Archaeological Areas of Pompei

Pompeii Travel Guide and itinerary tour

The Travel Guide to Naples, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast

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Pompeii: Things to do.

Visiting Pompeii

Review by Copywriter Travel Blogger Giuseppe Baldassarri.

If you're planning a visit to Pompeii, there are several things you can do to make the most of your time there. Here are some suggestions:

1. Explore the Ruins: The ancient city of Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today, it is an archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans. Take your time to wander through the well-preserved streets, houses, and public buildings. Don't miss notable sites like the Forum, the Amphitheater, and the Villa of the Mysteries.

2. Visit the Pompeii Archaeological Museum: Located just outside the archaeological site, the Pompeii Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts recovered from the excavation. Here, you can see preserved frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and other objects that provide additional insights into the lives of the ancient Pompeians.

3. Mount Vesuvius: Take a trip to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for the destruction of Pompeii. You can hike up the volcano and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. It's a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the power of nature and appreciate the historical context of the Pompeii ruins.

4. House of the Faun: This is one of the largest and most impressive houses in Pompeii. It features beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and a large central courtyard. The House of the Faun is a must-visit for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

5. Temple of Apollo: Located in the Forum area of Pompeii, the Temple of Apollo is one of the most iconic structures in the city. It was dedicated to the god Apollo and served as a center for religious and political activities. Admire the well-preserved columns and imagine the bustling life that once took place here.

6. Take a Guided Tour: Consider joining a guided tour to get a more in-depth understanding of Pompeii's history and significance. A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights, point out important details, and bring the ancient city to life with intriguing stories and anecdotes.

7. Explore the Suburban Baths: In addition to the public baths, Pompeii also had suburban baths, which were used mainly by wealthy residents. These baths are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the bathing rituals and social customs of the time.

8. Enjoy the Street Food: After a day of exploring, indulge in some delicious street food. There are several food stalls and restaurants in the area that serve traditional Neapolitan dishes like pizza, pasta, and seafood. Don't forget to try the local specialty, "Pizza Napoletana," which originated in this region.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and protect yourself from the sun since Pompeii can get hot during the summer months. Enjoy your visit to this remarkable archaeological site! 

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

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Itinerary of Pompeii and surrounding areas to discover the local food and wine specialties to taste.

If you're interested in exploring the local food and wine specialties around Pompeii, here's a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Pompeii Exploration and Traditional Neapolitan Cuisine

- Morning: Start your day by exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Spend the morning wandering through the streets, marveling at the well-preserved buildings, and immersing yourself in the history of the ancient city.

- Lunch: After your exploration, head to a local trattoria or pizzeria in Pompeii or nearby Naples to taste the famous Neapolitan pizza. Neapolitan pizza is known for its thin, soft crust and simple yet flavorful toppings. Pair it with a local beer or a glass of Falanghina, a crisp white wine from the Campania region.

- Afternoon: Visit the Pompeii Archaeological Museum, located just outside the ruins. Here, you can see a wide range of artifacts and artworks recovered from the excavation site, including ancient Roman pottery and frescoes.

- Dinner: In the evening, venture into Naples, which is renowned for its vibrant food scene. Explore the narrow streets of the historic center and choose a traditional Neapolitan trattoria for dinner. Try dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), eggplant parmigiana, or seafood specialties like fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). Pair your meal with a glass of Aglianico, a robust red wine from Campania.

Day 2: Mount Vesuvius and Wine Tasting

- Morning: Take a trip to Mount Vesuvius and hike up to the crater. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the volcano's history and geology. Note that it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen for the hike.

- Lunch: After descending from Mount Vesuvius, make your way to a local winery in the nearby town of Trecase or the Vesuvius National Park. This region is known for producing excellent wines, including Lacryma Christi ("Tears of Christ"), made from grapes grown on the volcanic slopes. Enjoy a wine tasting session paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and bread.

- Afternoon: Visit one of the wineries' vineyards to learn about the wine production process and the unique characteristics of wines grown in volcanic soil. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards and soak in the picturesque scenery.

- Dinner: Return to Pompeii or Naples for dinner. Consider trying traditional dishes like mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella), spaghetti alla puttanesca (spaghetti with tomato sauce, olives, capers, and anchovies), or a seafood risotto. Pair your meal with a glass of Greco di Tufo, a dry white wine from the Campania region.

This itinerary allows you to combine the exploration of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius with the discovery of local food and wine specialties. Remember to check the opening hours of the attractions, make reservations if necessary, and enjoy the flavors of the region during your visit!