Herculaneum, the lesser-known sister city of Pompeii, offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Roman life. This guided walking tour provides an immersive 3D experience, allowing visitors to visualize the long-lost structures and daily activities that once filled the town. Equipped with cutting-edge augmented reality glasses, you’ll be transported back in time, gaining a deeper understanding of Herculaneum‘s history. With skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable tour assistant, this tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts and casual explorers alike. But the true magic lies in what you’ll discover once you step foot in this remarkably preserved archaeological wonder.
Good To Know
- The tour offers an approximately 2-hour immersive experience using AR glasses to visualize the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum.
- Skip-the-line tickets ensure quick entry to the archaeological site, which is not wheelchair-accessible but accessible via public transportation.
- Guided by a tour assistant, the tour provides recorded audio commentary in six languages and allows for independent exploration after the guided portion.
- Suitable for all ages, with children under 8 requiring a standard ticket and unable to use the 3D technology.
- The AR glasses may cause some discomfort if worn for long periods, but they offer a unique perspective on the well-preserved Roman ruins.
Tour Overview
The Herculaneum Walking Tour offers an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience, allowing visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Herculaneum.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 18 reviews. Located in Naples, Italy, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and is suitable for all ages, though children under 8 require a standard ticket and can’t use the 3D technology.
The tour includes AR glasses for visualizing ancient Herculaneum, a tour assistant, skip-the-line tickets, and recorded audio in six languages.
After the guided portion, visitors have the freedom to explore the archaeological site independently.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Naples.
Tour Features
The Herculaneum Walking Tour boasts an array of compelling features.
Visitors will be provided with AR glasses to visualize the ancient city in stunning detail, enhancing their understanding of life in Herculaneum. A knowledgeable tour assistant will be on hand to provide support throughout the experience.
Plus, skip-the-line tickets grant quick entry, allowing more time to explore. The tour offers recorded audio in six languages, catering to a diverse audience.
After the guided portion, travelers can freely roam the archaeological site at their own pace.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation options.
Meeting Information
Travelers will meet at the Biglietteria Ercolano, located at 80056 Ercolano, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy.
It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early, as the tour won’t wait more than 5 minutes for late arrivals. The tour concludes back at the meeting point.
The activity is accessible via public transportation, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Proper walking shoes are advised, as the tour involves exploring the archaeological site independently after the guided portion.
Participant Guidelines
Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions is recommended, and proper walking shoes are advised, as the tour involves exploring the archaeological site independently after the guided portion.
Children under 18 must present a valid ID at the ticket office. The AR glasses can be used over prescription glasses, but may cause fatigue if worn for extended periods.
-
The tour is suitable for all ages, though children under 8 require a standard ticket and can’t use the 3D technology.
-
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is located near public transportation.
-
Participants should arrive at least 15 minutes early, as late arrivals will be accommodated for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Augmented Reality Experience
One of the key features of this Herculaneum walking tour is the use of augmented reality (AR) technology.
Visitors are provided with specialized AR glasses that overlay 3D reconstructions of the ancient city onto the real-world archaeological site. This allows travelers to visualize the lost structures and get a better sense of how Herculaneum looked in its heyday.
The AR experience is designed to enhance understanding and bring the ruins to life. While the glasses may cause some fatigue if worn for extended periods, they offer an immersive and engaging way to explore the well-preserved remains of this historic Roman town.
- From Naples: Pompeii Entrance & Amalfi Coast Tour With Lunch
- Day Trip From Naples: Amalfi Coast Tour Including Ravello
- Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Group Tour From Naples
- Day Tour of Capri Island From Naples With Light Lunch
- Full-Day Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii Day Tour From Naples
- The Skull With the Ears: the Cult of the Dead in the Church of S. Luciella
Exploring Herculaneum
The ancient Roman town of Herculaneum lies nestled along the Bay of Naples, just a short distance from its more famous counterpart, Pompeii.
This well-preserved archaeological site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants before the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Exploring Herculaneum features:
-
Remarkably intact ancient structures, including the waterfront façades, gardens, and even carbonized wooden beams
-
Fascinating insights into Roman architecture, infrastructure, and domestic life through the preservation of artifacts and frescoes
-
Opportunities to walk the same streets as the ancient Herculaneans and imagine the bustling community that once thrived here.
Feedback and Reviews
Travelers who’ve experienced the Herculaneum Walking Tour generally share positive feedback about the friendly and knowledgeable guides.
The engaging use of augmented reality technology is noted as enhancing the understanding of ancient life in Herculaneum. Comparisons drawn between Herculaneum and the more famous Pompeii are also cited as beneficial.
However, some participants found the AR glasses less useful than expected, and the recorded commentary limited. Suggestions were made for more detailed explanations from the guides and improvements regarding the pacing of the tour and the effectiveness of the AR technology.
Tour Highlights
Visitors embarking on the Herculaneum Walking Tour can expect an immersive experience that transports them back in time.
The tour features:
- Augmented reality (AR) glasses that allow participants to visualize the ancient city as it once stood, bringing the ruins to life.
- A knowledgeable tour assistant on hand to provide support and answer questions.
- Skip-the-line tickets, ensuring a seamless entry into the archaeological site.
- Recorded audio commentary available in six languages, enabling a deeper understanding of Herculaneum’s history.
After the guided portion, travelers are free to explore the site independently, allowing them to delve further into the captivating ruins at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get to the Archaeological Site From My Hotel?
To reach the Herculaneum archaeological site from your hotel, you can take public transportation. The site is located near public transportation options, making it easily accessible for visitors. Plan your route in advance to arrive at the meeting point on time.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour Using My Phone?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour using your phone. However, the AR glasses may interfere with taking clear photos, so it’s best to use them judiciously and focus on enjoying the augmented reality experience.
Are There Any Security Checks or Bag Restrictions at the Meeting Point?
There are security checks at the meeting point. Visitors can bring small bags, but large bags and luggage may not be allowed. It’s best to travel light and arrive early to avoid delays.
Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Tickets During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional souvenirs or tickets during the tour. The tour includes skip-the-line access, but any extra purchases would be at the traveler’s own expense and discretion.
Is There a Specific Mobile App Required to Use the AR Glasses?
No, there’s no specific mobile app required to use the AR glasses on the tour. The glasses are provided by the tour operator and work independently to enhance the augmented reality experience of exploring Herculaneum.
The Sum Up
This captivating Herculaneum 3D Skip the Line Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the remarkably preserved ancient Roman town. Utilizing augmented reality glasses, visitors can visualize lost structures and daily life, enhancing their understanding of history. With a knowledgeable tour assistant, skip-the-line access, and the freedom to roam the site, it’s a suitable experience for all ages. It’s an engaging and informative way to experience the wonders of Herculaneum.
More Walking Tours in Naples
- Songs, Stories & Street Food: A Walking Tour of Naples
- Food & The City, Food and Culture Walking Tour
- Naples Walking Food Tour: Street Food and Maradona Murales
- Naples: Street Food and Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Naples: Rione Sanità Underground Walking Tour
- Naples: Street Art, Wine and Food Tasting Walking Tour
More Tours in Naples
- Naples: Private Boat Tour of the Gulf with Skipper
- Ischia and Procida: Dinghy Excursion with Swim and Lunch Stop
- Songs, Stories & Street Food: A Walking Tour of Naples
- From Naples: Vesuvius Easy Tour
- Food & The City, Food and Culture Walking Tour
- From Naples: Sorrento & Pompeii Tour with Limoncello Tasting
More Tour Reviews in Naples
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Naples we have reviewed
- Naples: Private Boat Tour of the Gulf with Skipper
- Naples : Pizza making course with local pizza maker
- Taste Naples in ten tastings.
- From Naples: Day Trip to Positano (Amalfi Coast)
- Ischia and Procida: Dinghy Excursion with Swim and Lunch Stop
- Songs, Stories & Street Food: A Walking Tour of Naples
- Maradona Museum: The first museum dedicated to Diego Armando Maradona
- From Naples: Vesuvius Easy Tour
- From Naples or Sorrento: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip
- Food & The City, Food and Culture Walking Tour
- From Naples: Sorrento & Pompeii Tour with Limoncello Tasting
- Naples Walking Food Tour: Street Food and Maradona Murales