Pompeii was once an affluent Roman city filled with impressive public buildings and lavish private homes, many decorated with fine furniture and impressive works of art. Following the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the city has been frozen in time for millennia, offering us a fascinating glimpse into life in a Roman town.
If you want to emulate the lavish lifestyle of the Roman upper classes, there are more than a few ways to experience Pompeii and its beautiful surroundings in a way befitting a celebrity. This article will introduce you to the best luxury tours in Pompeii - feel free to contact our hand-picked local guides to ensure you'll receive nothing short of royal treatment.
Private Tour of the Pompeii Ruins
The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is, of course, the main reason most travelers head to this region of Italy. This UNESCO protected landmark is home to stunningly preserved buildings and artwork dating back nearly 2,000 years. From temples dedicated to Roman gods, to lavish villas adorned with mysterious frescoes, the most famous landmarks in Pompeii each have a story to tell. Thanks to its rich and storied history, the ruins of Pompeii are the second most visited attraction in Italy, surpassed only by the Colosseum.
Seeing how popular Pompeii is, many visitors worry that their long-awaited visit will be dampened by hordes of tourists swarming around the ruins. The best way to ensure that your visit will focus on diving deeper into the area's fascinating history (and not on dodging meandering tour groups) is to book a private tour of the archaeological park. A professional guide will share all the best stories and most important details as you explore the ruins. Just as importantly, a well-versed guide will be able to plan your visit in a way that best avoids the crowds, and perhaps even offer some exclusive experiences not usually found on the tourist brochures.
Excursion to the Amalfi Coast
After exploring the iconic ruins of Pompeii, you might find yourself craving some fresh sea air. There is no better way to freshen up than by enjoying a leisurely excursion down to the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast. With its beautiful villas and stunning beaches, it really is no wonder that this coastal area has long been something of a celebrity favorite. Everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Jackie Kennedy, and modern-day stars like Mariah Carey, have visited and fallen in love with the region. With views like these, who could blame them?
The Amalfi Coast is the ultimate destination for enjoying la dolce vita (the good life). The clear blue waters are perfect for a leisurely dip, and there is plenty of local history and impressive architecture to explore as well. There are great restaurants poised right on the shoreline and elevated up on the cliffs, allowing you to savor fresh seafood and perfectly chilled rosé while gazing out at the Mediterranean. You could even venture out for a boat trip and enjoy a cruise out to the neighboring island of Capri.
Scenic Wine Tasting
The volcanic soil in Pompeii is perfect for growing grapes used for wine making. For generations, the area has been home to beautiful vineyards. The particular qualities of the local soil gives the wines produced in the region a unique flavor and aroma. Whether you are a devoted wine aficionado, or simply want to enjoy the local scenery while sipping on some, touring the local vineyards could be a great addition to your Pompeii itinerary. Wine was an important part of life in ancient Rome, so wine tasting in Pompeii actually counts as conducting historical research!
One of the most famous vineyards in Pompeii is the Bosco de Medici Winery, which is located just a 10-minute drive from the Pompeii ruins. This is a family-run business which has been producing wine in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius since 1996, inspired by centuries old local traditions. Visitors get to tour the vineyards where the grapes are grown and, of course, sample the wines firsthand. Enjoying a meal beneath the grapevines is also an experience that's not to be missed.
Sleep in Luxury
Touring the Pompeii ruins is an incredibly enriching experience. Exploring the ancient city, especially in midsummer heat, can also leave you feeling fatigued, though. After a full day of epic sightseeing, there is no better feeling than settling in for a night of restorative sleep, and what better place to do that than the luxurious Grand Hotel Vesuvio? This luxury hotel is located about a 30-minute drive from the ruins of Pompeii and is built right on the waterfront in the vibrant city of Naples. In fact, this is the one and only five-star waterfront hotel in the city.
Originally built in 1882, Grand Hotel Vesuvio has a long history of hosting world-class celebrities. During the years, the hotel has hosted screen icons such as Grace Kelly, Errol Flynn, Rita Hayworth and Clark Gable, as well as modern-day celebrities including Ricky Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting, and Spike Lee. Even the Spice Girls have stayed here!
The hotel itself offers beautiful old-world glamor befitting its high-end pedigree. The location is fabulous too, with the building providing beautiful vistas of the Gulf of Naples, particularly from the hotel's Sky Lounge which is located up on the 10th floor. What's more, the hotel is located directly opposite Ovo Castle, an impressive seafront structure that is said to be the oldest surviving fortification in Naples. Thanks to the hotel's central location, it is also a perfect home base for enjoying a private tour of Naples, Italy's third-largest city.
Conclusion
Visiting the ancient ruins of Pompeii is an experience that you will treasure for years to come. Being surrounded by all that history in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy is guaranteed to make an impression. To elevate your visit to the next level, get in touch with our experienced private guides. Offering private fully customizable tours, this is the perfect way to pick and choose all the highlights of the area - or simply allow your guide to plan the perfect itinerary while you relax and enjoy your well-deserved holiday.