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Pompeii Plans Fell Through - Need Advice

Posted by (Moreno Valley, CA) on

We are in Rome right now and have two days left. I had planned for one of those days to be a trip to Pompeii. My plan was to buy train tickets when we arrived, since I was not able to online. Well, the early trains are all booked and my two choices are expensive first class seats or an organized tour...both would cost over 100 Euros pP. Not an expense I planned on, but would consider.

I had read on another thread about Ostia Antica...what do you think about this as an alternative? It's definitely closer and more affordable. Is it possible to run into the same problem...booked trains?

Any other day trip ideas from Rome that can be done on the spur of the moment?

Thanks, Cindy
http://embracing-the-journey.blogspot.com/

Posted by
16 posts

Ostia's great. It's obviously not as famous as Pompeii and it doesn't have the gruesome body casts that fascinate us so, but it's a highly worthwhile glimpse of ancient life. And as you know, it's closer to Rome and a welcome respite from the bustle of the city. Enjoy!

Posted by
253 posts

Donna -

It also can easily be reached by train and though it might be crowded during the months the Lido is popular, it is not a long trip.

Posted by
7737 posts

Definitely do Ostia Antica. If you don't have a self-guided tour, take a tip from me that I learned the hard way. Once you arrive at the ruins (Ostia Antica, as distinct from the town of Ostia Lido), walk without stopping all the way to the end of the main street. (The grounds of the ruins are long and skinny, centered on a long main street.) As you walk along, take note of the areas you'll want to look more closely at on your return. When you get to the end, turn around and go back, spending time at the places that looked interesting. Also, the museum on the site is small but interesting. And the cafeteria has pretty decent food.

I bet you'll end up enjoying this more than Pompeii which would be oppressively hot and crowded in August (although there seems to be a cool wave in Italy right now).

Have fun!

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