New poster. I am planning our first trip to Italy for 16 days in late Sept/Oct working with a travel agent who specializes in Italy. My grandparents were born in Aversa near Caserta and so want to explore that area. Will have one free afternoon in Caserta. Then next day TA has proposed we use a private guide to see the Palace in Caserta one morning then drive tp Pompeii for P.M. tour then stay in Sorrento that night. I have lots of questions but am starting with this. Question the expense of a guide for the Royal Palace. Also, feasible to see this in AM then drive to Pompeii and see ruins adequately (we're not archeologists!) or is this pushing it?

topping

We went to Caserta in November of '02. I really do not think a private guide is necessary unless you are Major history buffs. My 10 year old daughter and I toured by ourselves and felt we had a wonderful tour. We also did the gardens (taxi to far end and walked back). If you did Caserta 1st thing in the AM you could feasibly do Pompeii that afternoon but it would mean rushing a bit through the gardens and then you would not have as much time to really explore the farthest parts of Pompeii. Pompeii is much larger than people realize until they get there. I would advise a private guide in Pompeii (about 90 euros last I saw), that was an expense I was very glad I incurred. Have a wonderful trip. AprilA

April--Thanks for the advice.How many hours did you spend at the Palace? I'm thinking we may be better off trying to see that on our free afternoon then devote a whole day to Pompeii instead of trying to see both on one day.

I agree that a private guide is not needed for the Royal Palace. We didn't, but it might be a good idea to buy a book at the palace bookstore because not all the signs describing the rooms have English translations. I don't remember seeing any taxis, but there is a bus that can take you to the farther reaches of the gardens. There are also horsedrawn carriages. 2 or 3 hours is probably sufficient.