We bought tickets for a tour of Pompeii, which included a guide and train fare but not entry to the ruins which still had to be paid when we arrived. The guide purchased tickets on the group’s behalf. There are concessions and free entry for some age groups, but you need proof of age. Take your passport or driver’s licence.
There are touts selling water outside at a marked up rate, telling you there is none available inside. That isn’t true. Take your own but there is a restaurant, which gets busy – you may not be able to get a seat – but prices were fairly reasonable.
The guide was very good, entertaining and told us of the history and pointed out interesting points and facts about the type of lives of the people who would have lived there.
The guide doesn’t take you round the whole place, as it covers quite a large area. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore afterwards. I know this is stating the obvious, but remember that this was built a long time ago and surfaces are quite uneven and steps can be large, so something to bear in mind if you have a disability, however some parts are fairly accessible.
Overall a fascinating place and without the guide, we would probably have struggled to know what was what. He was a bit of a character and entertaining, so I am glad we paid the extra for the tour. Well worth it. Fantastic, very memorable day out.
