turnip

Hi Gang, <BR> <BR>Time for your two cents worth. I'll be in Italy next May and I'm wondering if Pompeii is a "must see". From my research it looks like it's quite a joint from Rome. 3 hours? <BR> <BR>If it is a must see, do you day trip from Rome via train or car? Or stay overnight somewhere nearby? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for you opinions and input.

s.fowler

Never been to Pompeii, but Ostia is much closer to Rome, and, I've been told a good substitute if time is an issue. I visited Ostia in the dark ages and liked it very much indeed.

Beth

of course, it all depends on you. I didn't go, even though I really wanted to because it was just too long for a daytrip, and we only had 3 full days (plus arrival day) in Rome. There were too many other things to see close by. I decided to put it off for a time when I would be going to Southern Italy, with Naples and Amalfi. I've also heard good things about Ostia. How much time will you be spending in Rome/Italy?

elizabeth

We visited Pompeii and spent approximately 5 hours there - I believe you could do it as a one day trip (albeit a long day) from Rome. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't have missed it, however I had studied Pompeii so for me visiting it was extremely meaningful. <BR>

Dayle

Turnip, I loved Pompeii. It was facinating, but then I really like history. Even if you don't seeing a little bit of how people lived (and how clever they were) that long ago is a real eye-opener. We spent 2 1/2 hours there and could have easily spent 5.

Paulo

It's a long day trip, turnip, more conveniently done on your own, by train (unless you've a car ready and paid for and you don't mind driving into Rome; there are also organized bus day trips but they use to rush things quite a bit). For details, you may look for Stephen's account in "Rome to Pompey ... how's best". You should allow a total of about 6:30 hours for your round trip and 4+ hours in the site. <BR> <BR>The point that Beth makes is important. If you're staying 4 full days/nights in Rome or less, the day trip to Pompey doesn't make sense unless you're really into archaeology. But if that's indeed the case, you should also visit the Museum in Naples (at the site you may see how people organized themselves in city life but you only get the full picture at the Museum because it's there where most of the house ware is displayed). BTW, there are quite a few people that visit both, Pompei and Ercolano and don't visit the museum ... which in my opinion makes little sense. <BR>Paulo <BR>

Cat

Turnip -- <BR> <BR>After four trips to Italy, I have to agree with the other posters. If you have four or less days in Rome, I would save it for another trip - there is so much to see in Rome. I also think going all the way down to Pompeii without experiencing Napoli, which is an amazing city (if you tolerate non-canned travel experiences) and seeing the Museum of Archeology would not make sense, as many of the artifacts from Pompeii are in the museum. Have a great trip -- Cat

kristi

Turnip, we really enjoyed Pompeii. We took the train from Rome on a daytrip. Ostia Antica is much closer, about a 1/2 hour outside of Rome, but I think it pales in comparison, in terms of what's been preserved and how much has been excavated. I would think that if you have 4+ days in Rome, that this would be a good addition to your trip. <BR> <BR>I'm not really into archeology, but I do enjoy history. I marveled at the drawings on the walls, how advanced their heating, plumbing, etc. were, and how well preserved the artifacts were. <BR> <BR>If you do go, buy a guide at the entrance so you know what you're looking at.

lola

If you have to ask, I'd wait and do it on a trip to southern Italy, when you can devote a day. It's amazing, but you need time to absorb it.

Dona

I agree. I would wait until you have the time to see Naples, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia, Procida... <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.

sandra

Hi! I lived in Naples for two years and made numerous trips to Pompeii. It is a fascinating place and well worth the trip.

Nellie

If you dont know much about Pompeii watch history channel they have the Pompeii and Herculean story once in a while to see if it is worth going or not. I had such a hoot bec. I went there before seeing the film on TV. If you go you have to visit the house with the weighing scale picture painted on the wall and the little pantry behind the kitchen. All those who have been there knows what I mean. Call me prude.