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Roman Villas Tour with Askos Tours in Castellammare di Stabia - Naples

Roman Villas Tour with Askos Tours in Castellammare di Stabia

Castellammare di Stabiaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility; involves walking on uneven ground.

Overview

Discover the remarkable Roman villas of Stabiae with Askos Tours. From vivid frescoes to ocean-view terraces, this guided journey reveals a coastal luxury buried in time.

Pompei, Campania

The Ancient Stabiae

€180 per tour | Enjoy a guided tour of the rich Roman residential villas of Stabia

Transfer
Private
Transportation

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Adventure Photos

The Ancient Stabiae photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover the ancient splendor of Stabiae on a guided tour of its remarkable Roman villas, Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna. Explore stunning frescoes, mosaics, and well-preserved thermal baths while learning about the luxurious lifestyles of the patricians who once inhabited this coastal paradise, buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Enjoy a guided tour of the rich Roman residential villas of Stabia a few steps from Pompeii and also buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.


Rates

Private Group: € 180

Max. number of people: 15 | All ages


Duration

2 hours


About

A few kilometers from Pompeii ruins, there is the archaeological site of the ancient town of Stabiae, in today’s Castellammare di Stabia. It enjoys an excellent strategic position thanks to its terraces overlooking the sea. Here, in Roman times, the great patricians used to spend their holidays and build large and sumptuous panoramic villas.

Stabiae as well suffered from the fate of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The excavation of the site began with the Bourbons in 1749 and is still ongoing today. Archaeologists’ research has brought to light three sumptuous residential villas with beautiful frescoes and mosaics.

The first one is Villa S. Marco which, thanks to its surface of 11,000 square meters, is one of the largest residential Roman villas; then, there is Villa Arianna, which is the oldest and owes its name to the large painting depicting Ariadne abandoned by Theseus at Nasso found in the back wall of the triclinium; lastly, the “Second complex” of the Varano.

Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Danish


Itinerary

  • Meeting the guide at the entrance of Villa San Marco
  • The tour starts at the perfectly preserved Villa San Marco, where everything is still evident: the entrance hall, the kitchens, the garden with a long swimming pool, various frescoed rooms and a thermal district where the extraordinary calidarium (sauna) is well preserved with all the facilities used for heating.
  • Transfer to Villa Arianna (1 km distant, we suggest to have a private car to have the tour)
  • The visit consists of a walk through the large garden with patio, several decorated panoramic rooms and a splendid thermal area

Included

  • Guide service for the entire duration of the tour

Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Meals

Additional Info

  • Make sure to take plenty of water.
  • It is best to use closed shoes and not flip flops, since it can be difficult to walk through the ruins of Pompeii with opened shoes.
  • The archaeological site is difficult to reach by public transportation; it is recommended to move with your own car. We can even provide a private transportation service.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy footwear

Ruins have uneven terrain; closed shoes with good grip are essential for safe walking.

Bring plenty of water

The tour covers spacious sites with limited shade, so hydration is key, especially in summer.

Use private transport

Public transit is limited; renting a car or arranging private transfer ensures timely access between villas.

Respect site rules

Photography is allowed but be mindful of protected frescoes and restricted areas.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mediterranean lizards basking on old stones
  • Common swifts flying overhead during spring and summer

History

Stabiae was a favored seaside retreat for Roman aristocrats before being eclipsed by Pompeii and Herculaneum due to the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption.

Conservation

Ongoing archaeological work prioritizes sustainable preservation to protect frescoes and masonry from weathering and visitor impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Naples

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy walking shoes

Essential

Provides support and traction on uneven archaeological terrain.

Water bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is crucial during hot days with minimal shade.

summer specific

Sun hat

Protects against sun exposure on open villa terraces.

summer specific

Light rain jacket

Useful for unexpected spring showers during the tour.

spring specific