We are overnighting in Pompei so plan to be there first thing in the morning. There are 8 of us and we plan to take one of the guides out front. Does anyone know how long their tour is? Also we will leave directly from there and head back to Rome. Are there grocery stores or place to grab a quick bite right around the train station and entrance to the ruins. DOes anyone have any recommendations
Posted by
NSW Australia
703 posts
have you considered just using the rick steves walking tour on your phones/ipod etc. our family have done that and we all found that a few hours there, was all we needed. you can then take as long or as little as you like. ( saves money as well) it can be hot so sun protection is a good idea. look on google maps to see what is around the area.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The on-site guides are relatively inexpensive, but you may prefer your own pace with the RS guide.
There is a so-so tavola calda at the main entrance, I think there may be a restaurant as well. A couple of gelato vendors, too. You can pick up a panino and drinks and picnic on the train to Roma if you are too pressed for time to eat at Pompeii.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you do a group tour they last between 1 and 1.5 hours, usually. You could hire a private guide for as long as you wish.
There are small cafes around the entrance to the ruins.
Donna
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8067 posts
Because you are overnighting in Pompeii, you need to distinguish between the modern city and the ancient site. There is at least one hotel on the street that connects the two most popular entrances, Porta Marina and Villa Misteri. If you are staying at a chain or business hotel, you may be in downtown "Pompeii", which might be closest to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
The reason this isn't just a pedantic exercise is that you will (apparently) have luggage with you. That means you want to use the ancient site bag check counter, and you want your bags to be near the train station from which you plan to leave for Rome. You don't say whether you are using a FS (long-distance rail) train or the local commuter train, Circumvesuviana. The stations are widely separated.
The previous replies appear to be describing the food outside the Porta Marina entrance. (Personally, I prefer to eat at my hotel so that I can ... er .... use the facilities before I begin a strenuous morning of touring. Of course Pompeii Scavi has rest rooms, they just aren't "everywhere" inside a massive attraction, like they are at ... Disneyland. I found a line at every rest room I went to inside Pompeii Scavi.)
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
RS guided tour will probably be much better than hiring a guide. Bring WATER and snacks with you. Prepare to walk and walk...
Overnighting in Pompeii just curious why? Are you seeing the Naples Archeological museum or other towns etc in Campania the day before? When you stated, "heading back to Rome" does this mean that you are leaving Rome the day before to stay overnight to see Pompeii?
That is a lot of packing and moving with 8 people....just say'n. It is only a bit over ONE HOUR by train to Naples and a quick jaunt to Pompeii...why schlep luggage and settle into Pompeii just curious...as I have taken the train from Rome to Naples and headed off to Herculaneum on Circumvensuvia or ferry port to islands many times over the years it is an easy day trip.