until its death in 79AD, Pompeii was a rich thriving city. walking amongst its broad avenues and exploring its opulent villas, shops and huge cemetery, Pompeii’s wealth and prosperity is clear to see even now. but do you need a excursion guide to see Pompeii?
There’s nothing quite as magical as walking the streets of Pompeii, following the footsteps of the ancient peoples who once trod the same paths and called Pompeii home.
To think that this great city – and there’s still over a third of Pompeii they still haven’t excavated – lay hidden for nearly 1,700 years hurts your head. The set of volcanic eruptions from mount Vesuvius covered Pompeii and nearby cities in 6 metres (20 feet) of lava and ash. It wasn’t until 1748 that any individual knew it was there.
Almost 2000 years after the disaster, we’re able to see exactly how the people of Pompeii would have lived. The detail that’s preserved is quite incredible. everything – from frescos on walls to food on tables – is still here.
But ultimately, you’re probably wondering:
Do you need a guide to see Pompeii?
Short answer: no, you don’t.
You can easily explore Pompeii on your own with the maps supplied at the ticket office and with your phone. and there are plenty of signs around the site that tell you about the city.
Plus, when you see a group following a excursion guide, you realise you really don’t want to be part of that. The guides are over-worked and not great at rapport, the streets are often narrow and the groups get in the way. and a lot of of all, you’re not allowed to explore at your own speed.
Also the lack of freedom even private excursions tend to foster, our lack of conviction in the guides we saw (some of them seemed a lot more like street scammers than professional guides) and the costs involved (private excursions can be around €300), it’s hard to rationalise not going it alone.
Here’s a tiny snippet of what we saw while we were in Pompeii last – all without a excursion guide:
Click here to view our video of Pompeii on YouTube.
Longer answer: maybe you do!
One thing that’s crucial to remember is that Pompeii was a city in 79AD and it’s still a city now. It’s big, so don’t come to Pompeii thinking you’ll be able to see everything. You’ll be disappointed and exhausted.
We’ve been to Pompeii a couple of times now and never with a guide. Each time, we’ve seen new things and really took pleasure in exploring on our own agenda.
We’ve also always spent much longer there than we were expecting to, which could be a symptom of not having a guide with us. So if you’re pushed for time, a guide will show you lots of of the main highlights a lot more efficiently.
Alternatives to having a guided excursion of Pompeii
Like I said, we’ve never had a guide take us round Pompeii and, to be sincere I don’t think we’ve missed much. Of course, there’s always a lot more to learn about places like Pompeii and professional guides have access to that information. Plus, registered excursion guides do have access to restricted areas of Pompeii.
However, there are a few things that stop us whenever we think about getting a guided excursion there though:
Listen up
Another option used at the ticket desk is an audio excursion of Pompeii. This indicates you can still explore the ruins by yourself, but when you find a symbol for the tour, you can listen to the recording.
Audioguides are available within the site and are €8 each for adults – children and groups get a discount.
Access to the internet
This might seem a bit cynical, but if I see something I want to know a lot more about as I’m exploring Pompeii, I can just look it up on my phone. The official Pompeii web site – pompeiisites.org – has an interactive map on it that tells you about lots of of the features of the ruined city.
But even Google Maps has information on lots of of the archaeological features here.
A lot of information is already available
There’s a wealth of info in the guide books and maps at the ticket office, and on signs around the city itself. plus – as I’ve pointed out – all the information available online indicates we’re very reluctant to spend on a guide.
Eavesdrop!
For the really popular bits like the brothel, the guided groups take up a lot of of the space and the guides have to speak quite loudly. They can also be very rude, shouting at people not in the group to get out of the way.
If you’re nearby and can hear what’s being said, you get a little complimentary tour.
It may not be ethical, but if you’re in the vicinity and the guide is speaking, what are you meant to do? put your fingers in your ears? I’m not saying identify along for the whole tour, but listening in a little as you pass by won’t hurt.
As with lots of decisions you make when you’re travelling, this is a balancing act. and also a lot down to research and preparation. knowing a little bit about Pompeii before you arrive will always help.
Check out how to get to Pompeii from the Amalfi coast without a car, or – for a longer trip – our Pompeii to Provence travel plan is here.
And for a lot more on our travel guides in Italy, click here.
Have you had a guided excursion of Pompeii? What was it like? Do you normally choose the guided excursion option or are you a lot more of a lone wolf explorer? tell us in the comments!