Travel to Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii was once a thriving Roman city. Then, in the year 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, and the city was buried under ash and cinders. Although it was a tragic event, killing about 2,000 people, the eruption actually preserved the city. Years later, during excavations archaeologists found the city and its frescoes intact. Today, the 109-acre site is a popular travel destination, which can only be explored on foot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Fly to Naples, Italy, and take a taxi to your lodgings. Take advantage of the high carbohydrate Italian cooking, so that you have plenty of energy for your trip to Pompeii. Set your alarm for an early morning wake-up.

Step 2

Pack a waist or a fanny pack with essential items. Fill a water bottle.

Step 3

Go to Stazione Garibaldi in Naples and get on the Circumvesuviana line. Take the train going toward Poggiomarino.

Circumvesuviana
Corso Garibaldi 387 80142
081 7722444
vesuviana.it
Napoli - Italy - Vat 07608220633

Step 4

Get off the train at Pompeii Santuario. This is not the usual stop for Pompeii. However, the town is worth seeing, and it will add an extra 15 minutes to your walk.

Step 5

Exit the train station and follow Via Plinio, which is directly across the street from the station. You'll walk past the piazza, past a large church. Continue walking through the piazza. The closest entrance will be the amphitheater gate on the right.

Step 6

Explore the town of Pompeii. Be sure to check out the 5,000-seat outdoor theater, which was built in the hollow of the hill. If you are traveling with adults, take a look at the Lupanar, an ancient brothel that features interesting, but x-rated frescoes.

Pompeii
+39 081 8575347
pompeiisites.org

Tips & Warnings

Instead of returning to Naples, consider visiting the beach town of Sorrento, which can also be reached by the train from Pompeii. In 2009, Pompeii tickets cost 11 euros, about $16.

Instead of returning to Naples, consider visiting the beach town of Sorrento, which can also be reached by the train from Pompeii.

In 2009, Pompeii tickets cost 11 euros, about $16.

The streets of Pompeii are made of cobblestone, and the ground is uneven. Consider wearing walking shoes that have ankle support.

Resources

NY Times Article About Pompeii

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

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