Pompei and Rome
 

My husband and I are planning a two week holiday in Italy this fall. The first week will be spent exploring Tuscany. We haven't decided on the second week, although I really want to see Pompei and my husband wants to spend several days in Rome before we depart. Is two days in Rome long enough to see the Coliseum and St Peters? Also, we're not sure where we should stay when visiting Pompei. Would somewhere along the Amalfi coast be close enough?
Thanks

Having just done this last year with four cousins and their spouses, you need 3+ days in Rome, unless you really want to pay for taxis. Need a day to do the antiquities. Need a day to do the Vatican (reserve your time/date NOW) and St Peters, and a day to do the rest of Rome. Pompeii can be a day trip via bus from Rome. in Rome -- eat in Trastevere, across the River.

Wootie - The nearest place on the Amalfi Coast itself is Positano - from where you can reach Pompei by public transport in 60-90 mins.

Alternatively Sorrento is only 30 mins. from Pompei ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

If you have never been to Rome, I would say 3 days is a minimum. There really is a tremendous amount to see, and you also need to sit in a piazza or two and drink some wine and experience life at a different pace. I don't see the point in rushing. If your husband really wants to see ruins (and doesn't get enough in Rome), to to Ostia Antica about an hour outside Rome.

IMO, the Amalfi Coast is a destination in itself and should include Pompeii; but trying to do all that with Rome in 7 days would be too rushed, IMO, and you would miss the point. If you want to skip Rome, then go to Amalfi for the week. Otherwise, split your time between Tuscany and Rome. Another thing to consider is flying out of Naples on your return flight to the US or whaterver your home is; that way, you would save about at least half a day in travel and that might justify trying to "do" Rome and also see at least Pompeii and a small bit of the Amalfi coast.

Hi Wootie,

www.enjoyrome.com runs a bus tour to Pompeii, but it will take the whole day.

I really agree with all the suggestions posted --- if you've never been to Rome, and you really want to visit it, make sure you give yourself at least 3-4 days. I went back there for the 2nd time just last week, and wish I had more than the 3 days I planned. Also, the south of Italy is beautiful, and if you are travelling to Pompeii, you shouldn't miss the other great towns and sites in the area --- Sorrento, Positano, Capri, the Almalfi. My best suggestion is to pick either Rome or the South, and spend good quality time in that area alone. Trying to do both may be very tiring and not really enjoyable as it should be. Have a great trip!!