DH and I have visited Pompei twice previously in the months of May and June. We have used the government licensed guides that you find milling around the entrance on both occasions and have had great experiences with them. We are bringing my parents and sister with us for a late November trip and I am wondering if the guides are still working during the off-season. They have added so much to our understanding and I'd like for my family members to get the same historical background. The audioguides are a good back-up, I know.
Has anyone visited Pompei and Herculaneum during the off-season and noticed if the guides are working?

Hi TexasAggie!!

Yes, they were there when we visited very late in the season this year ( early Nov). The weather was also beautiful and it was not crowded ( but there were tourists...mostly Europeans).

Have fun!

Hi Jeanne!

Thanks for the reply! I completely forgot noting that when I read your blog. Thanks for the reminder Hope you are all having a lovely start to 2008 in Spain!

~Jill

Hi-
Any tips on selecting the best guide? My experience has been hit and miss (usually "miss&quot in hiring a guide on the spot like that. Most of the time their English has not been great (not noticed in the short hiring negiotiations) or they seem like they are reciting from memorized text, rather than really know the information.

DH and I just went with one of the government-licensed guides at the entrance who was gathering a group. We had Mario at Pompei the last time, I believe. He was great. We agreed to a 2 hour tour and he led us on a 3 hour tour that was enlightening, informative, sensitive, and entertaining.
Our government-licensed guide at Herculaneum this past June seemed a little grumpy at first, but he warmed up considerably once we started asking questions and he could see we really wanted to learn about the history of the place.