Hi Everyone, I'm a 19 year old male and will be traveling to Europe for the first time this August. Sadly, none of my friends will be able to go, and I wanted to know if any one is going to be in Rome this August. If there is anyone who has already visited the city, any advice on how to get from Rome to Pompeii would be very helpful, because Im still undecided on whether to take a escorted tour or go at it by myself. Company while Rome would be nice to have, so if anyone will be in the city let me know.. ..Peace\\\\I will be leaving LA on the 9th of August!![/b]

By all means go it alone!!!

There are good train connections to Pompeii. I think you have to change in Naples, but that's not tough.

Tour groups do a two hour visit, see the sites, the dirty pictures, then leave. The last time we visited, we took two guide books, (One was Michelin, forgetthe other) and took or time. We could sit and relax and absorb the atmosphere.

You can also join a tour group at the site, and when its done see the place at liesure. You can spend a whole day there easily.

Wish I were 19 again and visiting Pompeii for the first time.

Have a grand trip!

Walt

I am considering whether or not to buy a eurail pass good for four days in Italy. With the pass I plan on doing 4, day trips to POmpei, Florence, Pisa, and Milan. Has anyone done such a trip(s). . If so let me know how it went.

By the way has anyone been to Venice? How was your experience and can it be done in 1 day? Whats a must see? and whats the cost of getting around in the city ( boat, bus (if there are any) )?

Hi,

You can "Do" any city in a day, take a tour, then check it off your list. We prefer to take three days in a city if at all possible. One day to get oriented, take a general tour, etc. One to travel on our own and visit the highlights, and one to go back and savor the things we found on our own. We are much happier when we do that.

Getting around is by foot, or buy a ticket on the bus boat to get from one stop to another on the Grand Canal. With a good map you can explore anywhere, and you can't go too far on an island.

Venice is JAMMED during the day. The best things to see are the city early in the morning before the hordes show up, and early evening to nightfall after they have all gone home.

Have a great trip.

Walt C

Does anyone know of any good hostels in Venice, italy that are near the santa lucia train station. I am planning an overnight stay in venice and will be catching the first train out to Florence and want to be near the train station because the train leaves at 6:30 am.