hello We're going to Rome in the spring with 2 teenage boys and want to do a day trip south of the city. We've been thinking of a bus tour to Pompeii back as it would be "easy", anyone have another suggestion. Should we just take the train ourselves or do the guided buses provide us value for the money. We'll be going north to Venice for a few days after so are looking more within a few hours of Rome. Thank you.
Posted by
Catadupa Alamere, CA
515 posts
I just Goggled "rick steves helpline rome pompeii day trip" and found dozens and dozens of postings in the past year that share a wealth of experience that is exactly what you are looking for.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If you do Ostia Antica, you might go on in to Lido di Ostia (the modern town). It's a blue-collar resort town with a really nice beach and a great place for teenagers to run around. Then again, if you're going in early spring (e.g. March), maybe not so much. We went in May and loved it, as you can see from some pictures and video we took there. Have fun.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Several years ago we took the no-frills bus tour with enjoyrome.com. It provided roundtrip transportation down and back. We were in the Scavi for four hours before returning. Four hours would be the minimum because Pompeii is immense. It is also a LONG day. It can also be HOT with no shade or breezes. The tourist amenities are few, so take water with you. Another option would be to visit Ostia Antica, located about an hour from Roma. We were there this past August and it has everything Pompeii has except the unique history. It also possesses two amenities missing from Pompeii. They are shade and a cool breeze coming from the nearby sea. Buon viaggio,
Posted by
OP
Calgary
24 posts
Thanks for the advice, I'll research these and make a decision. I've never looked at the helpline (didn't know it had a search engine). Also the photos look good which gives us the options. And yes traveling with teenagers makes us look for a bit more active things.
Posted by
Catadupa Alamere, CA
515 posts
What I tried to say it just go to the ordinary Google search page the same way that you Google anything. Then type in the words I suggested. Google will do the rest. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you go to Pompeii I would suggest doing it on your own. It's a very easy trip to make but you'll want to leave Rome early and come back late. This will give you several hours in the ruins. Take the fastest train to the Naples station then go downstairs to the commuter lines. Take the circumvesuviana train to the Pompeii scavi stop. The entry to the ruins are a 5 minute walk up the street. Doing it on your own will save you a ton of money and time. It allows you to go at your own pace and see what you wish to see. If you wish to squeeze Herculaneum in you can but not if on a bus tour. If you want a guide for the site you can hire one on the spot. Donna
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2367 posts
Do your research carefully before you decide. We took slow train from Rome, think it took half hour to 3/4 hour longer but was worth it for cost savings, half price. If you can buy tickets ahead of time you might be able to get fast train tickets for close to the same price. We did not have that option as it was last minute idea to go to Pompeii but for us we saved over 100 euro to go by slow train. Price out cost of train versus bus tour and time and then you can decide. Yes, take plenty of water,comfortable shoes are a must and allow at least 4 hours.