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Experiences using the Campania Arte Card or 365 Lite card in Naples & Pompeii?

After looking at both the Campania Arte Card or 365 Lite card for Naples and Campania, I think we will go with the 365 lite card for visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum & MANN museum in Naples. Thoughts from people who've used either pass? Thanks!~

365 Lite card €27 ONE entry to each of the sites we want to see within a year. https://www.campaniartecard.it/365-lite/?lang=en#.

Campania Arte Card for €41 for 3 days, only good for 2 sights plus "up to 50% off" any additional sites, but also covers trains in Campania, which we don't mind paying.

I found a good comparison of the various options here. https://www.helenonherholidays.com/campania-artecard/#:~:text=The%20Campania%20Artecard%203%20days,with%20a%20365%20Lite%20Artecard.

Here's my original thread about our plans - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/ideas-about-our-trip-to-pompeii-naples-paestum

Posted by
3668 posts

We used the "365" card in 2022, and visited all the places on your list, plus Oplontis and Stabiae. I had planned on going to Pompeii a second time, but for some reason that didn't happen.

It was a hassle everywhere to get the app open - no telling what issues were involved. Our Askos tours could have included admissions, but I just had to get an Arte Card. It would have been great if it had been a physical card, but those days are gone.

Posted by
1412 posts

Thanks for confirming which pass worked well, Estimated Prophet, I see we can download a digital copy of the 365 card, I'm going to try and get the PDF version as well... forewarned!

After purchasing, you'll receive your Artecard as a digital pass, usually a QR code, that can be downloaded through the official >artecard app (available for iOS and Android).
You may also receive a printable PDF version of your pass via email. Backup Plan: Consider having a printed copy as a backup in case of phone issues.

BTW, Archaeological Museum of Naples says you can reserve a 'free ticket', then show up and present the QR code for entry.

Posted by
31 posts

I used it in October 2024 and had no issues with it and getting it to "read" at digital points, including for transit. Very convenient.

Posted by
1 posts

Thank you for posting this question! I also saw the same online reference and thought the 365 Lite version sounded like a great value. I wondered if I was missing some serious downside that I didn't see other travelers recommending it. It sounds like the serious downside is the glitchy app. If one can simply show a printed copy of the purchase confirmation, that would be a decent fix. Has anyone here heard of success with that workaround?

Posted by
1412 posts

Thanks Barbara123! I emailed Askos Tours for our Pompeii visit, they said it works fine as well. I just need to sort out reserving with them, minus entry fee. (they have a list of names on tour, so no need to have a separate booking with Pompeii to ensure entrance.)

Tweetybird - Good to hear you didn't have any problems with it!

Posted by
29222 posts

I used the regular version of the 365 pass in 2023; I don't think the Lite version existed back then. I found it impossible to buy that specific pass in person in Naples, but it was easy to buy it within the Arte Card app.

I was very happy I had recorded the numbers that appeared during the purchase transaction, because the app failed to open once or twice, and I easily gained entry by showing those numbers to the ticket desk. I think there was a transaction number and a card number; I'm not sure which was the important one.

Posted by
1412 posts

I was very happy I had recorded the numbers that appeared during the
purchase transaction, because the app failed to open once or twice,
and I easily gained entry by showing those numbers to the ticket desk.
I think there was a transaction number and a card number; I'm not sure
which was the important one.

Thanks Acraven! Most useful. Will take screen shots of the confirmation, print out PDF if possible. I had read your list of places to see in Naples with interest, but recognizing my walking limits, we're thinking of 'just' visiting the MANN museum & cathedral. Any comments about our itinerary most welcome. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/ideas-about-our-trip-to-pompeii-naples-paestum

Posted by
3668 posts

Keep an eye out for the "Art in Campania" guidebook for the Artecard published by the Campania Artecard team. In 2022, it was free, and I noticed stacks of them in our hotel in Pompei, and the B&B in Salerno. It gives a concise summary of every attraction covered by the card, including those which only offer an Artecard discount, and the sites recommended by Artecard for you to visit that aren't otherwise included. It has at least one color picture for every site, the text is in Italian and English.

Hopefully, it still exists, and you can find one.

Posted by
1412 posts

Keep an eye out for the "Art in Campania" guidebook for the Artecard - Also a great idea, thanks.

The trip is coming together nicely, Askos Tours had no problem booking us for the Pompeii Scavi without the admission. Still wondering about how to book 'free' tickets to the MANN to use with the pass so we have confirmed our dates over the holidays, it's not easy to find on the website. I'm going to try and email the museum. Thanks again!

Posted by
29222 posts

The Capilla Sansevero, where The Veiled Christ is go be found, is not covered by the Arte Card, but I suspect it's close enough to the MANN to be walkable for you; it's somewhat downhill. Check what Google Maps says about the timing of that walk. The Chapel sells out in advance, so it would need to be pre-booked. That sculpture is very impressive.

Just across the street from the MANN, on the way to the Chapel (though I don't remember what side(s) the entrance(s) to the arcade are on) is the Galeria Principe di Napoli, a beautiful arcade. There was protective netting in place at the time of my visit, but you could still see enough to justify stopping in, given that it's so close to the MANN and right on the way from the museum to Capilla Sansevero.

Very, very near the Cathedral is the Museum of the San Gennaro Treasure. There are gorgeous objects to be seen there. This, too, is likely to sell out in advance and is not covered by the Arte Card (or wasn't in 2023).

Posted by
1412 posts

Thanks so much Acraven, very helpful! We will also be sure to walk through the Galleria on our way to and from the museum.

I still don't see a way to book the MANN as 'free tickets' given the use of the 360 Arte Card, I'm going to email the museum and ask, hey I have 6 months to get a reply! HA.