Side trip Rome to Pompeii

I haven't read those reviews. However, we think traveling by train is easy enough, and gives you more control of your timing, for instance if you also want to see the Archeology Museum in Naples before returning to Rome. Does the tour you're considering include both stops?

I wouldn't book a tour package because as Laura says it's simple enough to get there on your own. When you arrive at the Pompeii Scavi stop (not the other Pompeii stop) there will be tour guides milling around trying to get your business. You can either hire one there or do it on your on which, again, is simple enough.

I am researching day trips to Pompeii from Rome. I found a bus tour ( 7 hr + stop in Sorrento ) for $118. First, you have to travel to Naples, then you are picked up from Naples and on to Pompeii. You will have bus transportation, a guide, lunch, stop in Sorrento, then back to Naples train station. I thought it was a bit much, but I have just begun my search for a better deal.
Any thoughts?

You mentioned there were people milling around the Pompeii station looking for people to take on the Pompeii tour. Do you know what they charged for a tour and do they include the admission to Pompeii?

Don't remember but thought it was very reasonable for our family of four. No, does not include admission. Saying that they are milling about sounds a little too casual. They are professional, licensed guides permitted in Pompeii. You are really hiring them by the hour so they will cover anything you want to see. I think we went for an hour and half and on our own for the balance of the day.

I can't see how you couldn't do it yourself.
Go to Termini, book the fast train to Naples (return).
Get off the train , walk into the station,
be alert to everyone around you
go down one level, turn left, grab a coffee here if you need
buy ticket for the circumvesuviana to pompeii (return),
select the right platform, its down another level,
board the train, be alert to everyone around you
the fifth station is Torre Annunziata ( there are multiple platforms here)
the sixth station is Pompeii Scavi, its time to get off ,
there's cafe if you missed your coffee at Naples
walk perhaps 150m,
have cash, rather than join a longer line at the credit card only window
have your rick steves guide
spend a enjoyable few hours,
you may need to dodge many tour groups, stand your ground and don't get pushed around
exit
cross over to the otherside of the circumvesuviana
back to Naples
back to Termini

I am an elderly solo female traveller. I did a tour of Pompeii on my own, using Rick's tour information. I took the train from Rome to Naples, got onto the Circumvesuviana train. Easy as anything. I just followed the directions in the guide book.

I spent most of the day at Pompeii, had lunch in the on-site restaurant, and then headed back to Naples. I got onto the train, and headed back to my apartment in Rome.

It was pretty easy to do, but one must be aware of others when navigating Naples (and other cities - I love Naples).

I did NOT hire a guide. I enjoyed walking around by myself and seeing what I wanted to see and going where I wanted to go. I did, however, read several books on Pompeii before I went.