Itinerary · 3 days
Sorrento, Pompeii & History
Sorrento, Pompeii, Roman history. Three days immersed in Campania's past.
Day-by-day programme
Day 1
Sorrento
- Arrive in Sorrento by Circumvesuviana from Naples (70 min, ~€3.90).
- Old town: Piazza Tasso, Cathedral, Vallone dei Mulini (volcanic valley in the city centre).
- Museo Correale: Roman artefacts and 18th-century views of Sorrento.
- Marina Grande: the fishermen's harbour, dinner with a view.
Day 2
Herculaneum and Vesuvius
- Circumvesuviana to Herculaneum Scavi (20 min from Naples, 50 min from Sorrento).
- Herculaneum archaeological site: extraordinary preservation, 2–3 hours.
- Afternoon: bus/shuttle to Vesuvius (crater at 1,281 m, ~€12 entry + mandatory guide). Views over the Gulf of Naples.
- Return to Sorrento on Circumvesuviana.
Day 3
Pompeii
- Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (35 min from Naples, 45 min from Sorrento).
- Pompeii excavations: Forum, Baths, amphitheatre, patrician houses. At least 3h.
- Lunch in modern Pompeii, then visit to the Treasury Museum of San Gennaro (optional).
- Return towards Naples or Sorrento in the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need to visit Pompeii?
For a thorough visit you need at least 3–4 hours. An essential visit (Forum, Via dell'Abbondanza, Casa del Fauno, amphitheatre) can be done in 2–2.5 hours. Arrive at opening time (09:00) to avoid afternoon heat and queues. Ticket ~€18–20, free for under-18s.
Is Herculaneum worth visiting as well as Pompeii?
Yes, Herculaneum is often preferred by experienced visitors: smaller than Pompeii (2h is enough) but with better-preserved remains because it was buried in mud rather than ash. A combined Pompeii + Herculaneum ticket exists. With 3 days, visit Herculaneum in the afternoon of day 2 and Pompeii on the morning of day 3.
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