Pompeii

[OhioJourneys]

Have reserved transportation only through ship from port to Pompeii so that we can tour on our own.  I know that we need to purchase skip the line entry tickets ahead to avoid long lines.  My question is does anyone have recommendation on which site to use for this purchase?  I was looking at Viator but see I need to go to their office at Pompeii to pick up my tickets?  What if it is not at same entrance our transport drops us?  Confused & worried...help!

[euro cruiser]

Never use a third party site (like Viator) when you can buy directly from the site.

 

Things have changed recently at Pompei, you used to have to wait on line to exchange an on-line purchase for a paper ticket in order to get through the turnstiles.  Now they can read a QR code from your smartphone.

 

The official site is here:  Pompeii - TicketOne

 

You want to select Parco Archeologico di Pompei, then pick your date.  Don't worry about the time, they are good all day.

[cruisemom42]

Warning -- Pompeii is a huge site. Bring a map of the site with you (can print out decent ones online) or buy one at the shop next to the ticket booth. It's also helpful to print out information about the site as well or download an audio tour. (Rick Steves has one.)

[edinburgher]

12 hours ago, OhioJourneys said:

Pompeii so that we can tour on our own

There is also little shade so Pompeii can be an exhausting visit on a hot day so bring plenty water  if travelling in the summer, and be realistic about the amount of time you are likely to spend there and what you can expect to see in that time. For most, I think an average will be around 2-3 hours and the site is indeed huge. 

[OhioJourneys]

Thank you all so much for the help.  

[loveapug]

Hello, I am piggybacking onto this topic with a few additional questions. We will be visiting Naples this coming November. I'd like to tour Pompeii and visit the National Archeological Museum in Naples, and if possible, try some local pizza, which I've heard is terrific. I have not been able to find a tour company that exactly suits our needs so far and the ship's excursion with a similar tour has a wait list. 

Also, we may wish to stay for awhile longer in Pompeii after touring with the guide, but are not certain about this.

It appears that it might be best to take the bus from the Naples port to Pompeii and meet a guide. I am uncertain about recommended next steps to go to the museum, or if there is a place to sample the pizza along the journey.  My questions for those who have been to Pompeii and self- toured, or if anyone has a tour company that meets these requirements. 

1. Is it better to find and use a tour guide that is available at the gate of Pompeii, or better to find one that is recommended and book a tour in advance?

2. What might be the next steps for transport to the National Archeological Museum, Pizza, and then return to the cruise port?

3. Should we try to book a guide at the museum, or visit on our own? 

Thank you for any suggestions.

[kohanfam]

We booked 

https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/italy/pompei?lat=40.7496576&lng=14.5053119&minDuration=0&maxDuration=3&productTypes=TOUR%2CONLINE%2CSHORE_EX%2CSAFARI

 

[Hlitner]

All the posts are very good :).  But I will reiterate that Pompeii can be a very hot place, and folks should be careful if they are visiting on a hot day.  Parts of the expansive ruins can have you feeling like you are out in a dessert with very little shelter and no facilities (they do have facilities in one location which always seems like it is far away...when you need it).  My advice is to enter the ruins with a bottle of cool water (you can buy water near the entrance).  Also make sure to dress for the weather and wear a decent hat.  DW and I really enjoy Pompeii, but much less so on a steamy hot day.

 

Hank