We will be stopping in Naples on a cruise in late September, we would like to travel to Pompeii on our own. 4 active adults. What would be the best way to travel to Pompeii? Any other suggestions? We will only have the 1 day in the area. My elderly parents are traveling with us also, is Pompeii doable for them? My mom can walk some but generally used a wheelchair. If Pompeii isn't feasible for my parents the 4 of us would still like to travel to see Pompeii. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I would suggest that the best way is to take a taxi or private car from the cruise docks to the Napoli Centrale train station. The Trenitalia part of the station is upstairs. The Circumvesuviana part of the station is downstairs. You want the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei-Scavi stop for the ruins. Should not take more than 60-90 minutes to get there. You might even be able to retain private transportation to the ruins right from the docks but it will be expensive if it includes the wait time. I am not able to comment on how well your parents could or could not navigate the ruins.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1003 posts
I would not recommend Pompeii for you Mum. It is not really accessible by wheelchair. The entrance involves a long steep incline laid with large rock cobbles, as are most of the streets in Pompeii itself. I think it would be very uncomfortable for her and whoever is pushing the chair. Also there are few places to stop and rest and the only tourist facilities are either at the entrances or in the middle of the site. Oh and did I mention the ruts in the roads caused by chariot wheels?!!
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
I would suggest taking your question over to the messageboards at www.cruisecritic.com. You'll find forums for your particular cruise (called Roll Calls) as well as a forum on stops in Italy. You may be able to join up with someone else to plan a private excursion that saves a lot of money instead of going on the one that's offered by the ship. Based on my experience, your mother won't be able to get around Pompeii. Perhaps she could check out the museum in Naples instead.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
The National Archeological Museum in Naples is a great suggestion for your parents. Most of the artwork found at Pompeii, Herculaneum and other sites in the area are all on display there. Pompeii is definitely not for anyone who has difficulty walking. At the entrance there are free maps and little booklets that give brief descriptions of the highlights (same as the audio guide). Take the time to go to the Villa dei Misteri - it's a bit far from the center of the site, but well worth the walk - much more than the amphitheatre. Rick STeves has a free audio guide of Pompeii that you can download. I found it delightful.
Posted by
OP
Dayton, Ohio, USA
2 posts
Thanks everybody, your information is very helpful