We're thinking of visiting Herculaneum but can't decide whether or not to use a guide. I've read in various places that the signage at Herculaneum is much better than at Pompeii--suggesting we could have a satisfying visit without a guide--but I've also seen the contrary view. Any opinions?
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1626 posts
I was there without a guide and felt the signs were more than adequate.
Posted by
Austin, Texas, USA
567 posts
I agree that you can do it without a guide. I was there with just my RS guidebook and read the posted signs and really felt like I got a good sense of what I was looking at. I really liked Herculaneum....even more than Pompeii!! Hope you enjoy!!
Posted by
CA, USA
1227 posts
That's what it comes down to, opinions. Which have you preferred in the past? For example if you've ever taken a guided tour of an art museum did you feel like you got more out of it than just reading the descriptions by the exhibits or reading thru a guidebook on other visits?
Posted by
1014 posts
I actually recall the audio guide being quite good. The ruins are often surprisingly complete too, there’s less left to the imagination. I did not feel like a guide was needed.
Posted by
2 posts
I did a guided tour on September 5th and am glad I did. The guide pointed out things that are not labeled or included with the audio guide. For instance the actual wooden pier is visible smashed between the layers of ash if you know where to look. While our guide was pointing it out with a flash light lots of people walked by without even noticing it.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you all for your replies; they've been very helpful. Safe travels!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15768 posts
I visited in 2012 and the audio guide plus whatever was in the RS guidebook was all I needed. It's not nearly as large as Pompeii, and a lot easier to comprehend as a city.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10510 posts
The difficulty with answering this type of question is that people who didn’t hire a guide don’t know what they missed, while those with a guide don’t know how much they could have absorbed using media.
Also, how much time can you allow? If your time is limited, a live guide will instil more information in a short time. If you have a lot of time, you can go more slowly, read and absorb.
Also keep in mind how well you absorb info visually, reading speed and listening to a podcast or if you need the interaction of a human.
Myself, I’m a poor reader in these situations and need an audio or human to stay focused.
Posted by
Central Florida Coast. (Melbourne)
93 posts
I think you can do it without a guide. Don't get me wrong, guides are great but you can do it on your own, especially if you have your own guide book/material.