Visit to National Archaeological Museum worthwhile?
 

We are 10 Texans traveling from Tuscany to Positano on Saturday, May 31st. It is a 5 hour drive unto itself.

Have read about this Museum and have suggested we consider stopping for a visit. We will be visiting Pompeii on following Tuesday (does it close on any days?).

Is this worthwhile?
Easy access and departure?
Do we need tickets ahead of time?
Do you have to have separate tickets for the erotic room?
We would arrive early afternoon ~ how long does an "overview" tour take?
If we only had time for the Museum or Sorento ~ which would you select?

Thanks!

Is this worthwhile?

Very much so


Easy access and departure?
Yes, but not by car - I would not want to try and drive in central Naples. It is one metro stop from the main Naples train station, so if you can park outside the city and train in, it would be better

Do we need tickets ahead of time?
No.

Do you have to have separate tickets for the erotic room?
Yes - buy them at the front desk.

We would arrive early afternoon ~ how long does an "overview" tour take?
I think we spent about 3 hours there (But I really like history). It is open untill 8PM, but closed Tuesday.

If we only had time for the Museum or Sorento ~ which would you select?

The museum - without a doubt. Sorrento is pleasant enough, but for me, seeing the contents of the museum greatly enhances the experience of Pompeii.

Hi, Philip -

Personally, I thought the National Archeological Museum in Naples was great. When I was there last May, one did not need to buy separate tickets for the erotic rooms, but you should inquire about that upon your arrival - I believe they sometimes limit access to specific times (or limit the number of visitors at any one time).

Hope that helps!

Philip,

I really enjoyed the Arch Museum too. My favorite section was the mezzanine level where the mosaics from Pompeii are located. Incredible!

Be sure to take cash in small bills. The museum doesn't take credit cards and cannot make change for the larger E notes all the tourists get out of ATM machines.

Buon viaggio!

Someone whose opinions on Italian travel I followed to the letter & very certainly for the better told me that seeing Pompeii w/o the museum is like reading every other page of a book-you are missing 1/2 of the story. I did both & it was well worth the time. Good Luck

Hi P,

The Museum is well worth the visit.

What is your whole itinerary for the Naples/AC area?

((I))

Thanks to all for very helpful information. We will definitely add this stop on our way into Naples area.

Ira
After our week at a villa in Tuscany, we will be passing through Naples on way to.....

3 nights (2 days) in Positano at Hotel Miramare

Day 1 ~ our group will leave at 9:30 on chartered boat. Capri circle tour. Dinner at beach resturant in Nerano (fishing village on way back to Positano).

Day 2 ~ driving tour Amalfi coast including Amalfi, Ravello and Paestum.

Enjoying view, wine and good friends from hotel balconies.

Leave the final morning for trip to Pompeii on way to Rome.

Thanks again!