Private Pompeii and Herculaneum Day Trip by Train with Local Guide and Tickets Included

Big tourist coaches and audio guides are out; a licensed local guide and a private group of up to six are in. The operator, Withlocals, builds the day around the highlights and the cultural background of the two sites rather than the standard routes.

At Pompeii a fast ticket line replaces the long queue, and about two hours go to the theatre, baths, brothel and forum, with stories from the guide. A 30-minute train ride then leads to Herculaneum, less crowded, with its ancient shops, private houses and sacred places. Depending on the host's route, the Villa dei Misteri may be added.

To guarantee entry, contact details are shared at booking so the host can collect every participant's name as it appears in the passport.