Is a guided tour around Vesuvius and Pompeii really necessary?
From Naples Station in Piazza Garibaldi you can get the Circumvesuviano train which will take you to the Marina Gate of Pompeii, about 100 yards from the main site entrance. A day ticket is about 4-5 Euros. A guidebook will show you around perfectly well (but do take the time to read it first – the site is huge and you will probably need to pick and choose what you see). There are many guides (official or not) around the site who are happy to explain what you are looking at (but may hold out for a few Euros afterwards!). We hooked up with a brilliant security guard called Antonio (usually is near the gladiatorial school) who speaks marvellous Englisha nd is very knowledgable. Vesuvius is a bit harder to get to – we took the train to Ercolano and went to the coach tour HQ right outside the station (got a loads of flags outside – look left as you come out of the station). They wait until there are a few of you and take you up en masse for about 15 Euros. The bus will take you halfway up
