Pompeii: Private Guided Tour with Priority Entrance
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We took a tour from our port call in Naples on board of the MSC Divina. From the cruise port to the site it was an approximate 45 min bus ride. We took a guided walking tour through the site taking just over 2 hours. The site is incredible and allows you to imagine how life was like back in time. Incredible preserved statues and courtyards. Some of the original paintings and ornaments are still on some of the walls. A must take visit while in Naples.
This is one of the Premiere archealogoical sites of the world. An absolute must see when visiting the area.
Getting here - The main Pompeii train station is right at the entrance and is right on the Circumvesuviana (narrow guage) rail system. If coming from Naples - get on at the Napoli Porta Nolana station (before Garibaldi). Thius is the first station on the line. You will be able to get a seat. Note that there is a local train service (metro style - no seat reservations or AC) and a high end service (Compania Express) with seating and AC that runs less frequently. It's 4 times the price but sometimes worth it. The platform at the end of the day will be packed - consider booking the Compania Express for the return trip - but be aware the schedule is less frequent.
We went at the end of May and it was packed with tour groups, and school children. Get there in the morning as early as possible - doors open at 9:00 am. Buy tickets ahead of time on-line to avoid long line ups.
The entrance is a steep hill - there is no shade - consider bringing a lot of bottled water and an umbrella. There is also limited seating - something that could be rectified by park staff). There is also no food or drink inside the park - again something that should be remedied by park staff. Be prepared for a lot of walking on irregular footing.
Plan ahead with the maps or the on-line guides - it's a very large place. Many buildings are very well preserved with carbonized timbers still in place. Frescos, marblework, and mosaics are exceptional. The brothel is very popular. You don't get much time inside. The baths are very good to see. The theatres and the gladiator arena is at the far end but is definitely worth the walk.
At the far end is an open air museum that explains and displays the plaster casting process that was used for capturing the positions and places of the victims of the eruption. These include the skeletons of the victims. This can be very disturbing as the bones and teeth of the victims are visible on many of the castings.
Really great experience with unbelievable history on show. Very busy however which is fine if as a couple, would not recommend for young families.
Must see however if in this part of the world as the history is amazing.
