Naples and Pompeii

[johndekay]

Hi

Are there any good tours that you guys would recommend to see Naples and Pompeii? I would preferably like something that is cheap and that I can use my railpass for transport (rather than have to pay extra for the transport)

Thanks.

[stlinzinfandelin]

Hi!

I actually just got back from Europe last week, and to be honest, you probably don't need a tour through Pompeii. We didn't go on one, but we overheard all the ones that went by and they said the same thing that's in the free (very extensive)guidebook and map.

Also, the Pompeii stop on the Circumvesuviana drops you off right by the entrance - just follow the crowd of people that get off with you. The Circumvesuviana leaves from the main Naples train station, so you don't have to leave the station if you don't want to. We didn't stay in Naples at all - we just stayed in Sorrento/Positano and we were happy with that decision.

Hope this helps, even though it's not exactly what you were looking for.

[Paco]

I am not sure you need to join a tour either. It is relatively easy to get to Pompeii from Naples (we actually went there as a day trip from Rome). With a good guidebook and good pair of hiking shoes you can see all the many sights of Pompeii. As for Naples, we only spent a short time there while we waited for our train. But our guidebook lead us to one of the best pizza places we have ever eaten at.

[johndekay]

ah ok
yeah i read that its possible without a tour guide and v easy to get to from naples.
I'm also planning to do it as a day trip from rome.
Paco - did you feel like you were very rushed/tired from the travelling? Was there enuff time to see the sights ?

[Kim]

My mom just did it a few days ago, not using a tour and it was fine. They did it as a day trip as well and while it's a long day and you are tired at the end, it's worth it. (Her and her friend are in their 60's too, so you'd be fine LOL)

[Paco]

We actually did not fill rushed in Pompeii. We basically planned on visiting all the sites in Pompeii and then if we had time, walk around Naples a little (find a pizza place, etc.). I actually think we actually covered the majority of Pompeii (which is a lot bigger than we expected) and still had time to pet a stray puppy and eat a sandwich in the ruins. So it can be done, but it is a long day. We also went during the low season, so we did not have a whole lot of competition with other tourists.

[pointofnoreturn]

You don't need a tour for either. There are TONS of tour groups in Pompeii and you could possibly try to follow along and eavesdrop on the guide LOL. Not to mention, admission includes a really useful guidebook that tells you the significant of each place in Pompeii.