goldtwins,

Just use a date within the next 60 days--the price should not change much if at all.

The fare from Rome to Naples was around 16 euros on the IC train.

For Pompeii, I greatly enjoyed my tour without a guide.

Between this itinerary/guide to strategy
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/...icle827664.ece

a map, the audioguide (and the leaflet they give you with it) and a couple of special reservations from the arethusa site, I was extremely satisfied with my visit.

do see Naples too, if you can, its wonderful and totally different in feel from Rome.

We were in Rome for a week several years ago, and did a day trip to Rome with a Ph.D. from Context Rome. Yes, it was expensive. But it was also a fabulous, informative trip- she was extremely knowledgable- no side trips to shops, no wasted time. It was a good change of pace from the city, as well.