Naples is a fantastic port for shore excursions because of its proximity to some of Italy’s most iconic sights: the stunning Amalfi Coast, the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, and the explosive beauty of Mount Vesuvius. Whether you want a scenic drive, a deep dive into ancient history, or a mix of both, Naples offers options that fit different interests and travel styles. Our favorites include a semi-private Amalfi Coast tour that balances personalized attention with flexibility, and a full-day visit to Pompeii combined with Positano and Sorrento for those craving a bit of everything. These experiences not only reveal the region’s natural beauty but also get you right into the heart of Italy’s historic and scenic highlights.
For travelers who love to customize their day, the Semi Private Amalfi Coast Shore Excursion [] offers the chance to pick your stops and enjoy the coast with a local guide. If history is your focus, the comprehensive Pompeii, Positano and Sorrento Shore Excursion [] provides skip-the-line access and a mix of archaeological and coastal experiences. For those wanting a private, tailored tour, the Pompeii and Vesuvius Full Day Private Shore Excursion [] offers a personalized archaeological walk combined with a dramatic trek up an active volcano. Last, for a flexible, small-group experience, the Naples: Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour Shore Excursion [] allows you to choose your stops and enjoy the coast without the crowds.
1. Semi Private Amalfi Coast Shore Excursion with Pick Up
This tour stands out for its flexibility and intimacy. For around $134, you get a 7-hour adventure along the Amalfi Coast with a small group, usually no more than 8 people. The key feature is that you decide where to stop — whether it’s Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, or Positano — and how long to stay. Your guide and driver, who know the region well, will ferry you along the coast, sharing insider tips and local stories.
What makes this tour appealing is the personalized itinerary and multiple departure times, which suit different schedules. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and fantastic aerial views, with one guest noting, “Guide was knowledgeable about the area…Tour will take you to Positano and Sorrento.” The stops are free to explore on your own, giving you time to wander, shop, or take photos. The tour starts with convenient pick-up points from Naples hotels and ports, including the Grand Hotel Vesuvio and Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo. While the tour may be affected by weather or road conditions, the flexibility allows you to enjoy the coast at your pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a customizable, small-group experience with local insights and scenic views, without the bus-load crowds.
2. Pompeii, Positano and Sorrento Shore Excursion From Naples Port
This full-day adventure, costing about $153, offers a balanced blend of history and coastal charm. It’s ideal if you want to see Pompeii’s ruins and also enjoy two of the most picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast — Sorrento and Positano. The tour includes skip-the-line access to Pompeii, allowing you to avoid long waits and make the most of your time exploring the ancient city’s streets, homes, and forums.
After Pompeii, you’ll head to Sorrento, where you can stroll through its narrow alleyways and admire the view of the Bay of Naples. Brief stop in Positano offers the chance for photos from a panoramic terrace and some free time. The driver will take you along the breathtaking coastal roads, stopping for photos at lookouts. Guests often comment on the professional service, with one saying, “Luigi shared great tips, including the best lunch spots in Pompeii.” This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a full day of exploration without rushing.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for those wanting a well-rounded day that combines ancient ruins with scenic coastal towns, plus skip-the-line entry to Pompeii.
3. Pompeii and Vesuvius Full Day Private Shore Excursion
At number 3, this private tour offers a tailored experience for around $544 per person. It’s perfect if you seek a personalized archaeological visit paired with an adventure up Mount Vesuvius. Your own archaeologist guide will take you through the ruins of Pompeii at your pace, sharing insights about the city’s history and excavations. The flexibility extends to your lunch plans, with stops at a winery on Vesuvius’ slopes or a restaurant of your choosing.
The highlight is the hike along Vesuvius’ crater, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Capri, Ischia, and the Bay of Naples. Customers praise the professionalism and knowledge of the guides, noting that the personalized attention makes the day memorable. It’s best suited for travelers who want an in-depth, private experience and are comfortable with some walking. The tour combines archaeology and geology, with the option of a more relaxed or active pace.
Bottom Line: For travelers with a bigger budget, this tour delivers a highly customized, insider look at Pompeii and Vesuvius, perfect for history lovers and geology enthusiasts.
4. Naples: Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour Shore Excursion
For a more intimate experience, this small group tour around the Amalfi Coast is a great pick. Usually lasting about 7 hours, it allows you to choose your preferred stops with the guidance of a local driver. The flexibility is a major selling point, as you can customize your day based on what interests you most — whether that’s Positano’s colorful houses, Amalfi’s historic cathedral, or Ravello’s peaceful gardens.
Guests appreciate the avoidance of large bus crowds and the chance to stop for photos in scenic spots. One reviewer mentioned, “Wished it was longer, but the drive was beautiful,” highlighting the scenic route. The tour begins from a designated starting point and returns there, making logistics simple.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed day exploring the coast without being on a large bus, with the freedom to pick what you see.
5. Naples Shore Excursion: Pompeii Independent Half-Day Trip
If you prefer exploring independently, this half-day Pompeii tour is a budget-friendly option. For about $77, you get round-trip transportation from Naples, with about four hours at your leisure inside the ruins. It’s a good choice for confident walkers who want to skip the guided tour and explore at their own pace.
The reviews mention how easy it is to get to Pompeii with professional drivers and modern vehicles, making this a stress-free option. However, some visitors note that your driver may not be a guide, so it’s best if you’re comfortable navigating the site on your own. The flexibility allows for a relaxed visit, but you’ll miss the detailed explanations a guide usually provides.
Bottom Line: Great for independent explorers on a budget who don’t mind self-guided touring of Pompeii.
6. Naples: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius Shore Excursion
This tour combines archaeology and adventure, giving you a half-day to explore Pompeii and hike Mount Vesuvius. For about 7 hours, a comfortable round-trip transfer takes you from Naples to the ruins, then up Vesuvius’ slopes. You can choose between two hiking trails, based on your fitness level or interest, and enjoy spectacular views of the Bay of Naples.
Reviews note the professionalism of the drivers and guides, with one saying, “The driver was early and explained everything along the way.” It’s perfect if you want a mix of history and physical activity, but it’s best for those comfortable with some walking and hiking. The scenic drive along the coast before reaching the volcano makes this a dynamic option for travelers craving variety.
Bottom Line: An active and scenic tour suitable for those who want to climb Vesuvius and explore Pompeii without a full-day commitment.
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion
When deciding which tour in Naples to book, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you enjoy customizing your day and avoiding large groups, the semi-private Amalfi Coast tour [] is ideal. Love history but prefer private attention? The Pompeii and Vesuvius private tour [] offers a tailored experience.
On a tighter schedule or budget? The independent Pompeii half-day [] provides transportation without guided commentary. For those wanting a scenic drive with flexibility, the small group Amalfi Coast tour [] balances comfort and freedom.
Practical tips:
- Book early, especially for private and small-group tours.
- Consider your fitness level if climbing Vesuvius or touring Pompeii extensively.
- Decide whether guided insights or independent exploration suits your style better.
Final Thoughts
Naples offers a variety of shore excursions tailored to different tastes. For a luxurious, private day, the Pompeii and Vesuvius private tour is hard to beat. If you’re after a scenic drive with local insights, the semi-private Amalfi Coast tour is excellent. Budget travelers and independent explorers will find the Pompeii half-day a smart choice, while those seeking a relaxed, flexible coast experience will enjoy the small group Amalfi Coast tour.
No matter which you pick, these tours showcase the best of Italy’s stunning scenery and history — just remember to book early, so you don’t miss out on your preferred time slot or experience. Naples is a hub of unforgettable day trips, and these options will help you make the most of your visit.