Family-Friendly Adventures in Rome!

Pompeii Archaeological Site

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Pompeii Archaeological Site

Morning: Arrival & The Forum

Start your day early by arriving at Pompeii, easily accessible via train from Naples or Sorrento. Enter through the Porta Marina, one of the main gates, which leads directly to the heart of Pompeii. Begin your exploration at the Forum, the central hub of ancient Pompeii"s social and civic life. Here, children can marvel at the once-bustling marketplace and imagine the vibrancy of ancient gatherings. Don"t miss the still-visible grooves in the stones made by chariots!

Mid-Morning: The Amphitheater and the Small Theater

A short walk southeast from the Forum takes you to the Amphitheater. Fun fact: it"s one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters, predating Rome’s Colosseum! It"s a fantastic spot for kids to run around where gladiators once battled. Nearby, visit the Small Theater (Odeon), where families can enjoy the acoustics of the space—try singing a note or clapping to experience it!

Lunch Break: Picnic at the Palaestra

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Large Palaestra, an open space where children can play and relax. Here, ancient Pompeians exercised and trained in sports.

Afternoon: House of the Vettii and the Baths

Post-lunch, visit the House of the Vettii. Kids will be intrigued by the well-preserved frescoes depicting various myths—a great way to spark conversations about stories and legends. Continue to the Stabian Baths, where you can discuss the Roman bathing culture and the ingenious hypocaust heating system.

Late Afternoon: Villa of the Mysteries

End your day with a walk to the outskirts to see the Villa of the Mysteries. The stunning frescoes here are vibrant and offer a glimpse into ancient religious practices.

Departure

Exit through the Villa of the Mysteries gate for a scenic route back to the train station, wrapping up your Pompeian adventure with inspiring historical and cultural insights.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

House of the Vettii

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring the House of the Vettii

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by catching a local bus or taxi to the ancient city of Pompeii. The entrance to the Pompeii archaeological site is accessible from Pompeii train station, and signs will guide you towards the House of the Vettii, one of the most famous homes in this historic city.

Exploring House of the Vettii

- Time: 10:00 AM

- Duration: 1.5 Hours

Enter the House of the Vettii through its grand entrance. As you step inside, engage the kids by explaining that this house belonged to two wealthy merchants who were once slaves. The house is famous for its luxurious decorations and elaborate frescoes, which tell various myths and stories – perfect to spark the imagination of young minds.

Highlight: The Frescoes

Spend time in the main atrium where you can see frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Ask the kids to find the fresco of Daedalus and Icarus and discuss the myth behind it.

Lunch Break

- Time: 11:30 AM

Grab a bite at the Pompeii café near the Forum. They offer a variety of options that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Afternoon Activity – The Forum

- Time: 12:30 PM

- Duration: 1 Hour

A short walk from the House of the Vettii is the Forum. As the central hub of Pompeii, it"s a great place to explore next. Explain to the kids that this was where the citizens of Pompeii gathered for social, religious, and economic activities.

Interactive Experience

Join one of the family-friendly workshops often held in the Forum area, where kids can learn about ancient Roman games or pottery making.

Departure

- Time: 2:00 PM

Head back to the entrance and catch your bus or taxi. Reflect on the fascinating stories and sights of the day.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the House of the Vettii is named after its owners, Aulus Vettius Conviva and Aulus Vettius Restitutus, who were freed slaves that rose to prominence?

This engaging itinerary ensures that your family captures the essence of ancient Roman life and the legacy of Pompeii in a meaningful and interactive way.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo)

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at the Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo)

Morning Arrival:

Start your day bright and early in the charming town of Pompeii. Easily accessible by train, the Circumvesuviana line runs directly from Naples to Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station, a short walk from the Pompeii archaeological site. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and a hat!

Explore the Temple of Apollo:

Once inside the site, head straight to the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest and most significant structures in Pompeii, dating back to the 6th century BC. This temple, dedicated to the Greek and Roman god of music, healing, and sun, boasts an impressive array of artifacts and architectural remnants. Let the kids marvel at the statues, including the prominent one of Apollo himself, and capture some family photos amidst the historic columns and altars.

Lunch Break:

After exploring, grab a picnic lunch at one of the nearby green areas within the archaeological site. It"s a great time to relax and enjoy some Italian sandwiches while discussing the morning"s discoveries.

Interactive Afternoon:

Post lunch, join a guided tour specifically tailored for families. These tours often include engaging stories and interactive elements to keep the children entertained while learning about ancient Roman history. Check the visitor center for tour timings and availability.

Visit the Forum:

Wrap up your visit with a stroll to the nearby Forum, the civic center of Pompeii. It"s a short walk from the Temple and offers a glimpse into the political and social life of the ancient city. The expansive area is perfect for kids to explore and run around.

Departure:

As the day winds down, head back to the entrance and catch the train back to Naples or your next destination, filled with lasting memories of a day steeped in history and adventure at Pompeii!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Great Theatre of Pompeii (Teatro Grande)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at the Great Theatre of Pompeii

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to beat the crowds and the heat. Pompeii is easily accessible via the Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento; get off at the "Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri" station. From the station, it’s a leisurely 10-minute walk to the main entrance. Purchase tickets online beforehand to save time.

Visit to the Great Theatre (Teatro Grande)

As one of the highlights, the Teatro Grande, which could once host about 5,000 spectators, offers a glimpse into the cultural life of ancient Pompeii. Built in the 2nd century BC, this grand structure was a center for dramatic performances and social gatherings. Let the kids marvel at its impressive architecture and imagine the bustling crowds and performances that took place over 2,000 years ago.

Interactive Activities

Participate in a family-friendly guided tour available through the Pompeii officials. These tours often include interactive storytelling that brings ancient tales to life, perfect for keeping children engaged.

Picnic Lunch

Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic in the nearby grounds. There are areas where you can relax and enjoy the views of the ancient city with Mount Vesuvius in the backdrop.

Afternoon Exploration

After lunch, explore neighboring sites like the Small Theatre (Odeon) and the famous Villa of the Mysteries. The Odeon was used for smaller, more intimate performances and could hold about 1,000 people. It’s a great contrast to the grandiosity of the Teatro Grande.

Wrap Up

Before heading back, grab some souvenirs at the gift shop near the entrance. It"s a wonderful way to remember the educational and fun adventure in Pompeii.

This itinerary offers a blend of education and entertainment, ensuring a memorable trip for the whole family through one of Italy"s most fascinating archaeological sites.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.