• Private Tour
• Carbon Neutral

Naples is wrapped. . . while its food and scenery command devotion, the city's skulls and castles offer a glimpse into its violent past.

Destination

Naples, Italy

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

3 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Italiano

Included

• Private guide

Excluded

• Entrance tickets

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Raffaele.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Piazza del Gesù Nuovo - Naples to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. meeting point

   Piazza del Gesù

4. Visit

   Church and the incredible facade

5. Walking

   Spaccanapoli

6. Visit

   Piazza San Domenico Maggiore

7. Visit

   Sansevero Chapel (Veiled Christ)

8. Walking

   Via dei Tribunali

9. Visit

   Church of the Purgatory

10. Walking

    Via Duomo

11. Visit

    Treasure Chapel of San Gennaro and the Mystery of his Holy Blood

12. End

    Duomo

13. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Dave

6 March 2025

Raffaele was the ultimate in punctual, prepared, and very warm and entertaining. His knowledge and credentials are excellent, and he steered us to all of the best that a day trip to Capri can offer. He even helped us juggle dates of the tour so we could attend another. His recommendations for cafe, lunch and dinners were perfect. Thank you Raffaele. We will be back, and we will look you up. Highly Recommend Raffaele!!!

Jennifer

5 March 2025

We had a fantastic tour around Pompeii with Raffaele. He provided us with a lot of fascinating information about the history of the site and the inner workings of the society. We highly recommend doing a tour with him! Amazing learning experience!

Phil

4 March 2025

Raffaele is an excellent guide! He made our tour feel like a very personal experience, not only because of his amazing in-depth knowledge of the history of Pompeii (before and after the AD 79 eruption) but his stories of the people who lived there made the place come alive!The ONLY way to see Pompeii!

Leanne🇺🇸 United States

2 March 2025

Patient with our kids, such a wealth of information, easy to communicate and ask questions. Fantastic tour

Tina🇺🇸 United States

27 February 2025

This was an exceptional tour with Raffaele. He is an expert — classically educated archeologist and historian—with great insight and a wealth of knowledge. Pre-tour he quickly (and patiently!) answered all of our logistical questions. I would highly recommend this tour. Excellent!

Catherine

15 February 2025

We met Rafaelle at the site and found him to be extremely knowledgeable, easy to understand, and personable. He brought the city, and its unfortunate end, to life. Great tour, great guide.Excellent guide for ercolano

Amanda

15 February 2025

Raffaele was an excellent tour guide for our multi-generational group. From age 7 to 78. He was excellent with the kids but the adults also were engaged and we all learned a bunch! I'm so glad we decided to do a tour instead of trying to see Herculaneum on our own.Excellent tour!

Thomas🇺🇸 United States

8 February 2025

We had a delightful and informative visit to Herculaneum with Raffaele. He emphasized how tragic the eruption in 79 CE was for the residents, who fled to the water for safety. It was sad to see skeletons of bodies that were pushed into the walls by the sea. The temperature of the air was estimated to be so high that wooden beams all around the town turned to carbon rather than burning. We were surprised how many of the buildings were two stories. Raffaele showed us all the highlights of the ruins and wall paintings and mosaic fountains. It was fascinating to learn about the history and culture from a trained archaeologist. After the visit, he recommended we try a restaurant in Sorrento, so we headed there and had a lovely lunch at a seaside restaurant. Highly recommend a visit, tour or other heritage exploration with Raffaele. Informative visit with a true expert

Peter

5 February 2025

We had a great time exploiring Pompeii and Herculaneum with Raffaele. He was able to shed information on many intersting areas in both spots and really helped us understand what life and the ultimate demise of these cities was like in anchinet times. Thanks Raff, it was a great day, despite the rain!

Anna🇦🇺 Australia

3 February 2025

Raffaele was fantastic. We did a day trip from Rome with my husband and 2 kids (13 and 15). Unfortunately both kids were a bit unwell on the day, however, they still loved their Pompeii experience, largely due to the information and insights shared by Raffaele. He was friendly, easy to understand and able to answer any questions without hesitation. He is very passionate about the Pompeii site and the discoveries there. It was very busy on the day we were there, however, it did not bother us at all as Raffaele was able to take us on routes that were not overrun with people. It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience and I thoroughly recommend Raffaele.Raffaele was great!

Susan🇺🇸 United States

23 January 2025

Raffaele could not have been a more perfect professore for my curious family. We had done our homework on Pompeii so Raffaele was able to tailor our adventure to our knowledge base. I would hire him again. As an archaeologist, his knowledge is extensive and current. Hire him!

Charisse 🇺🇸 United States

18 January 2025

Raffaele was wonderful! We had such a marvelous time and learned an amazing amount of history. I would highly recommend him for individuals or families! Do not miss the archaeologic museum in Naples. Raffaele shared so much history and art with us at the museum.

Peter🇧🇪 Belgium

8 January 2025

We had a such a great day , we were a group of 8 mix of children and adults and the Raffaele made a great tour of Pompei and the Museum of archaeology in Naples in the afternoon. Can only recommend him, very knowledgeable, great humour and made the ruins just come alive . Thank you! super guide

Jeff🇨🇦 Canada

6 January 2025

We had a great tour with Raffaele! He was friendly, knowledgeable and helped us understand what we were experiencing. We saw the larger tours walking around and were so happy we were alone with him. Great tour!

Kristene 🇨🇦 Canada

30 December 2024

We chose the perfect guide for our visit to Pompeii! Not only was Raffaele full of knowledge but his stories and passion made you feel what is was like to live in Pompeii and what it must have been like on that tragic day. We experienced so much history in two hours! This was a powerful and emotional tour that we will remember for life. Thank you so much, Raffaele!Raffaele brought Pompeii to life!

Michael

28 December 2024

Raffaele is a very knowledgeable tour guide. He loves Pompeii, the people and the history of the area. Highly recommended. All the stars

Evan

24 December 2024

Raffaele was an outstanding guide. He orchestrated a thorough and thoughtful tour through Herculaneum that was expansive in overarching history and rich in the kind of detail that will make the site and the experience memorable for years to come. Outstanding

Bonnie🇫🇷 France

20 December 2024

Raffaele was a terrific guide for our visit to Pompei today. The site is so big, but by the end of our two-hour private tour, we had seen many important sites and learned a lot about the history of Pompei and the eruption of Vesuvius that preserved so much of the city. Raffaele was very much at ease with all the material, his archeology background and education (PhD) shining through. His presentation really made all the difference to us in making sense of the Pompei site and knowing where to look and what to find. We would highly recommend visiting Pompei with him!Terrific tour of Pompei

Daniel🇺🇸 United States

20 December 2024

The three of us had a phenomenal day with Raffaele. He is deeply knowledgeable in the history of both Pompei and Herculaneum and easily answered our many questions with ease. He truly brings his subject matter to life with his enthusiasm. This was one of the best historical tours I’ve ever done. Don’t miss it.Fantastic Day with Raffaele

Kate🇦🇺 Australia

17 December 2024

Our family had the privilege of learning from Raffaele about Pompeii and Herculaneum. It was like being transported into a Time Machine! Our 17 year old is studying these two places early next year and our tour has really given her a great appreciation for the life and times of people living there. We give Raffaele at 10/10A step into a time machine

Helen

13 December 2024

Raffaele’s two tour of Pompei was really brilliant. We had a perfect morning and his interpretation of the site and all the details he gave us about life in Pompei were fascinating. Thank you! Fantastic tour of Pompei

julie🇺🇸 United States

6 December 2024

We had a wonderful day! It was perfect! Thank you! Awesome Day!

Chris🇺🇸 United States

14 November 2024

Raffaele was a true pleasure to work with and his knowledge was amazing. We learned so much, we had laughs and even some very somber moments. You can hear and see his passion for this piece of history and the people that lost their lives there. I would definitely recommend himAmazing and worth every penny

Morgan🇮🇹 Italy

13 November 2024

Rafael was super knowledgeable and wasn't stumped on any question. He was able to provide great context about the different aspects of Pomeii's history and the culture of its people. He has a great sense of humor too. This experience was so much better than being in a larger group. Fantastic Experience

Elizabeth🇺🇸 United States

6 November 2024

We spent 1 1/2 days with Raffaele and he was the best! We did a customized tour with a few hours in Pompeii and the a half day in the centro storico in Naples and at the Archeological Museum. He was so excited to tell us about these places and was very engaging. His English is perfect too. I wish I could have him as my tour guide in every city I visit. Do not hesitate to book a tour with him!The best guide ever

Karen🇺🇸 United States

1 November 2024

Raffaele truly brought Pompeii to life for us with his deep knowledge and passion for the site. Despite the heavy rain on the day of our tour, we were determined to explore, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We learned so much and felt a genuine connection to the lives of the people who once inhabited Pompeii. Having been on many guided tours over the years, I can confidently say this was one of the best we've ever had. Highly recommend!Incredible day!

Sandu🇳🇱 Netherlands

1 November 2024

Thank you for offering this unique tour that combines the archaeological site of Pompeii with the Museo Archeologico Nazionale where you can see the materials and sculptures found. It gives you a unique insight into the magnitude of the archaeological finds. It is important to take your time and you really need those six hours if you travel by public transport.Pleasant tour

Philip

31 October 2024

Raffaele was the perfect guide, very knowledgeable and articulate. He paced the visit very well and gave a real sense of what life was like before and during the eruption of Vesuvius. Highly recommended Faultless

jana

27 October 2024

A very knowledgeable, great guideAmazong experience

Karina🇺🇸 United States

27 October 2024

We enjoyed our tour with Raffaele. He is full of knowledge of the history of Herculaneum and made it possible for us to imagine the life of the Roman citizens at the time and the tragedy that befell them. We can highly recommend him.Great Guide for the History of Herculaneum

Patricia🇺🇸 United States

23 October 2024

Raffaelle was an excellent guide for our small group of 3 for both Pompeii and Herculaneum . He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about not only the archeological ruins but also the ancient Roman culture and civilizations, and the different impact the volcanic eruption had on both locations. The result was a fascinating presentation that was delivered in a respectful and compassionate manner. He was fluent in English, efficient making the best use of the time and was able to maneuver us smoothly around the large group tours.

Tessa🇬🇧 United Kingdom

20 October 2024

Rafaello described the history, life and times of Pompeii in a way that showed not just the remarkable ingenuity of Roman society, but also the awful tragedy that happened there. It was completely fascinating. On a practical note he was clever at avoiding the crowds and finding somewhere quiet so that we could all hear him. He was passionate and very knowledgeable about his subject and his Engish is extremely good. Great! Would definitely recommend him. He brought Pompeii alive.....

Lynn🇺🇸 United States

13 October 2024

What an amazing day with Raffaele. Pompeii was a bucket list item for me and I really wanted to spend an entire day being immersed in all Pompeii and the National Archaeological Museum of Naples had to offer. I struggled to find a tour that would provide what I was looking for, and then I found Raffaele on WithLocals. He has such a passion and knowledge for Pompeii and the history, and he was able to really provide not only an overview of what we were seeing, but brought to life how Romans lived before the eruption. It will be a day my husband and I talk about for a long, long time.I couldn't have asked for a better day!

Tom🇺🇸 United States

13 October 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Raffaele. His knowledge regarding the circumstances of the burial was extensive. He answered all questions that we had and gave us a sense of the history of Herculaneum as well as the effort to excavate this treasure. We felt the personal touch as we were able to view mosaics and frescos and get a sense of the life as it was before the eruption at 79 AD. I would recommend him as a guide to either Herculaneum or Pompey. Herculaneum is less crowded, smaller and better preserved and therefore easier to navigate.California Couple at Herculaneum

Eric🇸🇬 Singapore

5 October 2024

We chose Raffaele specifically for his deep connection to the area, and we couldn’t have made a better choice. Traveling with our 22-month-old daughter presented some challenges, but Raffaele was incredibly patient, adapting to our needs and crafting an itinerary that perfectly balanced our expectations with our limitations. My personal highlight was the Casa dei Vettii. With Raffaele's detailed explanations, it felt like we were truly transported back to the days of Pompeii before the disaster. It was an invaluable experience, all thanks to Raffaele's expertise. A Journey Through Time

Crystal🇺🇸 United States

3 October 2024

All I can say is that I know why Raffaele is fully booked! I would not have wanted anyone but him to show us Pompeii. Don't miss out on booking with him.Amazing Experience

Jan Paul

28 September 2024

I asked specifically for Raffaele on the basis of his academic credentials (archaeologist with PhD) and this turned out to be a good decision. Raffaele accompanied us on our visit to Herculaneum (which is much less of a tourist hell than Pompei) and was able to give us in two hours a complete picture of the site and its history, of course with focus on what happened in the year 79 when the Vesuvius eruption destroyed the town. Raffaele is a very well informed professional who is able to descend from academic level to easily understandable explanations and nice stories about every day life in the Roman era. And on top of that he is a very nice person with sense of humour and a great love for Campania and all its classical treasures. The only reason I can think of to not recommend him as a guide is, that he should not get too busy, because I want him to be available for a visit to one of the other sites when we come back here.TOP guide of academic level

Fred🇨🇦 Canada

24 September 2024

We were super pleased and very grateful for our private guide in Raffaele. He was very personable and knowledgeable and knew the best ways to get around. We were able to make the best use of our time due to Raffaele’s recommendations on logistics. He was also very studied which made our education of the area too notch. Thank youExcellent guide in a beautiful place

David🇦🇺 Australia

18 September 2024

Two hour private tour of Herculaneum for two of us. Great communication from Raffaele leading up to the tour. His knowledge and insight definitely took our experience to the next level. Highly recommended!Herculaneum Private Tour

Alison🇬🇧 United Kingdom

16 September 2024

Raffaele was both knowledgable and passionate about Pompeii. He made the tour interesting and whilst we learnt the history it was also fun. A great way to see an amazing city.An insight in to Pompeii

Anne 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

28 August 2024

Raffaele was a superb guide and our trip to Herculaneum would not have been as enjoyable without him. His knowledge is extensive and we came away feeling we had learnt so much about the eruption of Vesuvius and the devastating consequences for the people who lived there. Thank you Raffaele Brilliant Guide

Jake🇺🇸 United States

21 August 2024

We did a 4 hour tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum with Raffaele, and the time just flew by. He showed us so many interesting spots and told so many interesting stories. My jaw was hanging open in amazement the entire time. If you are going to Pompeii, go with Raffaele.Super knowledgeable and passionate

Matthew🇦🇺 Australia

20 August 2024

Pompeii is such an overwhelming experience and so vast that it's difficult to fit it all in in one trip. That is unless you're being guided by someone who's hands had actually sifted the volcanic soil of Pompeii. Raphael was an experience not to be missed. We were so glad that we managed to book him. Our 3 hours in Pompeii with him, I imagine, was worth six hours self-guided. No exaggeration. There was no question, no detail, that he couldn't provide insight. Is enthusiasm for Pompeii after a professional career studying it, is undiminished. Is communication skills and storytelling is unrivaled. We really couldn't recommend Rafael any more highly and if this is the one time you go to Pompeii make sure that you have an archaeologist of his calibre guide you. It is worth every cent. Grazie Raphael Matt and LeanneIf you can, book Raf

Heather

20 August 2024

Raffaele was a great guide! He was very enthusiastic about the archeological site, which was refreshing. We were happy we made the decision to book a private tour. It made the long journey to Pompeii worthwhile.

Dom🇬🇧 United Kingdom

17 August 2024

We had a great tour of the site, Raffaele was very knowledgeable, and led us through the site. It was extremely hot in August, but all the family enjoyed the tourExcellent tour

Bonnie🇨🇦 Canada

1 August 2024

Raffaele was an incredible guide and source of knowledge. We were in awe of Herculaneum and all the extra information and Raffaele gave us. It was a fantastic experience -I would have been overwhelmed with everything to see had we not had Raffaele. Fantastic!

Jo🇦🇺 Australia

18 July 2024

We simply could not have asked for a better first introduction to Pompeii. Raffaele’s passion, knowledge and ongoing active involvement with the site provided a personal and throughly enjoyable experience for us all. He optimised our time with highlights and hidden corners, and was wonderful in meeting the questions and pace required in keeping our three teens engaged. We were also so grateful for the extra information and requests in coordinating our time at Vesuvius and in Naples. Amazing, thanks Raffaele!Excellent experience

Joey & Beth🇺🇸 United States

12 July 2024

Raffaelle is very knowledgeable. A great storyteller and through these was able to make the story of Ercolano come to life. Great tour and information

Alexandra🇦🇺 Australia

11 July 2024

We booked a custom tour with Rafaelle which included Herculaneum and underground Naples and we had the absolute best day! He was so knowledgeable, friendly and funny and it was so great to have someone with personal and professional connections to the sites we visited. His communication before meeting up was perfect and he even gave us a fantastic dinner recommendation that was absolutely delicious. We highly recommend booking Rafaelle for any of your Napoli or history tours. An amazing experience

Damien🇦🇺 Australia

21 June 2024

What an experience with Raffaele as our guide. His passion and knowledge of the ruins made the experience truely special. From the start to the end, he was able to transport us back to a time when Pompeii was a bustling centre of commerce and activity. It was just at the right pace and he was able to show us all the right places of interest. He was good natured and courteous and was always willing to answer any questions. If you would like to spend time with an archeologist with passion who has spent years researching this important site, I couldn’t recommend Raffaele highly enough. Thanks for memories. Outstanding