiting right at the entrance for business. The tour lasted about 2 hours and we paid about 50 Euros total (can't remember the exact price) on top of the tickets for us. I was a bit worried originally because the guide had a strong accent but as it turned out his English and knowledge of the site were impeccable and I quickly got used to the accent as well. Great tour!

Peggy, I wish I could join you, but I won't be at Pompeii till a week and a half later! I, too, would like to hire Gaetano--but I can't see spending 150 euros, either. I'm torn between relying on a guidebook and taking a chance with the on-site guides.

Travelers, tell us more about your Pompeii guide experiences!

I found the local guides at the gate great value at very reasonable cost (50 euro for 2 hr, per guide, exclude tix). They will point out the highlights and then you can wonder on your own. A lot easier than trying to navigate the maze on your own with a map or audio. They only do Pompeii ruin so all know the area well. Just talk to a couple and choose the one you feel comfortable.

Peggy, In June, my two friends and I took the two hour tour with Gaetano. It is 50 Euros per person...you do not split the 150. We emailed him several months in advance. It was the best 50 Euros we spent. He met us at the train and took us to the ticket line. He lives in the new Pompeii and is extremely knowledgeable about the original construction of the city, etc. He actually went over the two hours. Also, he managed to get us past and in front of tour groups...in and out of buildings while others waited in line. The day was hot and we appreciated having such a guide as Gaetano.

Could you send me Gaetano's email address? I would like to contact him about a tour in October. Thanks!

Okay, maybe 150 euro isn't all the money in the world--especially when Pompeii is the centerpiece of your trip! I just booked a two-hour tour with the famous Gaetano.

Sara, his email address is:

[email protected]

Buon viaggio!