I've learned that the only day my cruise will be docked in Naples is a Tuesday -- the day the National Archaeological Museum is closed. Will there be plenty of things to see at the Pompeii and Herculaneum sites themselves? I was under the impression that virtually all of the artifacts are housed within the museum. Thanks!

It's true that most of the frescos from Pompeii have been moved to the Naples museum, but the town of Pompeii is still where it was 2000yrs ago! Check out Pompeii & Herculaneum's official website to get a better idea of what they are like:
http://www2.pompeiisites.org/databas...f?OpenDatabase

Pompeii is not to be missed. I was impressed with Pompeii and did not go to the musuem in Naples. You will love it. I did not go to Herculaneum, but have read interesting reports. Go for it and you will be happy. Plus it is outside.

Yipper, would you happen to know if there is a night tour of Pompeii? I read about it a while ago and it sounded interesting but I have been unable to find out if it is still running. Thanks.

Hi Songdoc,
Plenty to see at Pompeii--get a guide or a book. We had a private guide and it was wonderful. Sorry you will miss the museum but there is a wonderful fresco that is almost complete in the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii. Do a little advance study and you will find out about this. Happy traavels!

We were lucky enough to go the musuem first, then Herculaneum and next Pompeii. The museum is certainly worthwhile, but Pompeii will give you a good sense of Roman life by itself.

I did go to the museum and was not impressed. There weren't near as many artifacts as I expected. In three days we visited Pompeii, the National Archaeological Museum and Herculaneum.

I would definitely choose Pompeii over the museum. It's incredible. We used a guide and I would do that again also.

Some of the pictures we took are at pbase.com/cjw/pompeii if you are interested. You can click on the first picture to see it screen size and then click on "next"

Agree. We saw all three. While the museum was interesting, there were plenty of wall paintings and mosaics still in place at the sites along with statue decorations one of the baths. I don't think most people would feel cheated by not seeing the museum.

Hi doc,

I suggest that you look at the miniguides to Naples at www.fodors.com or www.frommers.com.

There is much worth seeing in the city. You might want to do only a half day at the archaeolgical sites.

Thank you all so much for the info (and Sundowner, for the photos). I feel much better now about going to the sites -- without the museum. Looks like it should be terrific!

Marianna - The 'Pompei by Night' tour operates 4 nights per week (Wednesday-Saturday). It starts at 21.30 and lasts an hour.

The tour is in English on Wednesdays.

From Sept 2nd it starts an hour earlier at 20.30.

Ticket price: € 24
(For Artecard holders: € 21)

For information & booking:
www.arethusa.net

Hope this helps ...

Steve