Best Tours in Naples, Italy: Guided Journeys For Any Adventurer

best tours in naples

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Naples, steeped in more than 2,000 years of history, boasts iconic attractions, including the Castel dell’Ovo, the Duomo, the Royal Palace of Naples, and more. Make sure you don’t miss any of them by trying these best tours in Naples.

Guided tours are an ideal way to explore the city, allowing you to connect with locals and their culture in unique ways. Naples is also very well-positioned for day tours to other popular destinations, such as Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and more.

Remember that tourist sites in Italy are generally not well-marked, either. Tours led by local guides are the best way to learn more about your chosen landmark or activity without worrying about logistics. So, get ready to experience the best of Naples with these tours.

General Naples Tours Recommendations

piazza dei martiri naples

If you’re in a rush, here are a few quick suggestions for services and tools to help with your tour needs.

  • LivTours – Visit LivTours for private and semi-private (6 people or less) tours in Naples, Pompeii, and surrounding areas. Get 5% off with the code – Untold Italy.
  • Walks of Italy – For plenty of options for small group tours of 16 to 20 people, check out Walks of Italy
  • Devour Tours and Eating Europe – If you’re looking for food tours that dive into local cuisine, choose Devour Tours or Eating Europe
  • Context Travel – Choose Context Travel for excellent scholar-led trips and audio guides for local insights. 
  • GetYourGuide – For larger group tours, GetYourGuide is a fantastic choice with plenty of options to pick from.
  • VoiceMap – If you’re looking for self-guided audio tours, you’ll find the best at Voicemap.   

Naples Food Tours and Experiences

pizza on naples food tour

WithLocals – The 10 Tastings of Naples

Naples is home to many must-try foods with an incredible culinary history, and this private walking tour, with ten tastings dotted around the city, is the perfect introduction. Starting from your meeting point at the Statue of Dante, your local guide will take you through a hand-picked collection of their favorite spots.

Alongside classic dishes like pizza a portafoglio, hearty ragù, and fried seafood, vegetarian alternatives are available, and drinks are also included. There are also ample chances to see city landmarks such as Piazza del Gesù and University Federico II.

TIP: The tour itinerary can also be refined or tweaked to suit your preferences.

angelo scognamiglio lemon stand in naples

Devour Tours – Ultimate Naples Food Tour

This next tour focuses on the bustling neighborhoods of Pignasecca and Quartieri Spagnoli. After meeting your guide at the Statue of Dante, you’ll enjoy nine food tastings showcasing the best in Neapolitan cuisine.

After savoring cuoppo di pesce (a fried seafood dish) at the Pignasecca market, you’ll stop at a traditional pizzeria for fried pizza, a local street food delicacy. Other stops include a family-run grocery store and a modern pizzeria dedicated to football legend Diego Maradona.

Your tour ends with a visit to a famous street kiosk for a unique take on lemonade made with lemons from Sorrento.

GetYourGuide – Naples Street Food Walking Tour

Next, this tour includes four tastings and leads through the Decumani neighborhood and the city’s Old Town. Beginning in Piazza Bellini, you’ll pass various landmarks, like San Gergorio Armeno and the Church of Jesus, traditional eateries, and a local market.

Learn more about the history and influences that inspired Neapolitan food at each stop while sampling several world-famous dishes. Imagine meatballs, baccalà (a seafood dish), babà (small yeast cake soaked in syrup), and delicious gelato.

The tour ends at a local market, where you’ll sample fresh produce and fried pizza as your guide provides interesting commentaries.

pizza oven in naples

GetYourGuide – Naples Pizza Making Workshop

Learning how to make pizza in Naples is a must-do experience, and this workshop is a standout way to do exactly that. You’ll meet your tour guide at the Naplesbay Tour building, five minutes from the Stazione Duomo subway station. You’ll indulge in a freshly made bruschetta upon arrival at the workshop.

Then it’s aprons on as a local chef leads you through the entire pizza-making process, telling you more about each ingredient and technique. One of which is a 600-year-old cutting method called mozzatura. When you’re done with topping selection and baking, sit back and enjoy your pizza.

To end on a high note, you’ll also get a personalized pizza-making diploma to take home.

LISTEN: To our podcast about the world-famous Pizza from Naples.

City Walking Tours

piazza del plebiscito naples

Context Travel – Naples in a Day Tour

Setting off within the historical district of Naples, this private walking tour is a great way to discover the city. Led by a local expert, this 7-hour immersive experience explores various highlights, such as San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Santa Chiara monastery.

Marvel at Caravaggio’s The Seven Works of Mercy housed inside the Pio Monte della Misericordia, followed by an optional lunch break at a trattoria or pizzeria. Then, head into the Spanish Quarter, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Nuovo, and Castel dell’Ovo.

Along the way, you can stop and grab a gelato while your guide tells you more about the political and social sides of the city.

WithLocals – City Kickstart Tour

One of the best Naples tours for first-time visitors is this exclusive tour that takes you through iconic Naples attractions. Learn how to navigate the city and gain valuable insights into every aspect of local life. After meeting your guide in front of the Gran Caffè Gambrinus, you’ll visit sites in Quartieri Spagnoli and Piazza del Plebiscito.

Beyond the main areas, your guide will also offer personal recommendations for hangout spots, lesser-known attractions, restaurants, and more. This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and avoid falling into tourist traps during your stay.

While entrance to sites aren’t included in the tour, you can personalize it to suit your interests, whether food, history, culture, or fun.

santa chiara cloisters naples

GetYourGuide – Royal Palace and Monumental Naples Small Group Tour

This private, small-group guided tour is ideal for exploring Naples’s history, art, and architecture. Starting from the Fountain of Neptune, the tour visits attractions such as the Spanish Quarter, the Royal Palace of Naples, and the Maschio Angioino.

As you traverse the city’s neighborhoods, admire the artistic beauty of Teatro San Carlo, among Europe’s most prestigious opera houses. Then, it’s on to the Piazza del Plebiscito before venturing into the Royal Palace and its opulent apartments filled with historic treasures.

The tour then heads across Via Toledo into the Spanish Quarter, where dozens of murals and street art are dedicated to Diego Maradona.

GetYourGuide – Naples Downtown Tour with Veiled Christ Tickets

This two-and-a-half-hour option is an excellent choice for private tours of Naples that focus on its downtown area. Upon joining your local guide in Piazza del Gesù, the first stop is the Chiostro di Santa Chiara, which features striking ornate majolica tiles and vibrant gardens.

Leaving the cloister behind, the tour slices through old Naples via the bustling Spaccanapoli street, lined with shops, restaurants, and captivating alleys. Spend time marveling at the Church of San Domenico Maggiore before popping in at the Chapel of San Severo, home to the marble masterpiece, the Veiled Christ sculpture.

Other highlights are Piazza Nilo and its famous statue of the God of the Nile River and Piazza San Gaetano, surrounded by churches such as San Lorenzo and San Paolo Maggiore. The tour ends with a visit to the 13th-century baroque cathedral of Saint Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples.

the galleria naples,italy

VoiceMap – Italy At Its Most Italian

Those looking to discover all the heritage, culture, and quirks of one of Italy’s most Italian cities shouldn’t skip this audio-guided tour of Naples. In just over a mile, you’ll learn about 13 landmarks as vibrant audio commentary escorts you through thousands of years of history.

Beginning at Piazza del Municipio, the tour heads for Castel Nuovo. It then leads through the theatre district, stopping at the Teatro San Carlo and Galleria Umberto I. Next, it jaunts through the main shopping thoroughfare, Via Toledo. After arriving at Piazza del Plebiscito, stops include the Royal Palace of Naples and Naples Cathedral.

Your journey then heads along the seaside, with views of Mt Vesuvius, ending at the ancient Castel dell’Ovo. While this tour lasts only 40 minutes, you can pause and play to extend your adventure.

Naples Underground Tours

the catacombs in naples

GetYourGuide – Naples Underground Entrance Ticket

If you’re looking for more tours with a distinct twist, this small-group guided tour ventures into Naples’ underground, where more than 2,400 years’ worth of history is on display. You’ll meet your guide at the marked entrance next to the Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore.

A local guide provides in-depth commentary on the city’s history from archaeological, historical, anthropological, and geological perspectives. The tour visits several important sites, including the Greek-Roman Aqueduct, the remains of the Roman Theater, and the recently restored Summa Cavea.

There is an optional pizza lunch or dinner add-on for the tour. Remember that private tours of the underground are unsuitable for people with mobility impairments or claustrophobia.

GetYourGuide – Naples One-Hour Catacombs Tour

One of the more interesting things to do in Naples is this hour-long tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro. You’ll travel back in time through ancient artwork and fascinating insights, admiring underground basilicas and ancient frescoes.

Learn more about the city’s Byzantine past through paintings from the 9th and 10th centuries and its 4th-century expansion due to the transfer of Saint Agrippinus’ remains. Then, visit the baptismal font commissioned by Bishop Paul II before seeing the upper catacombs decorated in the 3rd-century “Pompeian” style with early Christian paintings.

To conclude, the tour visits the Crypt of the Bishops, home to 5th-century mosaics depicting several historical figures, such as the Bishop of Carthage, Saint Quodvultdeus. At the end of the tour, you’ll also receive entry passes to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità. 

GetYourGuide – Naples Underground Bourbon Tunnel Entrance and Tour

If you are passionate about history, this private, one-hour small-group tour of the Bourbon Tunnel should be a top priority. For a more immersive trip, book the Via delle Memorie option, which includes a walk along the underground route.

Constructed in 1853 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon, the tunnel encompasses four centuries of history dedicated to the Unification of Italy’s rebellion. Take it all in as you see statues, cars, and motorcycles representative of the fascist period. Then, head on to view historical finds left over after World War II and the tunnel’s time as a military hospital.

This tour also takes time to admire various 16th-century caves and a 17th-century water tank used as a bomb shelter. If you’ve chosen the Via delle Memorie add-on, it ends with an atmospheric walk along the tunnel’s final section.

Pompeii Tours

the ruins at pompeii near naples

LivTours – Exclusive Private Pompeii Tour

LivTours offers some of the best day trips to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, with this exclusive two-and-a-half-hour tour of the site taking the top spot. Founded in 80 BC, the city was covered in six meters of ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

Touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site begins with an introduction to life in Pompeii before the devastating eruption. Then, head into the Pompeii Forum, once the heartbeat of the port town, followed by stops at various homes adorned with lavish frescoes, mosaics, and architectural designs.

Led by a trained and active archaeologist, you’ll get a deeper understanding of how significant the eruption of Vesuvius was. You could upgrade this tour with an additional wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard.

LivTours – Semi-private Tour of Pompeii

Here’s another worthwhile semi-private tour of Pompeii offered by LivTours, suitable for groups of six. Upon arrival at the Pompeii Train Station, you’ll get exclusive skip-the-line access to the site.

This guided tour delves into the city’s ancient past, visiting highlights such as the Pompeii Theater, the Pompeii Forum, and a Roman bathhouse. An expert guide will lead the tour, including a visit to homes belonging to influential citizens, such as the House of Sallust and the House of Julia Felix.

Walking along the streets of Pompeii, there’s ample chance to see Mount Vesuvius.

TIP: Remember that the area is an active excavation site, and the itinerary is subject to change.

palestra ruins in pompeii

Walks of Italy – Best of Pompeii

This skip-the-line tour is an outstanding choice if you have time to spare and want to see areas of Pompeii that shorter tours miss while visiting the major highlights. During its three-hour duration, the small-group tour showcases nine iconic locations narrated by an expert archaeological guide.

From the famous plaster death casts to the Roman Forum, a theater, an ancient cemetery, and a bakery, this tour truly focuses on immersing you in daily Roman life. After spending time admiring the main street, tour groups move on to the House of the Vettii, one of the best-preserved ancient Pompeii homes.

GetYourGuide – Pompeii Skip the Line Entry Ticket and Tour

This skip-the-line entrance ticket and small-group half-day tour of Pompeii begins at various pickup points in Naples, followed by a 40-minute bus ride to the archaeological site. Giving you an in-depth look at the historic city, you’ll visit at least seven sites and a local Cameo factory.

While the exact itinerary may vary daily, this tour stops at a temple, market, shopfront, villa, and thermal bath. It also visits the Roman Theater and the Roman Forum under the guidance of an expert archaeological guide.

The final stop is a Cameo factory. Here, Cameos (typical jewels from the Roman era) are made by local artisans and crafted from shells and gemstones.

Amalfi Coast and Capri Tours from Naples

boat in the sea at capri

LivTours – Private Full-Day Amalfi Driving Tour

One of the many perks of visiting Naples is exploring other famous destinations in Italy. Take this full-day Amalfi Coast driving tour with a private English-speaking chauffeur. This tour is all about discovering this UNESCO-listed region and 13 of its captivating seaside towns.

With striking sea views, steep cliffs, and gorgeous homes as the backdrop, your local guide will take you through the coast’s most memorable villages. Highlights include the historic center of Sorrento, the town of Amalfi, and Ravello, where ancient, medieval, and modern architecture blend.

Your chauffeur will point out must-visit attractions, landmarks, and restaurants along the way. You can also visit certain spots and grab lunch before returning to Naples in the afternoon.

WithLocals – City Escape Amalfi Coast Day Trip

Another favorite road trip from Naples is along the Amalfi Coast. As a city escape, this is the perfect way to spend a day sightseeing at incredible viewpoints, towns, natural areas, and cultural hotspots.

Starting from your meeting point outside the Starhotel Terminus in Naples, this day trip explores off-the-beaten-path regions while allowing you to connect with locals. It is fully customizable to your unique needs. You can venture down the coast, stopping at the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

During your trip, your guide will entertain you with fascinating stories and local insights. The tour also includes pit stops at recommended restaurants and attractions.

view from aragonese castle ischia

WithLocals – Private Boat Trip to Scenic Capri or Ischia

Departing from the thermal city of Baia, book this private boat trip to gain a new love for the scenic Sorrento and Capri. Lasting for seven hours, you’ll leave Napoli behind, sailing across the waters with exquisite views of Mount Vesuvius.

After arriving on the Sorrento coast peninsula, the boat will drop anchor, allowing you to jump into the refreshing ocean. For swimmers, there’s an extra special stop at the Bagni della Regina Giovanna natural pool.

The tour then heads for the strait of Bocca Piccola as Capri begins to enter eyesight. Cruising into the Faraglioni, the boat circumnavigates the island as your guide tells you more about the sites such as Villa Malaparte and Via Krupp.

INSIDERS’ INSIGHT: Lunch is served onboard within the protected Marina Piccola, and then it’s time to head onto shore to wander through the town of Capri.

amalfi coast boats

GetYourGuide – Full-Day Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Tour

Showing off a few of the places that make the Mediterranean coast worth visiting, this full-day private small-group tour is perfect for seeing the vibrant resort towns of Italy. With ten different possible pickup locations, the first stop is stunning Sorrento.

Devoting 80 minutes to the seaside town, it includes a guided tour, free time, shopping experiences, and a food tasting. Then, it’s a 15-minute drive along the Amalfi Coast with photo stops before reaching Positano, where you’ll spend time exploring the village.

Finally, the tour visits Amalfi, where there is plenty of time to explore, shop, and enjoy a meal and gelato by the shore. An optional 40-minute boat cruise departing from Amalfi is also available.

DISCOVER: More excursions with the Best Day trips from Naples.

GetYourGuide – Capri Island Day Tour

Another option for touring Capri Island is to set sail on a hydrofoil boat ride to the breathtaking island. A full-day seven-hour trip, you’re accompanied by a local guide who will elevate your tour with historical and cultural insights.

Upon arrival in Capri, the first stop is the Marina Grande. This is followed by a minibus ride to Anacapri, which offers stunning views. Afterward, the tour heads to the Gardens of Augustus, one of Italy’s most beautiful private parks.

Next, wander through the famous Piazzetta, or “lounge of the world”, a favored hotspot for the 1950s and 60s movie stars and VIPs. After taking in the scenes of the Faraglioni, there is free time to explore before heading back to Naples.

Tours for Families

flags and football shirts on naples street

LivTours – Private Pompeii Tour for Kids

LivTours offers this outstanding two-and-a-half-hour private tour of Pompeii that’s fun-filled and interactive. Diving into the city’s exciting history, it is led by an expert guide who will simultaneously entertain children and educate adults.

As the famous site of the Vesuvius eruption, you’ll have priority access to the archaeological area. The tour stops at several exciting highlights, including the amphitheater, Roman baths, forum, temple, and house.

While you roam through ancient villas admiring marvelous frescoes and paintings, your little ones have an activity book to keep them engaged and happy, with prizes along the way. The tour ends with views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.

WithLocals – Treasure Hunt Experience in Pompeii

This fully private family tour of Pompeii puts a new twist on the famous site with an interactive and immersive treasure hunt experience for young and old. Step into the shoes of treasure hunters as you and your family work together to find clues and solve puzzles while touring through Roman colony ruins.

Under the helm of an expert guide, the tour is framed by captivating stories and historical information about the city, its people, and its culture. Wander through homes, shops, theaters, and the Roman Forum as you learn about the local gladiator heritage.

After the tour, children receive a mystery prize for completing the treasure hunt. The experience is also customizable to suit your family’s preferences.

sweet treats in naples

WithLocals – Sweet Family-friendly Food Tour

For a sweet Naples excursion for the whole family, choose this private walking tour of the city, dedicated to traditional Neapolitan pastries with fun games for kids. Renowned for its food, Naples is also home to various tasty sweet treats.

From the meeting point at Piazzetta Olivella, the tour heads to the Pignasecca market for the first tasting of zeppole (a custard-cream-filled pastry). This is followed by a delectable stop for Delizia al Limone, or Lemon Delight, inside a stunning park.

Then, it moves along to the Galleria Umberto for some Fiocco di Neve, a simple but sweet Neapolitan pastry. Finally, you’ll enjoy a classic Caffé e Sfogliatella before ending the tour in Piazza del Plebiscito.

Naples in a Day Tours

castel dell'ovo naples

WithLocals – Full Coverage Naples City Tour

If you’re not spending multiple days in the city, this Naples in-a-day tour is packed with all the must-see sights, intriguing history, and captivating culture you could want. Covering the essentials, you’ll learn about Naples, visiting iconic landmarks such as Galleria Umberto, Duomo di San Gennaro, and Castell dell’Ovo.

Alongside well-known attractions, this tour also delves into lesser-visited hotspots that are local favorites off-the-beaten-path. Admire the cityscape while your guide details the stories and legends that make Naples great. As part of the tour, your guide will suggest one of their must-try restaurants for a snack and drink.

Context Travel – Naples in a Day Tour

This is another fantastic full-day tour of Naples that covers many of the city’s top attractions through an immersive, seven-hour experience. After meeting your guide in the historical district, initial stops include the Santa Chiara monastery and the Gothic San Lorenzo Maggiore church.

Next up on this walking tour is the Pio Monte della Misericordia, with a viewing of Caravaggio’s The Seven Works of Mercy. Then, before heading for the Spanish Quarter, you’ll have time to enjoy a lunch break (not included in your package) at a trattoria or pizzeria.

Ending the tour, you’ll visit Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Nuovo, and Castel dell’Ovo. As a final touch, you can savor a gelato on the seaside. 

EXPLORE: More of this vibrant city with our 3-day Naples itinerary ideas.

Best Excursions in Naples, Italy Wrapped Up

naples city tours

And that, fellow travelers, are the best tours in Naples, wrapped up into one nifty guide. Whether you’re looking to discover every inch of the city, roam its enigmatic underground, or take a day trip to nearby Pompeii, a paradise playground awaits.

READ: If you’re on the hunt for accommodation, check out the best places to stay in Naples.

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