Live Guide at Pompeii-need to reserve in advance?

If you want one particular person you would definitely have to prebook. Somebody who's mentioned in Rick's book will definitely book out quickly.

Otherwise, there are dozens of official guides operating in Pompeii. They stand right at the entrance and offer their service. You can recognize them as they have to wear photo ID. No need to reserve for those. We had a private tour for our family this way, quite affordable (can't remember exactly but less than 50 euro for 2 hours) and excellent.

Thats half the price RS said for Gaetano...which was 115 E for two hours. What time of year did you go? We are going to Italy in two wks and will be in Pompeii on July 3. If you think they will be available, I will wait and book it there. I will mak sure they have a badge and speak english.

Thanks,
Stephanie

Lots of good ones at the door. + you get the chance to wheel and deal for a better price. Live guide is a must, you get much more out of your time.

We were there at the end of June. That is quite a busy tourist season and still no problem to find a guide at the entrance.

Thanks a good point about making a deal. I just wanted to make sure that being high season it wont be hard to get a guide and hopefully not wait in long lines.

This Gaetano fellow...Dont' contact him in advance, huh? just look for him when you need him...he sounds awfully similar to BATMAN!

Yes which batman could he be...adam west, christian bale or michale keaton.....

WhenInRome,

I guess you were kidding but just in case you misunderstood: nobody here mentioned to just show up without reservation if you want THE Gaetano fellow. For HIM you do need a reservation.

If you want an official guide, no matter what his/her name, than it's enough to just show up.

I was just kidding with the batman comment but if you read the guidebook it dos say that there are many gaetano inpersonators so that is why I thought when in rome said batman!! have a good night :)

yes, it was just a joke really! I have been several times and never found a problem finding a good guide right on the spot. You can even speak to them and make sure their English is understandable before you commit, which is nice.

Thanks will do :)

We went to Pompeii about a month ago and also joined one of the tour groups at the gate when we arrived. The men are in plain sight and easy to find. Cost was 10E/per person and the tour lasted 2 hours. Very glad we decided to do this last minute, I know we got a lot more out of it than trying to do it on our own. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on other, pre booked guides, this is definetly the way to go. Our guide gave us a great overview of the place, then pointed us in the right direction for further exploration when the tour ended.

Is it true only a love guide can get into "closed" doors of some sites?

stephanie,

was that a Freudian slip in your last question ???????

I cant believe I wrote that! That is so funny!!!

Definitely get a live guide. The dead ones just sit there...

You guys are too funny! I said "live" b/c that is what RS called them...but yes a live one would be better than dead!