I need some recommendations for a quick day trip to Pompeii from Rome. I will be by myself and not wanting to do anything too physical. I just want to see a little of it since this will be my only opportunity.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8630 posts
Posted by
Calgary
1979 posts
We did a day trip to Pompeii and Sorrento with The Roman Guy, and we really enjoyed it.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8833 posts
a quick day trip to Pompeii from Rome.
It won't be a "quick" trip at all. Takes about 2-2.5 hours each way.
not wanting to do anything too physical.
The terrain is very difficult- huge cobblestones, very high "curbs" etc. Not sure what you mean by "too physical"
Suggest you take an early am fast train to Naples then transfer to the local Circumvesuviana train. Schedule a tour with Mondo Guides (for example)- tour lasts about 2 hours then you can explore on your own.
Or you can hire your own guide at the entrance.
An alternative from Rome is a visit to Ostia Antica-closer, easier, less physical
Posted by
781 posts
Just know that best case is 4 hours on the trains(s) that day. Probably closer to 4.5 unless you magically nail all your connections.
Walking around Pompeii isn't particularly strenuous but depending on the season, it can be an absolute slog in the sunbaked site.
I would absolutely have a guided tour lined up once you get there. Otherwise you're just gonna waste too much of your limited time, and they really do add a lot of flavor and knowledge beyond the RS walking tour.
If this is your one time to do a bucket list item, go for it. Otherwise, I would say spend that valuable vacation time anywhere NOT on a train.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
3013 posts
I took a tour with Through Eternity Tours. You take the fast train to Naples (they send you the tickets) then a driver picks you up and takes you to Pompeii where a guide meets you and takes you through Pompeii. You do the reverse on the way back. It was very easy and our guide was very good. The downsides are that it is expensive (especially for one person) and you only get 2.5 hours in Pompeii (this was a negative to me, but a plus to my husband). You can choose which train you want to take — we went early to beat the crowds and heat and came back right after our tour of Pompeii. But you could take a later train back in order to spend time in Naples.