Upon arrival at Rome via Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, we boarded a train to stay for the night at Hotel Gioberti, next to Termini station. The hotel is less than a 5-minute walk from the train station, exiting from the entrance next to MacDonalds.
After a night at Termini, we took a train from the Termini station to Pompeii via Naples.
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city which was buried under 4 to 6m of volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.
I recall reading about Pompeii in my younger years. Never would I have thought that within just 4 decades later, I would be here to see and climb Vesuvius or even visit the archeological sites.
Vesuvius
Our experience was a bit of a comedy of errors! We read on some forums that catching a local bus from Pompeii to Vesuvius was the way to go, but being first-timers, we weren’t keen on a “chicken-talking-to-a-duck” scenario—whatever that means! So, we thought we’d play it safe and splurge on a tour bus to whisk us off to the majestic climb of Vesuvius. Spoiler alert: Big mistake! It was like ordering a gourmet meal and getting a soggy sandwich instead!
Climbing up Vesuvius with a wobbly ankle? Now that’s a recipe for raising eyebrows—and maybe a few heart rates! We thought we were signing up for a leisurely half-day climb, but only got 40-50 minutes to frolic around the volcano, which is just bonkers! Picture this: trekking up like we’re in an adventure movie and then sprinting down like a cartoon character escaping a giant boulder—all thanks to my glorious dodgy ankle. Insanity? Maybe, but at least it made for one epic story!
Tips
WARNING! Avoid buying Vesuvius tours from the Tourist Information centres along Via Roma. They do not keep count on number of tickets sold for any tour timing. There are occasions where there is insufficient space onboard the mini-bus that tourist end up cramping 3 to a seat or crouch throughout the journey in the mini-bus from Pompeii to Vesuvius. The drivers tend to not refuel before picking up. Therefore, an hour of the tour might be a wait at the petrol station for a re-fill.
Alternative transportations: EavBus/Sita Public Bus is a local bus between Pompeii and Mount Vesusvius.
Preparation for climb – Items to have: Good and comfortable pair of walking shoes, Wear layered clothes, Hat, Sunblock, Trekking sticks (if any), Water, Energy bar, Some lollies and Camera.
Opening times: January to February and November to December daily from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs; March and October from 09:00hrs to 16:00hrs; April to June and September from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs and July to August from 09:00hrs to 16:00hrs.
Ticket price – EUR10 for adults; EUR8 for students and Free for children shorter than 120 centimeters; disabled and companion.
Pompeii Archaeological site
The ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried in volcanic ash, was preserved and frozen in time. The excavation in modern times has given Pompeii a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Though the area of Pompeii Archaeological site spans across 64-67 hectares, there is still large amounts of the ancient city has yet to be excavated.
During this trip, I was fortunate to be able to admire the works of Polish artist and sculptor, Igore Mitoraj. Like ancient classical sculptures that have eroded with time, deliberate cracks and missing limbs on Mitoraj’s sculptures complimented the exhibits the Archaeological grounds so well.
Tip
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday between 09:00hrs to 18:00hrs and Saturday to Sunday from 08:30hrs to 18:00hrs.
Dates closed: The sites are closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December (Unless otherwise indicated on Pompeii Archaeological Site official website.
Entrance fees is EUR15,00. Reduced ticket price EUR2,00 only for EU citizens aged between 18 and 24 (under 25).
Where to buy tickets? Tickets can be purchased in advance on Pompeii Archaeological Site official website or alternatively, purchasing ‘Skip-the-queue’ websites available on the Resources page of this blog.
Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii
Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii (Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria del Santo Rosario di Pompei) is situated at Piazza Bartolo Longo. The beautiful alfresco is sufficient for tourists to constantly stare upwards to admire its beauty.
Tip
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 06:30hrs to 14:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 20:00hrs, Saturday from 06:30hrs to 20:00hrs and Sunday 05:30hrs to 21:00hrs.
Entry Fees: Not applicable.
Website for updates: Santuary website.
Self-reflection
I would not suggest anyone purchasing any tours for Vesuvius. Study schedules of public buses and routes. All buses stop at the same parking area. There are no special preferences to tour buses at the parking area on the mountain.
I love the trip to Pompeii Archaeological site. The tickets for skip-the-queue is only added value when there is a huge crowd or getting to the entrance at mid-day where there is a long queue. The bronze sculptures at various locations at the Site brings me back in time being around the inhabitants of this fateful city.
The majestic ceiling of the Sanctuary captivated my attention for a long time. The Sanctuary is a good place to take cover from the heat of the sun but also a very peaceful place to reflect on life itself.
I visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites. I would recommend Pompeii to history lovers and those who love beautiful scenery and serenity.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.