I was in Italy recently, and have read many messages about the 'overcrowding' of toursit destinations such as Pompeii.<BR>If you are planning a day trip from Naples to Pompeii in the summer or during easter holidays there is an alternative<BR>The city of Herculanuem was also devastated by Vesuvius, but is much less known, and hence much less crowded than Pompeii. Its much easier to get away from the throngs of people here and fully enjoy the experience.<BR>Don't get me wrong, Pompeii was one of my favorite experieces, and if you are willing to venture deep into the bowels of the city, it will be much less crowded than the areas that are covered by guides.<BR><BR>And don't wear black, whatever you do!!!<BR>The ground is covered (in both destinations)with volcanic ash and so by the end of the day I was absolutely filthy! Take lots of water with you and give yourself at least half a day to explore.<BR><BR>To get to Pompeii from Naples you have to buy a train ticket as Pompeii is not covered by whatever rail pass you might have. It is on the circumvesuviana (metropolitan) train line in the basement of the train station and the ride is less than an hour. A round trip ticket will cost you only about 10USD.<BR>

pompei is definately worth seeing, but a guide is a must. Just join on to another group or get your own personal guide.Their knowledge is so vast and you learn so much more than just wondering around by yourself.Very interesting.

Can you just hook up with a tour that is already arranged, or do you have to prearrange a tour of Pompeii?

Just got back from both, and Pompeii was much more interesting than Herc.<BR><BR>I agree with the guide, although the audio tour of Herc was very good. We were not in a group. But they have guides there who will form a group, with everyone pitching in to meet the minimum. It came out to about $7 per person.<BR><BR>As for crowds, it wasn't bad when we were there, but some places that are really good are always crowded. Just have to expect it at the premier locations.<BR><BR>

when you buy your entrance tickets to pompeii you can arrange for a tour then - it is very informal, and usually a tour guide will come up to you and ask you if you want to join the tour. The fee is small for the amount of information and insight that the guide will give you.

I went to both two summers ago and quite frankly found the whole experience a bit boring. all you do is walk around and look at ruins which is what you do in virtually all other Italian cities. <BR><BR>just a warning to those who think that Pompeii will be the greatese thing since sliced breas....the place is highly overrated.

I agree that Pompeii comes alive with a good guide. We were there over Christmas 2000 and there was hardly anyone else there. I'm so glad we were approached at the entrance by a guide for hire. Her name was Elvira and she was wonderful. For about $50 she gave 4 of us a 2 hour tour and really made it special. Get a guide! You won't regret it.

John Q, why did you go to Pompeii if ruins bore you? I happen to be "into" history and it facinates me, but why did you go? Just another lemming?<BR><BR>Just goes to show, do research before you travel and do what you like, not what you are expected to do. But what is great is people who may not be into art or culture and grow into the experience.

WONDERING - very clever name... do you think you have to come up with something like that just as all of the other little lemmings do?

We were on a tight budget and didn't feel like paying for a tour so we just went on our own and eavesdropped in on other tours as we went along if they sounded interesting. It worked well for us.