Booking choice: The Pompeii and Vesuvius full day, from $133 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Guests' most repeated advice after a Pompeii and Vesuvius day is not about the history. It is about shoes, water and the sun. Here is the kit that works.
The quick answer
Wear comfortable closed shoes with grip, light clothes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring at least a litre of water, sunscreen, a light layer for the windy crater rim, euros and ID for your named Pompeii ticket. Keep to a small bag: Pompeii only allows bags up to 30 x 30 x 15 cm.
What shoes should you wear?
Closed walking shoes or trainers with a grippy sole; not sandals or flip-flops.
Pompeii's streets are big, uneven stones with high kerbs and stepping stones, polished smooth in places. The crater path is loose gravel, steep both ways. Guests recommend proper hiking shoes or trainers, and some bring walking poles.
What should you wear for the heat?
Light, breathable clothes, a wide hat and sunglasses: Pompeii has very little shade.
From June to September it is often over 30°C in the ruins. Guests praise guides who seek out shade, but plan for full sun. Some bring a small umbrella for shade.
Ready for a hot day out? The coach is air-conditioned between the sites.
Check dates for the Pompeii and Vesuvius full dayDo you need a jacket on Vesuvius?
Bring a light layer: the rim at about 1,175 metres is often cooler and windier than Sorrento.
Several guests mention it being chilly at the top even when it was hot in Pompeii, and one recommends layers because you warm up on the climb and cool down at the rim.
How big a bag can you take into Pompeii?
Small bags only, up to 30 x 30 x 15 cm.
Leave large backpacks and luggage at your hotel. A small daypack or crossbody bag with water, sunscreen and a layer is ideal.
What should you pack?
Pack light: you carry it all day.
- At least a litre of water per person
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- A light jacket or fleece for the crater
- ID matching the name on your Pompeii ticket
- Euros for lunch, drinks and tips
- Any medication you need during the day
Prefer lunch sorted? The small-group day includes pizza and a soft drink.
Explore the small group with pizzaIs there a dress code?
No formal dress code at either site; just dress for a long active day.
The tours run in most weather; on a showery day add a light rain jacket, and remember the crater trail closes on weather-alert days.
Do you need water on the tour?
Yes: bring your own, and refill when you can.
Some guests got a bottle on the coach, but do not count on it. There are refreshment points and toilets at the visitor centres, according to guests.
What if it rains?
Pompeii stays open; the crater trail may close on weather-alert days, and the view may be lost in cloud.
Every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours before. See the crater hike for how operators handle closures.
Weather looking good? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Pompeii and Vesuvius full dayFrequently asked questions
Can I wear sandals to Pompeii?
You can, but closed shoes are much better on the uneven stones and essential on the gravel crater path.
Do I need ID for Pompeii?
Yes, tickets are personal since November 2024, so carry ID that matches the name on the booking.
Can I bring a backpack?
Only a small one: Pompeii allows bags up to 30 x 30 x 15 cm.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Pompeii & Vesuvius Full Day from Sorrento
- Round trip from Sorrento in an air-conditioned coach or minibus
- Official guide for the whole day, with commentary on board
- Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii and the Vesuvius crater ticket
Small-Group Pompeii & Vesuvius with Pizza
- Licensed guide in Pompeii and an alpine guide on Vesuvius
- Pompeii entry and the Vesuvius National Park ticket
- Pizza and a soft drink at a local pizzeria
