Pompeii Day trip from rome

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https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/day-trip-from-rome-to-pompeii-deadaa40-ec88-471e-835b-a74b69430ccd

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Thanks! MIke

I would also suggest that you use the Search box at top center of the desktop version of this site. Your question is asked so often that there is mine of data to look at.

I would suggest to your wife that the danger of pickpocketing is not that much greater on the (indeed, a bit squalid ... ) Cirvumvesuviana than it is on the Metro in Rome, or on a crowded street. If you take Rick's advice about under-clothing pouches, it's not that much to worry about. You're wise to take little luggage.

The time of year (not stated in this thread) makes a big difference, in crowding, in heat at Pompeii, at discount rail tickets in advance (Rome-Naples, that is), and speed of sitting down for lunch. Normally I wouldn't recommend such a long daytrip, but you give an adequate reason for doing it.

I used Dark Rome - Pompeii Express Tours a couple years ago. It was expensive but so worth it! Pompeii is amazing - can't wait to go back. Two hours is definitely not enough time. Good Luck.

I would suggest to your wife that the danger of pickpocketing is not
that much greater on the (indeed, a bit squalid ... ) Cirvumvesuviana
than it is on the Metro in Rome, or on a crowded street. If you take
Rick's advice about under-clothing pouches, it's not that much to
worry about. You're wise to take little luggage.

Echoing Tim's advice about the Circumvesuviana. Yes, it's a battered, bare-bones thing but protecting your valuables is the same whether on this train, on public transit in Rome, in train stations, or in any crowded tourist-magnet attraction. Keep them where light fingers can't get to them - NOT in your backpack, a purse or exterior pockets - and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the great advice...Mike

I have looked at a lot of day trip sites from Rome to Pompeii and checked out the Dark Rome tours. I see you (Trustinsoul) gave it good reviews. Has anyone else used this group? Any other pros/or cons about the day? You said 2 hours wasn't enough time, but did you get to see the bulk of what was important? Time wasted in Naples for lunch or was that also a good experience? I'm finding the train and tour costs start adding up so a guided tour by bus may still be a better bet for us.

Someone someone also mentioned Ostia Antica and that does look like an interesting alternative...closer and shorter day, perhaps just as interesting. Does anyone else who has been there have insights. Thanks in advance for the great help this blog is!

I can't help on the Pompeii vs. Ostia Antica part, but I just wanted to say one thing about the safety issue.

Years ago, somebody broke into our house while we weren't home. The police officers who responded to our call when we returned said something which has always resonated with me. Thieves look for the easiest mark. If you have taken all the normal and reasonable precautions like not flashing money in front of people or wearing gaudy jewelry, if you are paying attention to your surroundings, then you are not the easiest mark. You should have a wonderful time.

I have been to Italy three times now, but I haven't made it to Pompeii yet. I am hoping that you will go and come back here and tell us about the adventure, because I want to follow in those footsteps someday!

Firstly, if one is fearful of pickpockets in Europe in the summer, then don't go. Gypsies and pickpockets are all over Europe and summer is their high season (just like any other business!). Travel smart, be aware, be prepared, and you will enjoy yourself. Carry few valuables so if your bag is stolen you have not lost much. Chalk it up to another adventure and move on.... so it goes. They unfortunately hopefully need it more than those of us vacationing in Europe (if it makes you feel better)....
POMPEII-- we are 6 ppl and want to do a day trip from Rome. Should we take advantage of jetlag and take the 5:30am train to Naples so we are there early and out of the sun and see as much as we can (we will get a guide there), eat lunch midday when hot (lunch recommenddations?) And then return when tired at the end of the day? OR can someone recommend a day trip that takes us there and back and includes a guide (lunch need not be included, preferably not in fact due to dietary restrictions)? Or should we look into a private guide for the day that includes transportation, considering the costs already involved for 6 train tix, a local guide, etc? Any thoughts or help is much appreciated!

eat lunch midday when hot (lunch recommenddations?)

Suzanne, there is only one cafe inside the scavi so that's your choice unless you opt to find a restaurant after you're done touring the excavation.

Maybe the OP should consider going to Ostia Antica instead of Pompeii. Very close to Rome, and can be reached by public transport. Just as interesting, too.

Have been to Pompeii 2x as daytrips from Sorrento. I know people do daytrips from Rome but if you only have 2 hrs or so at Pompeii I personally would rethink daytrip plans. On one of the trips we spent the morning at Ercolano and the afternoon at Pompeii. We really enjoyed seeing Ercolano and it is smaller than Pompeii. Have also been to Ostia Antica and it makes a great daytrip from Rome. As other have stated, don't be afraid of the Circumsuviania but just be aware of your surroundings. We have rode it a number of times and had no problems. Have a great trip!