Is it a good idea to try to visit both of these sites in one day? I am thinking of an early morning train from Rome to Naples to Herculaneum and then on to Pompeii and then return to Naples for the evening. Suggestions appreciated.
Posted by
Santa Clara, CA
252 posts
I did both in one day, including a hike up Vesuvius. That was with a car too, didn't waste any time waiting for public trans. To be honest though, we didn't spend as much time at Pompeii as we could have. It was just so crowded (July) that we just saw the major stuff and got the heck out of there and on to deserted Herculaneum.
Posted by
Clifton Park, ny, usa
109 posts
I toured both places on different days, actually on different trips. I would not choose to do both in one day. for me it would be too much of the same. However if you are an archeology buff you may feel differently.
Posted by
Collierville, Tennessee, USA
517 posts
As day trips, I have been to Pompeii from Rome, and to Pompeii and Herculaneum from Positano. It would be a long day from Rome, but I think you can do Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day. They both have a lot to offer. Herculaneum is very small compared to Pompeii, but is better preserved, to my mind. if you have time, try to get pizza at Da Michele in Naples before you head back to Rome.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
Why don't you consider staying in Pompeii for the night? The hotel there would probably cost less than one in Naples. Hotel Amleto was great. 1 block off the town square, we enjoyed sitting at a cafe around the square. The Hotel recommended a restaurant that turned out to be one of the best that we ate at in Italy. We found many times, that instead of day tripping we could go out to the smaller town & visit & spend a night for less money. The hotel in Rome kept a suitcase for us because we were coming back. Have a great time.
Posted by
Olympia
62 posts
You haven't mentioned when you are visiting but I would recommend Pompeii in morning. It gets very hot there. The year I was there it was 92 in September and we did not tour whole site because of heat and you are out in open not much shade(hot for me being from western Washington).
Posted by
Brier, WA, USA
34 posts
We stayed in Sorrento and did both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day. We wandered Pompeii by ourselves - very crowded with huge tours and then hired a guide when we got to Herculaneum. We enjoyed Herculaneum more than Pompeii. I'm sure having the guide made a difference but it really is better preserved and an incredible sight. If you are into hiring a guide let me know and I will give you her name and number - she absolutely brought the place alive for us.
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
54 posts
This past summer we stayed in Sorrento and went to both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day. We planned ahead,arrived at Pompeii early, took many water breaks, and then hopped back on to the local train and went to Herculaneum. The Rick Steves guide book has great directions to Herculaneum. I am really glad we went to both places. We had Herculaneum to ourselves in the late afternoon and it was perfect. That was one of the BEST days of my life !