2.5 days in Naples, Herclaneum, Pompeii
Apr 4th, 2013, 06:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2.5 days in Naples, Herclaneum, Pompeii
I have Friday noonish until late Sunday in May to tick ``see everything related to Vesuvius'' off my bucket list. (Arriving Friday from Ischia, leaving early Monday from Naples airport.) I am female, and will be traveling alone. I'm still working on my stamina after getting my new metal hips, and can maybe walk 3/4 mile (call it 1 kilometer) before needing to stop and rest bit. I've been to Italy about a half-dozen times, but not this region.
My list includes a visit to Herclanaeum, to Pompeii, and the archeological museum in Naples. So...
Where should I stay (area and/or hotel)? Near the Naples train station for easy access to the Circumvesuviana, or is that too sketchy an area? In another town or city, maybe? Something below 150 Euros per night would be good.
How should I arrange my time? For example, can I see Herclanaeum and Pompeii in the same day? What else to see in Naples besides the museum?
Any recommendations as to audio tours and books? Anything else I should know?
My list includes a visit to Herclanaeum, to Pompeii, and the archeological museum in Naples. So...
Where should I stay (area and/or hotel)? Near the Naples train station for easy access to the Circumvesuviana, or is that too sketchy an area? In another town or city, maybe? Something below 150 Euros per night would be good.
How should I arrange my time? For example, can I see Herclanaeum and Pompeii in the same day? What else to see in Naples besides the museum?
Any recommendations as to audio tours and books? Anything else I should know?
Apr 4th, 2013, 06:48 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pompeii is very rough walking. Most of the site is large rocks and although they are smooth on top they are not level like cobbles so you may wobble. Parts of Pompeii are gravel and parts have a rock elevation that is more even (about a foot higher than the road). I'm not suggesting you don't give it a try by you should be prepared and have a cane to balance yourself.
I did the museum and Herculaneum in one day and Pompeii on another day. There was no audio available for Herculaneum when I went but I think that has changed. Pompeii I did the audio. You need to leave some identification when you take the audio so bring a driver's license or copy of your passport.
An audio would be better for you in case you can't keep up with a guided tour.
I'm suggesting the museum and Herculaneum on the same day as the walking at Herculaneum is much easier than Pompeii and it's closer to Naples.
There is little shade so bring water in a small backpack. A hat and long sleeves/pants are best and don't forget sunscreen. Pompeii has only 1 cafe to the left of the entrance although the cafe at the train station has snacks and drinks; I didn't see any place to buy water at Herculaneum.
Do I need to say that you must have sturdy, lace up shoes? No sandals.
I did the museum and Herculaneum in one day and Pompeii on another day. There was no audio available for Herculaneum when I went but I think that has changed. Pompeii I did the audio. You need to leave some identification when you take the audio so bring a driver's license or copy of your passport.
An audio would be better for you in case you can't keep up with a guided tour.
I'm suggesting the museum and Herculaneum on the same day as the walking at Herculaneum is much easier than Pompeii and it's closer to Naples.
There is little shade so bring water in a small backpack. A hat and long sleeves/pants are best and don't forget sunscreen. Pompeii has only 1 cafe to the left of the entrance although the cafe at the train station has snacks and drinks; I didn't see any place to buy water at Herculaneum.
Do I need to say that you must have sturdy, lace up shoes? No sandals.
Apr 4th, 2013, 09:52 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks! I had figured out the part about the shoes and the audio tour, but the cane is a great idea. Is it so hot even in mid May?
I will gladly accept restaurant recommendations too.
I will gladly accept restaurant recommendations too.
Apr 4th, 2013, 10:11 AM
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have stayed several times at the Hotel Europa which is just around the corner from the station.The address is Corso Meridionale 14, Naples Central Station, 80143 Naples. Rates are good, safety is good, brekfast is ok and the neighborhood markets are a lot of fun to stroll through.
The bus that stops at the Museum is just on the corner just by the post office, just next to the stations McDonalds. Once you locate the hotel you will see across the street a side entry to the station which takes you directly to the main platforms the Circumvesuviana is across it and around the corner you can buy tickets there then you go downstairs to catch it.
As for food there is a market with some take out just about a block along Corsa Novara as well as several shops that sell meats, cheese pizza etc. The square around the station also has numerous places to eat. The only thing I would say is it is not a place to be out late at night alone otherwise its fine just pay attention to business as you would in any city. Getting there from boat simply hit the coffee shop near the dock, ticket is 1e take the number 1 tram that stops in the middle of the street and it takes you right to the station. Bottom line it is simple, clean and safe.
http://www.sea-hotels.com/en/grand_hotel_europa.php
The bus that stops at the Museum is just on the corner just by the post office, just next to the stations McDonalds. Once you locate the hotel you will see across the street a side entry to the station which takes you directly to the main platforms the Circumvesuviana is across it and around the corner you can buy tickets there then you go downstairs to catch it.
As for food there is a market with some take out just about a block along Corsa Novara as well as several shops that sell meats, cheese pizza etc. The square around the station also has numerous places to eat. The only thing I would say is it is not a place to be out late at night alone otherwise its fine just pay attention to business as you would in any city. Getting there from boat simply hit the coffee shop near the dock, ticket is 1e take the number 1 tram that stops in the middle of the street and it takes you right to the station. Bottom line it is simple, clean and safe.
http://www.sea-hotels.com/en/grand_hotel_europa.php
Apr 4th, 2013, 11:32 AM
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,984
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>What else to see in Naples besides the museum?
</i>
The historic center. but a guidebook might be useful to get yourself oriented.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...58744325/show/
</i>
The historic center. but a guidebook might be useful to get yourself oriented.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...58744325/show/
Apr 4th, 2013, 01:11 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Several restaurant suggestions here, including pizza places:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-and-paris.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-and-paris.cfm
