Italy · 2026 itinerary
Pompei 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Pompei: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Massive 19th-century basilica with a striking dome and ornate interior. A key pilgrimage site for the cult of the Virgin of the Rosary.
🕐 Daily 6:30-12:30 & 15:30-19:30
Free entry💡 Free audio guides at the info desk. Don't miss the crypt with ex-voto offerings.
Hotels near Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario →Uncovered main square of the ancient city with views of Vesuvius. Surrounded by ruins of temples and public buildings.
🕐 Always accessible
Free entry💡 Go at dawn for quiet photos. It's free to walk the perimeter from the main piazza.
Hotels near Pompeii Forum →Il Bugigattolo · ££
Bar Sgambati · ££
Deeper Into Pompei
The excavated Roman city buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk the original streets, see intact houses, forums, and plaster casts.
🕐 Daily 9:00-19:00 (last entry 17:30), reduced hours Nov-Mar
💡 First Sunday of each month is free entry. Arrive by 8:30am to beat crowds.
Well-preserved ancient Greek-Roman theatre seating 5,000. Still used for summer performances.
🕐 Same as Archaeological Park
💡 Included in Pompeii Archaeological Park ticket. Check for open-air concerts in July-August.
Bar Germano
Pizzeria Resta cu mme
Final Favourites & Departure
Suburban Roman villa famous for its fresco cycle depicting Dionysian rites. Exceptionally vivid paintings.
💡 Visit late afternoon for the best light on the murals. It's at the far end of the site, so take water.
Blue Angel
Restaurant Pizzeria Zeus
Getting Around Pompei
Buy tickets at the airport desk or online. The bus drops you at the modern entrance—check the timetable back to the airport, as the last bus leaves Pompei around 20:30.
Book via the official Curreri Viaggi desk near baggage claim to avoid touts. Fixed rate to Pompei is €100, including luggage. Cash only for street taxis.
No airport direct. Take the Alibus (€5, 50 mins) from the airport to Napoli Garibaldi first. Then catch the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi—get off at that stop, not Pompei Santuario. The station exit puts you right on Via Plinio, steps from the hotel.
It's a flat €8 within Pompei town. The hotel is walking distance from Villa dei Misteri station—about 5 minutes along Via Plinio. Only take a taxi if you have heavy bags or arrive at Santuario station, which is a 15-min uphill walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Pompei?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Pompei?
See our full best time to visit Pompei guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Forum, M.E.C., Degli Amici. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.