There’s something surreal about walking through a place where time quite literally stopped. Pompeii isn’t just another set of ruins — it’s an entire city, frozen in a single moment. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it buried everything in ash, preserving homes, shops, artwork, and even the stone streets people once walked each day. It’s haunting, beautiful, and absolutely fascinating — and the level of detail that remains is nothing short of astonishing.

South of Rome and Naples, and just north of Sorrento, Pompeii is definitely worth the effort.

And let me warn you… it’s huge. Much bigger than most people expect. Plan to spend at least two hours wandering through time in Pompeii. It’s not a place you will want to rush. Even then, you will most likely only see a fraction of it!

My First Visit and What I’ll Never Forget. This is my third visit to Pompeii over the years. The very first time I visited, I was completely unprepared for what I’d feel. I remember rounding a corner and coming face-to-face with the preserved forms of people caught in their final moments. I stood there, stunned, not just at the sight of their bodies, but at the expression of life, frozen as they took their last breath. Some curled in protection, others mid-step. It felt as though the ash had captured not just their shapes, but the emotion of that day, fear, confusion, unawareness. It was both fascination and heartbreaking.

Since that first visit, I’ve returned twice more… and the intensity of that moment has never faded. Every time I walk past those casts, I feel a wave of emotion rise up again. It’s sobering, humbling, and deeply human.

Why is Pompeii worth visiting? Pompeii gives you a rare chance to walk through an ancient Roman city, not a replica, not a reconstruction, but the real thing. You’ll see:

Cobblestone streets with actual wheel ruts from carts

Houses with vibrant frescoes and intricate mosaics

Kitchens and Bakeries with stone ovens and basins that look ready to be used

Bathhouses, temples, amphitheaters, and even graffiti still visible on the walls

It’s truly incredible what was preserved.

Pompeii a history lover’s dream, but even if you’re not a huge history buff, there’s something about Pompeii that pulls you in and stays with you. Here are some more images!

We had a private tour guide, which made the experience incredibly educational. With our attractive NEON earpieces provided, we could easily move at our own pace, examine details up close, and still catch everything the guide was sharing along the way. Some of us may have wandered further than the rest. Below is the amphitheater.

So many beautiful, incredible details everywhere.

A Few Tips If You Go
1. Wear comfortable shoes. The ancient roads are beautiful, but uneven, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
2. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially in summer. There’s limited shade, and the sun can be intense.
3. Don’t rush it. Give yourself time, understanding that you will not see everything.
4. Consider either an audio guide or a private tour guide. Having context adds a whole new layer to what you’re seeing. The stories are as powerful as the ruins.

Final Thoughts: Pompeii is more than an archaeological site. It’s a place where history becomes heartbreakingly real. A place where you not only learn about the past, but feel it. Have you been? Or is it on your list? I’d love to hear what struck you most or what you’re most curious to see.

For more information on our itineraries, feel free to email us at dtgainor@gmail.com or visit Global Getaways to learn more about who we are and how we work.