Naples for history geeks

The crowds were enormous, because it was the first Sunday of the month and the entrance for the rest of the people was free. Our guide explained to us that on 2nd of June is the day of the Republic so that's why the crowds were so big. Roberta was great in taking us to see the best places as she used to work there 7 years ago. Although she is small -as she mentioned several times- she could make herself heard and seen and she was the perfect guide. Her knowledge in history and archaeology is only overshined by her great spirit and atitudine. Also, she has a great smile! Thanks, Roberta for the cool experience on such a hot day!

I spent HOURS of time looking at tours, reading reviews and weighing one against the other. I am so glad i purchased this tour for our family of 5 (2 adults, 20 year old and 18 year old). Our tour guide - a third generation tour guide - was FABULOUS. He hit the right mix of funny , historically accurate and culturally insightful. He made it personal to the entire group and worked hard to make sure everyone felt included and connected.

Fascinating history, with detailed and engaging discussion by our very knowledgeable guide Antonella. In 2 hours we covered most highlights of the site, and were free to wander afterwards. We also visited the museum displays afterwards to see many artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and household items which were recovered from Herculaneum. Walking around the archeological site the ancient paving stones are somewhat uneven, so one must walk carefully, but boardwalks in some areas are helpful. We used the Circumvesuviana train to and from Napoli to get to Ecology, from Garibaldi station.

Last minutes changes put ne in a bit of a rush. Appreciate that they accomodate and wait for my arrival to start. Micheal the guide/archeologist was a fountain of knowledge, he made it all well worth it. Both Pompeii and Ercolano are well worth visiting.

I was genuinely shocked by how many artifacts from Pompei made it through. The museum has an EXPANSIVE collection. If you're someone that likes to read the signs and get as much as you can out of your visit, I'd say to allot 5 hours, at least. I focused on the artifacts relating to Vesuvius, and then glossed over the other parts of the museum, and it still took a sold 5 hours. Take aways that were different than I had expected- there are no casts of the victims at this museum (and if there are, I somehow missed them, and I would be so bummed!) But what I got was a comprehensive overview of what life may have been like there. Any disappointment to not have seen the figures (victims) I'd initially anticipated seeing was replaced by an appreciation for how much more I know now about the life and culture of the cities affected by Mt. Vesuvius. When I go to Pompei tomorrow, I know that everything I saw today will make the ruins "come to life" and be a much more textural experience, rather than just seeing ruins and trying to take a guess at what life may have looked and felt like. Aside from the impressive collection, the museum itself is a gorgeous building to be in- I didn't have a map, but it's sort of shaped like capital "I" and the halls that adjoin the wings on both ends are just stunning. There is a cafe, a lounge, and plenty of other opportunities for giving your feet, back, or brain a rest- including two gardens. I highly recommend this museum. The staff were all incredibly pleasant and helpful. (Tip: The bathrooms are on the bottom floor)

All good for ticketing, scanned through, very long day and you do rush through Pompeii but the guides are brilliant and lovely hour and a half in Positano - LL and Andreah were brilliant