We will be in Rome long enough to easily do both of these trips: the Walks of Italy all-day tour/excursion to Pompeii/Amalfi and at another time we'll take the train to Naples to see the famous archaeological museum which houses so many of the treasures from Pompeii. I'm curious whether the order of these trips will make any difference as far as enhancing our experience of either place. If you have been to both, I'd be grateful for your opinion as to which to do first: Pompeii or the Naples museum. Or perhaps it doesn't matter.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7306 posts
I suggest you ask for a sample schedule for the Walks of Italy product. I would think that you're going to be rushed through Pompeii, which is not attractive to me. Some people spend four or more hours on their own. (I mean, because they're also taking you to Amalfi, which is way, way farther.) Vast numbers of people do Pompeii on their own, with public transportation. The inclusion of Amalfi makes the trip you describe "worth it", but I question check-the-box speed!
I would not take either the regular or Frecciarossa train to Naples just to go to the Archaeology Museum. There is a lot to see in Naples in nice weather, and the Museum is not an all-day affair, even with the Farnese Marbles (check Wikipedia, at least.) We found the museum crowded but good. Despite my love of museums, I will say that even with the ... erotica room ... the museum pales beside the actual experience of Pompeii. The fact that (unpredictable) The Villa of The Mysteries was open when we visited Pompeii, and we had time to walk there, for me overshadowed the museum in Naples. (OPINION)
A significant number of the objects in the museum have been replaced (at Pompeii) with replicas. So one issue would be the importance you place on seeing the real thing. The museum also has a very large number of objects to see, far more than the sculptures or frescoes you'll see at Pompeii. Sometimes people complain here that the "plaster casts" were not on exhibit at Pompeii, where they usually are shown.
Before taking both trips, also consider Rick's advice: "Assume you'll return." And consider what you're giving up in Rome, a big city. I've been to Rome three times (not always just for Rome, for example meeting a tour or cruise) and haven't come close to seeing it all.
Please use the Search feature to read many past threads about Pompeii from Rome.
Posted by
OP
North Carolina
362 posts
Thanks for the input. Yes, we had planned to be in Naples all day and evening. Based on comments by posters on a related question, we will do the museum visit first and go to Pompeii some days later.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15810 posts
Susan, have you given any consideration to just staying in Sorrento for a couple of nights instead of doing both of these trips from Rome? For instance, you could stay in Sorrento and do the WOI tour which STARTS in Pompeii instead of Rome, and then take some extra time to wander around when the tour is over. That site is VERY large, and they'll only cover part of it in 2.5 hours. Or you could spend the balance of the day exploring Sorrento.
Pompeii is a very inexpensive, 30-minute trip by train from Sorrento.
The museum in Naples could be done either before you head over to Sorrento or on your return to catch the train back to Rome: check your bags at the museum.
Posted by
Honolulu, HI
180 posts
I would suggest Pompeii first followed by the museum. This will give context to the artifacts.
I agree with the previous poster. I would Frecciarossa to Naples and Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. Drop your luggage at a hotel and hire a car for Amalfi. Stay in Sorrento that night and the next day take the Circumvesuviana back stopping at Pompeii in the morning (first thing before the crowds and heat), continue to Naples (dropping your bags at the train station bag drop) and visit the museum stopping for lunch at one of the pizzerias on the way.