Pompeii

Pompeii. As memorable now as it was on the first visit, nearly fifty years ago. The restoration and excavation has progressed well [with a few collapses on the way] but there’s still much to do. The atmosphere sends a shiver down your spine as you walk through the streets, imaging the crowds and the noise. Although inevitably crowded, it doesn’t take long to find some space and solitude – bit like the Lake District. Take a bottle for water, there are plenty of places to fill up and there is a good cafe now right in the middle, discreetly inserted into an old building.

You can’t buy tickets in advance, but the ticket office is efficient and friendly.

The best way to arrive is via the Circumvesuviana train. This links all the towns on the coats, from Naples to Sorrento and is inexpensive. Stop at Pompeii Scavi Villa Misteri for the excavations, right by the station.

Railway Circumvesuviana