5 Best Day Trips to Pompeii from Rome

Pompeii is located in the centre of the Italian peninsula, very close to Naples. Its location couldn't be more perfect: to the north rises the imposing Vesuvius volcano and to the south is the legendary Amalfi Coast. The best way to visit it is to join an organised excursion from Rome.

Read on to find out about the best options and you won't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the route and visiting this historic city petrified under the lava of Vesuvius.

One of the best options for visiting this incredible city and its surroundings is the excursion to Pompeii and Naples from Rome. A perfect combination that includes the historical trip to Pompeii with the hustle and bustle of Naples. First, you will visit the ruins, temples, villas and markets of Pompeii with a professional guide. Then, you will head to Naples, a city full of life, history, art and culinary tradition.

So, if you're wondering whether it's a good idea to combine Pompeii and Naples in a single day, it's definitely an excellent option, as both cities are very close and easy to organise. In the morning, you'll explore Pompeii, and in the afternoon, you'll admire iconic monuments such as the Castel dell'Ovo. You'll also get to taste a delicious Neapolitan pizza.

• This experience includes... air-conditioned bus transport, a guided tour of Pompeii and free time in Naples to visit at your own pace.

If you book a bus excursion to Pompeii with a climb up Vesuvius, you won't regret it, as it is a unique and enriching experience that combines both sites. You can walk to the crater and enjoy spectacular views. In addition, an expert guide will accompany you and give you all the geological details of the area, as well as recounting the history of this dark episode in history

So, if you're wondering whether it's worth visiting Mount Vesuvius, the answer is absolutely yes. It's an unforgettable experience for both nature and history lovers. The walk is moderate and can be done by visitors of all ages.

• This experience includes... return transfer by air-conditioned coach, skip-the-line entry to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the company of an expert archaeology guide (in English), lunch and the climb up Mount Vesuvius.

Another option when booking your Pompeii experience is the high-speed train excursion from Rome. It is the fastest way to visit Pompeii and allows you to make the most of your time at the archaeological site.

If you are wondering whether it is better to travel by train or bus, it depends on whether you prefer speed and comfort or economy. The bus is cheaper, but the train is faster, more comfortable and offers wonderful panoramic views of the Italian coast. Plus, you won't have to worry about traffic.

• This experience includes... high-speed train tickets, entrance tickets to the ruins of Pompeii and a professional guided tour, as well as lunch and wine tasting.

One of the best ways to discover the Italian coast is on an excursion to Pompeii, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. This experience will allow you to explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, stroll through the charming streets of Amalfi and be captivated by the unique beauty of Positano, one of the most picturesque villages on the Amalfi Coast.

The adventure begins with a visit to Pompeii, where you will walk through its ancient streets and discover what life was like before the eruption of Vesuvius. Next, you will head to Amalfi, famous for its impressive cathedral and spectacular sea views. Finally, you will visit Positano, with its pastel-coloured houses, steep streets, and postcard-perfect landscapes.

If you're wondering whether it's worth combining Pompeii with Amalfi and Positano, the answer is a resounding yes. It's a complete experience that combines history, culture and Italy's most iconic landscapes. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to savour the exquisite local cuisine, try the refreshing limoncello and relax in front of the blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

• This experience includes... air-conditioned bus transport, a guided tour of Pompeii, and free time to enjoy Amalfi and Positano at your own pace.

If you are looking for a comprehensive way to explore the Italian coast and the ruins of Pompeii, you can book a 3-day excursion to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. An ideal option for those who want to enjoy a more in-depth experience, combining history, coastal landscapes and the elegance of Capri.

If you are considering the most comprehensive option for visiting Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, this is the perfect choice. With this tour, in addition to discovering the ruins of Pompeii, you will have the opportunity to explore the town of Sorrento and the exclusive island of Capri. It is an experience that combines culture, relaxation and unforgettable views, allowing you to enjoy three days full of discoveries without worrying about the details of the trip.

• This experience includes... air-conditioned bus transport, two nights' accommodation, breakfast and dinner, guided tour of Pompeii, excursions to Sorrento and Capri, and ferry ticket in high season.

Although Rome is an open-air museum and was the epicentre of Roman civilisation, it is worth going to Pompeii to learn about how they lived. The layout of its streets, the structure of its houses, its places of worship and leisure... All this and more can be found in one of the most important archaeological parks in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To get the most out of your visit, book a guided tour of the archaeological complex. If you wish, you can also combine your trip with other nearby destinations such as Naples, Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast.

If you like history, architecture or art, don't hesitate to come here and soak up everything there is to see and learn. From discovering what happened in Pompeii to admiring the imposing Vesuvius, the volcano that changed everything, from its ruins. And if you're still not convinced, don't hesitate to check out my article on whether it's worth visiting Pompeii from Rome.

Depending on the option you choose: an organised excursion to Pompeii from Rome can be booked from S$144 The price includes private transport, entrance fees and a guided tour, all in one day. If you prefer an organised excursion to Pompeii from Rome with meals included, prices start at S$301

If you prefer to organise the trip yourself, you will need to buy tickets to Pompeii in advance, book a train or bus ticket and pay for your own meals.

But if what really concerns you is how to fit in a visit to Pompeii without breaking the bank, don't worry: I always recommend doing the maths before you go to get a rough idea of how much a trip to the city of Vesuvius from Rome will cost you. In this article on how much it costs to visit Pompeii, I'll help you calculate it.

If you are in Rome and planning to visit Pompeii, joining an organised excursion is clearly the most convenient and easiest option, but you should know that there are also other ways to get to Pompeii if you prefer to visit Pompeii on your own.

Departing from the Italian capital, you will have the option of travelling by train, bus or even car if you decide to hire your own vehicle to have more freedom when visiting the country. I summarise the prices, journey times and how to get tickets in this article on how to get to Pompeii from Rome.

To visit Pompeii from Rome, you will need a whole day. The two cities are more than 200 kilometres apart, and although the journey is not tedious (the views along the way are beautiful), you will need to spend several hours in Pompeii to get the most out of the city.

On a guided excursion from Rome, it is most common to leave the centre of the capital early in the morning and return to the same point in the late afternoon, after spending an incredible day visiting the city petrified by Vesuvius. In this article on the duration of tours and visits to Pompeii, I will give you more details to help you with your planning.

If you want to visit Pompeii on your own, the logistics become more complicated, as you will have to use public transport. In that case, a high-speed train, although more expensive, will help you save time on your journey and make better use of your day in Pompeii. Of course, an expert guide will undoubtedly help you visit and understand the essentials of the place without having to waste time wandering the streets on your own without a fixed destination.

Of course you can! Pompeii is a great destination for families and is usually very popular with the little ones. You will spend a day outdoors visiting palaces, temples and theatres with Vesuvius in the background.

The important thing is that they are prepared with comfortable footwear (actually, this is essential for the whole family), protected from the sun and heat in summer and, above all, that they have snacks and fresh water throughout the day.

If you also want to introduce them to history, you can always take the opportunity to tell them how volcanoes work and the history of Pompeii. Italy with children is always a good idea, and Pompeii, of course, is no exception. Here is a link to my article on visiting Pompeii with children, which includes some recommendations to keep in mind.

Pompeii is in an enviable location: south of Rome, near Naples and its bay, and close to Vesuvius. If you want to know what you can see and do near Pompeii, take note:

Peek into the crater of Vesuvius

During your visit to Pompeii, it will become clear how important Vesuvius was in the history of this city. If you have the time and energy, climbing up to the crater is a great idea.

It will give you the best views of the trip, as you will see Pompeii from above and the entire area of the Bay of Naples. Besides, how many times have you stood before a volcanic crater? There's nothing better than starting with one of the most famous in the world.

Some excursions to Pompeii include this, but if you're going on your own, don't hesitate to consider the option anyway. Here's how to climb Vesuvius, the volcano of Pompeii.

Visit Naples

There are some excursions to Pompeii from Rome that include a stop in Naples. The itinerary is similar: you will discover the ancient city of Pompeii with a professional guide and also stop in Naples.

These itineraries usually include a bus tour of the essential sights of Naples **,**such as the **Royal Palace and Piazza del Plebiscito,**while you listen to the stories of the city on an audio guide.

You can also stop for lunch and then take a guided tour of the archaeological park of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's amazing!

In Pompeii, winters are long —from November to March—and that's when the weather is cooler. However, summers last from June to August and the heat can be stifling. Without a doubt, if there is a perfect season to visit Pompeii, it is spring, when temperatures are milder and there are fewer tourists.

August is the least advisable month for several reasons: there are more tourists (and therefore longer queues), many restaurants in Naples close for their monthly holiday, and the heat is stifling. You can read more here about the best time to visit Pompeii.

If you want to book an excursion to Pompeii, bear in mind that the archaeological park opens every day of the week at 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. on Saturdays). Its closing time depends on the time of year: in winter it usually closes at around 3:30 p.m., while in summer you can extend your visit until 6 p.m. In any case, we recommend checking their official website for updated opening hours.

My advice is to arrive as early as possible so you can enjoy the complex in cooler temperatures and with fewer crowds. We also recommend visiting Pompeii from Monday to Friday, as weekends are when most tourists flock to these ruins.

One last tip: if you are travelling independently and want to save on the entrance fee, plan your visit for the first Sunday of each month. It's free!

To make sure you don't miss a thing, I've created an article with the best tips for visiting Pompeii. Here are the 5 most important tips to keep in mind:

Ana's Traveller Tip

Avoid travelling in summer. Outside the summer season, there will be fewer people and, above all, you will be able to enjoy yourself without the suffocating heat of July and August exhausting you.

As you walk through the ruins of the city, you will find that very few places offer shade. So, we recommend that you bring a small rucksack with a bottle of water, which you can refill for free at the various fountains along the route.

Don't forget to wear comfortable footwear because walking around Pompeii can take an average of 4 hours. And, in the sunniest months, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Oh, and of course, don't forget your camera to capture memories of this unique experience.

If you have a large rucksack and don't want to carry it with you throughout the tour, don't worry, as there are lockers at the entrance where you can leave it.

Pompeii was unintentionally frozen in time. More than 2,000 years ago, in 79 BC, the volcano Vesuvius erupted, burying the entire Roman city. It was not rediscovered until 1550, when excavations began to free it from the blanket of lava that covered it. Today, walking through its ruins is like travelling back in time and a silent reminder of the power of nature.

If you want to make the most of your visit to this archaeological park, here are the essential places you must see in Pompeii:

Forum

This was undoubtedly the epicentre of city life. It was here that the social, religious and political life of Pompeii was concentrated. Along its 150 metres, we can still see some of the columns that surrounded it and imagine how it was originally filled with statues.

Temple of Apollo

Dedicated to the god of the sun and reason, this is one of the most emblematic places in Pompeii, very close to the forum. It was built between the 8th and 7th centuries BC, making it one of the oldest in the city. Today, several of its columns and the stairs that led to its podium remain.

Great Theatre

Up to 5,000 spectators could gather in the stands of this theatre. As in other venues, the seating arrangement was based on social class: the poorest at the top and the richest at the bottom.

Small Theatre

Although smaller in size, with a capacity of up to 1,000 spectators, its acoustics are much better. In fact, it still hosts theatrical and musical performances today. What a privilege to watch them from its stands!

Amphitheatre

It is true that its Roman counterpart, the Colosseum, takes all the credit, but the amphitheatre in Pompeii is the oldest still standing. It dates back to 70 BC and could hold 20,000 spectators. As in other similar arenas, gladiators came here to show off their bravery.

If, after visiting Pompeii and its amphitheatre, you are keen to visit the Colosseum in Rome, don't forget that on your return you can organise a guided tour of the Colosseum or simply buy tickets to visit the interior at your leisure. Here are some links to the guides we have written on this subject for your reference: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tours and Rome Colosseum Tickets And Tours.

Lupanar

If there is one place that catches the traveller's attention in Pompeii, it is this building. It is an ancient brothel, the most important in the Roman city. It is worth walking around its two floors, seeing its stone beds and appreciating its frescoes: from erotic motifs to engravings on the walls made by visitors and prostitutes. The upper floor was dedicated to the wealthiest clients, while the lower floor was reserved for the poorest.

Orto dei fuggiaschi

Here we can put a face to the tragedy of the eruption of Vesuvius. Thirteen people who tried to flee were found here. Moulds were made of their bodies and today we can see their faces of despair.

Terme Sabiane

Of the various thermal baths in the city, these are the best preserved. Come here to be impressed by the vaulted ceiling that covered the baths – divided into cold, warm and hot – the gymnasium surrounded by columns and the outdoor swimming pool.

House of Faunus

This is one of the most important buildings to visit. It is one of the largest and most luxurious Roman houses known in the city. Various works of art that decorated it have been found here, such as a bronze statue of a faun and a mosaic of the Battle of Issus. However, today you have to go to the Archaeological Museum of Naples to see the authentic pieces.

Villa of the Mysteries

This villa was actually located on the outskirts of the city, but it is worth visiting because it is one of the best-preserved buildings. Inside, the frescoes have stood the test of time, allowing you to travel back to Roman times with greater clarity.

If you are thinking of booking an excursion from Rome to Pompeii, some of them already include lunch in the price. If, on the other hand, it is not included or you prefer to go on your own, here are some tips on where to eat in Pompeii.

The proximity to Naples means that this area has spectacular cuisine. You cannot miss the opportunity to eat an authentic Neapolitan pizza, with thick, fluffy crusts. The coffee in this area is one of the best in the world, and if you want to finish your meal on a high note, order a limoncello, brought from the neighbouring Amalfi coast.

Want to make your visit even more special? Attend one of the events and exhibitions held in the ruins of Pompeii. For example, the 'Pompeii Theatrum Mundi' festival has been held for years during the summer months in the archaeological park. Its ancient theatre hosts contemporary dance performances and legendary plays, from Sophocles to Shakespeare.

If you've already decided to visit Pompeii from Rome, I think you're making the right choice and I'm sure you'll remember this excursion for the rest of your life! If you're still not sure whether this is the destination for you, I've also written another article about 8 Best Day Trips from Rome that you may find interesting. In addition, I summarise the details of other excursions in the surroundings of Rome and to picturesque villages that you can visit during your trip.

If, on the other hand, you want to make the most of your days in the Italian capital, here are some links to other guides to Rome so that you can better organise your days there. Here is the one for Rome Pass if you want to get a tourist card that allows you to save money on visits to monuments, museums and attractions, or this one if Top 11 tours of Rome if you are someone who likes to explore cities and leave no stone unturned.