While visiting Rome, I would like to take a day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum. We are a family of 4--two adults, two teens--and would appreciate advice on how best to see these sites: Tour company? Hired car? We want to maximize the experience. Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It's doable, but I hope you're prepared for a really long day. If not, have you considered Ostia Antica as a much easier alternative from Rome?
If you're set on Pompeii/Herc, do NOT rent a car. Either do the trains, or sign up with a tour company.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
It's easy to do on your own. I wouldn't rent a car or hire a company to do this for you.
Simply buy train tickets from Rome to Naples. Once in Naples follow the signs and the crowds downstairs and buy tickets for the circumvesuviana commuter train. It usually arrives on platform 4. Hop on the train and in about 15 minutes you'll get to the Ercolano stop. Get off, walk down the hill and enter the ruins of Herculaneum. Spend the morning there, walk back up the hill, grab some lunch, get back on the train for another 15 minutes til you get to the Pompeii scavi stop. Exit the train, turn right and the entrance is right there. You can hire guides for each site on location.
Donna
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Donna's got you on the right track for these destinations. The fastest, one-hour trains leave Rome as early as 7:30 and the last of this type leaves Naples at 19:30. Try to motivate those teens to get up early, before it gets too hot.
Posted by
Parkersburg, West Virginia, USA
73 posts
The train from Naples to Pompeii is notorious for pickpockets and they are very good at their trade. Keep nothing of value in your back pockets and keep your hand in the front pocket that holds your cash/cards. My travel buddy got picked on this train earlier this month. he never felt a thing, but noticed a man (who had rushed onto the train ahead of us) getting off the train just before the doors closed. My friend's front pocket was empty of his small travel wallet. he didn't lose very much, but he was momentarily distracted by the rush to get on board and did not have his hand in his pocket to safeguard his wallet. I had seen the man also, as he got on just before me, and blocked the doorway so that I had to push against him to get on. he moved aside just enough to let me go by, at which time he groped me, but I had nothing but a few euros in my front pocket, which he missed (no wallet to feel). But he moved very quickly through the standing area, got to my buddy, and was gone as the train pulled out of the station. Just be alert and keep one hand on your valuables.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
The old "front hand in the pocket" trick doesn't work if you're jostled and reach out to grab something to keep from falling. Do a moneybelt.