4 days in Roma, Starting NOW :)

Naples - arrange private transportation for the day from Naples. Either start at the museum - the RS book has exact directions from the train via the metro to the museum - or end at the museum. Then driver to Herculaneum, Pompeii and back to Naples. Or taxis. The Circumvesuviana train runs every half hour and isn't always on time so you may waste a lot of time waiting for the trains. From the Herculano train station to the site is about 10-15 minutes walk downhill, so more on the way back. My estimate - at least 2 hours in the museum, 3 at Herculano and 5-6 at Pompeii - the Villa dei Misteri is a healthy walk from the main site but well worth it - one of the best to see there. I'd skip the amphitheatre - if you've seen any other one, this one's not worth the long walk. The theatre is much nicer and closer too. I think the museum's closed on Tuesdays. As for the order, you will need less travel time if you start at the museum, then Herculano, then Pompeii till closing. Or start at Pompeii - be there when it opens, then Herculano, then the museum. I believe they all close at 19.30. I personally don't think it makes a big difference which order you see them in, so whichever is the most practical for you (leaving Rome earlier or returning later). At the museum, limit yourself to the sections from Pompeii/Herculano. Don't miss the adults-only rooms. At the museum you will have to put backpacks, large bags, etc. in lockers. You can take small bags and photos are permitted.

I liked Rick's (free) audio guide for Pompeii (and all his others too) if you can download it to an MP3 player. At the entrance there were free booklets that cover all the sights with photos and short descriptions of all that is noteworthy. It's the same as the audio guide - saves a little money and carrying the guide around with you all day. When I was at Herculano they were out of the booklets in English so I took the audio guide and it was fine too. Be sure to have water, sunscreen and hats - there's not much shade. Opposite the Pantheon is a church - San Luigi dei Francesi. In front is an interesting sculpture - and inside are 4 paintings by Caravaggio.

Don't miss Santa Maria Sopra Minerva - it is around the corner from the Pantheon.

Please don't miss the Colosseum! Rick's orientation walk is interesting and a nice overview.

Loved the Borghese Gallery. Have your hotel call ahead for reservations. I enjoyed a 5 p.m. time which is the last entry time and when most people are relaxing before going to dinner. Had the place almost to myself. Take the walk from Pantheon to the Spanish Steps in the evening. Just go along with everyone else. You'll pass many sights along the way. Refer to the Rick Steves' tour book for explanations on the sights. Have a wonderful time!

Remember that anytime anyone tells you something is a "must see" or a "don't miss", what they really mean is that they really enjoyed it. Whether you will enjoy it as much depends on your own interests.