Hello, next we (mom, 2 teens and a tween) are taking the train from Rome to Naples/then on to Pompeii for day. Do we just show up and buy tickets at a main entrance. And I am correct, that some options are hiring a private guide or downloading the RS podcast? If we hire the private guide, do they expect cash or take cards? What's a decent rate?
I really have no idea what to expect, but I'll be with my 3 sons and trying to get an idea what I should plan out for the visit there. Do you have the option to buy audio guide devices there?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
I always showed up and bought the tickets at the entrance. No reservations needed.
Others will chime in about guides since I never used them. Regarding the credit cards, I don't know for a fact, but in Naples cash is king, especially for those kind of services. I hope you don't expect Neapolitans not to try to dodge taxes. They don't comply with most laws, let alone tax laws.
Posted by
189 posts
We were there in June. We used Rick Steve's audio guide. My husband and I both used our ear pods. We've used his audio guides many, many times and they never disappoint! I don't know how much your kids are in to history, but they will probably just want to see it as they walk. We saw a few people with guides, if you go that route I would arrange it in advance. But my advice would be, the RS audio guide for you - and fill your kids in on the important details.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16623 posts
Angela, if you haven't found it yet, here is where you find the RS audio tour (scroll to the very bottom of the page) and download info:
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/italy
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7943 posts
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thanks all - we are going to do the RS audio guide.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8130 posts
The rick steves audio guide is very good, just be aware that they have changed the route a bit, so the path it wants you to take may not be the way things are set up now (could also be I had an old version on my phone).
They (the Pompeii site) also, at least for a time eliminated the audio guide, opting instead for a downloadable version for your phone. You can download it now (recommended) by going to the Apple store or Google Play, it is called "My Pompeii". I am not sure how much data is required to use it as you go, in case you do not have data coverage there, but it has all kinds of info, and covers many more things than the RS App.
The combination of the two should give you a substantial overview of the place without a private guide. One thing I do, is listen to the audio guide and browse any app before going (as well as other reading and exploring), so when I am there, I already have a good overview of the site, then the audio guide is really just extra detail, I am not overwhelmed with information.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
You might look at a shared tour like this one. The Pompeii Walk. Great explaination of the site and it’s highlights.
Time after for more exploration.
Posted by
CA, USA
1254 posts
RS has set up a website to arrange for shared tours at https://www.sharedtours.com/
We went to Pompeii and used just a guidebook. I felt like we missed a lot and want to go back and visit with an actual guide. YMMV
Posted by
Arizona
128 posts
We usually guide ourselves like several people have suggested. However, last May we spent the day at Pompeii with a Walks of Italy tour. Our tour guide was Sonia from Naples and there were only five us on the small group three -hour tour. We met Sonia at the Pompeii gate after taking the Circumvesuviana train from Naples. We are so glad we did the tour. Sonia brought Pompeii alive and made it so much more meaningful. After the three hours we stayed to explore on our own for another two hours. She gave us some suggestions on where to go. We had done a lot of reading about Pompeii beforehand but would definitely go on a tour again if we go there again.