How to Visit Pompeii in a Day

Q: What times does Pompeii open?

Visit Pompeii during hours of operation -- 9.00 - 7.30pm (entrance closes at 6pm) - 1st April to 31st October.- 9.00 - 5:30 pm (with last entrance 3.30pm) - rest of the year.Pompeii is closed on 25th December, 1st January, and 1st May.

Blog Post, Europe, Italy, Pompeii

Grade school taught us about the glorious beginnings and tragic end of Pompeii. But being there in person is a whole different experience. In this blog, I attempt to share some stories of the past and our account on how it feels to visit Pompeii.

We took a two and a half-hour guided tour of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Since it happened to be the first Sunday of the month, it was a free entrance day. The place was packed with locals, tourists and school trips, but the guide was great at navigating, keeping us to the schedule, sharing stories and answering questions the whole time. I strongly recommend visiting Pompeii with a guide.

History

Starting with a little background – back in the 6th century, BC Pompeii was settled as a village of the Oscan people. But, it came under Roman dominance in the 4th century BC. Later in 80 BC, it became a Roman colony after an unsuccessful rebellion. It all ended on Oct 24th, 79 AD with the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius. After being buried and preserved under meters of volcanic ash for 1,500 years, it’s now one of the most popular attraction in Italy with 2.5 million visitors year.

While the buildings and many artifacts lie in Pompeii, an astounding collection of objects from Pompeii and nearby towns buried that night, are on display in National Archaeological Museum of Naples. It would be a wonderful idea to visit Napoli and the museum after Pompeii.

Entering Pompeii

The tour of Pompeii starts across from the ancient trading port, right outside this wealthy Roman city. It’s a great way to trace the footsteps of the ancient visitors of Pompeii.

What used to be the port area right outside Pompeii - a starting point to visit Pompeii in the Roman times — What used to be the port area right outside Pompeii – a starting point to visit Pompeii in the Roman times

At a glance, we can tell there was a water body in the area. But we know this was a river port by the evidence presented in the remains – the classic holes and hooks in the retaining walls were used to anchor boats while the crew and travelers went offshore. The river is now miles away but the port walls still stand.

Grooves in the stone - are marks left from wooden doors that once stood at the entrance of stores in Pompeii.

Many shops lined the busy streets of Pompeii. The grooves left from wooden doors indicate the entrance to a store. These groves are found in the port area, forum and throughout the city.

Stores at the Pompeii port must have once entertained many traders and visitors.

The Public Baths of Pompeii

The port of Pompeii provided entertainment and comfort for the traders, including the grand Roman baths on hot thermal springs. In addition, many public baths are found all over the city so all residents, visitors, and even slaves could stay clean.

The Roman Baths in Pompeii preserved after 2000 years

The view from this bath out to the river must have been amazing. Imagine lying in the beautiful warm bath, on a cold day, sipping a drink and looking out to the river below. No wonder Romans loved to visit Pompeii for vacations and trade.

View from inside Pompeii's Roman bath overlooking the river. The gap between the layers of the wall provide insulation and the gap under the floor provides space for heating — View from inside the Roman bath overlooking the river. The gap between the layers of the wall provide insulation and the gap under the floor provides space for heating

The rooms in the Roman baths were heated, as we can tell by the gap under the floor and behind the walls. The air from the furnace circulated all around the rooms and pools keeping them warm. As one went inside, the baths were progressively hotter. This was an amazing feat in times when even the wealthy in other kingdoms didn’t have water for baths.

Bricks added gaps between the foundation and the floor. The floor was then heated by hot air circulating beneath the Pompeii's baths. This would be so much more comfortable than the hot air circulating in our houses. — Bricks added gaps between the foundation and the floor. The floor was then heated by hot air circulating beneath. This would be so much more comfortable than the hot air circulating in our houses today.

This bath in Pompeii shows some fancy tile work at the head of the pool and a waterfall that feeds hot water into the pool. Paintings on the pool walls depict ocean scenes with exotic sea creatures, making the room looks larger and more relaxing. The blue color derived from seashells is still intact after over 2000 years!

Pompeii’s Forum and Mt Vesuvius

Like all Roman cities, Pompeii has a large Forum, the city’s center for government, religion, trade, and commerce. This was the hub of the city. People gathered here to discuss politics, worship, work, trade, shop, socialize, argue or just hang out… and do the modern-day equivalents of getting coffee, taking selfies & pictures, etc. We feel it’s busy now, but it must have been busier then.

Every Pompeii starts at the Forum, today and in the Roman times. Now we see the ruins with the overarching Mount Vesuvius. We can only imagine the grand Forum that provided an equally majestic foreground.

The Forum of Pompeii is quire remarkable, even in today's ruins. Looking straight ahead is the majestic Mount Vesuvius. In front of the mountain is the temple of Jupiter(partially hidden behind the statue of a face). To the right is the wool and cloth market and to the left is the public speaking section. On both sides of the temple of Jupiter are entrances to the main markets. Behind is the main entrance and city hall. — The Forum of Pompeii is quite remarkable, even in today’s ruin state. Looking straight ahead is the seemingly calm and majestic Mount Vesuvius. In front of the mountain is the temple of Jupiter (partially hidden behind the Blue Icarus statue of a face by Mitoraj). To the right is the wool and cloth market and to the left is the public speaking section. On both sides of the temple of Jupiter are entrances to the main markets. Behind us are the main entrance and city hall.

Facing away from Mount Vesuvius, is the city hall which housed the government. The main entrance to the to the forum is on the far right, lined with marble columns. — Facing away from Mount Vesuvius is the city hall which housed the government. The main entrance to the forum is on the far right, lined with marble columns, making an impressive entrance of the Forum.

Democracy in Action

Like the rest of the Roman Empire, Pompeii was a democracy where Romans voted and elected their government officials.

The Romans had elections every year. This would have been where the candidates gave their speeches from. — The Romans had elections every year. The candidates gave their speeches from this stage to convince people to vote for them.

It may have been easier for the candidates to say what they wanted without fear of being recorded and played back days or years later.

Pompeii’s Marketplace

The Forum at Pompeii was also the hub for business and trade. A large space was occupied by the buzzing marketplace.

Entrance to the wool and clothing market of Pompeii. — Entrance to the huge wool and clothing market.

The ornate carvings around the entrance gate of the wool and cloth market (and many other sites) were made by chisel and hammer! It must have taken many skilled slave artists a long time to make the Roman cities. Some carvings still remain to the delight of anyone visiting Pompeii today.

Entrance to the marketplace was likely even busier, more chaotic and noisier than now.

Another gate takes us from the busy markets to the residential areas. What a view of Mount Vesuvius looking over Pompeii. — Another gate takes us from the busy markets to the residential areas. The notches were hooks for decorations. What a view of Mount Vesuvius!

Columns Around the Forum

The Pompeii Roman forum was lined with two floors of marble columns. — The Pompeii Forum was surrounded with two floors of marble columns, making for a stunning Forum.

Back in the day, each of these pedestals held a large Roman statue. The holes to hook the statues still remain. — Back in the day, each of these pedestals held a large Roman statue looking down at the people. The holes to hook the statues still remain, with nothing to hold on to.

Looking at the forum from the market entrance would have been a different sight. The slabs would have held tall columns, now they serve as benches for tourists.

Temples in Pompeii

The temple of Apollo, one of the most important temples in Pompeii, goes far back to the 6th century BC, well before the Romans arrived. So, it shows architectural features of both Italic and Greek origin and it sticks into the Forum. It was further enhanced under the reign of Nero. Its rectangular perimeter is surrounded by an astonishing 48 columns! The main altar and the sacrificial pedestal are in the center. On the right is the statue of Apollo shooting an arrow and to the left is the statue of Diana/Artemis. In the center by the alter is a sundial for telling the passage of time

Temple of Apollo in Pompeii, a must-visit.

Temple of Genius Augusti (Temple of Vespasian)

Roman Infrastructure in Pompeii

One of the gifts from Romans was ‘water’ and ‘personal hygiene’ which we now take for granted. Romans provided water to all their citizens in their entire empire, which was unheard of in other countries back then. Pompeii is no exception. They built aqua ducts underground to bring water to the masses. In Pompeii the aqua ducts were filled by rainwater from the streets, squares in every house and rivers. Most houses did not have running water but people accessed water from the public fountains, little well holes in the house and the thermal public baths. Everyone took hot water baths, even slaves. So, Romans had a longer life expectancy (35 years) than people that lived before and after.

Roads to Visit Pompeii

In the classic Roman style, Pompeii has straight roads, perpendicular to each other and made with the black igneous volcanic rock. The roads made it easy to visit Pompeii and to travel within the city.

A road with marbles in the joints. Imagine visiting Pompeii back then. — A road with marbles in the joints.

Some roads still have fragments of marble and other precious rocks. The roads are lower than the side streets to serve as water drainage. The rocks form paths for the residents to cross without getting wet. The gaps between the rocks are for wheels. Near the forum the road is quite shallow, maybe there was more water further downhill where the roads are deeper. The roads are different widths – 3, 2, or 1 rock wide based on their location and usage.

Marks from carriages traveling in Pompeii.

As the carriages drove through the streets, they made grooves in the road. This is how we can tell how busy a once road was. So why are grooves deeper on the incoming roads of intersections?… because the speeding carriages need to brake harder to stop and dig deeper marks 🙂

Water Systems in Pompeii

Water collected in streets and houses fed the underground aqua ducts, which then provided water for the city. — Water collected from streets and houses fed the underground aqua ducts, which then provided water for the city.

All the houses had a square central area with an open center, surrounded by rooms, just like the aangans in our ancestral homes in Rajasthan, India. Rain collected in these squares and fed the underground aqua ducts. The little circular hole was then used to get water from the aqua duct, sort of like a well. Similar to Rajasthan homes, the second floor was open in the middle too and rain gutters from the second floor fed water into this square too. It would have been so much fun for kids to come out and play in the rainwater gushing from the rain gutters like we remember doing as children.

A recently opened house has a marble courtyard. Like other houses, it too has the water collection holes and wells to pull out water. — A recently opened house has a restored white marble courtyard. Like other houses, it too has the water collection holes and wells to pull out water.

The fountains were the primary source for fresh and clean drinking water for Pompeiians. Even today these fountains are a source of delightful, cool water for tourists. — The fountains were the primary source for fresh and clean drinking water for Pompeiians.

Even today Roman water fountains are a source of delightful, cool water when we visit Pompeii, especially in summer.

Construction Styles

When you visit Pompeii, notice the many exposed walls. It’s fascinating to see the styles and infer why they were built that way.

Throughout Pompeii, there are many wall construction styles made with bricks or rock. Different materials and styles were used based on load on the wall, location, and affordability. Richer folk could afford the bricks with mortar but ordinary people would use just rocks.

Throughout city there are many wall construction styles made with bricks or rock. They were used based on load on the wall, location and affordability. — A wall in Pompeii showing multiple styles in one section

There are walls with marble stucco and iron hooks to beep them together. — Walls with marble stucco and iron hooks to keep them together in Pompeii.

Living in Pompeii

At the time of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption, about 20,000 people lived in this summer tourist destination of ancient Rome. Life must have been good for the Roman citizens as we can tell by the infrastructure, houses, bakeries, and restaurants.

The House of Faun

The House of Faun is one of the largest and most ornate houses in town. This house is a must-see when you visit Pompeii.

The center square now displays the Faun (Half Man Half goat) statue. It’s surrounded by many rooms for guests and entertaining. To the right is a section for slaves, the kitchen and operations of the residence. Further up are family residences, gardens and the famous tile art depicting a battle scene with Alexander the Great.

Statue of Faun (Half Man Half goat) when you visit pompeii — Statue of Faun (Half Man Half goat)

The Faun, half man half goat statue in Pompeii. — The Faun, half man half goat

The official entrance to the House of Faun must have been beautiful with art on the stucco, tile work on the floor and pillars.

The Alexander Mosaic is a masterpiece from 100BC. It depicts a fight scene in the Battle of Issus between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia. It was made with 1.5 Million tiny pieces of colored marble, each stone laid out show the perfect lighting and shadow effect, facial expressions on the men and horses. The details are truly remarkable. It must have been commissioned by a very wealthy owner and decorate the entrance of his house to showcase his wealth and power.

Like other works of art, the original is preserved in Naples museum. This reproduction was a herculean effort in itself that took 22 months and 2M tiny tiles and many artists. Its showcased in the House of Faun in Pompeii.

The Alexander Mosiac was made in 100BC with 1.5M colored marble pieces. — The Alexander Mosaic was made in 100BC with 1.5M colored marble pieces.

Alexander's face as he aimed at Darius in The Alexander Mosaic in Pompeii — Alexander’s face as he aimed at Darius.

Notice the young soldier's facial expressions within the whole mayhem - in The Alexander Mosaic in Pompeii — Notice the young soldier’s facial expressions within the whole mayhem.

What a comprehensive depiction of the chaos! This could be a scene from Mahabharata. - in The Alexander Mosaic in Pompeii — What a comprehensive depiction of the chaos! This could be a scene from Mahabharat.

One of the many mosaics and colored marble paths in House of Faun in pompeii — One of the many mosaics and colored marble paths in House of Faun.

Tile Mosaics in Pompeii

Most houses had beautiful mosaics at the entrance. The mosaic told a lot about the owner of the house – their philosophy, status, wealth etc.

House with a view. The entrance is decorate with mosaic of an lion like animal.

A Pompeii house with a view. The entrance is decorated with a mosaic of a lion-like voracious animal.

House of the Geometric Mosaics, shows the simplicity and possibly a mathematical inclination.

What looks like an entrance to a normal house in Pompeii, decorated with mosaics

'HAVE' stood for wealth. This house owner has his priority clear as any visitor to Pompeii can see, — ‘HAVE’ stood for wealth. This house owner has his priority clear as any visitor to Pompeii can see,

A Pompeii house with a small courtyard but more artistic decorations.

This homeowner must have liked the sea with these mysteries and powerful creatures.

San Francisco’s mosaic steps are a modern-day take on tile art.

Every Day Living in Pompeii

During our visit to Pompeii, we noticed that most houses still have beautiful paintings in their rooms. If Pompeiians were anything like Romans, they had spartan rooms with no wall hanging and minimal furniture. But the walls were painted beautifully to transform you to another place or mood.

Most houses still have beautiful paintings in their rooms. If Pompeiians were anything like Romans, they had spartan rooms with noting hanging on the walls and minimal furniture. But the walls were painted beautifully to transform you to another place or mood. — Beautifully painted walls in Pompeii

Even narrow streets and residential neighborhoods were likely more busy back then with slaves running around getting things done, citizens socializing with their neighbors, children running around. — Even narrow streets and residential neighborhoods were likely busier back then with slaves running around getting things done, citizens socializing with their neighbors, children running around.

All streets have names so when you visit Pompeii, you can find your way around town. Every Roman street was straight, but this looks curved because of the pano effect from my iPhone).

This would have been a busy intersection in Pompeii - a narrow street with pedestrian and wheeled traffic. — This would have been a busy intersection in Pompeii – a narrow street with pedestrian and wheeled traffic.

This is more like what a busy intersection in Pompeii would look like minus the chariots, shouting and Romanesque outfits.

Amazingly, many houses have names of their owners in 79BC, based on archaeological findings in the house and records. Some of the names are still common in Italy after 2000 years!

Many middle-class houses seem to have a shop on the first floor and residence on the second floor.

A reproduction of what a typical ceiling would have looked like if you visited Pompeii in the Roman times.

Another Pompeii house showing the stairs to the second floor and the holes for wooden beams.

Securing the ancient structures of Pompeii, from from the impact of the weather. In a distance is Mount Vesuvius. — Securing the ancient structures of Pompeii, from the impact of the weather. In a distance is Mount Vesuvius.

Dining in Ancient Pompeii

The people of Pompeii seemed to eat out and buy their bread from bakeries like this one.

There were 14 such bakeries in Pompeii. Workers started baking very early in the morning. The bakeries probably had a large staff to grind grains and nuts, knead dough, shape bread, bake, package, deliver bread, and cleanup.

On the fateful night of Oct 24th 79BC, this bakery was running full speed. The bread was in the oven and later found by archeologists.

Most people ate bread, cheese, eggs, and olives. Some could also afford fish, meat, and cake.

One of the few homes in Pompeii that has it own oven. — One of the few homes in Pompeii that has its own oven. It was very similar to the bakery ovens.

The ovens in Pompeii are pretty much the same as modern-day commercial ovens, except they were not electric or gas. They were wood-burning ovens, like their namesakes today.

A typical grain grinder during our visit to Pompeii. — This is a typical grain grinder.

A typical grain grinder had the two holes in the middle section held long wooden poles. A person would pour grains from the top while grinder was rotated using the wooden poles. Flour would fall out from between the two rocks into a circular container which would be placed where Nirmal is standing.

Another bakery or home in Pompeii. There is an storage urn in the front, oven on the right, more rooms straight ahead and staircase on the left, leading up to another floor. — Another bakery or home in Pompeii.

In the second house we visited in Pompeii, there was a storage urn in the front, an oven on the right, more rooms straight ahead and staircase on the left, leading up to another floor. It was nice to sit down and listen to stories of what life must have been back then.

The containers or urns stored olive oil, which was used to light lamps at night. At the back is a good example of what the grain grinder looked on the inside.

A typical restaurant in Pompeii (Caupona) served cheese, bread, sausages and wine – cold or mulled.

During our visit to Pompeii, we saw many objects that one could guess.

I'm not sure what this is. it couldn't be a storage urn with the holes. — I’m not sure what this is. It couldn’t be a storage urn with the holes.

Extra-Curricular Activities in Pompeii

Gymnasiums for Fitness

Fitness was very important to the Pompeiians. Here is an example of a gym. It was beautifully decorated with pictures on all the walls to make space look larger and make workout fun.

Temples for Worship

Pompeii had many temples dedicated to the various Roman and Greek gods. Some of them are in the forum area and others spread around town.

The entrance to the temple of Isis has a dedication inscription at the top. After the massive earthquake of AD62, the reconstruction was financed by freedman Numerius Popidius Ampliatus. Hence the dedication to his six-year-old son ‘Celsinus’. Pompeii was still recovering that earthquake when the volcano of Mount Vesuvius erupted. The many earthquakes should have been considered warnings for the upcoming eruption.

The of Isis and Osiris sits on a raised podium in the center of the courtyard.

Amphitheater for Gladiator Fights

Like other Roman cities, Pompeii had an amphitheater for gladiator fights.

At times the gladiator performance got very violent. One time a brutal fight broke out between fans of Pompeii and Nocera, killing many spectators. So the senate banned gladiator fights for a decade. But, after just three years, gladiator fights were restored by Roman emperor Nero, on the request of Poppea (from Pompeii). This shows how important this form of entertainment was for Romans. Imagine banning football in Texas if fans get into an argument!

Theaters for Performing Arts

Pompeii had two theaters for live performances. Both the theaters were made in the Greek style using the natural slopes and majestic mountain views. The seating was organized in Roman systems of classes and section. The small theater could house 1,000 spectators and had a covered roof whereas the larger theater could hold 5,000 spectators.

Theater goers would have had a lovely walk though the path lined with marble pillars and trees. — Theatergoers would have had a lovely walk through this path lined with marble pillars and trees.

Audiences walked up to different sections based on their class, gender and tickets. — Audiences walked up to different sections based on their class, gender, and ticket level.

The steps are large even in the middle section. They may have had wooden seating on these and/or cushions. — The steps are large and covered with marble, even in the middle section. They may have had wooden seats and/or cushions.

The theater had a stage and orchestra section for plays, mimes and other shows. Beyond the stage walls, were the training area for sports and beyond that was the spectacular views of the mountains.

An actor looking up from the stage would see the senators and important guests in the first four rows followed by the middle and lower lever audiences. — An actor looking up from the stage would see the senators and important guests in the first four rows followed by the middle and lower level audiences (a few of the seats have the marble restored)

Concrete Jungle or Outdoor Fun?

Within the city, it seems like the Pompeiians built something on every inch. We didn't talk about any parks or play structures or schools. It looks like it would have been a concrete jungle with a lot of busy people (from the little we saw). — Within the city, it seems like the Pompeiians built something on every inch. We didn’t talk about any parks or play structures or schools. It looks like it would have been a concrete jungle with a lot of busy people (from the little we saw).

Although Pompeii looks like a concrete jungle (rather marble and stone), the surroundings of Pompeii are stunning with the river, mountains, flowers and more. Maybe that’s why this was a tourist destination for the Romans and Italians. I wonder if hiking was as popular back then as it is today in California.

At the End of Life

Death comes to all. Some people die leaving memorable legacies and others are forgotten. Towns and communities thrive and generally die a slow death. Civilizations rise, reach their pinnacle, then decline and disappear slowly. What’s unique about Pompeii is it was buried alive at its pinnacle. Although much was stolen by local treasure hunters, enough was left behind to reconstruct the lifestyle at its prime and in death.

Since Pompeii was buried for 1500 years, the bodies decomposed in place, leaving precise cavities where the people would have been that night. Scientist injected these hollow cavities with liquid plaster, which cooled and hardened to take the exact shape of the space. Today, we have casts of hundreds of people and animals from Pompeii that tell a lot about that tragic night and the people. Some of the images taken during our visit to Pompeii are quite disturbing.

These are the first man and women plaster created. Their clothes visible and they're gasping for air. — These are the first man and women plaster created. They are gasping for air. Their clothes are shown in the cast.

A little boy found in the House of the Golden Bracelet seems to be holding on to something in his sleep. The young age and the amount of detail is amazing and one of the most moving.

Another famous mold of a man covering his nose from the smell of gases and coiling up to protect himself... maybe not knowing what was coming. — Another famous mold of a man covering his nose from the smell of gases and coiling up to protect himself… maybe not knowing what was coming.

The dog is one of the most touching casts we saw when we visited Pompeii. The copper collar shows he was tied at the time of the eruption. The body is twitched and strained as he struggled to release himself from the leash. Death must have come quickly but this shows the agony of death. Maybe he felt the tremors sooner than the human.

The dog in agony during Mt Vesuvius eruption in Pompeii

A cast of a slave. We can tell he's a slave by his belt around the waist. He must be from a foreign land because he is taller and bigger than locals. — A cast of a slave. We can tell he’s a slave by his belt around the waist. He must be from a foreign land because he is taller and bigger than locals.

A typical wood burning stove at home. Reminds me of my grandma's stove when we were little. — A typical wood-burning stove at home. Reminds me of my grandma’s stove when we were little.

This looks like a home stove in better condition. Certainly, there are many more in Naples Museum. — Looks like a home stove in better condition. Certainly, there are many more in Naples Museum.

The Pompeii outdoor museum is lined with thousands of pieces of pottery. The soft volcanic ash covered and preserved everything before hardening and protecting them for ever. — The Pompeii outdoor museum is lined with thousands of pieces of pottery. The soft volcanic ash covered and preserved everything before hardening and protecting them forever.

Igor Mitoraj’s Grand Sculpture Exhibition

Igor Mitoraj’s sculptures were scheduled to be on display in Pompeii until Jan 2017. However, we got lucky to see them even when we arrived in April. Mitoraj’s art with their mutilation and decay of perfect form resonate with Pompeii, which was struck and destroyed by sudden natural calamity and now lies in decay. It was Mitoraj’s dream to have an exhibition in Pompeii, and his dream finally came true two years after his death.

Amongst the ruins and red poppies stands the decapitated sculpture by Mitoraj, of a man looking down to the valley. — Amongst the ruins and red poppies stands a sculpture by Mitoraj, of a masculine decapitated model looking down to the valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need to spend in Pompeii?

If you’re taking a guided tour, you can see the highlights in under 3 hours. If we went without a guide we would have spent twice as much time.

What times does Pompeii open?

Visit Pompeii during hours of operation –
– 9.00 – 7.30pm (entrance closes at 6pm) – 1st April to 31st October.
– 9.00 – 5:30 pm (with last entrance 3.30pm) – rest of the year.
Pompeii is closed on 25th December, 1st January, and 1st May.

Can you tour Pompeii on your own?

There are apps and maps you can use to visit Pompeii on your own. Also, there are group tours of Pompeii. But, if you’re short on time, I would recommend a private registered guide from the entrance.
We opted for a private tour with a registered guide that our driver organized. He was very knowledgable and a great story teller. Also, he was able to navigate the crowds and dodge the youth groups, so we had a great experience. In 2017 he charged us around €100, which was well worth it.

How many tourists visit Pompeii each year?

Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Around 2.5 Million tourists visit Pompeii each year. They say that nearby, lesser know town exhibits a similar history but without the crowds.

How to get to Pompeii?

You can do a day trip from Naples, Amalfi coast or Rome.
We flew into Napoli and rented a car with a driver to go to Positano. On the way, we stopped at Pompeii for 3 hours.

In Closing

When you visit Pompeii or any town in Italy, you’ll see loads of lemon, oranges, olives and more. Be sure to stop and try some.

In there parts of Italy we have lemon and orange farms and shops everywhere. — In these parts of Italy, we saw lemon and orange farms and shops everywhere.

Still happy after a lovely afternoon in Pompeii, under Mount Vesuvius which stayed calm all day. — Happy after a lovely day in Pompeii, under Mount Vesuvius that stayed calm all day.

My visit to Pompeii was a dream come true. From dry pages of the textbooks from my childhood, it was quite an experience to actually visit Pompeii in real life and learn so much more.

Day Trip to Pompeii

NOTE: The stories shared in this post are as heard from our guides, other curious people, read in pamphlets and mostly our observations in Pompeii. This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive guide or a replacement of historical research.