Italy in 1 Week
 

I will spending spring break in Italy with my 18 year old daughter. We fly to Rome and fly out of Florence. I have not booked anything but the flight so far. I'm trying to decide on a side trip...Siena or Pompeii. I've been to Siena and love it, but always wanted to visit Pompeii. Those of you who have been to both, which is a better trip? Also, are walking tours worth the money?

[You do know it's about 150 miles (300 round trip) from Rome to Pompeii, right?]

There's no comparison, IMHO, between Siena and Pompeii. So I don't think you can categorize one as "better."

Since you've been to Siena, I don't have to describe it. Pompeii is probably best done by hiring a knowledgeable guide. You could spend three hours there or all day -- depends on your level of interest. Most people, including me, find it interesting.

Get up to the Florence area asap and spend time in the Cinque Terra region. Amazing

Hello. I just had a trip visiting Greek and Roman ruins that included a day in Pompeii with a knowledgeable local (and legitimate) guide. This was my third visit and I have to say I was somewhat disappointed, even with having a guide. Previous trips we were able to see more - a lot is not open any longer. The House of Julia Felix was closed to visitors as well as other places I've previously been able to get into. However, even with that, there were some good places that had great wall paintings and the Villa of the Mysteries was utterly incredible. The place I enjoyed most was in Naples (ugh!), the Villa of Poppaea. You could get up close to everything (seriously, you could touch the walls) and get a real feel for how (very wealthy) people lived - and no crowds - in fact, probably not 30 people. I could have spent an entire day there, but it is in an area I wouldn't want to go to alone. Herculaneum was equally fascinating. I've also been to Sienna couple of times and I do love that town, but these are two extremely different experiences. You can get day tours from Rome to Pompeii, but as downtownbrown says, it doesn't do to go without a guide. In order to appreciate it best, you should do some study so you can better understand what you're seeing, especially identifying the different eras of building. Pompeii is always jammed with people (October was a madhouse), and it's not much fun to find a restroom or get something to eat. It really depends on how you want to spend your time - and your money. My sister dropped a bundle in Sienna, but there is so much delightful to purchase. I'm not sure how to get there from Rome, but you might stop over on your way to Florence, depending on how you will be traveling. Whatever you decide, have a great time. What a wonderful spring break that will be for your daughter!

With one week, I would choose 2 destinations as bases. If you have been to Siena and have an interest in Pompeii, you might take a day trip there from Rome. It will be a long day. We've been to both and I think I would choose Pompeii as it is a definite change of pace from Florence and Rome.

As for Cinque Terre, it is lovely but as it is out of your way and can't be done as a day trip, I'd save it for another time.

I've been to both - more than once. For your short trip, I would choose Siena, and do it from Florence.

If you don't mind a super long day to see one great place, you could see Pompeii, but the fact is, you can wait until you are there to decide on either Pompeii or Siena - or a different place.

If you are in Rome a couple of days and feel you are up to the long trip to Pompeii, you can hop the train and do it. Hire a guide at the entrance.

If you are in Florence and feel overwhelmed with art, you can go to Siena for a day or catch the train and visit both Pisa and Lucca in the same day.

Remember, you could also more easily visit Ostia Antica (instead of Pompeii) or Orvieto (instead of Siena) from Rome.

Rather than have either one set in stone, have info in place for how to do it, but see how you feel once you are there.