Pompeii was one of those places I had been genuinely excited about. Iconic. Historic. Bucket list worthy. The kind of place you know you should see at least once in your life.
And yes, it absolutely delivered on the history.
It also delivered on the heat. Relentlessly. Mercilessly. Why is there no shade anywhere hot.
We arrived wide eyed and eager and left sweaty, humbled, and very ready for air conditioning. Which honestly feels like the most accurate Pompeii review I can give.
Walking through Pompeii is surreal. You are not just wandering ruins. You are walking actual streets. Past homes, shops, courtyards, and bakeries. You can almost picture daily life unfolding right up until it did not.
Then there are the plaster casts. If you have seen photos, you think you are prepared. You are not. They stop you in your tracks. Powerful, sobering, and heavier than expected.
One thing I will say with absolute confidence. A private guide is non-negotiable here.
Our guide took us beyond the obvious paths and into quieter corners, pointing out details we never would have noticed on our own. Hidden rooms. Subtle markings. Stories that brought depth and humanity to a place that could otherwise feel overwhelming and impersonal. Without that context, Pompeii would have felt like a very hot history lesson with no syllabus.
Even with a great guide though, this was a one and done experience for us.
I am grateful we went. I am glad we saw it. And I am equally content knowing I do not need to do it again.
Next time, I would choose Herculaneum instead. Smaller. Better preserved. More manageable. Still incredibly rich in history, but without the full body exhaustion that Pompeii brings, especially in summer.
Now let us talk about the real hero of the day. Pizza.
Before heading into Pompeii, we stopped nearby for what might still be the best gluten free pizza I have ever had. The crust was fluffy and airy, so much so that I genuinely questioned whether I was about to get sick. It did not taste gluten free in the slightest. Crispy, light, and somehow perfect.
As we made our way through Pompeii, hot and increasingly delirious, I started daydreaming about that pizza and quietly plotting how I might convince everyone to go back for round two. I was doing mental math. Could we detour. Could we justify it. Could I fake an emergency that could only be solved with pizza. Alas, we were headed onward to Sorrento and there was no backtracking.
Pompeii was fascinating, emotional, and absolutely worth experiencing. But it is not a place I feel the need to return to. Some places you visit once, take it all in, and move on.
The pizza, on the other hand, will absolutely see me again.
If I were planning this trip again, I would still include Pompeii, but I would pair it with a private guide, an early start, realistic expectations, and a very good lunch plan. And next time, I would choose Herculaneum for a second archaeological stop. Smaller, better preserved, and a bit easier to absorb.
History matters. Comfort matters too. And sometimes the thing you remember most is not the ruins, but the meal that got you through them.
Where to Stay Near Pompeii
If you are adding a night or two before or after visiting Pompeii, these are my preferred hotel picks in nearby Naples, which is about an hour away. Each property is part of a trusted preferred partner program, which means added value and VIP treatment when booked through Arrow Travel Co.
Grand Hotel Parker's
Artemisia Domus Giardino
ROMEO Napoli
A classic Naples icon with sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. When booked through Arrow Travel Co., guests receive preferred partner perks including daily breakfast for two, a food and beverage credit, potential room upgrade, and priority for early check in or late check out when available. A polished, timeless choice for a one or two night stay.
An intimate boutique property tucked into the historic center, ideal if you want something quieter and more personal. Preferred benefits include a room category upgrade when available, a welcome bottle of wine and treat on arrival, and a daily food and beverage credit. A charming option with a strong sense of place.
A sleek, modern hotel overlooking the harbor with a design forward feel. Bookings through Arrow Travel Co. include daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit, potential upgrade, and flexible arrival or departure timing when available. Best suited for travelers who want contemporary luxury and standout views.
Interested in booking one of these hotels and accessing preferred partner perks? Submit your hotel request here.
