Pompeii & Vesuvius with Lunch & Wine Tasting from Positano

If you’re staying in Positano and itching to explore something beyond the coast, this tour offers an engaging way to experience two of Italy’s most iconic sights: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. While it’s not a secret that this trip packs a lot into one day, it’s worth considering whether the package matches your interests and fitness level.

What really caught our attention about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who bring history to life and the chance to enjoy wine tasting in a scenic setting. Plus, the seamless logistics—like hotel pickups and included entry fees—make it reasonably convenient to visit these famous sites in one go.

That said, there’s a fair bit of driving involved, and some reviews point out that the overall pace can feel rushed, especially around lunch and Vesuvius. So, if you’re after a more relaxed, in-depth visit to each site, this might not be your best fit. Still, for those who want a balanced combination of history, nature, and local flavor, this tour could be just right.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day trip with some added indulgence, but it’s important to be comfortable with a full schedule and some group logistics.

Key Points

• Includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and wine tasting, offering good value for a full day.
• Small group size (max 12 people) ensures a more personalized experience.
• Expert guides help make the history of Pompeii engaging and accessible.
• Hiking Vesuvius involves a walk along “The Gran Cone,” which can be challenging for some.
• The winery visit offers a chance to sample local wines in a beautiful setting, though experiences vary.
• Timing can be tight; some reviews mention a rushed Vesuvius hike and lunch schedule.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Your Day: Hotel Pickup and Journey to Pompeii

The day kicks off early, with pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, starting around 8:00 am. This logistics detail is handy, especially in a scenic stretch like Positano, where parking and navigation can be tricky. The drive to Pompeii takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes—enough time to stretch your legs and get a sense of the landscape.

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll be comfortable through the journey, which is important given the sometimes warm Italian sun. The group size is limited to 12 travelers, making it more intimate than some larger buses, which many reviewers appreciate.

First Stop: Exploring Pompeii’s Ruins

Once at Pompeii, you’ll spend about 2 hours touring the archaeological site with a guide who knows how to bring the ruins to life. We love when guides go beyond just pointing out ruins—they weave stories that make ancient streets, homes, and public buildings feel tangible.

During this segment, you’ll visit highlights like the Basilica, the Forum, thermal baths, a bakery, and residential houses. Reviewers like Jeannine raved about guides “over and beyond the very best,” praising their knowledge and engaging style that kept history interesting.

You’ll get a good sense of what daily life was like before Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD. The guided tour is well-paced, and the included admission fee simplifies entry. Keep in mind, Pompeii is vast, and two hours only cover part of it—so if you’re a history buff, you might wish for more time, but this is a decent introduction.

The Drive Up Mount Vesuvius

After Pompeii, the bus takes you roughly 45 minutes to an hour up the mountain to the Vesuvius National Park. The climb itself involves a walk along “The Gran Cone” trail, leading to the crater, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes round-trip.

The views from Vesuvius are spectacular—standing on the edge of one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, gazing down into the crater, offers a memorable photo opportunity. Expect some loose rocks and uneven terrain, so wear sturdy shoes. As one reviewer noted, “The walk to the very top of Mt Vesuvio was very uphill and very awesome,” but be aware it can be physically demanding, especially on a hot day.

The Winery Experience

Post Vesuvius, you’ll head to Casa Setaro Winery in Trecase, nestled within the Vesuvius National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The winery is notable for its ungrafted vines and high-quality wines—a real highlight for wine lovers.

You’ll spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes at the winery, sampling different varietals and enjoying a leisurely lunch. The meal includes more food than you might expect and pairing it with local wines creates a nice, relaxed end to the trip.

Reviews vary on this aspect—some found the wine tasting less organized than hoped, but others appreciated the scenic setting and generous pours. Keep in mind that some travelers felt that the winery stop cut into their time at Vesuvius or Pompeii, so if wine tasting isn’t a priority, you might consider skipping it.

Wrapping Up the Day: Return to Positano

After the winery, your journey back to Positano takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Some reviews mention long drives and traffic, which is typical for the region, but the group size and comfortable transportation help ease the journey.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

• The guides’ expertise makes history accessible and fun.
• The scenic drive and views from Vesuvius are breathtaking, especially with the opportunity to hike along the crater.
• The lunch and wine tasting at a picturesque vineyard offers a delightful touch of local flavor.
• The group size allows for a more personalized experience, with room for questions and interaction.

Things to Consider

• The full schedule means some parts of the day can feel rushed, especially the Vesuvius hike and lunch.
• The walk up Vesuvius involves uneven terrain and can be strenuous; it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness.
• The lunch experience varies; some may find the winery visit less organized or the lunch spot a bit basic.
• Expect a lot of driving—from Positano to Pompeii, Vesuvius, and back—which can be tiring, especially in warm weather.

The Ideal Traveler for This Experience

This tour fits travelers who enjoy a blend of history, nature, and local cuisine. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a busy day and are comfortable with some walking and hiking. If you’re interested in guided storytelling, love wine and food, and want to see Pompeii and Vesuvius without planning every detail yourself, this is a solid choice.

However, if your priority is deep exploration of each site or you prefer a very relaxed pace, you might find this tour a bit too packed. Also, if hiking or walking on uneven terrain isn’t suitable for you, consider other options or prepare accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or a nearby location is included, starting about 30 minutes before the tour begins.

How long is the total tour?
It lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, with most of the day spent traveling and exploring.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and hiking. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with that level of activity.

Are the guide and driver included in the cost?
Guides are provided at Pompeii and Vesuvius, and a driver is included for transportation. The guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging style.

Can I skip the wine tasting?
The tour includes a wine tasting and lunch at a winery. While some reviews suggest skipping it if not interested, it is part of the package, and you might want to enjoy the experience or discuss options with the tour operator.

What should I wear for the Vesuvius hike?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain and loose rocks. Dress in layers, especially if it’s hot.

How much time do we spend at each site?
Pompeii is about 2 hours; Vesuvius hike takes around 1 hour 20 minutes; the winery visit is about 1 hour 20 minutes. The schedule is designed to cover all three efficiently.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entry fees for Pompeii, Vesuvius, and the winery are included in the price.

What are the reviews saying?
Most reviews are positive, praising the guides, the scenic views, and the overall organization. Some mention that the winery experience was less organized or that the day felt rushed.

Is it worth the price?
At $335.55 per person, with included entrance fees, lunch, and wine tasting, many find it good value for a comprehensive day trip, though the experience depends on your expectations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-organized, guided day trip that combines history, adventure, and a taste of local wine, this tour from Positano ticks most boxes. It offers a lot of value with included entry fees, expert guides, and a scenic journey that hits the highlights of Pompeii and Vesuvius.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a balanced experience—not just a quick visit but enough time to appreciate each site with some added indulgence at the winery. Just remember, it’s a full day with some physical activity, so come prepared for a busy but rewarding adventure.

For lovers of history, stunning views, and authentic Italian wine, this trip offers a memorable way to deepen your Amalfi Coast experience without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.