Best Tours and Day Trips from Naples
If you feel like disconnecting from the city and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding area, here is a list of the best options
Panoramic view of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background. | ©Andrea Schaffer
Naples is authentic, exciting and full of contrasts. But to stay only in Naples is to peek into only a part of its richness, surrounded by wonders such as the island of Capri, the fascinating Pompeii and Herculaneum or the Amalfi coast. I tell you the best tours and excursions in Naples.
1. Guided walking tour of Naples in small groups
Naples is a city with a lot to see that is perfectly walkable. It is somewhat chaotic, but that is precisely what makes it authentic and that is why it is so enjoyable on a stroll through its picturesque atmosphere and magnificent monuments.
With this guided tour of Naples, which costs $28, you will see its main attractions, led by a local guide and learn about must-see sights such as the Castel Nuovo, the Royal Palace or the bustling Spaccanapoli promenade. In addition, you will replenish your energy tasting a typical Neapolitan cake in Piazza San Gaetano.
What you will see with this tour
- Royal Palace of Naples, one of the four residences used by the Bourbons.
- Teatro di San Carlo, one of the oldest and finest neoclassical theaters in Europe.
- Castel Nuovo, officially called Maschio Angioino, is an impressive medieval castle with an amazing legend behind its walls and is one of the greatest symbols of Naples.
What is included in this guided tour
- 2.5 hour walking tour of Naples
- English speaking local guide
- Possibility to choose between a morning or afternoon tour
- Small groups of 10 travelers maximum
- Flexibility of payment and refundable cancellation with 24 hours notice
2. Guided walking tour of Naples and its subway ruins
This guided tour of Naples and its subway ruins, from $17, is a more complete option than the previous tour, although it is done in larger groups.
It covers the major attractions of the historic center of Naples, which you will visit on foot and accompanied by a guide, such as the Galleria Umberto, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Nuovo and the Royal Palace. The best thing is that it also includes the entrance to one of the most amazing places to see in the city, both for its content and for the way to discover it: Underground Naples.
About Underground Naples
Subway Naples, hidden under the narrow streets of Naples lies another city, a subway one, which hides a fascinating history and one of the largest tunnel networks in Europe. You will reach it after descending more than 100 steps and passing through narrow tunnels that will plunge you into the bowels of Naples, 40 meters deep.
Its origin dates back to the Greeks, who dug it as subway water reservoirs, to be expanded later in Roman times as a quarry to extract rocks for the construction of the city. It was used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War and ended up becoming a giant garbage dump that remained in oblivion until the early 19th century, when it was rescued and became one of the main tourist attractions of Naples.
What is included in this tour
- 5-hour walking tour of Naples including entrance to the 'Underground Naples' attraction.
- Art historian guide in English
- Groups of 30 travelers maximum
- Refundable cancellation with 24 hours notice
3. Gastronomic tour on the street food of Naples
Are you an attentive foodie and can't leave a place without tasting its most authentic dishes? Then this tasty gastronomic tour of Naples, which costs $36, will delight you. To begin with because Naples is neither more nor less than the city that saw the birth of one of the most iconic Italian foods, pizza.
And finally because on this tour you will 'get your boots on' knowing the history and taste of the real food of Naples led by a local guide and tasting Neapolitan specialties such as folded pizza, meatballs, stuffed croquettes or the best espresso coffee.
What you will visit with this tour
- Via Toledo, where you will start your tour of Neapolitan flavors tasting its famous folded pizza, also called "pizza a portafoglio".
- Basilica dello Spirito Santo, where you will discover the popular cuoppo, symbol of Neapolitan street food since the 19th century, and the crocchè, its delicious potato croquettes with provolone or mozzarella heart.
What is included in this tour
- A 3.5 hour tour of the gastronomic culture of Naples.
- English speaking guide
- Neapolitan lunch and drinks
- Small groups of 10 people maximum
- Possibility of total cancellation with 24 hours notice
4. Tour to Herculaneum from Naples
If you travel to Naples, to stay alone in its city is to stay halfway. In its surroundings are fascinating places like Herculaneum, the ancient Roman city that remained buried since the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD until it was discovered in the 18th century.
With this excursion to Herculaneum from Naples, for about $75, you can visit and learn all about the history of this important archaeological area and its thermal spas and striking mosaics.
Places you will visit
- Casa dei Cervi, the so-called House of the Deer was one of the richest private houses in Herculaneum.
- Casa del Tramezzo di Legno, known as the House of the sliding wooden panels.
What is included in this tour
- 3 hours excursion from Naples to Herculaneum
- Pick up and drop off at the hotel or port of Naples
- Local archaeological guide in English, Italian and Spanish
- Entrance to Herculaneum not included, €13 per person, but guaranteed access without queues
- Transportation by air-conditioned minibus
- Bottled water
- Groups of 40 travelers maximum
- Possibility of cancellation with 24 hours notice
5. Guided day tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Naples
One of the must-see places to visit if you travel to Naples is undoubtedly the ancient and fascinating Roman city of Pompeii, declared a World Heritage Site. With this excursion to Pompeii and Vesuvius from Naples you can discover its thermal baths, the spectacular restored bodies of its ancient inhabitants, the daring paintings of its Lupanar or the luxurious residence known as the House of the Faun.
You can also meet the man responsible for the tragedy that devastated Pompeii 2,000 years ago, when the nearby volcano Vesuvius erupted and completely covered the city. Today, Vesuvius is the natural monument of the Gulf of Naples and you can explore it accompanied by a volcanologist guide and ascending to its crater, more than 1,000 meters high. The tour is priced at $120
What is included in this tour
- 7-hour tour from Naples Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
- Pick up and drop off at the hotel or port of Naples
- English, Italian and Spanish speaking guide
- Entrance tickets not included, but guaranteed access without queues. Pompeii: 15 € per person and Mount Vesuvius: 10 € per person.
- Transportation by air-conditioned minibus.
- Lunch and bottled water
- Groups of 40 travelers maximum.
- Possibility of cancellation with 24 hours notice.
6. Private day tour to Herculaneum, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Naples
A really practical and comfortable way to get to know the major archaeological sites around Naples is with this private tour that will take you from Naples to Herculaneum, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
This tour organizes the trip and the tour with the possibility of including a guide to learn more about these interesting and exceptionally well preserved Roman cities, as well as the volcano whose eruption buried them both, the majestic Vesuvius, which you will climb to reach its crater.
What is included in this tour
- Private tour to Herculaneum, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Naples for 9 hours.
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation or place of arrival in Naples. Transport adapted for wheelchair users
- Entrance tickets not included, but guaranteed access without queues. Pompeii: 15 € per person and Mount Vesuvius: 10 € per person.
- Possibility to include a guide in English and 3 other languages.
- Bottled water
- Cancellation available with 24 hours notice.
Places you will visit
in Pompeii
- Salone della Barca di Ercolano, where you will admire one of the latest discoveries made by archaeologists at Herculaneum, the incredible remains of a ship excavated in the marina area and where 300 skeletons were found.
- Teatro Grande di Pompeii, the exceptional auditorium of Pompeii built on the natural slope of a hill.
7. Guided tour to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Naples
A great way to see both sides of the area around Naples, its natural wealth and its historical importance, is with this tour. You will discover two World Heritage Sites: the famous and spectacular city of Pompeii and the magical Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful areas in Italy, where you will visit the idyllic village of Positano, where you will also enjoy a delicious typical Italian lunch.
You will do this excursion in a group of 40 people maximum, and what I like most is that you will be able to see the highlights of the surroundings of Naples making the most of the time of the day and without having to worry about the organization of travel.
About Amalfi
It is the main city of the Amalfi Coast and the one that lived a period of greatest splendor when it was nothing less than the first of the four Italian Maritime Republics along with Venice, Genoa and Pisa. That is why its name baptizes the Amalfi Coast and it has splendid sites and historic buildings such as the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, its beautiful medieval cathedral located in the center of the city, the Piazza del Duomo.
What is included in this tour
- 8 hours tour to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Naples.
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation or place of arrival in Naples.
- Entrance fees not included, but guaranteed access without queues. Pompeii: 15€ per person
- Local guide (audio guide from November to March) in English, Italian and Spanish.
- Lunch
- Groups of 40 people maximum
- Cancellation is refundable with 24 hours notice.
8. Group day tour from Naples to the Amalfi Coast
One of the most pleasurable things about traveling to Naples is making time to get lost along its beautiful World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast and the idyllic villages that meander along it.
With this group tour to the Amalfi Coast, you can explore one of its most impressive regions: the Sorrento Peninsula, home to the towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, and stop for an Italian lunch on the Conca dei Marini hillside overlooking the sea.
If you choose this excursion, don't miss a visit to the Emerald Grotto, a natural grotto known for the unique emerald glow of its waters. The entire excursion is priced at $105
What is included in this tour
- 8-hour tour to the Amalfi Coast from Naples
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation or place of arrival in Naples. Transport adapted for wheelchair users
- Driver and guide in English, Spanish, Italian and Spanish.
- Lunch and bottled water
- Entrance fees not included to optional attractions: Villa Rufolo: 5€, Amalfi Cathedral: 3€, Emerald Grotto: 5€, Boat cruise from Amalfi: 15€.
- Groups of 40 travelers maximum
- Possibility of cancellation with 24 hours notice
About Ravello
Ravello, declared a World Heritage Site this town was founded in the 5th century and is believed to have been a refuge for some of Amalfi's high society families during a time of conflict between the town's most powerful dynasties. Hence it remains that it comprises majestic sites such as Villa Rufolo, a marvelous villa famous for its beautiful cascading gardens and the 14th century cloister that marks its entrance.
9. Day trip to Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi from Naples
This smaller group tour of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi is ideal for those traveling to Naples who want to see the Amalfi Coast but don't have a lot of time. It is also one of the few bus tours from Naples that guides you and leaves you enough time to enjoy the beautiful town of Positano.
In addition, you will tour the peaceful Sorrento coast with free time to explore also the beautiful villages of Sorrento and Amalfi and enjoy a typical lunch on a terrace overlooking the sea. The tour is priced at $130
What is included in this tour
- 9 hours tour to Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi from Naples
- Air-conditioned vehicle with live commentary on board in English, Italian and Spanish.
- Pick up and return to hotel / port.
- Small groups of 18 passengers maximum
- Light lunch and bottled water
- Groups of 18/20 passengers maximum
About Positano
Positano is one of the most famous and touristic towns of the Amalfi Coast. It is known as 'the town of the stairs', and they are the way to move around this town perpendicular to the sea and completely vertical on the side of a mountain.
It is a delight to climb up and down these stairs and alleys dotted with craft stores, houses with colorful facades built on the stone, among rich vegetation and climb to its highest areas to admire the extraordinary views it offers.
10. Guided excursion to the island of Capri from Naples.
Capri is one of the greatest wonders near Naples, a small island big in beauty that you cannot miss. To get there, unlike other places on the Amalfi Coast, you will have to take a boat.
This excursion, for $99, simplifies your arrival from Naples to Capri and includes a guided tour of the island learning about the artists and writers who lived and worked in the town of Capri and exploring the beautiful gardens of Augustus; the artisan stores and luxury boutiques of Anacapri; the Faraglioni rocks and a funicular ride to Capri's main Piazzetta.
What is included in this tour
- Guided tour to the island of Capri from Naples for 8 hours.
- Roundtrip transfer to the hotel/port and transfer to and from the island
- Professional guide in English, Italian and Spanish
- Light lunch and bottled water
- Optional activity: Blue Grotto by boat (open if sea conditions permit, otherwise it will be substituted by a boat trip around the island)
- Groups of 40 people maximum
What you will visit in Capri with this tour
- Piazza Umberto, the charming "Piazzetta" is the main square of Capri, also known as "the little theater of the world".
- Monte Solaro, the highest point of the Italian island, to which you will ascend by chairlift to get the best views of the island of Capri (ticket not included).
- Faraglioni Rocks, the most spectacular place in Capri, three gigantic rock formations jutting out of the Mediterranean Sea.
Other interesting activities in Naples
If this post about the best tours and excursions from Naples has interested you, you may also find this article about The best tourist buses in Naples helpful.