Are you considering a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Pompeii, Italy? The ancient Roman town of Pompeii is world-famous for its preserved ruins, buried in volcanic ash nearly 2000 years ago. With its central location near the Bay of Naples, Pompeii is an ideal vacation destination for history buffs, culture seekers, and foodies. To make the most of your trip to the ancient city, here is a must-see itinerary of historical and architectural sites, and delicious food to try.
Pompeii Ruins: The ruins of Pompeii give visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of Roman citizens before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Open daily from 8:30am-7:30pm, Pompeii offers a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the sites. Insiders tip: Bring a sarong or a large shawl to protect your skin from the intense sun.
Piazza Anfiteatro: Located in the heart of Pompeii, Piazza Anfiteatro is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. As its name suggests, the piazza was originally built as an amphitheater and now contains some of the city’s best-preserved ruins with its breathtaking architecture.
Stabian Baths: The Stabian Baths site is a must-see for insiders looking to experience Roman culture. With its ancient changing rooms and steam baths, the site allows visitors to feel a genuine sense of the Roman's daily lives.
Torre del Greco: The small seaside town of Torre del Greco is home to many natural treasures. The town is most well-known for its magnificent black sand beach and stunning views of Mount Vesuvius in the background. For seafood-lovers, the local waterfront restaurant serve up delicious freshly caught seafood dishes.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples: This museum is an excellent place to start your trip. Located in the heart of Naples, it contains centuries of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. From vases to statues, the museum offers an in-depth look into the past.
Il Forno di Ponticino: Located near the ancient ruins, this pizzeria offers some of the best pizza in Pompeii. The wood-fired oven and thin crust will have you coming back for more.
PalaPompeii: After exploring the ruins, head to PalaPompeii- an outdoor theatre and event space that hosts live concerts and festivals from April to September. Catch an outdoor concert or take a walk around to admire the breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples.
From exploring the ancient ruins to eating delicious pizza, Pompeii is a unique destination that offers something for everyone. With this itinerary, you can make the most of your trip to the ancient city.

Palermo is an ancient city located on the north coast of Sicily, Italy, with a varied and vibrant history of invasions and cultures. It's no wonder that the city is home to some of the best historical and architectural sites in the world. From stunning ancient Greek ruins, to ornate Baroque palaces, to secret underground tunnels and tombs, a visit to Palermo is not complete without a trip to these seven essential sites.
Teatro Massimo: The Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy, and one of the most impressive works of architecture in the city. Built in 1875 by famed Italian architect Ernesto Basile, visitors can explore the ornate interiors and admire the beautiful marble details. Hours are from 9 am to 6 pm daily, and entrance fees are 12 euros.
Palazzo dei Normanni: This Palatine Chapel, built between the 9th and 11th centuries, is the oldest royal residence in Europe. Known for its grandeur and Arabian inspirations, the palace has been home to some of the most influential kings in Sicilian history and is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, daily, with 8 euros entrance fees.
Catacombe dei Cappuccini: Containing the remains of more than 8,000 people, this Catacomb is one of the biggest ossuaries in the world. Located below the Capuchin Monastery, the site is a chilling and remarkable reminder of the city’s past. Tickets cost 5 euros and it is open from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm to 7:00pm.
Quattro Canti: Located at the historical center of the city, the Quattro Canti is a Baroque city square marked by four impressive palazzi and four sculptures of the city's four patron saints. Admire the architecture of the square, and then enjoy a gelato at one of the nearby cafés.
Cathedral of Palermo: This impressive Norman-Byzantine style cathedral is the city's most important religious monument, and the only building that survived the 1693 earthquake. The Cathedral offers free entrance and is open from 7:30 am to 1 pm daily.
Cubo di San Lorenzo: Also known as the Church of San Lorenzo, this mysterious and ancient site is one of the oldest churches in Palermo. Visit the ruins and then explore the nearby market for some of the best street food in the city. Hours are from 7:30 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free.
Cappella Palatina: Built by Norman King Roger in the 12th century, this exquisite chapel is full of intricate Byzantine mosaics and Moorish decorations, and is considered a masterpiece of Norman architecture. The chapel is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and charges an entrance fee of 5 euros.
Palermo is an amazing city with a rich history that is sure to enthrall any traveler. From awe-inspiring art and architecture to delicious Italian food, a visit to Palermo is sure to be memorable. Be sure to include these seven must-see places on your next trip to the city for a truly unforgettable experience.

Pompeii is a city in Italy and its main train station is the Napoli Centrale. There are also other important smaller stations in the city, such as Torre Annunziata, Porta Nolana and Poggiomarino. All of them provide a good connection with other cities like Naples, Rome and Milan.
Napoli Centrale is the most important railway station in Pompeii and it's located in Via Giovanni Amendola, 81. It's open every day from 4 am to 11.50 pm and customers can contact them by telephone on +39 892 045 or by using the online service. They offer luggage storage and tourist information services and the ticket office is open from 5am to 10pm.
Palermo is a city located in Italy, and the most important train station is called Palermo Centrale. This is the main railway station, but the city also offers other small train stations depending on the direction of the journey, for example Notarbartolo and Montelepre.
Palermo Centrale is located at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 120, close to many points of interest like the Teatro Massimo and the Arab-Norman cathedral. The opening hours are from 5:00am to 1:00am every day. At the station you can find useful services like the information office (open from 8:00am to 8:00pm) and luggage storage (open from 5:00am to 11:00pm). The contact telephone number is +39 091 641 0333.
Book in Advance:
Just like with airfares, train ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking weeks or even months in advance can save you a significant amount.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
Avoid traveling during peak times such as weekday mornings and evenings. Opt for midday, late evening, or mid-week rides when there's less demand.
Consider Slower Trains or non direct routes:
Express or high-speed trains might save time, but they're often pricier. Opting for regional or slower services can reduce your fare.
Look for Special Deals and Promotions:
Train operators occasionally have promotions or special deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth signing up for newsletters. Additionally, there are sometimes group or return ticket discounts, so consider these options if they fit your travel plans.